Photo: “Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden” flickr photo by slgckgc https://flickr.com/photos/slgc/24137203612 shared under a Creative Commons (BY) license
Can you think of any other songwriter that is more universally loved than Billy Joel? The answer is probably not, with maybe one exception. The only other artists in popular music history that attracted the mass appeal that Billy Joel has attracted would be Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and, of course, The Beatles. However, it could be argued that Sinatra and Presley have had limited appeal in the youth culture of the 2000s. Only The Beatles and Billy Joel have sustained a generous mass appeal for their entire careers. Of course, Paul McCartney has had a long, distinctive solo career since the breakup of The Beatles. So it could be argued that Billy Joel and Paul McCartney are really the only living single artists that have captured the everlasting ears of music fans that range from elementary school age to senior citizens. Our personal favorite is Elton John, but for some reason, Elton John has not appealed to the youth of the 2000s like Billy Joel has.
Obviously not everyone loves Billy and Paul, but I think it’s safe to say that they probably cover the most ground as far as range of fans. So the next question would be why? The answer is really rather simple; great songs! However Billy Joel did not just write and record great songs, the man recorded entire albums full of great songs. Although each Billy Joel album had a distinctive feel to them, they all presented the public with a collection of timeless material that has sustained popularity since their initial releases. It’s impossible to pick the top 10 Billy Joel albums, but it’s fun to try.
# 10 – River Of Dreams – Billy Joel
Released 1993
Billy Joel’s River of Dreams serves as both a deeply personal reflection and a triumphant culmination of his illustrious pop-rock career. Released on August 10, 1993, the album was recorded at the historic Boathouse at Cove Neck in Long Island, New York. Co-produced by Billy Joel and Danny Kortchmar, the album features a rich tapestry of sounds and themes, blending introspective lyrics with Joel’s unmistakable knack for melody. This was Joel’s twelfth and final studio album of original pop songs, marking the end of an era while leaving an indelible mark on his discography.
The musicianship on River of Dreams is impeccable. Alongside Joel on vocals and piano, the album features Steve Jordan on drums, T-Bone Wolk on bass, Danny Kortchmar and Tommy Byrnes on guitar, and Jeff Jacobs on keyboards. Additionally, Crystal Taliefero contributed background vocals, percussion, and saxophone, adding layers of texture to the album’s sound. Joel’s then-wife, Christie Brinkley, provided the striking cover artwork, encapsulating the dreamlike and spiritual themes present throughout the record.
Chart success and critical acclaim solidified River of Dreams as one of Joel’s most significant releases. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and was nominated for four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. The title track, “The River of Dreams,” became an anthem of the early 1990s, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year. Other standout tracks such as “All About Soul” and “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)” showcased Joel’s ability to weave poignant storytelling into his music.
CD Track Listings:
- “No Man’s Land” – 4:45
- “The Great Wall of China” – 5:45
- “Blonde Over Blue” – 4:55
- “A Minor Variation” – 5:36
- “Shades of Grey” – 4:10
- “All About Soul” – 5:59
- “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)” – 3:34
- “The River of Dreams” – 4:05
- “Two Thousand Years” – 5:20
- “Famous Last Words” – 4:57
# 9 – An Innocent Man
(Released August 8, 1983)
Billy Joel’s An Innocent Man album was an ode to the music of his youth. Every song was written as a tribute to a specific musical artist from The Four Seasons to James Brown. However, the songs were so well written and performed, it proved inevitable that Billy Joel’s original songs overshadowed the tribute concept. They were meant to be songs written as tribute but the songs themselves were just so good they became classic themselves.
Released on August 8, 1983, the album was recorded at Chelsea Sound and A&R Recording in New York City from 1982 to 1983. Produced by Phil Ramone, this was Joel’s ninth studio album, and it marked a significant departure from the rock-driven sound of his previous work, opting instead for a lighter, more playful tone.
