Few debates in music are as spirited as deciding the best Billy Joel album. The Piano Man has created countless hits over decades, crafting a legacy of timeless music. From emotional ballads to upbeat anthems, Joel’s work spans genres and eras. Ranking his twelve studio albums requires considering production quality, lyrical depth and overall impact. Here is a countdown of his albums, from minor hits to phenomenal masterpieces.
12. “Cold Spring Harbor” (1971)
Billy Joel’s debut album had potential, but a mastering error caused the entire record to play too fast, leaving Joel’s voice unnaturally high-pitched. Despite standout tracks like “She’s Got a Way,” the album’s technical flaws hold it back. If remastered and re-recorded, it could achieve greater recognition.
11. “The Bridge” (1986)
This album saw Joel experimenting with duets, including the successful “Baby Grand” with Ray Charles. However, “Code of Silence” with Cyndi Lauper missed the mark, and the overuse of 1980s synth production makes this album feel dated compared to his other works.
10. “Piano Man” (1973)
Joel’s breakthrough album includes the iconic title track that earned him his nickname, “The Piano Man.” While songs like “Captain Jack” and “The Ballad of Billy the Kid” stand out, the overall album lacks the consistency and polish of his later works.
9. “Storm Front” (1989)
A grittier follow-up to “The Bridge,” this album contains the hit “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” though Joel himself isn’t fond of the song. Tracks like “I Go to Extremes,” which tackles manic depression, showcase his ability to blend personal struggles with powerful melodies.
8. “Streetlife Serenade” (1974)
This album features underrated tracks such as “Los Angelenos” and “The Entertainer” but doesn’t have the same energy as his later works. With rushed production and several instrumental pieces, it feels more like a transitional work in Joel’s career.
7. “52nd Street” (1978)
A commercial success, this album includes hits like “Big Shot,” “My Life,” and “Honesty.” Joel also delved into jazz influences with “Zanzibar.” While packed with strong tracks, it falls short of his top-tier works.
6. “Turnstiles” (1976)
Marking a turning point in Joel’s career, “Turnstiles” features classics like “Say Goodbye to Hollywood” and “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway).” Its exploration of themes like personal change and urban decay makes it one of his best albums of the 1970s.
5. “River of Dreams” (1993)
Joel’s final studio album is deeply personal, reflecting his feelings of betrayal following his divorce from Christie Brinkley and a financial dispute with his former brother-in-law. Songs like “All About Soul” and “No Man’s Land” balance emotional depth with social commentary.
4. “The Stranger” (1977)
This album solidified Joel’s place in music history, featuring hits like “Just the Way You Are,” “Vienna” and “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.” Produced by Phil Ramone, it remains his best-selling non-compilation album and a staple of his career.
3. “An Innocent Man” (1983)
A nostalgic concept album, “An Innocent Man” pays homage to the music of Joel’s youth. Tracks like “Uptown Girl” and “Keeping the Faith” capture the energy of early rock ‘n’ roll, while “Christie Lee” channels the spirit of Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard.
2. “Glass Houses” (1980)
Joel’s most rock-oriented album, “Glass Houses” opens with the sound of shattering glass and delivers edgy tracks like “Sometimes a Fantasy” and “Close to the Borderline.” The infectious “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” remains a fan favorite and a testament to Joel’s versatility.
1. “The Nylon Curtain” (1982)
Billy Joel’s most ambitious and meticulously crafted album, “The Nylon Curtain,” stands as the pinnacle of his 1980s accomplishments. With more production time than any of his previous works, the album delivers a layered sound, highlighted by the Beatle-esque “Laura,” notable as the only released track where Joel curses. Other standout songs include the haunting `“Goodnight Saigon,” a tribute to Vietnam War soldiers, and the sharp, new-wave-inspired “Pressure.” Beyond its musical innovation, the album reflects the era’s fading American Dream, with Joel noting, “It was during the Reagan years, and the diminishing horizons in America at the time [meant that] all of a sudden you weren’t going to be able to inherit [the kind of life] your old man had.” With its introspection, social commentary, and rich production, “The Nylon Curtain” remains a defining moment in Joel’s career.
Without a doubt, through over 50 years of recording excellence, Billy Joel has created the soundtrack to numerous lives, and crafted images through a piano. His accomplishments will far outweigh the very few weak songs, and even then, the weak songs are supported by a great album. The Piano Man continues to play, and on occasion releases new music, such as the 2024 song, “Turn the Lights Back On.”
