The Most Popular Billy Joel Song, Ranked

Choose the song you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:30
Music enthusiasts often engage in debates about which songs by their favorite artists stand out the most. For fans of Billy Joel, with his extensive catalog of hits, determining which song is the top can be particularly challenging. Such rankings provide not only interesting discussion topics but also help new listeners identify the must-hear tracks. By participating in the voting process, fans have a direct impact on which songs are seen as the best, reflecting the community's collective opinion. This dynamic ranking changes with every vote, making it exciting to revisit and see how preferences shift over time. Engage in this ongoing conversation and see where your favorite tracks stand.

What Is the Most Popular Billy Joel Song?

  1. 1
    91
    votes

    Piano Man

    Billy Joel
    This song is arguably Billy Joel's most popular and recognizable song. It tells the story of a piano player in a bar, and is widely considered one of the greatest sing-alongs of all time.
    Piano Man is a song by Billy Joel, an American singer-songwriter. It was released in 1973 as the lead single from his second studio album of the same name. The song has become one of Billy Joel's most well-known and beloved songs, and it is often considered to be his signature song.
    • Release Year: 1973
    • Album Name: Piano Man
    • Genre: Soft rock
    • Length: 5:38
    • Label: Columbia
  2. 2
    36
    votes

    Uptown Girl

    Billy Joel
    This catchy tune is a fan favorite and one of Billy Joel's most successful songs. It was a chart-topper in multiple countries and has been featured in countless movies and TV shows.
    Uptown Girl is a popular song by Billy Joel, released in 1983 as the lead single from his album An Innocent Man. It is a catchy pop rock tune with a distinct 1960s-inspired sound. The song tells the story of a working-class downtown man who is infatuated with an affluent, glamorous woman living uptown.
    • Release Year: 1983
    • Album: An Innocent Man
    • Genre: Pop Rock
    • Length: 3 minutes and 17 seconds
    • Chart Performance: Reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100
    Uptown Girl in other rankings
  3. 3
    17
    votes
    This unique song is essentially a rapid-fire history lesson, and has become a cultural touchstone. Its catchy melody and rapid lyrics make it a fan favorite.
    We Didn't Start the Fire is a song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel. Released in 1989 as the lead single from his album Storm Front, the song is a rhythmic recitation of historical events and cultural references from 1949 to 1989, with the underlying theme that the generation depicted in the song did not start any of the significant events mentioned. The lyrics are fast-paced and chronicle more than 100 historical events over the four-decade span.
    • Year of Release: 1989
    • Album: Storm Front
    • Genre: Rock
    • Length: 4:50
    • Songwriter(s): Billy Joel
  4. 4
    18
    votes
    This romantic ballad has become a staple at weddings and anniversary parties. Its timeless lyrics and beautiful melody make it one of Billy Joel's most beloved songs.
    Just the Way You Are is a popular song written and performed by Billy Joel. It was released in 1977 as a single from his album 'The Stranger'. The song showcases Joel's strong songwriting skills and distinct piano playing style, combined with heartfelt lyrics. It has a beautiful melody and a smooth, soulful sound, which helped it become one of his signature songs.
    • Release date: 1977
    • Album: The Stranger
    • Genre: Soft rock
    • Length: 3 minutes and 30 seconds
    • Record Label: Columbia
  5. 5
    12
    votes
    This song is a tribute to the complex nature of women, and has been covered by many artists over the years. Its simple melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a fan favorite.
    She's Always a Woman is a popular song by Billy Joel that was released in 1977. It is a soft rock ballad that presents a complex and contradictory depiction of a woman's character. The song's lyrics describe a woman who is both strong and vulnerable, independent yet dependent on others. It portrays her as someone with the power to be manipulative, yet also capable of deep love and compassion.
    • Genre: Soft rock
    • Release Year: 1977
    • Album: The Stranger
    • Length: 3:19
    • Writer(s): Billy Joel
  6. 6
    9
    votes

