Celebrating a Birthday and Reflecting on Billy Joel’s Best Tracks

Today marks my son’s second birthday, which is fantastic. But, hey, it’s also the 77th birthday of none other than Billy Joel! Just kidding, love. Seriously though, I want to send out heartfelt birthday wishes to William Martin Joel. His entire discography has been a backdrop for my late-night drives and the not-so-great spaghetti dishes I’ve crafted in my home kitchen.

This leads me to an idea: how about I rank the ten best songs he’s ever created? Now, I get it—rankings like these are subjective. I can already picture some die-hard fans from New York getting riled up in the comments, especially if “Piano Man” doesn’t appear on the list. Spoiler alert, folks.

10. “Pressure” — Nylon Curtains

Some fans feel that Billy hit a creative plateau during the early to mid-1980s. However, “Pressure,” from Nylon Curtains, shows that he’s still got it. The lyrics deliver a cynical punch: “But you’ll come to a place / The only place you’ll feel / A gun loaded in your face / And you’ll have to deal with / The pressure.” It really captures the anxiety he faced trying to meet the high expectations set by his earlier successes. Plus, the synthesizer riff adds to that weighty feel.

9. “All for Reyna” — Glass Houses

Speaking of hidden gems, “All for Reyna” is another track from one of Joel’s most successful albums. This song traces his almost obsessive feelings for a girl named Reyna and conveys the essence of youthful heartbreak splendidly. The opening synth riff is haunting yet catchy, making this tune one of the most memorable takes on loneliness.

8. “The Stranger” — The Stranger

Here, Joel shows off his piano chops. The title track is more than just a melody; it’s also a rock song with great guitar work. It’s often underrated compared to his other hits, but it deserves more acknowledgment in the grand scheme of his music.

7. “Allentown” — Nylon Curtains

It might surprise some to see a couple of tracks from Nylon Curtains on this list, but “Allentown” is a poignant exploration of the struggles faced by Pennsylvania’s coal miners and steelworkers as their industries waned during the early ’80s. Despite being labeled as merely a “lounge singer,” Joel digs deep with rich themes. The instrumentation, with its factory horns, crafts a vivid soundscape that encapsulates that era’s challenges.

6. “Big Shot” — 52nd Street

Now, let’s talk about “Big Shot.” It leans more into rock with a guitar-driven sound. The lyrics depict a woman who overstretches herself, capturing late 70s rock vibes. Lines like “Dom Perignon in my hand, spoon in my nose” showcase Joel’s lyrical genius.

5. “Sleep with the TV On” — Glass Houses

In a different vibe, “Sleep with the TV On” offers a more subdued sound but packs a memorable lyrical punch. It’s about a shy woman and every man’s hesitation in love—something I definitely relate to from my younger years. This song is a great B-side that often gets overlooked.

4. “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” — The Stranger

This track captures the essence of late 70s New York. Its bassline has been etched in my memory for years. The bike sound effects during the outro just adds that final touch, making the song feel complete.

3. “You May Be Right” — Glass Houses

This one is perfect for radio. It’s catchy, it’s memorable, and it’s a classic for a reason. The lyrics and chorus stick with you long after you’ve heard it. It’s just one of those songs that highlight Joel at his finest.

2. “Sometimes A Fantasy” — Glass Houses

Though “You May Be Right” gets a lot of recognition, “Sometimes A Fantasy” might actually be a better tune. It has a delightful riff and clever lyrics that manage to be both funny and insightful. The live performances only add to the charm of this track.

1. “New York State of Mind” — Turnstiles

To me, if there’s one song that embodies Billy Joel, it’s “New York State of Mind.” This track takes a nostalgic look at his roots, capturing the essence of returning home to reconnect with his past. It’s beautifully composed, and its piano intro is iconic. If you want to feel a deep longing for the city, this is the song to listen to during those quiet, late-night drives.

This song resonates with me, coming across as genuinely perfect. I hold “New York State of Mind” dear to my heart, probably ranking it among my all-time favorites. So now, I think I’ll slip into Billy Joel’s playlist on Spotify to celebrate the birthdays of two of my favorite guys.

And hey, some honorable mentions: “Just the Way You Are,” “Only the Good Die Young,” “My Life,” “Uptown Girl,” and “It’s Still Rock ‘n’ Roll to Me.”