The album features an array of talented musicians, including Billy Joel on lead vocals and piano, Liberty DeVitto on drums, Doug Stegmeyer on bass guitar, David Brown on electric guitar, and Mark Rivera on saxophone. Richie Cannata contributed saxophone solos, while Joel also worked with an assortment of backup vocalists to bring the lush harmonies of the era to life. The production by Phil Ramone ensured that the album’s throwback sound felt vibrant and modern, blending vintage inspiration with contemporary recording techniques.
Critically and commercially, An Innocent Man was a triumph. It peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 and spawned a series of hit singles, including “Uptown Girl,” which reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100, and “Tell Her About It,” a chart-topping single. Other memorable tracks like “The Longest Time” and “An Innocent Man” showcased Joel’s remarkable versatility and knack for storytelling. The album received Grammy nominations and was certified multi-platinum, solidifying its place as one of Joel’s most iconic works.
CD Track Listings:
- “Easy Money” – 4:04
- “An Innocent Man” – 5:18
- “The Longest Time” – 3:42
- “This Night” – 4:17
- “Tell Her About It” – 3:52
- “Uptown Girl” – 3:18
- “Careless Talk” – 3:48
- “Christie Lee” – 3:31
- “Leave a Tender Moment Alone” – 3:55
- “Keeping the Faith” – 4:39
Read More: Billy Joel’s Best Song On Each Of His Albums
# 8 – Streetlife Serenade
Released October 11, 1974
Billy Joel’s Streetlife Serenade
album was released in 1974. It was the follow-up to 1973’s Piano Man and contained some of Billy Joel’s most virtuosic piano playing. Billy Joel’s chops were especially displayed in the great ragtime piece “Root Beer Rag.” The album yielded a top 40 single entitled “The Entertainer.” Our favorite track on the album will always be the poetic and depressing song “The Great Suburban Showdown in the Sky.”
Billy Joel’s Streetlife Serenade captures the vibrant essence of mid-1970s America with a reflective and sardonic edge. Released on October 11, 1974, as Joel’s third studio album, it marked a period of artistic exploration for the Long Island songwriter. The album was recorded at Devonshire Sound Studios in North Hollywood, California, with production handled by Michael Stewart. This project not only solidified Joel’s reputation as a master lyricist but also highlighted his growing prowess as a pianist and arranger.
The album is notable for its diverse musical palette, which includes everything from soft rock ballads to instrumental compositions. Joel performed lead vocals and piano throughout the record, supported by Richard Bennett on guitar, Mike Botts on drums, and Wilton Felder on bass. Chart success came swiftly, with Streetlife Serenade reaching number 35 on the Billboard 200. Although it didn’t produce a top ten single, “The Entertainer” became a minor hit, peaking at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100.
CD Track Listings:
- “Streetlife Serenader” – 5:17
- “Los Angelenos” – 3:41
- “The Great Suburban Showdown” – 3:45
- “Root Beer Rag” – 2:59
- “Roberta” – 4:32
- “The Entertainer” – 3:41
- “Last of the Big Time Spenders” – 4:37
- “Weekend Song” – 3:31
- “Souvenir” – 2:00
- “The Mexican Connection” – 3:39
Read More: Our 10 Favorite Covers Of Billy Joel Songs
# 7 – Storm Front
(Released October 17 1989)
Billy Joel’s Cold War album was heavily influenced by twentieth-century popular culture and Billy Joel’s tour of the Soviet Union. The album’s mega-hit “We Didn’t Start The Fire,” became one of the most popular songs used by middle school school teachers in the late 20th century. It was a song that introduced an entire new generation of young people to the music of Billy Joel. The song became a number one hit for Billy Joel. The success of the songs led to seven more singles being released from the album. Almost every song on the album was released as a single. It was very similar to what Columbia Records did with Bruce Springsteen’s Born In The U.S.A.
which was released only five years before Storm Front.
Released on October 17, 1989, the album represented Joel’s first collaboration with producer Mick Jones of Foreigner, resulting in a harder-edged, more rock-oriented sound. Recorded at The Hit Factory in New York City, Storm Front highlighted Joel’s versatility as a songwriter while diving into more introspective and socially conscious themes. The production’s layered instrumentation, coupled with Joel’s signature storytelling, created a commercially successful and artistically compelling album.