    My Life

    Billy Joel
    This upbeat tune is a classic Billy Joel song, with a catchy chorus and relatable lyrics. It has been featured in numerous TV shows and movies, and is a fan favorite.
    My Life is a song by Billy Joel, released in 1978 as the second single from his album 52nd Street. It is widely regarded as one of Joel's most popular and recognizable songs, with its upbeat tempo and optimistic lyrics.
    • Album: 52nd Street
    • Release year: 1978
    • Genre: Rock
    • Length: 4 minutes and 44 seconds
    • Chart performance: Reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    This high-energy song tells the story of a young man trying to make it in New York City. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics have made it a fan favorite.
    Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) is a song by Billy Joel, released in 1977 as the lead single from his album 'The Stranger'. It is a classic rock song that tells the story of a working-class man, Anthony, who dreams of leaving his blue-collar job and pursuing a more fulfilling life. The song's energetic melody, catchy lyrics, and Joel's distinctive vocal style contributed to its popularity.
    • Release Date: October 24, 1977
    • Album: The Stranger
    • Genre: Classic Rock
    • Duration: 3:30
    • Label: Columbia
  8. 8
    5
    votes

    The Longest Time

    Billy Joel
    This doo-wop inspired song is a departure from Billy Joel's usual style, but has become a fan favorite. Its catchy melody and fun lyrics make it a popular choice for sing-alongs.
    The Longest Time is a popular song by Billy Joel. It was released as a single in 1984 and appeared on his album titled An Innocent Man. The song is known for its doo-wop style and catchy melodies. It features multiple vocal harmonies performed entirely by Joel, giving it a unique and nostalgic sound. The lyrics revolve around a man who is longing for a lost love and reminiscing about the time they spent together. The Longest Time became a chart-topping hit and remains one of Billy Joel's most beloved songs.
    • Release Date: 1984
    • Album: An Innocent Man
    • Genre: Pop, Doo-wop
    • Length: 3:42
    • Writer(s): Billy Joel
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    This song tells the story of a struggling factory town and has become an anthem for working-class Americans. Its poignant lyrics and haunting melody make it a fan favorite.
    Allentown is a song by Billy Joel that was released in 1982 as a part of his album The Nylon Curtain. The song tells the story of the decline of the American manufacturing industry and its effects on the town of Allentown, Pennsylvania. It resonated with many people at the time as it addressed the economic struggles faced by working-class communities.
    • Release Year: 1982
    • Genre: Rock
    • Length: 3:52
    • Label: Columbia
    • Album: The Nylon Curtain
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    This song is a commentary on the changing landscape of popular music in the 1980s. Its catchy melody and witty lyrics have made it a classic Billy Joel song.

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Ranking factors for popular song

  1. Chart performance
    Analyze how well the song performed on various music charts, such as the Billboard Hot 100 and international charts. Higher placement and longer duration on the charts indicates a more popular song.
  2. Sales and certifications
    Examine the sales figures and certifications (e.g. gold, platinum) that the song has received in various countries. Higher sales and more prestigious certifications suggest a more popular song.
  3. Radio airplay
    Popular songs typically receive substantial amounts of radio airplay. Check how frequently the song was played on the radio during its peak and whether it continues to receive airplay today.
  4. Streaming and views
    Consider the song's performance on streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, and online video platforms such as YouTube. Higher streaming numbers and video views reflect the song's enduring popularity.
  5. Awards and accolades
    Popular songs often win awards or are recognized by critics as being particularly outstanding. Check whether the song has won any major awards or been included in any "best of" lists.
  6. Impact on pop culture
    Assess the song's cultural impact by examining how often it has been covered, sampled, or referenced in other songs, films, or TV shows. A popular song will have a wider influence on pop culture.
  7. Live performances
    A popular song is likely to be featured prominently in the artist's live performances and tours. Check whether the song is consistently included in Billy Joel's concert setlists.
  8. Fan reception
    Gauge the fan reaction to the song by checking online forums, social media, and fan communities. A popular song will generally receive widespread praise and appreciation from fans.
  9. Critical reception
    Consider how the song was received by critics at the time of its release and in subsequent reviews. A positive critical reception can contribute to a song's long-term popularity.
  10. Timelessness
    Finally, examine the song's longevity and continued relevance. A popular song should stand the test of time and remain enjoyable for listeners even years after its release.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Billy Joel song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2477 views
  • 210 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular billy joel song

Billy Joel is a legendary American singer-songwriter who has won countless awards and accolades throughout his career. Known for his unique blend of rock, pop, and classical music, Joel has produced some of the most iconic songs in music history. With over 150 million records sold worldwide, Billy Joel is undoubtedly one of the most popular and influential musicians of our time. In this article, we take a closer look at his music and explore some of his most popular songs, as voted by our StrawPoll community. So, what is the most popular Billy Joel song? Let's find out!

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