billy joel tour 1989

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35 Years Ago: Billy Joel Makes History With Soviet Union Shows

When Billy Joel  visited the Soviet Union for a series of historic concerts in 1987, he learned it was still rock 'n' roll to them — albeit slightly different.

On July 26, 1987, Joel and his band played at the Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Moscow to kick off a six-show "tour," making him the first Western artist to take a full-blown stage production behind the then-wilting Iron Curtain. With three concerts each in Moscow and Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), it was a triumphant and only occasionally troubled bit of international diplomacy, ultimately leaving Soviet fans dancing, twisting and shouting in the aisles in a manner not that all that different from what happened at Joel shows elsewhere.

"I'm glad we did that trip," Joel tells UCR now. "I was very proud of that trip, and I think we helped kick the door in a little bit to open it up to Democratic stuff." But he acknowledges that Russia now, at least at the political level, is not the same nation of Mikhail Gorbachev-led Glasnost that he played back then.

"I'm very disappointed," Joel says. "I'm hoping the Russian people really get to know what's actually happening, but I don't know how much real information they get because they're kind of in a closed media society. It's a crazy world. It's a different world now, between Trump and what's going on with Russia and  COVID and what's going on with the economy. This is a hard time now."

Joel first had the idea of going to the Soviet Union in 1979, after playing a successful concert in Havana, Cuba. "I thought, 'If I can do that in Havana, why can't I do it in Moscow?'" he explained to reporters during one of several press conferences he conducted in Moscow. But he felt a particular push to make the trek after his first daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, was born six years later.

"I thought, 'What kind of world do I want her to grow up in?'" Joel explained. "I wanted it to be better. ... It was kind of like, 'What did you do in the Cold War, daddy?' So my management said, 'If you want to do it, we'll do it,' and they did."

Watch Billy Joel Perform 'It's Still Rock and Roll to Me' in the Soviet Union

Joel insisted that politics was not the focus of his visit. "I'm here as a cultural exchange," he noted. "This isn't some big peace mission. I want to get the music across. I'm just putting on a concert, playing music for these people. If anything happens after that, it'll be great."

The Soviet idea became a reality during the fall of 1986, while Joel was rehearsing to tour in support of his then-new album The Bridge . "When we started [the tour] he said, 'Let's do something we've never done before,'" production coordinator Steve Cohen told this writer at the time. "I didn't know at the time he considered Russia."

Russia was not devoid of Western pop music, of course. Elton John toured there in a duo with percussionist Ray Cooper in 1979, while John Denver and Roy Clark had also visited. Pat Metheny was there in 1987 before Joel hit the country, and the Doobie Brothers , Carlos Santana , James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt had performed at a July 4 festival in Moscow that was co-produced by Bill Graham .

Joel's visit was made possible by the Agreement on Contacts and Exchanges in Scientific, Educational and Cultural Fields, signed by U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Gorbachev at their 1985 Geneva Summit. The New York-based Citizens Exchange Council (CEC), a non-profit group that sent regular excursions to the Soviet Union, helped coordinate the tour. Cohen made his first visit in January 1987 and returned in May, coordinating details with the Soviet arts agency Gosconcert.

The Joel entourage would number more than 160 and cost about $2 million — guaranteed to lose money, although a documentary, a live album (1987's Kontsert ) and an HBO broadcast of the final Leningrad show would make up the difference. The massive endeavor marked the first time Gosconcert and the Soviet radio and television agency ever worked together on a project.

Cohen, meanwhile, learned that the Soviets had no concept of putting seats on the floor for arena-sized concerts like Joel's. The Olimpiyskiy (aka Olympic Sports Complex) manager said he could only get 1,000 chairs for the shows, but after Cohen brought an additional 600 from London, the venue found yet another 1,000. "It was like a poker game — 'You get 600, I'll get 1,000,'" Cohen recalled.

Watch Billy Joel Play 'You May Be Right' Live in the Soviet Union

A promotional push was also engineered to educate the Soviet populace about Joel, who was known more by name than by music at the time. Soviet TV stations began airing Joel videos, and an interview was set up with national radio music host Andrei Orlov. On July 18, Soviet TV aired an unprecedented 75-minute special featuring nothing but Joel videos for an audience of 70 million. "The advertising campaign was very intense," Orlov said.

Joel's Soviet shows followed a run at London's Wembley Stadium and included an unscheduled stopover in Tbilisi, Georgia, about 1,000 miles south of Russia. There, Joel, his then-wife Christie Brinkley, Alexa and drummer Liberty DeVitto were entertained in a local musician's home, and Joel and DeVitto jammed at a 15th-century church and opera house in the town. Brinkley remembered one of her hosts taking her into a room, telling her she was too thin and force-feeding her some cake. She also gave Brinkley some of her mother's jewelry to pass on to Alexa.

In Moscow before the shows, the Joel entourage toured the city, including the Kremlin Museums and Gorky Park. The family befriended a clown named Viktor Razinov, whom Joel remembered in the song "Leningrad" on his 1989 album Storm Front . Joel also visited the grave of Vladimir Vysotsky, the controversial Soviet singer-songwriter who died in 1980.

Joel dedicated his concerts to Vysotsky and had all the flowers thrown onstage in Moscow placed on the singer's grave. "I went to his grave... and the lines going to see it were longer than the lines going to Lenin's tomb," Joel said. "I asked, 'Why is this guy so loved?' People said it was because he was honest, because he spoke the truth... and got in trouble for it."

Vysotsky's mother Nina attended Joel's first Moscow concert. "It touched me very deeply that someone that successful could find the time to visit my son's grave," she said after the show. "[Joel's] performance on the stage reminded me of that of my son's — especially his energy."

Watch Billy Joel Perform 'Big Shot' in the Soviet Union

Joel's energy ultimately translated to the Soviet crowds, although it took a minute at the first Moscow show. He referred to the area of privileged Communist party insiders seated behind stage left as "an oil painting" and at one point even asked, "What are you doing here if you don't want to be here?"

"You'd look at their faces and see them thinking, 'I don't want to be here.' So... go!" Joel said during one of the press conferences. He also requested that anyone leaving give their ticket stub to one of the young people waiting outside so they could enjoy the show.

Joel also directed the crowd, with help from onstage interpreter Oleg Smirnoff, "Come on down to the stage. It's OK. We like it."

"It was unnerving at first," Joel acknowledged during a session with Soviet reporters before the third Moscow show. I thought I was going down the tubes. In the United States, I'm spoiled; I'm used to playing to audiences who can't wait to hear my music. They jump to their feet and cheer from beginning to end."

The Soviet fans were doing that by the end of the first show, as Joel and his band ripped through rockers such as "A Matter of Trust," "Only the Good Die Young," "It's Still Rock and Roll To Me," "Big Shot" and more, encoring appropriately with the Beatles ' "Back in the U.S.S.R." Some even tried to come down to the floor from the grandstands, pushing their way past Soviet soldiers. The pandemonium caught local officials by surprise, however, and there were tense discussions between Joel's camp and Gosconcert before the second show the following night.

"We are pioneers on both sides," agency spokeswoman Marina Mytarleva said. "For pioneers, it's always difficult." Tour producer Rick London wistfully added, "I envy the next band that comes here. We've taken a lot of lumps."

Then there was The Big Incident. During the second Moscow concert on July 27, Joel was unhappy with how the film crew lit the crowd, feeling that it inhibited fans from letting loose. During "Sometimes a Fantasy," Joel exploded, yelling, "Stop lighting the audience! ... Stop it! ... Let me do my show, for Christ's sake!" He then flipped over his electric piano, making international headlines for his "tantrum."

Watch Billy Joel's Moscow Meltdown

"I was yelling at our people," Joel explained after the show. "It was a real prima donna act, but I have to protect my show." Speaking with Western reporters the next day, Joel said a young Soviet woman had approached him that morning to ask if he would "trash the equipment again." He ultimately chalked it up to "the great tradition of trashing equipment on stage. ... Rock 'n' roll is about being outrageous, making some sort of expression."

Most of the kinks seemed to be worked out by the third Moscow show, a stomper that came after members of Joel's band had jammed with Soviet pop star Stas Namin until 6 a.m. (Namin also joined Joel and the group for soundcheck, playing "Back in the U.S.S.R." and the Rolling Stones ' "Gimme Shelter.") Joel carried Alexa Ray around the stage during "Uptown Girl" and welcomed a uniformed Soviet soldier up to present him with a handmade fan sign. The filmmakers also helped stack the deck, distributing tickets upfront to young people outside and even giving them American flags to wave.

"There should be more major concerts of this kind here, regular concerts," Gosconcert director Oleg Smolensky declared afterward. His wish became reality, although Joel himself never returned. He did, however, preserve the memory with  Kontsert , "Leningrad" and, in 2014, A Matter of Trust: The Bridge to Russia , which packaged the original 1987 live LP with previously unreleased songs and videos and a new documentary about the momentous undertaking.

"When we were done it was like... 'Whoa!'" Joel told this reporter two years later while promoting Storm Front . "You never could have told me I'd be playing rock 'n' roll in Russia. I'm a baby boomer. I grew up with them as the enemy, the devil. To go there and meet them as real people, not cartoon Commies, was one of the best experiences of my life."

UCR contributor Gary Graff was part of the media corps that traveled to the Soviet Union to cover Joel's 1987 shows. He also wrote liner notes for the 2014 box set A Matter of Trust: The Bridge to Russia.

Billy Joel Albums Ranked

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William Martin Joel is an American pianist, singer-songwriter and composer.

Discography

The Best Billy Joel Songs, Ranked

This month, Billy Joel turned 75 years old. But even before that, 2024 was a momentous year for the Piano Man. In February, he released “Turn The Lights Back On,” his first original pop song in decades, and performed it as the ceremony closer at the Grammys. In April, he played his 100th concert at Madison Square Garden , and streamed it live on network television. While his profile doesn’t approach Taylor or Beyoncé — or even his own fame back in the 20th century — Billy is more back than he has been in ages.

