The Hits
Billy Joel · 2010
79 min · 19 tracks · pop rock
A nostalgic compilation of timeless melodies that blend pop and rock, showcasing Billy Joel's storytelling prowess.
Top tracks — play these first
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Piano Man Start here — This signature song encapsulates Joel's narrative style, depicting the life of bar patrons while showcasing his piano-driven sound that became synonymous with his work.
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New York State of Mind — A love letter to New York City, this track highlights Joel's ability to evoke strong imagery and emotion through music, representing his roots and identity.
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We Didn’t Start the Fire — This iconic song provides a rapid-fire list of historical events and cultural references, showcasing Joel’s lyrical ingenuity and social commentary.
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Only the Good Die Young — With its catchy melody and provocative lyrics, this track exemplifies Joel's knack for blending humor with deeper themes regarding youth and rebellion.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This compilation highlights Billy Joel's career but lacks a cohesive narrative flow typical of original albums.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- sing-along anthems with friends
- nostalgic reflections on life
- dynamic collection of favorites
- for celebratory gatherings
- catchy tunes for road trips
Maybe skip if you
- prefer experimental or avant-garde
- seeking deep, introspective themes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Starting Point — A comprehensive overview of Billy Joel's most beloved songs for new listeners.
- Themes
- New York nostalgia· barroom stories· historical reflection
- Career context
- Released in 2010, The Hits represents a retrospective collection for Billy Joel, highlighting his extensive catalog as he stepped back from the music scene. By this time, Joel had already established himself as a major figure in popular music since the 1970s with songs that defined the era, making this album a celebration of his enduring appeal.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Elton John· Carole King· James Taylor
Tracklist
- 1 Everybody Loves You Now 2:51
- 2 Piano Man Start here 5:39
- 3 The Entertainer 3:41
- 4 New York State of Mind 6:04
- 5 Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song) 3:30
- 6 Only the Good Die Young 3:56
- 7 My Life 4:43
- 8 Big Shot 4:02
- 9 You May Be Right 4:13
- 10 It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me 2:58
- 11 Say Goodbye to Hollywood (live Attic version) 4:27
- 12 Allentown 3:51
- 13 Pressure 4:40
- 14 The Longest Time 3:39
- 15 Tell Her About It 3:51
- 16 A Matter of Trust 4:10
- 17 We Didn’t Start the Fire 4:51
- 18 I Go to Extremes 4:23
- 19 The River of Dreams 4:05
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
Shares a nostalgic vibe with rich storytelling and melodic pop-rock arrangements.
Bridge over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
Explores themes of reflection and nostalgia through lush harmonies and poignant lyrics.
Sweet Baby James
James Taylor
Combines introspective songwriting with a soft rock sound, evoking a sense of warmth and familiarity.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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