Here is a chronological breakdown of his studio albums, highlighting the tracks that defined a generation.
The early 1970s marked the beginning of Joel's successful solo career. His breakthrough album, (1973), introduced the world to Joel's storytelling and piano-driven songwriting style. The album spawned hits like "Captain Jack" and the title track. billy joel discography
| Song | Year | Peak Position | Album | |------|------|---------------|-------| | "Piano Man" | 1973 | 25 | Piano Man | | "Just the Way You Are" | 1977 | 3 | The Stranger | | "My Life" | 1978 | 3 | 52nd Street | | "Big Shot" | 1979 | 14 | 52nd Street | | "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me" | 1980 | | Glass Houses | | "Tell Her About It" | 1983 | 1 | An Innocent Man | | "Uptown Girl" | 1983 | 3 | An Innocent Man | | "We Didn't Start the Fire" | 1989 | 1 | Storm Front | | "The River of Dreams" | 1993 | 3 | River of Dreams | Here is a chronological breakdown of his studio
Joel’s solo career began with (1971), an album famously marred by a mastering error that sped up his voice. He followed this with his breakthrough, Piano Man (1973), which introduced his signature title track. During this period, Joel released Streetlife Serenade (1974) and Turnstiles (1976), the latter featuring classics like "New York State of Mind" and "Miami 2017". 2. The Commercial Peak (1977–1983) The album spawned hits like "Captain Jack" and