Five of the best from Billy Joel

• The Stranger (1977) – This album marked Joel’s commercial breakthrough and includes iconic tracks like “Just the Way You Are,” “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song),” “Only the Good Die Young,” and “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant.” It has been certified Diamond by the RIAA.
• 52nd Street (1978) – Released after “The Stranger,” this album continued Joel’s success with hits such as “My Life,” “Big Shot,” and “Honesty.” It has been certified 7x Platinum in the U.S.
• An Innocent Man (1983) – This album is a tribute to the doo-wop and pop music of Joel’s youth and features popular songs like “Uptown Girl,” “Tell Her About It,” and “The Longest Time.” It has also been certified 7x Platinum by the RIAA.
• Glass Houses (1980) – With a more rock-oriented sound, this album includes the hit single “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” which was Joel’s first #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The album has been certified 7x Platinum in the U.S.
• Storm Front (1989) – Featuring the hit single “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” which lists historical events from Joel’s birth year to the release year of the song, this album has been certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA.

1. The Stranger (1977)

The 1977 album “The Stranger” is a landmark in his career and a classic in rock music. This album elevated Joel to superstar status with its rich storytelling and memorable melodies. “The Stranger” features timeless hits like “Just the Way You Are,” which won Grammy Awards for Record and Song of the Year, and “Only the Good Die Young,” showcasing Joel’s knack for blending rock, pop, and jazz influences. Produced by Phil Ramone, the album’s polished production and heartfelt lyrics resonated with a broad audience, making it a commercial success.

“The Stranger” became Billy Joel’s first Top 10 album on the Billboard 200 and remains one of his best-selling records, certified Diamond by the RIAA. Its success solidified Joel’s reputation as a master songwriter and performer. The album’s impact on pop and rock music is undeniable, cementing Joel’s place in music history. For fans of classic rock and singer-songwriter genres, “The Stranger” is a must-listen.

2. 52nd Street (1978)

The 1978 album “52nd Street” solidified his status as a rock and pop icon. Building on the success of “The Stranger,” this album showcases Joel’s versatility and sophisticated songwriting. “52nd Street” features a mix of rock, jazz, and pop influences, highlighting Joel’s musical range. The album was produced by Phil Ramone, whose collaboration with Joel resulted in a polished and dynamic sound.

“52nd Street” was a commercial triumph, becoming Joel’s first album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200. It includes standout tracks like “My Life” and “Big Shot,” which became radio staples and further cemented Joel’s place in music history. The album won two Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, demonstrating its critical acclaim. Certified 7x Platinum by the RIAA, “52nd Street” remains a classic, reflecting the vibrant energy of New York City and Joel’s unique ability to connect with listeners through his engaging storytelling and memorable melodies.

3. An Innocent Man (1983)

Billy Joel’s 1983 album “An Innocent Man” is a tribute to the music of the 1950s and 1960s, reflecting Joel’s admiration for the sounds of his youth. This album features a collection of songs that draw inspiration from doo-wop, soul, and early rock and roll, showcasing Joel’s versatility as a songwriter and performer. “An Innocent Man” includes some of Joel’s most beloved hits, such as “Uptown Girl” and “Tell Her About It,” which highlight his ability to craft catchy, memorable melodies.

The album was a commercial success, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and earning a 7x Platinum certification from the RIAA. The nostalgic feel and upbeat tracks resonated with a wide audience, making it one of Joel’s best-selling records. “An Innocent Man” received critical acclaim for its authentic sound and heartfelt lyrics, cementing Billy Joel’s reputation as a master of blending contemporary and classic influences in his music. For fans of rock and pop, this album remains a standout in Joel’s impressive discography.

4. Glass Houses (1980)

The 1980 album “Glass Houses” marked a bold shift towards a more rock-oriented sound, setting it apart from his earlier work. This album features edgier, guitar-driven tracks, reflecting Joel’s desire to experiment with different styles and capture the essence of rock and roll. “Glass Houses” includes hits like “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” which became Joel’s first No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing his knack for writing catchy, relatable songs.

The album was a commercial hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and earning a 7x Platinum certification from the RIAA. Joel’s energetic performances and sharp lyrics resonated with a broad audience, helping “Glass Houses” maintain its popularity over the years. Critics praised the album for its fresh approach and confident sound, solidifying Billy Joel’s reputation as a versatile and dynamic artist. For fans of rock music, “Glass Houses” remains a compelling and essential part of Billy Joel’s discography.

5. Storm Front (1989)

Billy Joel’s 1989 album “Storm Front” represents a significant evolution in his musical style, featuring a more contemporary rock sound. Produced by Mick Jones of Foreigner, the album showcases a powerful and polished production that resonates with fans of rock and pop music. “Storm Front” includes the hit single “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” a rapid-fire listing of historical events that became one of Joel’s most recognizable songs and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The album’s success was marked by its commercial performance, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and earning a 4x Platinum certification from the RIAA. Tracks like “I Go to Extremes” and “And So It Goes” highlight Joel’s ability to blend introspective lyrics with engaging melodies. “Storm Front” received critical acclaim for its bold production and thoughtful songwriting, solidifying Billy Joel’s position as a leading figure in the rock and pop music scene. This album remains a standout in Joel’s catalog, reflecting his adaptability and enduring appeal.