Therefore, it seems like a good excuse to revisit the man’s catalog. Because there is a lot of relatively unexplored territory to cover! The paradox of Billy Joel is that he is one of the most famous songwriters in the world, with dozens of well-known hits that basically everybody knows. But at the same time, knowledge of his music beyond those hits — and the albums that contain that music — remains somewhat obscure in the general populace. We all know about “Piano Man” and “Uptown Girl” and “Just The Way You Are.” But deep cuts like “Zanzibar” and “Summer, Highland Falls” and “Sometimes A Fantasy” remain obscure to most non-Joel-heads.

There’s also the matter of Billy Joel’s checkered critical reputation. In the realm of singer-songwriters, he’s not put in the same class as Springsteen or Petty or Neil Young, even though he came out of the same era and has sold more records. His alleged lack of coolness is usually blamed for this, but it really comes down to how broad his songs are. (Also: Billy dated super models and toured Russia back in the ’80s — he’s cooler than you or I will ever be.) Accessibility remains his greatest blessing — and worst curse. But even if you think Billy Joel is corny, the man’s music remains deeply embedded in popular culture. And that stickiness speaks to his ability as an all-time pop craftsman.

Have you walked through Bedford Stuy alone? How about something even more thrilling? I’m not talking about riding your motorcycle in the rain. I’m talking about taking a trip through Billy Joel’s discography!

Let’s do this!

PRE PRE-LIST ENTERTAINMENT: LET’S TALK BRIEFLY ABOUT “WE DIDN’T START THE FIRE,” A SONG THAT IS NOT ON THIS LIST

A lot of people hate this song. One of those people is Billy Joel, who considers it one of his worst . But I do not mind “We Didn’t Start The Fire.” I don’t love it, but I don’t hate it, either. If this list were 83 songs long, I would have included it.

“We Didn’t Start The Fire” is definitely — and defiantly — okay.

I understand why other people hate it. “We Didn’t Start The Fire” is a boomer apologia that absolves Billy’s generation of responsibility for the problems they ignored and exacerbated. (Global warming, the excesses of capitalism, the erosion of democracy, the slow destruction of the social safety net, Bill Maher’s comedy career, etc.) Ideologically, “We Didn’t Start The Fire” is annoying. Therefore, I do not support “We Didn’t Start The Fire” ideologically. But as music, my feelings lean positive.

Nostalgia has something to do with it. “We Didn’t Start The Fire” is the second track on 1989’s Storm Front , which was among the first tapes I stole from Columbia House Record Club as a pre-teen. (Stealing tapes from Columbia House was the Gen-X version of streaming music online.) Why did I like Billy Joel as a pre-teen? Because it was very easy music to like! Billy Joel was the embodiment of approachable and easy-to-understand art in 1989. He was like the training wheels of rock music. Though I didn’t think that way at the time. To me, Billy was edgy . When I was in the sixth grade, “We Didn’t Start The Fire” might as well have been a Bob Dylan protest song or a Howard Zinn polemic. It scanned as “important” music in my young mind. “JFK, blown away, what else do I have to say?” Nothing, Billy. Absolutely nothing. I am also blown away. Like JFK.

I don’t feel that way now, obviously. But I do appreciate how odd “We Didn’t Start The Fire” is. Does the rest of the world appreciate how odd “We Didn’t Start The Fire” is? It is inexplicable that this song has been streamed almost a half-billion times on Spotify. Because it’s not really a pop song, nor is it remotely typical.

Here is (what I assume) Billy’s methodology was when he created “We Didn’t Start The Fire”:

Start with this thought experiment: What if R.E.M. ’s “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It” was only the “Leonard Bernstein, Leonid Brezhnev, Lenny Bruce and Lester Bangs” part on repeat?

Figure out which famous astronaut rhymes with “heavy metal suicide.”

Do not write a melody. (“I know melody is my bread and butter,” Billy thinks to himself, “but what if it weren’t?”)

Hire the guitar player from Foreigner to produce.

Make a music video in which you turn over a table to express how angry you are about the cola wars.

In a vacuum, none of this is normal. It took Billy Joel to normalize it. Because Billy Joel wrote and performed “We Didn’t Start The Fire,” the public tricked themselves into believing it was a chart-topping pop song. That’s how much of a mind meld this man had with his audience from the late ’70s to the mid ’90s, when Billy Joel was our most normal abnormal middle-of-the-road pop behemoth.

PRE-LIST ENTERTAINMENT: MY TOP TEN SONGS I REGRET NOT PUTTING ON MY BILLY JOEL LIST

Inside baseball time: When I write these list columns, I like to think of them as essays that happen to be broken up by numbers. So I structure them in a certain kind of way where each entry builds on the next one, and over time certain overriding themes and arguments emerge.

I did the same for this Billy Joel list, and I did it with 40 songs. But as I was doing more listening and research, I started to panic. There were (at least) 10 other songs I wanted to include, but it didn’t fit with the structure I had already established.

So here we are. To put it in Billy Joel terms: This is the “Prelude” to the main list’s “Angry Young Man.”

10. “Modern Woman” (1986)

From The Bridge , described by Billy himself as “not a happy album.” Though you wouldn’t know it listening to “Modern Woman,” which sounds like the mean of every ’80s soundtrack song ever. It’s impossible to put “Modern Woman” on and not imagine Julia Roberts trying on a series of floppy hats. (It actually appears in the 1986 Danny DeVito/Bette Midler comedy Ruthless People , which I haven’t seen but I assume has at least one montage of “modern woman” Bette Midler acting in a ruthless fashion.) If I had put “Modern Woman” on the main list, I would have concocted a half-baked theory that this song helped to invent vaporwave.

9. “Uptown Girl” (1983)

Most Billy Joel thinkpieces are preoccupied with making a supposedly “revisionist” case for Billy Joel being good. I’m not interested in that. If you think Billy Joel sucks, I am not trying to persuade you to think the opposite. If the other 27 revisionist Billy Joel thinkpieces didn’t do it, this one won’t either.

What I am interested in is parsing the nuances of Billy-dom. For students of the man’s catalog, it’s possible to think that Billy is great and also that Billy sucks at the same time. And that is due to the divide between ’70s Joel and ’80s Joel. Those who make the case for Joel’s greatness tend to lean hardest on his ’70s material while downplaying the significance of his ’80s work, even though the latter songs are among his most famous.

To really parse the nuances: ’80s Joel does not begin with 1980’s Glass Houses or 1982’s The Nylon Curtain , which are typically grouped with “golden era” ’70s records like 1976’s Turnstiles , 1977’s The Stranger , and 1978’s 52nd Street . Which means this era actually commences with An Innocent Man , the romantically inclined homage to ’50s and ’60s pop typified by “Uptown Girl.” It’s the dividing line between his “sports-jacketed singer-songwriter” era and his “awkwardly dancing with Christie Brinkley in music videos” period.

Even if you like Billy Joel, it is easy to clown on ’80s Joel. Admittedly, I am going to lean harder on the ’70s songs as we move up the list. But I am also going to pay proper respect to ’80s Joel. Because I do not think that ’80s Billy Joel doo wop sucks .

8. “Scandinavian Skies” (1982)

Here is a fun prank to play on a Billy Joel hater: Play the first 30 seconds of this song and tell them it’s from Another Green World .

7. “River Of Dreams” (1993)

“Uptown Girl” is an example of Billy’s talent for mimicry. He has his own distinctive style, but he’s also good at setting that aside and blatantly biting someone else’s thing. During his “imperial” era in the late ’70s and early ’80s, he had a Ween-like tendency to turn every album into a genre experiment. 52nd Street is the “I enjoyed Steely Dan’s Aja ” record. Glass Houses is the “I enjoyed Elvis Costello’s This Year’s Model ” record. The Nylon Curtain is the “I enjoyed late-period Beatles” record. And An Innocent Man is the “I enjoyed the oldies that influenced the Grease soundtrack” record.

The title track of Billy’s “final” pop album River Of Dreams is fascinating because it sounds remarkably like The Lion King soundtrack that his frenemy Elton John composed. You keep waiting for Billy to say “Hakuna Matata” in the chorus and he never does. That’s because “River Of Dreams” actually came out one year BEFORE The Lion King soundtrack, so maybe the influence went the other direction.

Anyway. Billy Joel is unlike the Grateful Dead in every way save for this: His ’70s era is the most respected, his ’80s era is the most commercial, and his ’90s era is still mostly unsung. I didn’t put any ’90s Joel on the main list, but I can’t front like I wasn’t into him in 1993. I bought River Of Dreams on compact disc at Best Buy one month before I bought In Utero at the same box store as I entered my sophomore year of high school. I did not admit this to the world at the time, but I can do it now.

6. “Piano Man” (1973)

I’m not being a contrarian. It’s his signature song, yes, but does anyone really love “Piano Man”? Does anyone even need to hear “Piano Man” ever again? We all know that Davy is still in the Navy and probably will be for life. We are aware that Paul is a real estate novelist, even though “real estate” as a literary genre does not exist. Did John ever become a movie star? Who knows, and frankly who cares? I know I can’t leave “Piano Man” out of this column completely, so I’m putting it here out of respect.

But I will soon make a case for other songs — there are many of them! — in which Billy articulates his hostility toward show business with greater eloquence.

5. “A Matter Of Trust” (1986)

Another song from The Bridge , the “unhappy” record that Billy essentially stopped caring about in the middle of recording. He wanted to be home with Christie and their newly born daughter rather than toil in the studio on yet another album bound to go multi-platinum with at least three Top 10 hits. Though I suspect that he was also going through a professional mid-life crisis, as the album was a literal bridge from the Reagan era pop of An Innocent Man to the stadium-rock moves of Storm Front .

