The albums that define
contemporary classical music.
Our picks for where to start with contemporary classical music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top contemporary classical music artists
Start with one of these.
The contemporary classical music essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Billy Joel
The Stranger
A seamless blend of pop sensibilities and narrative storytelling, capturing the complexities of everyday life.
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Billy Joel
Cold Spring Harbor
A tender blend of soft rock melodies and reflective lyrics, showcasing youthful vulnerability and romantic longing.
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Billy Joel
52nd Street
A vibrant fusion of pop rock and jazz-infused melodies capturing urban life and personal introspection.
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Billy Joel
Glass Houses
A vibrant fusion of rock and pop that showcases Billy Joel's lyrical wit and melodic sophistication.
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Billy Joel
Storm Front
Billy Joel's 'Storm Front' blends buoyant pop hooks with introspective lyrics, showcasing his signature storytelling style.
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Billy Joel
The Complete Hits Collection: 1973–1997
A vibrant tapestry of pop rock anthems blending storytelling with infectious melodies and emotional depth.
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Billy Joel
The Essential Billy Joel
Billy Joel's collection weaves storytelling through melodic pop rock, blending nostalgia with sharp social commentary.
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Billy Joel
River of Dreams
A contemplative blend of soft rock and classical elements, rich in introspection and melodic complexity.
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Billy Joel
Turnstiles
A vibrant tapestry of rock and pop that captures the essence of 1970s New York City life.
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Billy Joel
An Innocent Man
A vibrant blend of doo-wop melodies and 80s pop production, radiating nostalgia and romance.
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Billy Joel
Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II
A rich tapestry of storytelling, blending pop rock with classical influences and timeless melodies.
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Billy Joel
Greatest Hits Volume III
A nostalgic blend of pop rock and soft ballads showcasing Joel's storytelling prowess and melodic hooks.
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John Williams
Schindler's List
A haunting orchestral score that intertwines sorrow and resilience through poignant melodies and rich textures.
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John Williams
Star Wars
Orchestral grandeur melds with emotive themes, creating an unforgettable auditory tapestry that defines cinematic soundtracks.
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John Williams
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Orchestral grandeur interwoven with sweeping melodies evokes the epic romance and adventure of the Star Wars saga.
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John Williams
Star Wars/The Empire Strikes Back – The Original Soundtrack from the Motion Picture
An orchestral tapestry weaving grand themes and emotional depth, capturing the epic saga of space battles and heroism.
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John Williams
Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
A sweeping orchestral landscape that intertwines nostalgia with fresh motifs, evoking both adventure and emotional depth.
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John Williams
Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Orchestral grandeur meets emotional depth, weaving themes of rebellion and legacy across a cinematic landscape.
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Stars of the Lid
And Their Refinement of the Decline
Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with minimalist drone, creating immersive atmospheres of introspective calm.
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Billy Joel
Piano Man
A poignant blend of storytelling and melody that captures the essence of barroom life and heartfelt longing.
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Billy Joel
The Bridge
A rich tapestry of pop rock and soft ballads, blending introspective lyrics with lush arrangements.
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Billy Joel
12 Gardens Live
Billy Joel's live energy captures the essence of his iconic storytelling and timeless melodies.
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Billy Joel
2000 Years: The Millennium Concert
An exhilarating blend of rock anthems and orchestral arrangements celebrating a new millennium.
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Billy Joel
Songs in the Attic
A reflective collection of live performances showcasing Billy Joel’s poignant storytelling and melodic craftsmanship.
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