The title track from his final pop album was a gospel-tinged anthem that peaked at #3 on the Hot 100. It was a massive radio hit and showed Joel grappling with spirituality and his own legacy.
– His final major smash hit, featuring a gospel-tinged rhythm and deeply spiritual lyrics.
Peak: #3 US – His first true smash. A soft-rock wedding staple that won Grammys for Record and Song of the Year. Marked his shift into adult contemporary. billy joel hits in order
A darker, driving track that served as a reminder of his rock capabilities. It was a fitting end to his pop radio run—intense, musical, and lyrically dense.
Recorded for the Ruthless People soundtrack, this synth-heavy track was a massive hit, reaching #10 on the charts. It felt like a departure from his usual style, embracing the polished production of the mid-80s. The title track from his final pop album
Collectors searching for physical copies of these classics can find items like the Dick Bartley American Gold LP on .
Peak: #10 US – Gritty, guitar-driven rock. Showed his edgier side post- Innocent Man . Peak: #3 US – His first true smash
– A rapid-fire history lesson that became one of the most famous (and often parodied) songs of all time. The 1990s and Beyond: The Final Chapters
– A harder-hitting rock track that showed Billy wasn't just a "ballad guy." The 1980s: The Chart-Topping Chameleon
Kicking off the massive An Innocent Man album, "Allentown" was a somber look at the decline of the steel industry in Pennsylvania. It wasn't a typical pop hit, but its gritty reality resonated with working-class America.