In the video for the album’s first single, “A Matter Of Trust” – I can’t separate the video from the song in my mind — he looks like a man trying to be someone he is not. And that person is Bruce Springsteen. The guitar, the pained facial mannerisms, the husky “ one, two, a-one-, two, three, fah ” count-off — the Bruce aping feels deliberate and strained. (Also, seeing Billy play guitar is like watching Miles Davis play the tambourine.)

Having said all of that: It’s a good song! Even in the midst of personal and professional crisis, Billy was still a tunesmith.

4. “Shameless” (1989)

Even Joel’s critics have conceded that he knows how to put a song together. When it comes to mastering song mechanics, Billy Joel is Charles Bronson in 1972. His songs typically are set in the 32-bar form, also known as AABA, in which the main section is repeated twice and then followed by a bridge before returning to the main section. It’s the formula applied to many of the most famous standards of the 20th century, from “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” to “Yesterday” to many of the Billy Joel classics on this list. Is this formula predictable? Maybe. Is this formula the reason why Billy Joel songs seem slightly boring after a while? Possibly. Is this formula responsible for lodging at least a dozen Billy Joel tunes in your head, even if you can’t stand the guy? Probably.

One of the most satisfying aspects of a Billy Joel song is that they usually have a memorable bridge. “New York State Of Mind” has a memorable bridge. (“It was so easy living day by day …”) “Just The Way You Are” has a memorable bridge. (“I need to know that you will always be …”) Yes, even “Piano Man” has a memorable bridge. (The “la-di-da” section.) And “Shameless” — which became a modern standard after Garth Brooks covered it and put it on an album that sold 80 billion copies — has a memorable one as well.

3. “Roberta” (1974)

If there is such a thing as a “connoisseur’s choice” for the best Billy Joel album, it has to be 1974’s Streetlife Serenade . I’m not saying it is the best album overall, just that it’s the record with the highest ratio of good Billy Joel songs that most people never heard of. “Interesting musical ideas, but nothing to say lyrically” was Billy’s assessment , but I would argue that the opposite is true. The album’s weakness is that he didn’t yet have his regular band; the lyrics meanwhile are one of its strengths. The sex worker ode “Roberta” is an example of the L.A.-based character studies he was writing at the time. “Roberta, how I’ve adored you / I’d ask you over but I can’t afford you.”

2. “Everybody Loves You Now” ( Songs In The Attic version, 1981)

The most preposterous entry in Billy Joel’s catalog is his 1971 debut Cold Spring Harbor , the infamous “the songs sound a touch too fast because his crummy record label screwed up the mastering” album. It was remixed in the early ’80s, but Cold Spring Harbor still makes Billy Joel sound like a world-weary 11-year-old. If people wonder why Billy Joel has a chip on his shoulder in so many of his songs, stories like this explain why. (Nobody screwed up the mastering on James Taylor or Jackson Browne records.) Of course, Billy already had that chip before Cold Spring Harbor was released. In “Everybody Loves You Now” — which Billy revived on Songs In The Attic , a live album focused on obscure tracks from his pre-fame career released at the height of his fame — he takes aim at a beloved starlet that Billy predicts will soon have a fall from grace. “Loneliness will get to you somehow / But everybody loves you now.”

1. “She’s Right On Time” (1982)

One of Billy Joel’s best songs, according to Billy Joel, from The Nylon Curtain , Billy Joel’s favorite Billy Joel album. The Nylon Curtain is the epitome of the “Billy has something to say lyrically” Billy Joel record. The death of the American steel industry, the plight of the Vietnam veteran, the crippling effects of presh-shaw! — these were the topics that vexed him at the time. (On the back cover a newly bearded Billy peers up from a newspaper while holding a coffee cup, so you know you’re in for something serious.) The Nylon Curtain is also the most overtly Beatlesque album of Billy’s career — specifically, he was obsessed with reworking the Paul McCartney section of “A Day In The Life,” as evidenced by this track.

Okay, now on to the list …

40. “Keeping The Faith” (1983)

If “Modern Woman” is the most ’80s that ’80s Joel gets, then “Keeping The Faith” has to be his second most ’80s track. It’s the concluding song on An Innocent Man , but Billy must have been sick of the doo wop concept. Instead, he gets down to the business to setting the parameters that define ’80s Joel — sticky pop melodies, blindingly bright production, instantly dated music videos, questionable choreography, conspicuous doses of Christie Brinkley, etc. This video even has a Joe Piscopo cameo, which feels like running up the score.

39. “Leave A Tender Moment Alone” (1983)

Billy Joel has often said in interviews that he writes best when he’s depressed, which is precisely the artistic cliché that prompted Jeff Tweedy to write several books that refute it. But it really is true that Billy Joel’s most famous songs either (1) come from a position of weakness or (2) an urge to lash out at something (or someone) that bothers him. The songs from An Innocent Man are the exception. Billy was rich, relatively happy, and on a roll in all aspects of life. The result is the corniest record of his career, and possibly his most purely enjoyable (as evidenced by this corny but sweet song).

38. “Streetlife Serenader” (1974)

Howard Stern’s favorite Billy Joel song, as he revealed in his latest Billy Joel interview . Coming from the leading journalist in the field of Billy Joel studies, this is an important opinion. Howard Stern is to Billy Joel what Brian Windhorst is to LeBron James. (Howard will be cited several more times in this column.) In the same interview, Stern claims that he listened to Streetlife Serenade every day in college, front to back, though the existence of “Root Beer Rag” makes this claim seem implausible.

37. “The Entertainer” (1974)

The better anti-show biz alternative to “Piano Man” I referenced earlier. It’s really a sequel to “Piano Man,” in which Billy escapes the piano bar, gets famous, and winds up even more jaded. His complaints this time are more specific. (Billy’s most memorable gripe is that the record company edited his single down to three minutes and five seconds.) But the overall thrust of “The Entertainer” is that the protagonist will be cast aside and left in the dustbin of history once the hit songs inevitably run out.

The irony of “The Entertainer” is that most people heard it on Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II , the two-disc compilation that was manually installed into every family car and minivan sold to white suburbanites at the time of its release in 1985. “Piano Man” was the first track, and “The Entertainer” arrived in the third slot. Millions of people heard Billy sing “I won’t be here in another year / if I don’t stay on the charts,” and it registered as science fiction. In 1985, Billy Joel not staying on the charts was a mathematical improbability. Nobody sang about being a music-industry loser with greater success than Billy Joel.

36. “I’ve Loved These Days” (1976)

The additional irony of “The Entertainer” is that not being on the charts has not hampered Billy Joel at all. He has been in the public eye for more than 50 years, but he’s only put out new music for about 40 percent of that time. The majority of Billy’s career has consisted of the public asking him to write songs. Billy ( until recently ) has refused, and millions of individuals responded by paying hundreds of dollars, time and again, to hear the old songs in concert.

But I digress: “I’ve Loved These Days” is a deeply sad song about the empty decadence that accompanies fame and riches. (“We drown our doubts / In dry champagne / And soothe our souls / With fine cocaine.”) It comes from my favorite Billy Joel album, Turnstiles , a go-to text for any “Billy Joel is a great songwriter, actually” argument. It was released the year before Billy Joel put out The Stranger , the best-selling LP in the history of Columbia Records before Thriller dropped five years later, and the record that loads up the bulk of the ’70s portion of the Greatest Hits album.

“I’ve Loved These Days” should have been on the album AFTER The Stranger . That it appears on the one before The Stranger tells you a lot about Billy Joel: He liked to make himself miserable about the downside of accomplishments he hadn’t achieved yet.

35. “All For Leyna” (1980)

The first of many songs on this list about women who attempt (usually with tremendous effectiveness) to manipulate, control, and hurt Billy Joel. In one verse, he says that Leyna once took him to the beach and didn’t tell him “there were rocks / under the waves / right off the shore.” At first glance, this seems like a metaphor for the impetuousness of an insensitive person. But Billy implies that this beach incident literally happened. (“Washed up on the sand / barely alive / wishing the undertow would, stop / how can a man take anymore.”) Even by the standards of the femme fatales that populate Billy Joel songs, this Leyna is a real piece of work.

It comes from Glass Houses , a record commonly perceived as Billy’s attempt to make a new wave record, an accusation Billy has denied. (“My intention was to write bigger stuff we could play in arenas,” he claimed in 1993.) In the music video, he dresses like a member of The Hives, which put him ahead of the new wave revival of the early aughts by 20 years.

34. “James” (1976)

A common criticism of Billy Joel concerns his propensity for writing songs like “All For Leyna,” i.e. somewhat problematic, judge-y screeds about the opposite sex. In Billy’s defense, he also writes judge-y songs about men as well. Take “James,” a diss track about a former high school classmate “who pursued an education” while Billy became a musician, hit the road, and did all the other things detailed in “The Entertainer.” The implication is that James has an unfulfilling life as an anonymous normie, which sounds bad if you haven’t heard Billy complain about his own agonizing show-biz life. Billy sets these lyrics to an incongruously dreamy soft-rock soundscape — it evokes a less horny variation on 10cc’s “I’m Not In Love” — that wraps the cutting portrayal of yuppie dissatisfaction in a veneer of warm silkiness.

33. “Los Angelenos” (1974)

Joel-heads recognize that “Zanzibar” off of 52nd Street is his late-’70s Steely Dan homage. But less heralded is this apparent tribute to early ’70s Steely Dan from Streetlife Serenade . It’s possible I’m the only one who hears this. (I’m not aware of Billy of acknowledging the influence.) But “Los Angelenos” sounds like the work of a guy who is temporarily situated in Southern California and doesn’t feel great about it and now is consoling himself with the work of two other displaced East Coasters. Plus, I could imagine these lyrics on Can’t Buy A Thrill :

Tanning out in the beaches With their Mexican reefers No one ever has to feel Like a refugee Going into garages For exotic massages Making up for all the time gone by

32. “Captain Jack” (1973)

Years ago I wrote a column that speculated on the course of Billy Joel’s career had he not decided to stop releasing pop songs after River Of Dreams . I imagined he would have made an Unplugged album in the late ’90s composed of big band standards, as that seems like a middle-aged Billy move. In the early aughts, he would have made his 9/11 record. And he would have inevitably worked with Rick Rubin on an LP that consciously returned to his classic ’70s sound. In this scenario, he might have tried his hand at a “Captain Jack”-type song, only instead of surveying the wreckage of post-Woodstock youth culture Billy would write about the internet and social media. “And you just sit at home and masturbate” is the one line that would work in both tunes.