The album features an impressive lineup of musicians, including Joel himself on vocals and keyboards, along with Liberty DeVitto on drums, David Brown on lead guitar, and Schuyler Deale on bass. Additional contributors included Mick Jones on guitar and Jeff Jacobs on keyboards, while backing vocalists and a brass section added depth to the arrangements. The lead single, “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” quickly became a cultural phenomenon, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing its place as one of Joel’s most iconic songs. Other standout tracks, such as “I Go to Extremes” and “And So It Goes,” showcased Joel’s emotional range and lyrical mastery, with the latter becoming a fan favorite for its heartfelt simplicity.
Storm Front achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 and earning a Grammy nomination. Critics praised Joel’s ability to balance ambitious production with personal and poignant songwriting. Tracks like “The Downeaster ‘Alexa’” reflected his knack for storytelling, weaving a narrative of struggling fishermen against a backdrop of orchestral swells. The album’s thematic diversity, touching on everything from historical retrospectives to deeply personal reflections, solidified its reputation as a standout in Joel’s discography.
CD Track Listings:
- “That’s Not Her Style” – 5:09
- “We Didn’t Start the Fire” – 4:49
- “The Downeaster ‘Alexa’” – 3:44
- “I Go to Extremes” – 4:23
- “Shameless” – 4:26
- “Storm Front” – 5:17
- “Leningrad” – 4:03
- “State of Grace” – 4:30
- “When in Rome” – 4:50
- “And So It Goes” – 3:38
Read More: Billy Joel’s Return To Madison Square Garden A Victory For Us All
# 6 – Glass Houses
(Released March 10 1980)
At a time when punk music had developed into a new genre called new wave, the Sound of “Glass Houses” echoed the heavy synthetic and choppy rhythms of the new wave era of the early 80s. Glass Houses is an interesting record. The piano is not as dominant throughout the record as it was in his previous work. This one is all about the guitar, bass, drums, and synths. It’s heavy but in a pop sort of sense. It was also an album that everyone very well received.
Released on March 12, 1980, the album marked a stylistic departure, as Joel embraced a rock-oriented sound inspired by the burgeoning new wave and punk movements. Recorded at A&R Recording, Inc., and CBS Recording Studios in New York City, Glass Houses featured Joel in collaboration with his longtime producer Phil Ramone. Together, they crafted an album that resonated with critics and fans alike, earning Joel a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.
The album featured a tight-knit band of musicians, including Liberty DeVitto on drums, Doug Stegmeyer on bass, and guitarists David Brown and Russell Javors. Joel himself provided the piano, keyboards, and lead vocals, while Richie Cannata added saxophone flourishes. Glass Houses delivered some of Joel’s most memorable hits, including “You May Be Right,” which reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, and “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” Joel’s first number one single. The album’s sound, characterized by its raw energy and stripped-down arrangements, was a clear nod to the rock ethos of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Commercially, Glass Houses was a massive success. It topped the Billboard 200 chart and was certified 7x Platinum by the RIAA, cementing its place as one of Joel’s best-selling records. Tracks like “Don’t Ask Me Why” showcased Joel’s knack for blending catchy melodies with sharp, introspective lyrics, while songs like “All for Leyna” revealed a darker, more complex side of his songwriting. The album’s closing track, “Through the Long Night,” provided a gentle, haunting conclusion to a record that otherwise bristled with defiance and swagger.
The difference between the previous record, 52nd Street
and Glass Houses
is astonishing. Glass Houses presented fans with the huge hit singles “You May Be Right,” “It’s Still Rock and Roll To Me,” and “Don’t Ask Me Why.” Still, our favorite songs on the album will always be “Sometimes A Fantasy” and “All For Leyna.”
