GLOBALRPH MUSICATLASBilly Joel: Artist Essentials
Begin with piano storytelling and bright pop, then follow the band into jazz colors, character sketches and quieter ballads.
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
11list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1977 (year verified)
Original album: The Stranger
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: A gently circling melody gives the pointed character portrait an unexpectedly tender frame.
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
12list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1977 (year verified)
Original album: The Stranger
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The whistled opening and hard-edged band entrance offer two sides of the same song.
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
13list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1976 (year verified)
Original album: Turnstiles
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The quiet opening grows into a dramatic cityscape with a forceful band arrangement.
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
14list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1976 (year verified)
Original album: Turnstiles
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The flowing piano part makes an especially rewarding companion to the vocal melody.
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
15list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1980 (year verified)
Original album: Glass Houses
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: A punchy guitar-led performance adds a rougher texture to the listening route.
Annual appearances: 1980
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1980 (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: Glass Houses
Billy Joel: Glass Houses
Official catalog identifies the original 1980 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
16list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1980 (year verified)
Original album: Glass Houses
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Compact, conversational verses and a lean band arrangement keep the argument moving.
Annual appearances: 1980
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1980 (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: Glass Houses
Billy Joel: Glass Houses
Official catalog identifies the original 1980 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
17list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1982 (year verified)
Original album: The Nylon Curtain
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Hear how the repeating pulse supports a story larger than any single narrator.
Annual appearances: 1983
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1982 (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 Nylon Curtain
Billy Joel: The Nylon Curtain
Official catalog identifies the original 1982 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
18list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1982 (year verified)
Original album: The Nylon Curtain
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Leave time for the long introduction and gradual swell; the arrangement earns its scale.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1982 (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 Nylon Curtain
Billy Joel: The Nylon Curtain
Official catalog identifies the original 1982 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
19list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1983 (year verified)
Original album: An Innocent Man
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Focus on the interlocking voices and the bass line beneath the cheerful surface.
Annual appearances: 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
20list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1993 (year verified)
Original album: River of Dreams
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The rolling rhythm and layered response vocals give this later song its lift.
Annual appearances: 1993
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1993 (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: River of Dreams
Billy Joel: River of Dreams
Official catalog identifies the original 1993 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
21list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1971 (year verified)
Original album: Cold Spring Harbor
Original 1971 studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The early studio performance offers a spare introduction to the tenderness in Joel's writing.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1971 (year verified)
The 1971 studio recording is selected; the later live hit and subsequent remixes have different release histories.
Recording: Original 1971 studio recording
Credit: Billy Joel
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Cold Spring Harbor
Billy Joel: Cold Spring Harbor
Official catalog identifies the original 1971 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
22list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1978 (year verified)
Original album: 52nd Street
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The exposed opening makes the later vocal and instrumental swells feel especially direct.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease 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
23list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1978 (year verified)
Original album: 52nd Street
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: A good next stop for listeners drawn to jazzier harmonies and instrumental interplay.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease 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
24list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1973 (year verified)
Original album: Piano Man
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Its extended verses and patient build reward listening beyond the immediate refrain.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease 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
25list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1989 (year verified)
Original album: Storm Front
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: A restrained closing statement for the first twenty-five, built around silence as much as melody.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease 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
26list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1982 (year verified)
Original album: The Nylon Curtain
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The tense synthesizer pattern gives the vocal a setting that feels deliberately unsettled.
Annual appearances: 1982
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1982 (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 Nylon Curtain
Billy Joel: The Nylon Curtain
Official catalog identifies the original 1982 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
27list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1976 (year verified)
Original album: Turnstiles
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The broad drum sound and layered voices make this studio recording feel expansive.
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
28list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1976 (year verified)
Original album: Turnstiles
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Listen for the contrast between fleet piano attack and the song's heavier band sections.
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
29list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1974 (year verified)
Original album: Streetlife Serenade
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: A nimble keyboard pattern carries a brisk, sharply drawn first-person performance.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1974 (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: Streetlife Serenade
Billy Joel: Streetlife Serenade
Official catalog identifies the original 1974 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
30list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1978 (year verified)
Original album: 52nd Street
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The emphatic band punches and theatrical vocal make this a useful change of temperature.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease 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
31list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1983 (year verified)
Original album: An Innocent Man
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: A relaxed groove and playful phrasing supply an easygoing counterweight to the heavier narratives.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease 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
32list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1983 (year verified)
Original album: An Innocent Man
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: A bright ensemble arrangement turns direct advice into an energetic singalong.
