Why Billy Joel writes songs differently from everyone else
557,821
Published 2022-05-24
Billy Joel is one of America’s and the 21st Century’s greatest songwriters. Famous for songs like Piano Man, Uptown Girl, and Just the Way You Are, he has written a large catalogue of fantastic music. Although he is well known for his hit singles, his most loved music can be found on his albums. Songs like Vienna and Scenes from an Italian Restaurant. This is quite unique compared to other songwriters. What is it about the way Billy Joel writes music that makes his album tracks so good? And why do so many people love his music
All Comments (21)
-
Thanks for watching! If enjoyed this video, please consider subscribing! 🙂 My classical guitar course is also available on Skillshare! 🎸 skl.sh/3T1wUCi
-
Billy is an album artist. All his songs are well written, no fillers. I agree with you, he is disciplined and knows when it’s time to stop. Because of this, his catalog is a masterpiece!
-
So finally a top songwriter admits that writing songs is often a cruel grind, mostly endured in isolation. Yes, great songs have been written in minutes, but that´s the rare exception. Most great songs are crafted, which takes a long time, particularly when they sound effortless.
-
Billy Joel is truly an unparalleled songwriter. Songs like Vienna and She’s Always a Woman are decades old, and were released years before I was born, but somehow dictate my life decisions. I’m truly not making it up: whenever I’m having a moment of self-doubt, I hear the lines “Though you can see when you’re wrong you know you can’t always see when you’re right” and I just go for it. His songs are a blessing.
-
Billy Joel has been my favorite singer/songwriter for years now. You hit the nail right on the head. You can choose any song from any Billy Joel album and get enjoyment out of it. You can tell he put a lot of care into each song.
-
I grew up in the 80s, and Billy Joel was an absolute icon. As an adult today, I am even more blown away at his level of talent.
-
"Piano Man" really is a gift to piano students. It was the first modern piece of music I learnt after switching from classical, and within 5 minutes it clicked "ah, RIGHT!" because he made such a super easy super simple tune into a solid gold work of art.
-
You may have missed the biggest strategy of all. For a typical album, Bill used to write 30 or 40 songs, and the band would help him figure out which ones would work and which ones wouldn't, and they'd end up with 8 or 9 good tracks. That's why those surviving tracks are such high quality. They also changed the songs during that process, for example changing 'only the good die young' from Reggae, which was popular at the time, to a 50s style rockabilly with horns.
-
I've often thought how many of Billy Joel's songs would make great short films. Storytelling at its finest
-
I remember renting River Of Dreams from a library in 1993 and being blown away. And how fitting that he ended his songwriting career with “Famous Last Words”. So disciplined, a rare example of someone who knew how to stop while still on top. He’s the man.
-
His lyrics are sencere and just telling like it is. It's so honest it hurts. Only few were made up and then he often feels the urge to let you know that. I think in his instrumentals is more truth written than ever words can say because he always do what he felt. That's what I wanna hear and makes him my favorite musician even of all time.
-
Retired HS music teacher here. I had my Choir do And So It Goes once. The kids loved it. Don't remember ever hearing it on the radio, back in the day.
-
The Stranger was a huge seller actually. It may have started at 181 but most albums started low and worked their way up. The way this was measured changed in the early 90s and made albums debuting at No. 1 common. In any case people didn't know the songs on The Stranger till word of mouth kicked in. He was not a household name when it came out.
-
Also another key to his success is he writes in familiar genres, so a new tune from him is like slipping into a comfortable pair of shoes, a timeless and lyrically superb musical genius.
-
Billy Joel is a rare bird. He's got all that craft with the melody and harmonic movement tied to the lyrics, but on top of that he's one of the few balladeers who rocks just as hard and funky as he can also make you tear up, thinking about your own life, relationships, lost loves and opportunities. He might not be as often mentioned but all his music is as lasting and universal as the best classical music.
-
It does my old heart good to see people your age truly appreciating Billy Joel's music. I've been a huge fan since the '70s and I love it still today.
-
“And so it goes” is one of the greatest songs ever written ❤
-
I’m fortunate to have been to one of Billy Joel’s concerts.
-
He is just amazing. The lyrics you can so easily relate to. There's a story behind every song. Leningrad is one of my favorites.
-
Billy Joel is an amazing artist. Great lyrics, many styles, unusual harmonies, not over-produced in studio (his songs may sound better live), great piano skills, etc. As you said, he isn't a guy with many "hits" but he indeed wrote many many great songs. My list of favorite songs from him (right now) would be River of Dreams, Tell Her About It, All About Soul, Lullaby and Just They Way You Are