CD Track Listings:
- “You May Be Right” – 4:15
- “Sometimes a Fantasy” – 3:40
- “Don’t Ask Me Why” – 2:59
- “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” – 2:55
- “All for Leyna” – 4:15
- “I Don’t Want to Be Alone” – 3:57
- “Sleeping with the Television On” – 2:59
- “C’était Toi (You Were the One)” – 3:25
- “Close to the Borderline” – 3:47
- “Through the Long Night” – 2:43
Read More: Top 10 Billy Joel Love Songs
# 5 – Piano Man
(Released 1973)
Billy Joel’s Piano Man was released in 1973. The title track, “Piano Man,” is one of the most loved songs ever. It is also among the most hated by pianists who play in restaurants and lounges and are constantly asked to play the song night after night. The song’s historic popularity has overshadowed all the other great songs on the record. Tracks like “Worst Comes To Worst,” “If I Only Had The Words To Tell You,” and “You’re My Home” are pure gems. We can’t forget the epic “The Ballad Of Billy The Kid.” However, the song that we all loved the most when this record came out was the album’s final cut, “Captain Jack.” In a 2021 interview on the Howard Stern show, it’s funny how Billy Joel was making fun of the song, saying it made him cringe every time he heard it.
Released on November 9, 1973, this sophomore effort was Joel’s first under Columbia Records and marked a turning point in his trajectory as an artist. Recorded between July and September of that year at Devonshire Sound Studios in Los Angeles, the album was produced by Michael Stewart. The musicians who brought Piano Man to life included Joel on vocals, piano, and harmonica; Rhys Clark on drums; Larry Carlton and Dean Parks on guitar; Wilton Felder on bass; and Emil Richards on percussion. The album peaked at number 27 on the Billboard 200 and was later certified quadruple Platinum by the RIAA, showcasing its enduring appeal.
CD Track Listings:
- “Travelin’ Prayer” – 4:16
- “Piano Man” – 5:40
- “Ain’t No Crime” – 3:20
- “You’re My Home” – 3:14
- “The Ballad of Billy the Kid” – 5:35
- “Worse Comes to Worst” – 3:12
- “Stop in Nevada” – 3:40
- “If I Only Had the Words (To Tell You)” – 3:35
- “Somewhere Along the Line” – 3:19
- “Captain Jack” – 7:15
Read More: 10 Most Rocking Billy Joel Songs
# 4 – Turnstiles
(Released May 19, 1976)
Billy Joel’s Turnstiles
is that album that hardcore Billy Joel fans often call their favorite. Songs like I’ve Loved These Days, “Summer, Highland Falls” New York State of Mind, “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)” etc…. Eight perfect tracks. This is why ranking Billy Joel albums is almost impossible, But it’s fun. This was a short album that only consisted of eight songs. Yet it’s the one that sets up the massive success he would have on his next album entitled The Stranger.
Released on May 19, 1976, this self-produced album finds Joel confidently exploring themes of nostalgia, ambition, and urban grit, marking a turning point in his career. Recorded at Ultra Sonic Recording Studios in Hempstead, New York, Turnstiles benefits from Joel’s decision to work with his touring band rather than session musicians, lending the album an intimate, authentic sound.
The musicians on Turnstiles include Billy Joel on vocals and piano, Doug Stegmeyer on bass, Liberty DeVitto on drums, Russell Javors on rhythm guitar, and Howie Emerson on lead guitar. Richie Cannata contributes saxophone and organ, adding a vibrant texture to the tracks. Joel’s hands-on approach as a producer ensured that the album reflected his artistic vision without compromise. Despite its lack of immediate commercial success—peaking at number 122 on the Billboard 200—it became a fan favorite and a critical cornerstone of Joel’s catalog.
The album opens with “Say Goodbye to Hollywood,” a soaring homage to Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound and a farewell to the West Coast. “New York State of Mind,” arguably the album’s most enduring track, is a heartfelt love letter to Joel’s hometown, featuring Cannata’s soulful saxophone. The anthem “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)” paints a post-apocalyptic vision of New York’s resilience, showcasing Joel’s flair for storytelling. Tracks like “Summer, Highland Falls” and “I’ve Loved These Days” reflect Joel’s introspective side, balancing the album’s larger-than-life moments with poetic intimacy.