31. “It’s Still Rock ‘n’ Roll To Me” (1980)

Of course, none of that happened. And the fact that none of that happened explains why Billy Joel is better regarded now than he was when he put out new multi-platinum albums every few years. Billy Joel never died (fortunately) but his creative output did, and that “soft” death is what took the juice out of the rampant Billy Joel haterism that defined how he was discussed in the media for years.

The reaction to “It’s Still Rock ‘n’ Roll To Me” represents the peak of that haterism. It’s the song that inspired music critics to make “Worst Songs About Rock Music Ever” lists, just so they could put “It’s Still Rock ‘n’ Roll To Me” at the top. The charitable reading of the lyrics (to which I subscribe) is that Billy is making the case for punk, new wave, funk, and disco music being part of a larger continuum that goes back to the roots of rock. It’s an inclusive view of music history. But most critics didn’t read it that way. They read it as a personal attack in which Billy was calling them idiots for believing this music was “new.” And this was perceived as a defensive reaction to music writers clowning Billy’s helmet-haired rock star moves in the late ’70s.

This is all ancient history now. Now when I hear “It’s Still Rock ‘n’ Roll To Me,” I think about Billy’s revelation (in a long-lost Stern interview that I can no longer find online) that it has the same chord progression as “Lay Lady Lay.”

30. “Just The Way You Are” (1977)

Billy blamed his soft-rock wimp image on this song, so in a way “Just The Way You Are” is the prequel to “It’s Still Rock ‘n’ Roll To Me.” He didn’t want to be known as a balladeer. He wanted to be viewed as what he truly was, a legitimately tortured dude. (He famously tried to take his own life as a young man by chasing a handful of sleeping pills with a swig of furniture polish, which has to be one of the more ghastly methods for killing yourself.) He was also authentically tough. (He was a former amateur boxer who quit with a 22-2 record after busting up his nose. He probably could have beat up all of the Ramones.) But nobody looked at him that way, and Billy resented it. In later years, he disparaged “Just The Way You Are” as a “chick song” and claimed that he wanted to leave it off the record.

Do I believe this? Not really. “Just The Way You Are” was his breakthrough hit, and it sounds like a song that announces itself as a breakthrough hit the moment you write it. Billy might be a reluctant entertainer, but he’s an entertainer nonetheless.

29. “The Stranger”

The song before “Just The Way You Are” on The Stranger , the one where Billy writes about the phony façade we all put up around other people to hide the person we really are. (Also the song where Billy whistles his ass off.) Billy literalizes this idea on the album cover, which must have entered Stanley Kubrick’s orbit at some point when he was conceptualizing Eyes Wide Shut .

28. “Sleeping With The Television On” (1980)

One of two songs on Glass Houses in which Billy writes very well from an Elvis Costello-esque posture. Once again he is questioning a woman who seems poised to turn him down romantically. “I really wish I was less of a thinking man / and more a fool who’s not afraid of rejection.” It’s worth noting that Billy Joel was dating multiple supermodels around this time, so being “a thinking man” apparently did not hamstring him in real life.

27. “Pressure” (1982)

Similar to how “We Didn’t Start The Fire” seemed like the most profound “statement” song I had ever heard when I was 11, “Pressure” sounded like the darkest and most sinister music. The synths evoked an adult world of doom, anxiety, and, well, presh-shaw ! It’s what I would have imagined Joy Division sounding like. It gave me a stomach ache.

When I was a little older, “Pressure” sounded more like a famous rock star’s brain on cocaine. Actually, it still sounds like that.

26. “Big Shot” (1978)

Speaking of cocaine! This song is pretty cocaine-y, and not only because of the “spoon up your nose” line. “Big Shot” appears to epitomize the “judge-y” side of Billy’s writing, since this song is nothing but him dressing down some jerk (presumably a woman, again) who’s full of herself. (“They were all impressed with your Halston dress / and the people that you knew at Elaine’s / and the story of your latest success / kept ’em so entertained.”) Billy has said ( again, on Stern ) that he wrote “Big Shot” about Bianca Jagger from the point of view of Mick Jagger, who he hung out with at least once in the ’70s. And in that context, you can detect Billy the mimic slipping into a Mick Jagger circa 1978 impersonation. (Though that doesn’t explain the part when he briefly slips into a broad Italian accent.)

INTERMISSION

Time to do some important housecleaning on vital categories that I couldn’t squeeze in elsewhere.

THE BEST FAKE BILLY JOEL SONG

“What It’ll Be (Hey, West Covina)” from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

While this song is credited to Rachel Bloom and Adam Schlesinger, it was mostly written by the latter, a brilliant pop-music mimic paying tribute to another brilliant pop-music mimic. Not only does “What It’ll Be” nail the musical cues, but the lyric feels ripped from one of Billy’s own pathos-filled diatribes. (“Thanks for this town three short hours from the beach / where all of your dreams can stay just out of reach.”)

THE BEST BILLY JOEL TRIBUTE BAND

Gene Ween Does Billy Joel

In 2015 and ’17, 50 percent of Ween hit the road for two short tours where he performed remarkably faithful covers of Billy Joel songs. If this sounds appealing to you, we can be friends.

THE BEST FAKE BILLY JOEL TRIBUTE BAND

Uptown Girl in Step Brothers

This is the second time I’ve posted this clip in this column. And I might do it again!

THE ONE GOOD ATTILA SONG

“Revenge Is Sweet”

This song is actually just okay. But I had to mention Billy’s bitchin’ Deep Purple-ish pre-fame rock duo at least once in this column.

Back to the list …

25. “Honesty” (1978)

Shoutout to Liberty DeVitto, the hard-hitting drummer who served in Billy’s band from Turnstiles up through the mid-aughts, at which point he was unceremoniously dumped. (Allegedly, DeVitto discovered his ouster after Billy didn’t invite him to his third wedding.) DeVitto made invaluable contributions to some of Billy’s most famous records, even the songs that don’t have particularly exciting drum parts. Take “Honesty,” another judge-y anthem about how Billy is surrounded by liars. DeVitto wanted Billy to call it “Sodomy,” which might have been an improvement. (Also shoutout to Beyoncé, who covered “Honesty” back in 2008 and I’m sure is not aware of the “sodomy” story.)

24. “Laura” (1982)

Of all the Billy Joel songs about controlling women, this is the angriest, possibly (according to DeVitto) because it’s about Billy’s mother. Like countless sons, he’s annoyed by how often his mom calls and makes him feel small. “She makes me lose my cool / I’m her machine / and she can punch all the keys / she can push any button I was programmed through.” This song is also notable because Billy drops a rare F-bomb, which sounds even more incongruous given the song’s psych-pop trappings.

If Father John Misty ever covers a Billy Joel song it will be this one.

23. “She’s Always A Woman” (1977)

Like he does in “Just The Way You Are,” Billy pays tribute to a woman by listing all of her faults and claiming not to be bothered by them. She can ruin your faith with casual lies! She’ll ask for the truth but never believe you! She’ll cut you and then laugh while you’re bleeding! (Jesus, for real Billy?) I assume she’s also the kind of person who leaves cereal bowls on the kitchen table with the leftover milk, but it’s hard to find a line that rhymes with that.

Again, the charitable reading is that in relationships you see the worst sides of your partner, and you learn to accept and even love those parts. And I support that view! It helps that the folky melody evokes another classic neg-fest with “Woman” in the title .

22. “Goodnight Saigon” (1982)

Billy had the misfortune of his creative peak coinciding with the prime of Bruce Springsteen, an artist to which he was frequently compared, unfavorably. The problem is that these comparisons were always made on Springsteen’s terms. Bruce positioned himself in the lineage of rock music derived from folk, country, and R&B, a chain that included Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, and Bob Dylan. Billy wasn’t part of that — he comes from a pop tradition rooted in Tin Pan Alley, Broadway, and early radio-friendly rock ‘n’ roll. The music Billy made was inherently made for the masses, whereas Bruce (outside of his commercial blockbuster Born In The U.S.A. ) generally eschewed pop hits in favor of weighty albums.

Billy wasn’t going to top Bruce on Bruce’s territory. But did he beat him out in one respect: He wrote his big, thundering Vietnam song and put it out two years before Bruce put out his. And nobody misinterpreted his tune.

21. “The Longest Time” (1983)

Billy’s pop acumen would have made him successful in any era. Especially if he were only a songwriter. He could have written hits for Bing Crosby in the 1940s or Elvis in the 1950s or countless girl groups in the 1960s. If he had been born in 1990, he would be giving Jack Antonoff a run for his money in the 2020s. He just has a knack for delivering tuneful packages that instantly connect with the public. His old-fashioned approach might have been a liability with critics and the credibility police in the short run, but it has given his work eternal appeal over the long haul. Tunes defeat fashion every single time. The song is one of his purest pop confections, from his “corny but happy” album, An Innocent Man .

20. “Don’t Ask Me Why” (1980)

Another low-key perfect pop song and one of Billy’s finest Beatles tributes. The specificity is what impresses: “Don’t Ask Me Why” sounds like the follow-up to the late ’65 “We Can Work It Out”/”Day Tripper” single. Also: It has one of Billy’s best bridges. “You can say the human heart / is only make believe / I am only fighting fire with fire / But you are still a victim / Of the accidents you leave / As sure as I’m a victim of desire.”

