Billy Joel’s extensive catalog has produced numerous classics that have made it into the soundtracks of the lives of audiences worldwide.
Over five decades, he’s given the world everything from tender ballads to fiery rock hits, crafting songs that are perfect for both stadium singalongs and quiet moments of reflection.
Today, Billy Joel’s catalogue is, of course, iconic to his contemporaries, who witnessed the release of his signature tracks – but has also piqued the interest of younger generations (even earning a shoutout in an Olivia Rodrigo hit).
Based on their popularity on streaming platform Spotify, here are his current top 10 most streamed songs, ranked from 10 to 1:
10. ‘Only the Good Die Young’ – 217 million total streams
Released in 1977 on the album The Stranger, ‘Only the Good Die Young’ is a spirited track that combines upbeat melodies with provocative lyrics. The song narrates a young man’s attempt to persuade a Catholic girl to abandon her chastity, leading to controversy upon its release. Despite initial bans by some radio stations, the song’s popularity still surged. Billy justified his lyrics to Performing Songwriter magazine, saying: “When I wrote ‘Only the Good Die Young’, the point of the song wasn’t so much anti-Catholic as pro-lust. The minute they banned it, the album started shooting up the charts”.
9. ‘It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me’ – 266 million total streams
From the 1980 album Glass Houses, ‘It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me’ showcases Joel’s commentary on the music industry’s changing trends. The song satirizes the fickle nature of fashion and music fads, emphasizing authenticity over style. It became Joel’s first single to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
8. ‘Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)’ – 173 million total streams
Also featured on The Stranger, ‘Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)’ reflects on the working-class ethos and the pursuit of the American Dream. The protagonist, Anthony, questions the value of working tirelessly for material gains, pondering if there’s more to life than societal expectations.
7. ‘Just the Way You Are’ – 287 million total streams
A tender ballad from The Stranger – again -, ‘Just the Way You Are’ was written for Joel’s first wife, Elizabeth Weber. The song expresses unconditional love and acceptance, earning Joel two Grammy Awards in 1979 for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Its timeless message continues to be a fan favourite, and a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions.
6. ‘My Life’ – 269 million total streams
Released in 1978 on the album 52nd Street, ‘My Life’ is an anthem of personal independence and self-determination. The upbeat track emphasizes the importance of living life on one’s own terms, free from external judgments.
5. ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ – 564 million total streams
A true history lesson with a melodic background, ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ was released in 1989 on the album Storm Front. The song references over 100 historical events between 1949 and 1989, reflecting on societal changes and global events. Joel has mentioned that the song was inspired by a conversation with Sean Lennon about the state of the world, leading him to highlight that every generation faces its own challenges.
4. ‘She’s Always a Woman’ – 433 million total streams
Another classic from The Stranger, ‘She’s Always a Woman’ is a delicate portrayal of a complex woman, highlighting her strengths and imperfections. Joel’s lyrical craftsmanship paints a nuanced picture, and the song’s gentle melody complements its introspective lyrics.
3. ‘Piano Man’ – 964 million total streams
Arguably Joel’s signature song – that inspired his nickname -, ‘Piano Man’ was released in 1973 and is based on his experiences playing at a bar in Los Angeles. The song introduces a cast of characters, each with their own stories and dreams, creating a vivid snapshot of barroom life. Despite its initial modest chart performance, ‘Piano Man’ has become an anthem, often sung in unison by audiences during live performances.
2. ‘Vienna’ – 731 million total streams
Featured on The Stranger, ‘Vienna’ is a reflective piece that encourages listeners to slow down and savor life’s moments. Joel has explained that the song was inspired by a visit to Vienna, where he observed an elderly woman sweeping the streets, leading him to contemplate the value of all stages of life. Though not a major hit upon its release, ‘Vienna’ has gained immense popularity over the years, especially among younger audiences who resonate with its message about patience and self-discovery.
1. ‘Uptown Girl’ – 1.1 Billion total streams
Topping the list is ‘Uptown Girl,’ released in 1983 on the album An Innocent Man. The song tells the story of a working-class ‘downtown man’ infatuated with a wealthy ‘uptown girl.’ Joel was inspired by his relationships with supermodels Elle Macpherson and Christie Brinkley, the latter of whom appeared in the song’s iconic music video and later became his wife. ‘Uptown Girl’ achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a chart-topping hit in the UK. Its enduring popularity is evident, with the song surpassing 1 billion streams on Spotify.
Interestingly, the song has also sparked discussions among newer generations: a viral social media post described it as having ‘sinister vibes.
