GLOBALRPH MUSICATLASBilly Joel: Artist Essentials
Begin with piano storytelling and bright pop, then follow the band into jazz colors, character sketches and quieter ballads.
Showing 10 of 10 selected recordings.This depth selects the first 10 recordings in the recommended sequence. Changing the order rearranges those same selections.
When only a year is established, chronological order within that year is approximate.
01list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1973 (year verified)
Original album: Piano Man
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Start with the unfolding barroom scene and the piano figure that holds its many voices together.
Annual appearances: 1974
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1973 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Billy Joel
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Piano Man
Billy Joel: Piano Man
Official catalog identifies the original 1973 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
02list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1977 (year verified)
Original album: The Stranger
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: A miniature suite: follow the shifts from intimate introduction to bustling narrative and back.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1977 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Billy Joel
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: The Stranger
Billy Joel: The Stranger
Official catalog identifies the original 1977 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
03list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1977 (year verified)
Original album: The Stranger
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Let the unhurried phrasing and warm instrumental colors set the pace.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1977 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Billy Joel
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: The Stranger
Billy Joel: The Stranger
Official catalog identifies the original 1977 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
04list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1976 (year verified)
Original album: Turnstiles
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Hear how the spacious piano introduction makes room for a bluesy, conversational vocal.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1976 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Billy Joel
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Turnstiles
Billy Joel: Turnstiles
Official catalog identifies the original 1976 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
05list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1977 (year verified)
Original album: The Stranger
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Listen past the polished surface to the easy movement between keyboard, voice and saxophone.
Annual appearances: 1978
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1977 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Billy Joel
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: The Stranger
Billy Joel: The Stranger
Official catalog identifies the original 1977 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
06list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1977 (year verified)
Original album: The Stranger
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The buoyant rhythm and quick vocal delivery make a lively contrast with the ballads.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1977 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Billy Joel
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: The Stranger
Billy Joel: The Stranger
Official catalog identifies the original 1977 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
07list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1977 (year verified)
Original album: The Stranger
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: A tightly wound character sketch whose clipped piano rhythm keeps pushing the story forward.
Annual appearances: 1978
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1977 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Billy Joel
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: The Stranger
Billy Joel: The Stranger
Official catalog identifies the original 1977 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
08list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1983 (year verified)
Original album: An Innocent Man
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Bright group vocals and an instantly welcoming melody make this a useful pop entry point.
Annual appearances: 1983 | 1984
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1983 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Billy Joel
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: An Innocent Man
Billy Joel: An Innocent Man
Official catalog identifies the original 1983 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
09list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1978 (year verified)
Original album: 52nd Street
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Follow the firm piano pulse and the way the chorus opens out from the verses.
Annual appearances: 1979
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1978 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Billy Joel
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: 52nd Street
Billy Joel: 52nd Street
Official catalog identifies the original 1978 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
10list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1989 (year verified)
Original album: Storm Front
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Try hearing its rapid sequence of names as rhythm as well as narrative.
Annual appearances: 1989 | 1990
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1989 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Billy Joel
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Storm Front
Billy Joel: Storm Front
Official catalog identifies the original 1989 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
ALL 66 ANNUAL COLLECTIONS1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.
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