19. “Say Goodbye To Hollywood” (1976)

A sister song to “New York State Of Mind,” a fellow mainstay from side one of Turnstiles . “New York State Of Mind” was Billy’s “I’m coming home” song, and this tune is his kiss-off to the adopted hometown on the left coast where he never fit in. The move to L.A. was always destined to fail. Billy is an East Coast songwriter, and in the tradition of other East Coast songwriters — Springsteen, Simon, Reed — he was a lone wolf. Those guys never hung out together. They brooded in private, and then wrote about their pain in sharp, cinematic language. Whereas in L.A., everyone appeared on everyone else’s records. Music was a party, not a refuge from parties like it was for Billy and his brethren. The communal vibe was endemic to the artists orbiting David Geffen and Asylum Records, and Billy was never going to fit in with that. “So many faces in and out of my life / some will last, some will just be now and then / Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes / I’m afraid it’s time for goodbye again.”

18. “She’s Got A Way” ( Songs In The Attic version, 1981)

Originated from Cold Spring Harbor , where the boyishly warped vocals don’t supply this quintessential Billy Joel ballad with the gravitas it needs. The proper version is from Songs In The Attic , recorded at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston the summer of 1980. “She’s Got A Way” is about as Billy Joel as Billy Joel gets. If you were to make a parody of a Billy Joel ballad, it would sound like this song with a few Italian names shoehorned in.

17. “And So It Goes” (1989)

Billy Joel’s No. 1 Billy Joel song. (He confirmed that it’s his favorite composition in the latest Stern interview.) It’s also — probably not coincidentally — his saddest number. “And So It Goes” is not a breakup song, it’s actually more depressed than a breakup song. It’s an anticipating a breakup song. If you have ever gone through a breakup, you know that anticipating a breakup is worse than the actual breakup because you are imagining how painful it will be ahead of experiencing that pain. That’s the vibe of “And So It Goes.” Billy is marinating in anticipatory agony. “So I would choose to be with you / That’s if the choice were mine to make / But you can make decisions too / And you can have this heart to break.”

16. “Where’s The Orchestra?” (1982)

The second saddest Billy Joel song. It’s Billy taking one long look at adulthood and asking, “Is that all there is?” It’s an expression of extreme ambivalence at being alive. And that is a pretty brutal sentiment coming from a guy who has played Madison Square Garden 100 times. ”That song still applies to me,” he said in 2002 . ”I heard it the other day, and it still moved me, because I feel like that today. I’ve only felt content a few times in my life, and it never lasted.”

15. “Rosalinda Eyes” (1978)

Why did I put this 52nd Street deep cut at No. 15? Because of Freaks And Geeks , of course .

14. “Sometimes A Fantasy” (1980)

Peak “Costello-aping” Joel. A brilliant combination of “No Action,” “This Year’s Girl,” and Walter Mitty. Easily one of his hardest-rocking songs. That’s why I have to go with the Glass Houses version even though the “STOP LIGHTING THE AUDIENCE” bootleg cut from Moscow might actually be the definitive take.

13. “Allentown” (1982)

An elite Billy Joel song, and an absolutely atrocious Billy Joel video . Why did the music video directors of the early ’80s insist on inserting dance into the milieu of Billy Joel? Billy Joel does not make dance music. He makes “sit down and contemplate the state of the steel industry” music. And yet this insistence on melding Billy Joel and interpretive dance continued well beyond the 1980s, reaching its climax with the musical Movin’ Out in the aughts where people danced to Billy Joel music for two hours.

Dancing to Billy Joel is like moshing to Randy Newman. I simply do not understand it. (I actually saw Movin’ Out but I do not remember it, out of deference to Billy Joel.)

12. “Miami 2017 (Seen The Light Goes Down On Broadway)” ( Songs In The Atti c version, 1981)

Even as a Turnstiles truther, I have to go with the Songs In The Attic version over the studio take. “Miami 2017” is Billy working in one of his best and most underrated guises — Prog Joel — and it requires the grandiosity that you can only get from playing in front of 20,000 people at Madison Square Garden. In the song, the narrator is reminiscing about the end of the world from the vantage of a retirement community in Florida. But after the 2016 presidential election, “Miami 2017” could also be interpreted as an apocalyptic number taking place at an infamous resort about an hour’s drive from Miami.

11. “My Life” (1978)

The first Billy Joel song I ever loved. Though I didn’t know it was Billy Joel at the time. I only knew it as the theme for my favorite sitcom, the Tom Hanks vehicle Bosom Buddies . (Until this very moment when I looked it up, I thought the Joel version was used on the show. But the theme is actually a cover performed by Gary Bennett . I have been Mandela Effect’ed!) This context has always influenced how I hear “My Life.” Joel’s song predates Bosom Buddies by two years, but I am still convinced that Billy wrote a song about two men who pose as women in order to gain entry into an all-woman’s apartment building.

10. “The Downeaster ‘Alexa’” (1989)

It makes the Top 10 because it contains Billy Joel’s finest line reading outside of (obviously) “heart attack-ack-ack-ack-ack-ack.” I refer to “can’t sell NO STRIPERS!” If you listen to “The Downeaster ‘Alexa,’” you are required to yell “can’t sell NO STRIPERS!” at the appropriate moment. Billy is embodying the soul of a disenfranchised fisherman, and he approaches the role with “Bradley Cooper in Maestro ” levels of commitment. If you were to ask an actual disenfranchised fisherman why is he driving his ship more and more miles from shore every year, you would not find a more impassioned reply about the inability to hawk STRIPERS!

9. “Only The Good Die Young” (1977)

This was not intentional, but there are a disproportionate number of Billy Joel’s “tough guy” songs in my Top 10. We have already touched on Billy’s boxing career and his authentic toughness. But his “tough guy” songs really take it to another level. These are the songs where it’s suggested that Billy is a menacing figure whose malevolence has an erotic charge. For instance, in “Only The Good Die Young” Billy talks about how he runs with a “dangerous crowd” that “ain’t too pretty” and “ain’t too proud.” Though the only tangible crime this gang appears to be guilty of is laughing a bit too loud, which seems a little annoying but hardly scary.

I don’t know why I am drawn to this version of Joel. Perhaps I see myself as similarly savage despite my “suburban dad” trappings. Though in my defense I laugh at the precisely correct volume.

8. “Vienna” (1977)

For years this was the default “obscure” Billy Joel song that loyalists trotted out to skeptics in order to convert them. But “Vienna” is no longer obscure — it has been streamed more than 540 million times on Spotify, which means it’s more popular than many of his hits. (“Just The Way You Are” has been streamed nearly 300 million fewer times.) For that reason, as good as it is, “Vienna” now seems slightly overrated. Still belongs in the Top 10 though.

7. “New York State Of Mind” (1976)

The Billy Joel song that will probably endure for the longest amount of time. Because it is a great, classic tune. And also because New Yorkers require constant reminding in musical form that they live in a good city.

6. “Zanzibar” (1978)

I put it here partly for sentimental reasons. (When I met my wife we bonded over 52nd Street and this song in particular.) But I also just love the hell out of “Zanzibar.” My theory is that Billy heard “Deacon Blues” from Aja and decided to write about the guy in that song as a younger man. (It’s like the Young Sheldon version of Steely Dan.) In “Zanzibar,” that guy is not yet daydreaming about dying behind the wheel. He’s borrowing the old man’s guitar and lighting up for the big city with joy in his heart. Only when he put himself in relation to Donald Fagen and Walter Becker did Billy no longer seem like the biggest curmudgeon in the room.

5. “Prelude/Angry Young Man” (1976)

Like “We Didn’t Start The Fire,” this one is ideologically problematic. Billy’s position on civil disobedience is that it is ultimately an empty performance of fury signifying nothing, which echoes the critiques from boomers of modern-day student activists. I can’t endorse Billy’s position on that one. Nevertheless, “Prelude/Angry Young Man” makes the Top 10 because it is the finest example of Prog Joel in the entire canon. Billy was like, “ The Who just put out a song in which an accordion is positioned as a double entendre for sexual intercourse. This leaves an open lane for me. Therefore, I will condense all of the good parts from Tommy into one five-minute-and-sixteen-second song.” And — with the help of DeVitto’s hellacious drumming — the beautiful bastard pulled it off!

4. “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” (1977)

One of the best Billy Joel songs, and the No. 1 most Billy Joel song. It is impossible for a song to be more Billy Joel than “Movin’ Out.” You have Anthony and Mama Leone and Sgt. O’Leary and Mister Cacciatore and the Long Island accent and the motorcycle sound and the resentment and the judginess. It’s all here. All the things that instantly pop in your head when you think about this guy. “Movin’ Out” is pure and uncut Billy.

3. “You May Be Right” (1980)

His finest “tough guy” song. “You May Be Right” rides the line between the silly and the sublime with the deft navigation of a lunnnnnnatic riding his motorcycle safely (but dangerously!) in the rain. Is Billy’s aggression trumped up to the point of ridiculousness? Of course! But the guitar riff is genuinely bad ass and Billy’s Mick Jagger impersonation (see how he sings “ in the raiiiiin “) is on point. You can accuse Billy of writing a fake punk song, but “You May Be Right” kicks as hard as any tune that did the FM radio rounds in 1980. (Shoutout, again, to Liberty DeVitto.) The duality is real. Take Billy as he is. Because you might enjoy some madness for a while.

2. “Summer, Highland Falls” (1976)

This should be the new “Vienna.” The Billy Joel song that you play for people who say they hate Billy Joel to prove that the man has many quality deep cuts beyond the played-to-death hits. “Summer, Highland Falls” is one of his most direct songs about depression, a theme expressed lyrically (“It’s either sadness or euphoria”) and musically (via the contrasting counter-melodies). Billy is praised/derided for his broadness, but “Summer, Highland Falls” is as smartly constructed as any tune composed by his more overtly “clever” peers. Though the song’s strength derives from how Billy isn’t trying to front-load the cleverness — the line about thoughtlessly dissipating our energies aside — at the expense of expressing intense melancholy.

