Billy Joel

contemporary classical music, pop rock, soft rock

United States

"With a steady pulse and sweeping melodic arcs, his music balances rich harmonic textures against rhythmic drive, creating an engaging interplay between intimacy and grandeur."

Quick Start

A good place to start with Billy Joel is…

The Stranger

1977

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Career Arc

Billy Joel's discography from 1971 to 2019

1971 1995 2019

Cold Spring Harbor (1971) She's Got a Way (1972) Piano Man (1973) You're My Home (1973) Los Angelenos (1974) Streetlife Serenade (1974) The Entertainer (1974) Worse Comes to Worst (1974) Turnstiles (1976) The Stranger (1977) Movin' Out (Anthony's Son... (1977) She's Always a Woman (1977) The Stranger (1978) My Life (1978) 52nd Street (1979) Until the Night (1979) Honesty (1979) Big Shot (1979) Glass Houses (1980) Don't Ask Me Why (1980)

Billy Joel matters because he has woven himself into the fabric of American music, serving as a bridge between the sophistication of contemporary classical influences and the accessible warmth of pop rock. His ability to craft relatable narratives resonates deeply with listeners, making his songs anthems for life’s myriad experiences. Whether reflecting on love, nostalgia, or the complexities of modern existence, Joel's work captures both personal and collective sentiments, establishing him as a cultural touchstone. Approaching songwriting with a theatrical flair, Joel infuses his melodies with rich harmonic structures and intricate arrangements that evoke a sense of drama. He often employs storytelling techniques that blend autobiographical elements with broader social commentary, creating songs that feel both intimate and universal. This duality invites listeners to reflect on their own lives while engaging with the broader human experience. In his lyrics, Joel frequently explores themes of longing, resilience, and the passage of time, often utilizing sincerity to convey emotional truths. His narrative style can oscillate between poignant storytelling and impressionistic imagery, allowing for multiple interpretations. The tone remains conversational yet reflective, grounding complex emotions in relatable scenarios.

Full discography

Billy Joel's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

76 releases • 30 albums • 1971–2019

Type:

Albums ()

Live at Carnegie Hall 1977

2019

She's Always a Woman: Lovesongs

2011

Live at Shea Stadium: The Concert

2011

The Hits

2010

12 Gardens Live

2006

My Lives

2005

Piano Man: The Very Best of Billy Joel

2004

The Essential Billy Joel

2001

Fantasies & Delusions

2001

2000 Years: The Millennium Concert

2000

The Ultimate Collection

2000

The Complete Hits Collection: 1973–1997

1997

Greatest Hits Volume III

1997

River of Dreams

1993

Storm Front

1989

Souvenir: The Ultimate Collection

1989

Kontsert

1987

The Bridge

1986

Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II

1985

An Innocent Man

1983

The Nylon Curtain

1982

Glass Houses

1980

52nd Street

1979

The Stranger

1977

Turnstiles

1976

Los Angelenos

1974

Streetlife Serenade

1974

Piano Man

1973

Cold Spring Harbor

1971

Songs in the Attic

Singles ()

Christmas in Fallujah

2007

All My Life

2007

To Make You Feel My Love

1997

Hey Girl

1997

Lullabye

1994

The River of Dreams

1993

No Man's Land

1993

All About Soul

1993

The Downeaster Alexa

1990

That's Not Her Style

1990

And So It Goes

1990

We Didn't Start the Fire

1989

Shameless

1989

I Go to Extremes

1989

Leningrad

1989

This Is the Time

1986

A Matter of Trust

1986

Modern Woman

1986

The Night Is Still Young

1985

You're Only Human (Second Wind)

1985

The Longest Time

1984

This Night

1984

Leave a Tender Moment Alone

1984

Keeping the Faith

1984

Uptown Girl / Careless Talk

1983

Goodnight Saigon

1983

Allentown

1982

Pressure

1982

Say Goodbye to Hollywood

1981

Don't Ask Me Why

1980

You May Be Right

1980

All for Leyna

1980

It's Still Rock and Roll to Me

1980

Sometimes a Fantasy

1980

Until the Night

1979

Honesty

1979

Big Shot

1979

The Stranger

1978

My Life

1978

Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)

1977

She's Always a Woman

1977

The Entertainer

1974

Worse Comes to Worst

1974

You're My Home

1973

She's Got a Way

1972

You May Be Right / She's Got A Way

No releases match the current filters.

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Timeline

How their sound evolved over time

Cold Spring Harbor (1971)

Piano Man (1973)

Streetlife Serenade (1974)

The Nylon Curtain (1982)

An Innocent Man (1983)

Greatest Hits – Volu... (1985)

The Bridge (1986)

Kontsert (1987)

Storm Front (1989)

Souvenir: The Ultima... (1989)

River of Dreams (1993)

The Complete Hits Co... (1997)

Greatest Hits Volume... (1997)

The Ultimate Collect... (2000)

2000 Years: The Mill... (2000)

The Essential Billy... (2001)

Fantasies & Delusion... (2001)

Piano Man: The Very... (2004)

My Lives (2005)

12 Gardens Live (2006)

The Hits (2010)

Live at Shea Stadium... (2011)

She's Always a Woman... (2011)

Live at Carnegie Hal... (2019)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Billy Joel sound like?

With a steady pulse and sweeping melodic arcs, his music balances rich harmonic textures against rhythmic drive, creating an engaging interplay between intimacy and grandeur. Rooted in pop rock and rock & roll. Start with The Stranger.

What is the best Billy Joel album to start with?

The best album to start with is "The Stranger" (1977). It's the most representative of what makes Billy Joel worth hearing.

Who is Billy Joel for?

If you're into pop rock and rock & roll, Billy Joel is worth your time. With a steady pulse and sweeping melodic arcs, his music balances rich harmonic textures against rhythmic drive, creating an engaging interplay between intimacy and grandeur.

How many albums does Billy Joel have?

Billy Joel has 76 releases in their discography, including 30 albums.

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