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The Essential Billy Joel cover

The Essential Billy Joel

Billy Joel

Album 2001
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About this album

Sound: "Billy Joel's collection weaves storytelling through melodic pop rock, blending nostalgia with sharp social commentary."

Where they were

Released in 2001, 'The Essential Billy Joel' captures a comprehensive overview of Joel's prolific career, spanning from his breakthrough in the 1970s through the 1990s. At this point, he was transitioning from active touring to more sporadic releases, making this collection a definitive statement on his lasting influence in popular music.

Why it matters

This compilation album showcases not only Joel's commercial success but also his artistic depth, featuring timeless hits that have shaped the soft rock genre. It peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and has been certified multi-platinum, solidifying Joel's place as one of America's beloved singer-songwriters.

Essential tracks

  • "Piano Man" — As Joel's signature song, 'Piano Man' encapsulates his narrative songwriting style and emotional resonance, inviting listeners into a vivid barroom tableau.
  • "New York State of Mind" — 'New York State of Mind' is a heartfelt tribute to Joel's hometown, combining jazz influences with evocative lyrics that capture the city's essence.
  • "We Didn’t Start the Fire" — This track stands out for its rapid-fire historical references and commentary on societal issues, showcasing Joel's ability to blend pop with poignant messages.
  • "Just the Way You Are" — 'Just the Way You Are' highlights Joel's romantic lyricism, earning him a Grammy Award for Record of the Year and exemplifying his appeal across generations.

Release Date

October 2, 2001

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

Disc 1

  1. 1 Piano Man 5:38
  2. 2 You’re My Home 3:13
  3. 3 Captain Jack 7:18
  4. 4 The Entertainer 3:40
  5. 5 Say Goodbye to Hollywood 4:38
  6. 6 Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway) 5:14
  7. 7 New York State of Mind 6:05
  8. 8 She’s Always a Woman 3:21
  9. 9 Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song) 3:30
  10. 10 Only the Good Die Young 3:55
  11. 11 Just the Way You Are 4:50
  12. 12 Honesty 3:53
  13. 13 My Life 4:44
  14. 14 It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me 2:57
  15. 15 You May Be Right 4:15
  16. 16 Don’t Ask Me Why 2:59
  17. 17 She’s Got a Way 3:01
  18. 18 Allentown 3:50

Disc 2

  1. 1 Goodnight Saigon 7:04
  2. 2 An Innocent Man 5:20
  3. 3 Uptown Girl 3:17
  4. 4 The Longest Time 3:42
  5. 5 Tell Her About It 3:52
  6. 6 Leave a Tender Moment Alone 3:56
  7. 7 A Matter of Trust 4:11
  8. 8 Baby Grand 4:05
  9. 9 I Go to Extremes 4:23
  10. 10 We Didn’t Start the Fire 4:50
  11. 11 Leningrad 4:06
  12. 12 The Downeaster “Alexa” 3:44
  13. 13 And So It Goes 3:37
  14. 14 The River of Dreams 4:07
  15. 15 All About Soul (remix) 6:00
  16. 16 Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) 3:33
  17. 17 Waltz #1 (Nunley’s Carousel) 6:55
  18. 18 Invention in C Minor 1:00

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