CD Track Listings:
- “Say Goodbye to Hollywood” – 4:36
- “Summer, Highland Falls” – 3:17
- “All You Wanna Do Is Dance” – 3:40
- “New York State of Mind” – 6:03
- “James” – 3:55
- “Prelude/Angry Young Man” – 5:17
- “I’ve Loved These Days” – 4:33
- “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)” – 5:12
Read More: 10 Best Songs With The Word ‘River’ In The Title
# 3 – 52nd Street
(Released 1978)
Billy Joel’s 52nd Street album was the follow-up album to The Stranger record. It was perfectly titled because of the vital jazz elements in the musical and lyrical content. By far, the highest level of musicianship of any Billy Joel album. Brilliant playing, singing, and songwriting. The Stranger album was so huge, and the pressure must have been incredible to follow up on that record. However, Billy Joel came roaring back with a brilliant album that defined some of his best work with songs such as “Big Shot,” “Honesty,” “Zanzibar,” and “My Life.”
Released on October 12, 1978, the title pays homage to Manhattan’s iconic 52nd Street, renowned for its jazz history, a theme that runs through the album’s arrangements and lyrical sophistication. 52nd Street became the first commercially released compact disc in 1982, marking its legacy not only musically but also technologically.
Recorded between July and August 1978 at A&R Recording, Inc., in New York City, the album was produced by Phil Ramone, whose polished touch helped shape Joel’s sound. The musicians include Billy Joel on vocals and piano, Richie Cannata on saxophone and organ, Doug Stegmeyer on bass, Liberty DeVitto on drums, David Brown on guitar, and Steve Khan on guitar. Freddie Hubbard contributes a stunning trumpet solo on “Zanzibar,” adding authentic jazz depth to the track. The album’s expert musicianship paired with Joel’s storytelling lyrics earned it Album of the Year at the 1979 Grammy Awards, along with two additional Grammys for Joel.
52nd Street opens with the infectious “Big Shot,” a biting commentary on social excess, followed by the sultry “Honesty,” showcasing Joel’s tender vocal delivery. The upbeat “My Life” became a radio staple, while “Zanzibar” weaves intricate jazz influences into its narrative of ambition and escapism. “Stiletto” and “Rosalinda’s Eyes” delve into themes of romance and intrigue, while “Half a Mile Away” injects a lively horn section. The closing tracks, “Until the Night” and “52nd Street,” balance nostalgia and celebration, tying together an album that feels like a love letter to New York.
CD Track Listings:
- “Big Shot” – 4:03
- “Honesty” – 3:53
- “My Life” – 4:44
- “Zanzibar” – 5:13
- “Stiletto” – 4:42
- “Rosalinda’s Eyes” – 4:41
- “Half a Mile Away” – 4:08
- “Until the Night” – 6:36
- “52nd Street” – 2:27
Read More: Top 10 Billy Joel Album Covers
# 2 – The Nylon Curtain
(Released 1982)
Billy Joel has been quoted as calling The Nylon Curtain his “Sgt. Pepper” album. He was right because this was his most artistic record. We would label it his Captain Fantastic album as it had that same sense of an artist rising to unimaginable musical heights even after having tons of hits Like Elton John did with his Captain Fantastic. and the Brown Dirt Cowboy album. One of the reasons we love The Nylon Curtain album so much music is the number of brilliant songs that Billy Joel has always called his lesser-known tunes that define the album. Songs like “A Room Of Our Own,” Shes’ Right On Time,” and one of our favorite Billy Joel songs of all time entitled “Laura.” Of course, the album did have some big hits. Songs like “Allentown” and “Pressure” were very successful commercially.
Released on September 23, 1982, the album was created during a period of personal and cultural introspection for Joel, addressing themes of disillusionment, societal changes, and the American Dream. Recorded at A&R Recording in New York City, the project reflected Joel’s meticulous craftsmanship, drawing influence from The Beatles’ layered production style. The album was produced by Phil Ramone, whose collaboration with Joel created a dynamic and evocative sonic palette.