1. “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant” (1977)

Is this Prog Joel? This suite of mini songs comes together, mini opera style, to tell the story of a doomed marriage by two kids who peaked in high school and now are reduced to buying paintings from Sears. It is Prog Joel, but so is “We Didn’t Start The Fire.” Once again, Billy takes a song that is sort of strange and complicated and makes it sound like mainstream ear candy. In the case of “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant,” he comes up with enough promising song ideas to make up an entire LP side and crams them all into one eight-minute song, a true flex at the start of his imperial pop star era. But the reason that “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant” is spinning on 100 classic rock radio stations at this very second is because Billy Joel found another way to normalize the abnormal. An epic about domestic strife that aspires to the grandeur of Abbey Road’s side two written by a lonely ex-boxer who has dabbled in heavy metal, jazz rock, punk rock, doo wop, and folk songs about fishermen. The stranger whose songs are super-glued inside the cerebellums of practically all of us. That’s our Billy.

Discover The Musical Legacy Of Billy Joel: Explore His Album Odyssey

Understanding "How Many Albums Does Billy Joel Have"

Determining the number of albums released by Billy Joel is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it provides an overview of his prolificacy as a recording artist, allowing us to gauge the extent of his musical output. Furthermore, it can assist in understanding the evolution of his musical style and themes over time. Additionally, it helps contextualize his achievements within the music industry, enabling comparisons with other artists and assessing his impact on popular culture.

Billy Joel has released a total of 13 studio albums, 6 live albums, and 6 compilation albums. His studio albums include: Cold Spring Harbor (1971), Piano Man (1973), Streetlife Serenade (1974), Turnstiles (1976), The Stranger (1977), 52nd Street (1978), Glass Houses (1980), The Nylon Curtain (1982), An Innocent Man (1983), The Bridge (1986), Storm Front (1989), River of Dreams (1993), and Fantasies & Delusions (2001).

How Many Albums Does Billy Joel Have?

Billy Joel's extensive discography comprises 13 studio albums, showcasing his versatility and prolificacy as a singer-songwriter. Each album represents a distinct chapter in his musical journey, spanning various genres and themes. Exploring the key aspects of his album count provides valuable insights into his creative process, commercial success, and cultural impact.

• Quantity: 13 studio albums
• Variety: Diverse musical styles, including rock, pop, and classical influences
• Chronology: Spans over four decades, from 1971 to 2001
• Commercial Success: Multiple platinum certifications, indicating widespread popularity
• Critical Acclaim: Grammy Awards and other accolades recognizing his songwriting and musicianship
• Cultural Impact: Songs have become timeless classics, resonating with generations of listeners
• Personal Expression: Albums reflect his introspective lyrics and exploration of themes such as love, loss, and redemption
• Musical Evolution: Each album showcases his growth as an artist, experimenting with new sounds and ideas

Billy Joel's album count not only reflects his prolificacy but also highlights the depth and breadth of his musical contributions. Through his diverse and critically acclaimed body of work, he has left an indelible mark on the music industry and continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

In the context of understanding "how many albums does Billy Joel have," the significance of "Quantity: 13 studio albums" lies in its precise quantification of his recorded output. This figure represents the substantial body of work he has produced as a solo artist, excluding live albums and compilations. Each of these 13 studio albums showcases Billy Joel's songwriting prowess, musical versatility, and distinct artistic vision.

Moreover, the number of studio albums is a crucial indicator of an artist's creative output and dedication to their craft. In Billy Joel's case, his 13 studio albums demonstrate his prolificacy and commitment to producing high-quality music over several decades. It also highlights his ability to sustain a successful career in the competitive music industry, consistently delivering albums that resonate with audiences.

Furthermore, the specific number of 13 studio albums provides a basis for comparison with other artists and within the broader music industry. It allows us to assess Billy Joel's productivity relative to his peers and to gauge his impact on popular music. Understanding the quantity of his studio albums thus contributes to a comprehensive evaluation of his career and legacy.

The connection between "Variety: Diverse musical styles, including rock, pop, and classical influences" and "how many albums does Billy Joel have" lies in the impact that Joel's musical versatility has had on his prolific output. His ability to seamlessly blend elements of rock, pop, and classical music has allowed him to create a unique and expansive body of work that appeals to a wide range of listeners.

Throughout his 13 studio albums, Joel has showcased his mastery of various musical genres and styles. From the rock-infused anthems of "Piano Man" and "My Life" to the pop sensibilities of "Just the Way You Are" and "Uptown Girl," and the classical influences heard in "Prelude/Angry Young Man" and "This Night," Joel's music transcends traditional boundaries.

This diversity has been a driving force behind Joel's commercial success and critical acclaim. By incorporating elements from different genres, he has created a sound that is both accessible and sophisticated, appealing to a diverse audience. His ability to blend these influences has also allowed him to explore a wide range of themes and emotions in his songwriting, further contributing to the depth and richness of his music.

Moreover, Joel's musical versatility has enabled him to sustain a long and successful career in the music industry. By continually evolving his sound and experimenting with new genres, he has remained relevant and engaging to audiences over several decades. His ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes and connect with new generations of listeners is a testament to the power and impact of his diverse musical style.

The significance of "Chronology: Spans over four decades, from 1971 to 2001" in relation to "how many albums does Billy Joel have" lies in the insights it provides into his creative journey, musical evolution, and impact on popular culture over an extended period.

• Artistic Development: Billy Joel's career spanned four decades, allowing him to refine his songwriting craft, experiment with different musical styles, and mature as an artist. Each album released during this time represents a distinct chapter in his musical journey, showcasing his growth and evolution.
• Musical Trends: Joel's career coincided with significant changes in the music industry and popular music trends. By analyzing the chronology of his albums, we can observe how he adapted to and influenced these trends, reflecting the evolving tastes and preferences of audiences over four decades.
• Cultural Impact: The longevity of Joel's career and the enduring popularity of his music are testaments to his ability to connect with generations of listeners. By examining the chronology of his albums, we can trace the impact of his music on popular culture and its enduring legacy.
• Commercial Success: The commercial success of Joel's albums over four decades demonstrates his ability to sustain a high level of popularity and relevance. By analyzing the sales figures and chart performance of his albums, we can gain insights into his commercial appeal and his status as a best-selling artist.

Understanding the chronology of Billy Joel's albums provides a comprehensive view of his career, allowing us to appreciate his artistic development, cultural impact, and enduring legacy in the music industry.

Commercial Success

Within the context of "how many albums does Billy Joel have," the commercial success of his albums, as evidenced by multiple platinum certifications, serves as a significant indicator of his widespread popularity and impact on the music industry.

• Sales Figures: Platinum certification signifies that an album has sold over one million copies, demonstrating a high level of commercial success and widespread public demand for Billy Joel's music.
• Chart Performance: Billy Joel's albums have consistently topped music charts worldwide, indicating their popularity with listeners and radio programmers alike. This chart success further underscores his commercial appeal and mainstream recognition.
• Concert Tours and Live Performances: The commercial success of Billy Joel's albums has enabled him to embark on extensive concert tours, performing to sold-out crowds around the world. These live performances further solidify his connection with his fan base and contribute to his overall commercial success.
• Legacy and Cultural Impact: Billy Joel's commercial success has solidified his legacy as one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His platinum-certified albums continue to be enjoyed by generations of listeners, demonstrating the enduring popularity and cultural impact of his music.

The multiple platinum certifications of Billy Joel's albums provide tangible evidence of his commercial success, indicating the widespread popularity and mainstream appeal of his music. This commercial success has significantly contributed to his enduring legacy and cultural impact in the music industry.

Critical Acclaim

In examining "how many albums does Billy Joel have," the significance of critical acclaim, as exemplified by Grammy Awards and other accolades, lies in its reflection of his exceptional songwriting and musicianship. These accolades serve as tangible recognition of his artistic achievements and contribute to his overall legacy.

• Recognition of Excellence: Grammy Awards and other accolades represent the highest level of recognition within the music industry, acknowledging Billy Joel's outstanding contributions to songwriting and musicianship. These awards validate his talent and artistry, solidifying his position among the most respected and admired musicians of his generation.
• Quality and Impact: The critical acclaim garnered by Billy Joel's albums underscores their exceptional quality and lasting impact. These accolades attest to the depth and sophistication of his songwriting, his innovative musical arrangements, and his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.
• Influence and Inspiration: Billy Joel's critical acclaim has not only recognized his own achievements but has also inspired and influenced countless other musicians. His award-winning songs and albums have served as models of excellence, encouraging and inspiring aspiring artists to pursue their own creative visions.
• Cultural Legacy: The Grammy Awards and other accolades bestowed upon Billy Joel have cemented his place in the annals of popular music history. His critically acclaimed albums continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by generations of listeners, ensuring his enduring legacy as one of the most influential and successful musicians of all time.

The critical acclaim received by Billy Joel's albums is not merely a numerical count but a testament to his exceptional talent, unwavering dedication to his craft, and profound impact on the music industry. These accolades serve as enduring recognition of his artistry, solidifying his status as a musical icon.

Cultural Impact

The cultural impact of Billy Joel's music, as evidenced by his songs becoming timeless classics that resonate with generations of listeners, is intricately connected to the sheer number of albums he has released. This prolificacy has enabled him to create a vast and diverse body of work that has touched the lives of countless individuals.

Billy Joel's songs have transcended the boundaries of time, appealing to audiences across generations. His ability to craft relatable and emotionally resonant lyrics, combined with his masterful songwriting and musicianship, has resulted in a collection of songs that have become deeply ingrained in popular culture. Classics such as "Piano Man," "Just the Way You Are," and "She's Always a Woman" have become anthems that evoke nostalgia, love, and heartbreak, continuing to resonate with listeners of all ages.