Annual appearances: 1983
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
33list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1989 (year verified)
Original album: Storm Front
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The steady motion and broad melody give the maritime scene a powerful sense of scale.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease 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
34list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1989 (year verified)
Original album: Storm Front
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Follow the two narrative strands and the restrained way the arrangement brings them together.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease 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
35list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1983 (year verified)
Original album: An Innocent Man
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The sustained vocal line reveals a more exposed, demanding side of the singer.
Annual appearances: 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
36list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1989 (year verified)
Original album: Storm Front
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Driving piano and abrupt emotional turns keep this performance restless.
Annual appearances: 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
37list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1993 (year verified)
Original album: River of Dreams
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The spacious chorus and layered voices provide a strong later-career contrast.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1993 (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: River of Dreams
Billy Joel: River of Dreams
Official catalog identifies the original 1993 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
38list
orderBilly Joel
First released: February 1, 2024 (day verified)
Original single: Turn the Lights Back On
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: A reflective piano ballad that makes a useful late chapter in this listening journey.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: February 1, 2024 (day verified)
The official single entry establishes this release day.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Billy Joel
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original single: Turn the Lights Back On
Billy Joel: Turn the Lights Back On
Official single entry gives February 1, 2024 as release date. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
39list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1971 (year verified)
Original album: Cold Spring Harbor
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: A sharp early performance whose brisk rhythm undercuts the apparent admiration of the title.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1971 (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: Cold Spring Harbor
Billy Joel: Cold Spring Harbor
Official catalog identifies the original 1971 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
40list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1973 (year verified)
Original album: Piano Man
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The gentler instrumental palette offers a welcome pause between larger piano statements.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease 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
41list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1973 (year verified)
Original album: Piano Man
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Treat this as a widescreen arrangement, with the instrumental passages doing part of the storytelling.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease 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
42list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1974 (year verified)
Original album: Streetlife Serenade
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: A measured, atmospheric opening choice for exploring the less familiar early albums.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1974 (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: Streetlife Serenade
Billy Joel: Streetlife Serenade
Official catalog identifies the original 1974 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
43list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1980 (year verified)
Original album: Glass Houses
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: A bright melody and urgent rhythm make this album track an accessible deeper stop.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1980 (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: Glass Houses
Billy Joel: Glass Houses
Official catalog identifies the original 1980 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
44list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1980 (year verified)
Original album: Glass Houses
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The insistent piano figure and increasingly crowded arrangement create a deliberately obsessive momentum.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1980 (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: Glass Houses
Billy Joel: Glass Houses
Official catalog identifies the original 1980 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
45list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1978 (year verified)
Original album: 52nd Street
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Allow its slow build to unfold; the performance keeps widening its emotional register.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease 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
46list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1983 (year verified)
Original album: An Innocent Man
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The airy accompaniment lets the melody and harmonica colors remain in the foreground.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease 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
47list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1983 (year verified)
Original album: An Innocent Man
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Listen to the stately chorus against the more conversational movement of the verses.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease 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
48list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1982 (year verified)
Original album: The Nylon Curtain
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The uneasy harmonies and tightly pressed vocal add a thornier texture to the collection.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1982 (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 Nylon Curtain
Billy Joel: The Nylon Curtain
Official catalog identifies the original 1982 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
49list
orderBilly Joel
First released: 1986 (year verified)
Original album: The Bridge
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: The guitar-led arrangement offers a clear contrast with the piano-centered opening selections.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1986 (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 Bridge
Billy Joel: The Bridge
Official catalog identifies the original 1986 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
50list
orderBilly Joel with Ray Charles
First released: 1986 (year verified)
Original album: The Bridge
Original studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Two contrasting voices and a relaxed piano conversation make a warm final stop.
Beyond the yearly listsRelease evidence and recording details
First released: 1986 (year verified)
Original recording release year; later singles and reissues do not replace this date.
Recording: Original studio recording
Credit: Billy Joel with Ray Charles
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: The Bridge
Billy Joel: The Bridge
Official catalog identifies the original 1986 album and its tracks. Year precision avoids implying that every track first appeared on the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
Billy Joel: The Bridge LP
Official album listing identifies the 1986 original album and Baby Grand as a duet with Ray Charles. Used for the guest credit, not the reissue date. | Reviewed 2026-10-17