“Only the Good Die Young”. As a young hormonal Catholic boy, that one was relatable. I still sing it loudly, even though I know I probably shouldn’t on a few different levels.
I also like “The Longest Time” as I was fascinated with the fact that he did all of the vocals. 13 year old me was amazed that they could do that.
“Glass Houses” was one of the first albums I ever got. Got it for Christmas as a kid from my parents. That was my first intro to him. So I’ll always have a spot for “You May Be Right”
Honesty
Root Beer Rag
Walk On The Water... oops- another CCR tune- carry on
Good choice, but for me it’s a toss up between “And So It Goes” and “The Downeaster “Alexa”.
So many….
Very thankful he is back recording.
Tatt
Oh, we’re striking here in Allentown.
And We’re closing all the factories down....
My Billy Joel story.
In 2009 I was working with Vanilla Fudge keyboardist/lead singer Mark Stein on his own autobiography called “You Keep me Hangin’ On.” Mark set me up with dozens of interviews-—Deep Purple, the Rascals, the Doors, on and on. I interviewed Joel for almost an hour. Very gracious. He was one of only two rockers I either personally interviewed or read about who did NOT cite the Beatles as their inspiration for going into rock (Keith Emerson was the other). Joel cited Dave Brubeck Quartet. I can’t argue with that.
Joel agreed to be in our 2010 documentary “Rockin’ the Wall” but in the window we needed to film him, he had to have back surgery. Our loss.
“The Downeaster Alexa”.
I got to meet Billy Joel backstage when I was stationed in Japan. He was a really nice guy...sadly, no Christie Brinkley.
I’m sure I’m the only one that will pick this one — Sometimes a Fantasy.
He has so many good songs. Just about 2 weeks ago I started listening to his first album song by song, and then the next and the next. I think I listened up to 52nd Street or Glass Houses. The first song on the first album Cold Spring Harbor “She’s Got a Way” is an excellent song I’ve heard only a handful of times and I had forgotten about. Love some of the singles after that like Honesty, Captain Jack, Moving Out, Don’t Tell Me Why, Sometime’s a Fantasy and all the ones mentioned in previous comments here. What I do know it’s that by the mid 80’s he lost whatever it was that I liked in the earlier albums.
Goodnight Saigon
None.
All About Soul.
these are the Times to remember. actually walked on a beach next to an old aquatarium on Clearwater beach with my girlfriend after it was closed and slated for demo. not a hotel but close enough that when I hear the song it takes me back. those WERE the Times to remember.
Rosalinda’s Eyes
Pressure.
I can’t stand most of his over-played schmaltzy stuff.
“Summer, Highland Falls” … Billy Joel’s best — and yet not one of his most popular tunes.