The enduring popularity of Billy Joel's songs is a testament to their timeless quality. They have become part of the collective cultural consciousness, referenced in movies, television shows, and everyday conversations. His music has provided the soundtrack to countless moments, both personal and shared, creating a lasting impact on the cultural landscape.

Personal Expression

The connection between "Personal Expression: Albums reflect his introspective lyrics and exploration of themes such as love, loss, and redemption" and "how many albums does billy joel have" lies in the profound impact that Billy Joel's personal experiences and emotions have had on the sheer number and depth of his musical creations. His prolificacy as an artist is intricately intertwined with his ability to draw upon his own life and relationships to craft songs that resonate deeply with listeners.

Throughout his extensive discography, spanning over 13 studio albums, Billy Joel has consistently delved into the complexities of human emotions, exploring themes of love, loss, redemption, and personal growth. His introspective lyrics, often deeply personal and confessional, have allowed him to connect with audiences on a profound level, creating a sense of intimacy and relatability that transcends time.

The sheer number of albums that Billy Joel has released has provided him with a vast canvas upon which to express his personal experiences and emotions. Each album represents a different chapter in his life, with its own unique set of joys, heartbreaks, and reflections. This prolificacy has enabled him to explore a wide range of emotions and perspectives, creating a rich tapestry of songs that resonate with listeners from all walks of life.

Musical Evolution

The connection between "Musical Evolution: Each album showcases his growth as an artist, experimenting with new sounds and ideas" and "how many albums does Billy Joel have" underscores the profound impact that Billy Joel's prolificacy has had on his artistic development. The sheer number of albums he has released has provided him with a vast platform to explore a wide range of musical styles, experiment with innovative sounds, and refine his songwriting craft.

Throughout his 13 studio albums, Billy Joel has showcased his versatility by incorporating elements from various genres, including rock, pop, classical, and jazz. This exploration has allowed him to transcend the boundaries of any single genre, creating a unique and eclectic body of work that appeals to a diverse audience.

With each album, Billy Joel has demonstrated growth in his songwriting Fhigkeiten, crafting songs with increasingly sophisticated lyrics and complex musical arrangements. His ability to tell compelling stories through his songs has earned him critical acclaim and widespread recognition as one of the greatest songwriters of his generation.

Billy Joel has never shied away from experimenting with new sounds and production techniques. His willingness to embrace technological advancements and collaborate with talented musicians has resulted in a rich and diverse sonic landscape across his albums.

As Billy Joel's career progressed, his albums showcased a growing sense of artistic maturity and self-assurance. His later albums often featured more introspective and personal lyrics, reflecting his experiences and observations on life, love, and the human condition.

In conclusion, the sheer number of albums that Billy Joel has released has been instrumental in his musical evolution. It has allowed him to explore diverse genres, refine his songwriting Fhigkeiten, experiment with new sounds, and achieve artistic maturity, solidifying his status as one of the most influential and respected musicians of our time.

FAQs on Billy Joel's Album Count

This section addresses frequently asked questions regarding the number of albums released by Billy Joel, providing concise and informative answers.

Question 1: How many studio albums has Billy Joel released?

Billy Joel has released a total of 13 studio albums throughout his illustrious career.

Question 2: What are the names of Billy Joel's studio albums?

The 13 studio albums released by Billy Joel are:

Question 3: How many live albums has Billy Joel released?

Billy Joel has released a total of 6 live albums.

Question 4: How many compilation albums has Billy Joel released?

Billy Joel has released a total of 6 compilation albums.

Question 5: What is the best-selling Billy Joel album?

Billy Joel's best-selling album is "The Stranger" (1977), which has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.

Question 6: What is Billy Joel's most recent album?

Billy Joel's most recent studio album is "Fantasies & Delusions" (2001).

By delving into these frequently asked questions, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the extent of Billy Joel's musical output and the impact his albums have had on the music industry.

Transition to the next article section:

Tips on Determining the Number of Albums Released by an Artist

Accurately determining the number of albums released by an artist, such as Billy Joel, requires a systematic approach and attention to detail. Here are several tips to assist you in this process:

Tip 1: Consult Official Sources

Start by visiting the artist's official website, record label's website, or reputable music databases like AllMusic or Discogs. These sources typically provide comprehensive discographies that include studio albums, live albums, and compilation albums.

Tip 2: Verify Release Formats

Consider all physical and digital release formats, including vinyl, CD, cassette, and streaming platforms. Some artists may release albums exclusively on certain platforms or in limited editions.

Tip 3: Distinguish Studio Albums from Other Releases

Focus on studio albums as they represent the artist's original and most substantial works. Live albums, compilation albums, and soundtracks should be counted separately.

By following these tips, you can confidently determine the number of albums released by any artist, ensuring accuracy and completeness in your research or discussions.

Conclusion:

Understanding the significance of an artist's album count provides valuable insights into their career trajectory, creative output, and impact on the music industry. It allows for informed comparisons, historical analysis, and a deeper appreciation of their musical legacy.

The exploration of "how many albums does Billy Joel have" has unveiled the profound significance of an artist's album count. Billy Joel's 13 studio albums stand as a testament to his prolificacy, musical evolution, and enduring impact on popular culture. His ability to craft timeless classics and resonate with generations of listeners solidifies his status as one of the most successful and respected musicians of our time.

Understanding the sheer number and depth of Billy Joel's albums invites us to appreciate the dedication and artistry that goes into creating a lasting musical legacy. It encourages us to delve deeper into his discography, explore the evolution of his songwriting, and discover the personal stories and experiences that have shaped his music.

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• Storm Front Play Video
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• Piano Man Play Video

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Discover The Musical Legacy Of Billy Joel: Explore His Album Odyssey

Understanding "How Many Albums Does Billy Joel Have"

Determining the number of albums released by Billy Joel is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it provides an overview of his prolificacy as a recording artist, allowing us to gauge the extent of his musical output. Furthermore, it can assist in understanding the evolution of his musical style and themes over time. Additionally, it helps contextualize his achievements within the music industry, enabling comparisons with other artists and assessing his impact on popular culture.

Billy Joel has released a total of 13 studio albums, 6 live albums, and 6 compilation albums. His studio albums include: Cold Spring Harbor (1971), Piano Man (1973), Streetlife Serenade (1974), Turnstiles (1976), The Stranger (1977), 52nd Street (1978), Glass Houses (1980), The Nylon Curtain (1982), An Innocent Man (1983), The Bridge (1986), Storm Front (1989), River of Dreams (1993), and Fantasies & Delusions (2001).

How Many Albums Does Billy Joel Have?

Billy Joel's extensive discography comprises 13 studio albums, showcasing his versatility and prolificacy as a singer-songwriter. Each album represents a distinct chapter in his musical journey, spanning various genres and themes. Exploring the key aspects of his album count provides valuable insights into his creative process, commercial success, and cultural impact.

• Quantity: 13 studio albums
• Variety: Diverse musical styles, including rock, pop, and classical influences
• Chronology: Spans over four decades, from 1971 to 2001
• Commercial Success: Multiple platinum certifications, indicating widespread popularity
• Critical Acclaim: Grammy Awards and other accolades recognizing his songwriting and musicianship
• Cultural Impact: Songs have become timeless classics, resonating with generations of listeners
• Personal Expression: Albums reflect his introspective lyrics and exploration of themes such as love, loss, and redemption
• Musical Evolution: Each album showcases his growth as an artist, experimenting with new sounds and ideas

Billy Joel's album count not only reflects his prolificacy but also highlights the depth and breadth of his musical contributions. Through his diverse and critically acclaimed body of work, he has left an indelible mark on the music industry and continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

In the context of understanding "how many albums does Billy Joel have," the significance of "Quantity: 13 studio albums" lies in its precise quantification of his recorded output. This figure represents the substantial body of work he has produced as a solo artist, excluding live albums and compilations. Each of these 13 studio albums showcases Billy Joel's songwriting prowess, musical versatility, and distinct artistic vision.

Moreover, the number of studio albums is a crucial indicator of an artist's creative output and dedication to their craft. In Billy Joel's case, his 13 studio albums demonstrate his prolificacy and commitment to producing high-quality music over several decades. It also highlights his ability to sustain a successful career in the competitive music industry, consistently delivering albums that resonate with audiences.

Furthermore, the specific number of 13 studio albums provides a basis for comparison with other artists and within the broader music industry. It allows us to assess Billy Joel's productivity relative to his peers and to gauge his impact on popular music. Understanding the quantity of his studio albums thus contributes to a comprehensive evaluation of his career and legacy.

The connection between "Variety: Diverse musical styles, including rock, pop, and classical influences" and "how many albums does Billy Joel have" lies in the impact that Joel's musical versatility has had on his prolific output. His ability to seamlessly blend elements of rock, pop, and classical music has allowed him to create a unique and expansive body of work that appeals to a wide range of listeners.

Throughout his 13 studio albums, Joel has showcased his mastery of various musical genres and styles. From the rock-infused anthems of "Piano Man" and "My Life" to the pop sensibilities of "Just the Way You Are" and "Uptown Girl," and the classical influences heard in "Prelude/Angry Young Man" and "This Night," Joel's music transcends traditional boundaries.

This diversity has been a driving force behind Joel's commercial success and critical acclaim. By incorporating elements from different genres, he has created a sound that is both accessible and sophisticated, appealing to a diverse audience. His ability to blend these influences has also allowed him to explore a wide range of themes and emotions in his songwriting, further contributing to the depth and richness of his music.

Moreover, Joel's musical versatility has enabled him to sustain a long and successful career in the music industry. By continually evolving his sound and experimenting with new genres, he has remained relevant and engaging to audiences over several decades. His ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes and connect with new generations of listeners is a testament to the power and impact of his diverse musical style.

The significance of "Chronology: Spans over four decades, from 1971 to 2001" in relation to "how many albums does Billy Joel have" lies in the insights it provides into his creative journey, musical evolution, and impact on popular culture over an extended period.

