The Essential Billy Joel
Billy Joel · 2001
155 min · 36 tracks · pop rock · rock & roll · contemporary classical music
Billy Joel's collection weaves storytelling through melodic pop rock, blending nostalgia with sharp social commentary.
Why this album works
This compilation album showcases not only Joel's commercial success but also his artistic depth, featuring timeless hits that have shaped the soft rock genre. It peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and has been certified multi-platinum, solidifying Joel's place as one of America's beloved singer-songwriters.
- Best for
- story-driven lyrical journeys nostalgic reflective moments long immersive listening sessions
- Context
- Released in 2001, 'The Essential Billy Joel' captures a comprehensive overview of Joel's prolific career, spanning from his breakthrough in the 1970s through the 1990s. At this point, he was transitioning from active touring to more sporadic releases, making this collection a definitive statement on his lasting influence in popular music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Zombies· Chicago· Neil Diamond
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Piano Man Standout 5:38
- 2 You’re My Home 3:13
- 3 Captain Jack 7:18
- 4 The Entertainer 3:40
- 5 Say Goodbye to Hollywood 4:38
- 6 Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway) 5:14
- 7 New York State of Mind Standout 6:05
- 8 She’s Always a Woman 3:21
- 9 Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song) 3:30
- 10 Only the Good Die Young 3:55
- 11 Just the Way You Are 4:50
- 12 Honesty 3:53
- 13 My Life 4:44
- 14 It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me 2:57
- 15 You May Be Right 4:15
- 16 Don’t Ask Me Why 2:59
- 17 She’s Got a Way 3:01
- 18 Allentown 3:50
Disc 2
- 1 Goodnight Saigon 7:04
- 2 An Innocent Man 5:20
- 3 Uptown Girl 3:17
- 4 The Longest Time 3:42
- 5 Tell Her About It 3:52
- 6 Leave a Tender Moment Alone 3:56
- 7 A Matter of Trust 4:11
- 8 Baby Grand 4:05
- 9 I Go to Extremes 4:23
- 10 We Didn’t Start the Fire Standout 4:50
- 11 Leningrad 4:06
- 12 The Downeaster “Alexa” 3:44
- 13 And So It Goes 3:37
- 14 The River of Dreams 4:07
- 15 All About Soul (remix) 6:00
- 16 Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) 3:33
- 17 Waltz #1 (Nunley’s Carousel) 6:55
- 18 Invention in C Minor 1:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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