Musicians on the album include Billy Joel on vocals and keyboards, Liberty DeVitto on drums, Doug Stegmeyer on bass, Russell Javors on rhythm guitar, and David Brown on lead guitar. Guest musicians include Eddie Daniels, whose clarinet enriches “Scandinavian Skies,” and multi-instrumentalist Rob Mounsey, who adds synthesizers to several tracks. Joel’s determination to create an immersive, story-like atmosphere is evident throughout, and his vocal performance rises to match the heightened emotional content of the album.
The Nylon Curtain opens with “Allentown,” a gritty anthem capturing the economic struggles of working-class America, followed by the poignant “Laura,” a ballad blending sarcasm and vulnerability. “Pressure,” with its pulsating synths, delves into the anxieties of modern life, while “Goodnight Saigon” offers a haunting narrative about the Vietnam War, marking one of Joel’s most profound storytelling moments. Tracks like “She’s Right on Time” and “A Room of Our Own” bring moments of lightness, while “Scandinavian Skies” and “Where’s the Orchestra?” showcase Joel’s experimentation with orchestral and Beatles-inspired arrangements.
CD Track Listings:
- “Allentown” – 3:52
- “Laura” – 5:05
- “Pressure” – 4:41
- “Goodnight Saigon” – 7:05
- “She’s Right on Time” – 4:14
- “A Room of Our Own” – 4:04
- “Surprises” – 3:26
- “Scandinavian Skies” – 6:00
- “Where’s the Orchestra?” – 3:17
# 1 – The Stranger
(Released September 29, 1977)
The Stranger is the most obvious choice as Billy Joel’s greatest album, and it’s hard to argue against it being his best work. The Stranger
album is the record that elevated Billy Joel to International superstardom. For a while, it was Columbia’s biggest selling album. In 1977, every track on this record was played on FM radio all the time.
Billy Joel’s The Stranger is widely regarded as the album that transformed his career, elevating him from a promising singer-songwriter to an international superstar. Released on September 29, 1977, by Columbia Records, the album was Joel’s fifth studio release and his first collaboration with producer Phil Ramone. Recorded at A&R Recording in New York City, the sessions captured Joel’s piano-driven artistry alongside a full band, creating a timeless sound that resonates as powerfully today as it did upon its release.
The musicians on The Stranger included Billy Joel on vocals and piano, Liberty DeVitto on drums, Doug Stegmeyer on bass, Richie Cannata on saxophone and keyboards, and Steve Khan on acoustic and electric guitar. The production benefitted from Ramone’s clean, innovative touch, which added depth and polish without overshadowing Joel’s storytelling. The resulting album struck a perfect balance between radio-friendly singles and deeper cuts, with tracks that offered both emotional intensity and musical sophistication.
The album’s first single became one of the most popular wedding songs of the late 1970s. Multiple times in the 1970s Billy Joel seemed focused on writing songs that would become standards in the same vein as such classic songs as “Misty,” or “Autumn Leaves.” Turnstiles’ “New York State Of Mind,” and The Stranger’s “Just The Way You Are,” were his big stab at joining the legendary songwriters like Gershwin and Rogers and Hart. He didn’t realize then that his songs would become a different generation’s standards. And not just one generation but multiple generations.
The real standards from the album would turn out to be songs like “Only The Good Die Young,” “Moving Out,” “Vienna,” “She’s Only A Woman,” and, of course, his greatest musical achievement and most loved song, “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant.” This is why the album The Stranger stands in our number one spot on this top 10 Billy Joel Albums list. The Stranger is full of standards—standards for our generation.
The Stranger was a commercial and critical triumph, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 and becoming Joel’s first album to achieve multi-platinum status. It remains his best-selling non-compilation album, with more than 10 million copies sold worldwide
CD Track Listings:
- “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” – 3:30
- “The Stranger” – 5:10
- “Just the Way You Are” – 4:50
- “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” – 7:37
- “Vienna” – 3:34
- “Only the Good Die Young” – 3:55
- “She’s Always a Woman” – 3:21
- “Get It Right the First Time” – 3:57
- “Everybody Has a Dream” – 6:37
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Top 10 Billy Joel Albums article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
is astonishing. 