• Artistic Development: Billy Joel's career spanned four decades, allowing him to refine his songwriting craft, experiment with different musical styles, and mature as an artist. Each album released during this time represents a distinct chapter in his musical journey, showcasing his growth and evolution.
• Musical Trends: Joel's career coincided with significant changes in the music industry and popular music trends. By analyzing the chronology of his albums, we can observe how he adapted to and influenced these trends, reflecting the evolving tastes and preferences of audiences over four decades.
• Cultural Impact: The longevity of Joel's career and the enduring popularity of his music are testaments to his ability to connect with generations of listeners. By examining the chronology of his albums, we can trace the impact of his music on popular culture and its enduring legacy.
• Commercial Success: The commercial success of Joel's albums over four decades demonstrates his ability to sustain a high level of popularity and relevance. By analyzing the sales figures and chart performance of his albums, we can gain insights into his commercial appeal and his status as a best-selling artist.

Understanding the chronology of Billy Joel's albums provides a comprehensive view of his career, allowing us to appreciate his artistic development, cultural impact, and enduring legacy in the music industry.

Commercial Success

Within the context of "how many albums does Billy Joel have," the commercial success of his albums, as evidenced by multiple platinum certifications, serves as a significant indicator of his widespread popularity and impact on the music industry.

• Sales Figures: Platinum certification signifies that an album has sold over one million copies, demonstrating a high level of commercial success and widespread public demand for Billy Joel's music.
• Chart Performance: Billy Joel's albums have consistently topped music charts worldwide, indicating their popularity with listeners and radio programmers alike. This chart success further underscores his commercial appeal and mainstream recognition.
• Concert Tours and Live Performances: The commercial success of Billy Joel's albums has enabled him to embark on extensive concert tours, performing to sold-out crowds around the world. These live performances further solidify his connection with his fan base and contribute to his overall commercial success.
• Legacy and Cultural Impact: Billy Joel's commercial success has solidified his legacy as one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His platinum-certified albums continue to be enjoyed by generations of listeners, demonstrating the enduring popularity and cultural impact of his music.

The multiple platinum certifications of Billy Joel's albums provide tangible evidence of his commercial success, indicating the widespread popularity and mainstream appeal of his music. This commercial success has significantly contributed to his enduring legacy and cultural impact in the music industry.

Critical Acclaim

In examining "how many albums does Billy Joel have," the significance of critical acclaim, as exemplified by Grammy Awards and other accolades, lies in its reflection of his exceptional songwriting and musicianship. These accolades serve as tangible recognition of his artistic achievements and contribute to his overall legacy.

• Recognition of Excellence: Grammy Awards and other accolades represent the highest level of recognition within the music industry, acknowledging Billy Joel's outstanding contributions to songwriting and musicianship. These awards validate his talent and artistry, solidifying his position among the most respected and admired musicians of his generation.
• Quality and Impact: The critical acclaim garnered by Billy Joel's albums underscores their exceptional quality and lasting impact. These accolades attest to the depth and sophistication of his songwriting, his innovative musical arrangements, and his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.
• Influence and Inspiration: Billy Joel's critical acclaim has not only recognized his own achievements but has also inspired and influenced countless other musicians. His award-winning songs and albums have served as models of excellence, encouraging and inspiring aspiring artists to pursue their own creative visions.
• Cultural Legacy: The Grammy Awards and other accolades bestowed upon Billy Joel have cemented his place in the annals of popular music history. His critically acclaimed albums continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by generations of listeners, ensuring his enduring legacy as one of the most influential and successful musicians of all time.

The critical acclaim received by Billy Joel's albums is not merely a numerical count but a testament to his exceptional talent, unwavering dedication to his craft, and profound impact on the music industry. These accolades serve as enduring recognition of his artistry, solidifying his status as a musical icon.

Cultural Impact

The cultural impact of Billy Joel's music, as evidenced by his songs becoming timeless classics that resonate with generations of listeners, is intricately connected to the sheer number of albums he has released. This prolificacy has enabled him to create a vast and diverse body of work that has touched the lives of countless individuals.

Billy Joel's songs have transcended the boundaries of time, appealing to audiences across generations. His ability to craft relatable and emotionally resonant lyrics, combined with his masterful songwriting and musicianship, has resulted in a collection of songs that have become deeply ingrained in popular culture. Classics such as "Piano Man," "Just the Way You Are," and "She's Always a Woman" have become anthems that evoke nostalgia, love, and heartbreak, continuing to resonate with listeners of all ages.

The enduring popularity of Billy Joel's songs is a testament to their timeless quality. They have become part of the collective cultural consciousness, referenced in movies, television shows, and everyday conversations. His music has provided the soundtrack to countless moments, both personal and shared, creating a lasting impact on the cultural landscape.

Personal Expression

The connection between "Personal Expression: Albums reflect his introspective lyrics and exploration of themes such as love, loss, and redemption" and "how many albums does billy joel have" lies in the profound impact that Billy Joel's personal experiences and emotions have had on the sheer number and depth of his musical creations. His prolificacy as an artist is intricately intertwined with his ability to draw upon his own life and relationships to craft songs that resonate deeply with listeners.

Throughout his extensive discography, spanning over 13 studio albums, Billy Joel has consistently delved into the complexities of human emotions, exploring themes of love, loss, redemption, and personal growth. His introspective lyrics, often deeply personal and confessional, have allowed him to connect with audiences on a profound level, creating a sense of intimacy and relatability that transcends time.

The sheer number of albums that Billy Joel has released has provided him with a vast canvas upon which to express his personal experiences and emotions. Each album represents a different chapter in his life, with its own unique set of joys, heartbreaks, and reflections. This prolificacy has enabled him to explore a wide range of emotions and perspectives, creating a rich tapestry of songs that resonate with listeners from all walks of life.

Musical Evolution

The connection between "Musical Evolution: Each album showcases his growth as an artist, experimenting with new sounds and ideas" and "how many albums does Billy Joel have" underscores the profound impact that Billy Joel's prolificacy has had on his artistic development. The sheer number of albums he has released has provided him with a vast platform to explore a wide range of musical styles, experiment with innovative sounds, and refine his songwriting craft.

Throughout his 13 studio albums, Billy Joel has showcased his versatility by incorporating elements from various genres, including rock, pop, classical, and jazz. This exploration has allowed him to transcend the boundaries of any single genre, creating a unique and eclectic body of work that appeals to a diverse audience.

With each album, Billy Joel has demonstrated growth in his songwriting Fhigkeiten, crafting songs with increasingly sophisticated lyrics and complex musical arrangements. His ability to tell compelling stories through his songs has earned him critical acclaim and widespread recognition as one of the greatest songwriters of his generation.

Billy Joel has never shied away from experimenting with new sounds and production techniques. His willingness to embrace technological advancements and collaborate with talented musicians has resulted in a rich and diverse sonic landscape across his albums.

As Billy Joel's career progressed, his albums showcased a growing sense of artistic maturity and self-assurance. His later albums often featured more introspective and personal lyrics, reflecting his experiences and observations on life, love, and the human condition.

In conclusion, the sheer number of albums that Billy Joel has released has been instrumental in his musical evolution. It has allowed him to explore diverse genres, refine his songwriting Fhigkeiten, experiment with new sounds, and achieve artistic maturity, solidifying his status as one of the most influential and respected musicians of our time.

FAQs on Billy Joel's Album Count

This section addresses frequently asked questions regarding the number of albums released by Billy Joel, providing concise and informative answers.

Question 1: How many studio albums has Billy Joel released?

Billy Joel has released a total of 13 studio albums throughout his illustrious career.

Question 2: What are the names of Billy Joel's studio albums?

The 13 studio albums released by Billy Joel are:

Question 3: How many live albums has Billy Joel released?

Billy Joel has released a total of 6 live albums.

Question 4: How many compilation albums has Billy Joel released?

Billy Joel has released a total of 6 compilation albums.

Question 5: What is the best-selling Billy Joel album?

Billy Joel's best-selling album is "The Stranger" (1977), which has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.

Question 6: What is Billy Joel's most recent album?

Billy Joel's most recent studio album is "Fantasies & Delusions" (2001).

By delving into these frequently asked questions, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the extent of Billy Joel's musical output and the impact his albums have had on the music industry.

Transition to the next article section:

Tips on Determining the Number of Albums Released by an Artist

Accurately determining the number of albums released by an artist, such as Billy Joel, requires a systematic approach and attention to detail. Here are several tips to assist you in this process:

Tip 1: Consult Official Sources

Start by visiting the artist's official website, record label's website, or reputable music databases like AllMusic or Discogs. These sources typically provide comprehensive discographies that include studio albums, live albums, and compilation albums.

Tip 2: Verify Release Formats

Consider all physical and digital release formats, including vinyl, CD, cassette, and streaming platforms. Some artists may release albums exclusively on certain platforms or in limited editions.

Tip 3: Distinguish Studio Albums from Other Releases

Focus on studio albums as they represent the artist's original and most substantial works. Live albums, compilation albums, and soundtracks should be counted separately.

By following these tips, you can confidently determine the number of albums released by any artist, ensuring accuracy and completeness in your research or discussions.

Conclusion:

Understanding the significance of an artist's album count provides valuable insights into their career trajectory, creative output, and impact on the music industry. It allows for informed comparisons, historical analysis, and a deeper appreciation of their musical legacy.

The exploration of "how many albums does Billy Joel have" has unveiled the profound significance of an artist's album count. Billy Joel's 13 studio albums stand as a testament to his prolificacy, musical evolution, and enduring impact on popular culture. His ability to craft timeless classics and resonate with generations of listeners solidifies his status as one of the most successful and respected musicians of our time.

Understanding the sheer number and depth of Billy Joel's albums invites us to appreciate the dedication and artistry that goes into creating a lasting musical legacy. It encourages us to delve deeper into his discography, explore the evolution of his songwriting, and discover the personal stories and experiences that have shaped his music.

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