Caffè Lattè presents:

THE 100 MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS BY

BILLY JOEL

William Martin Joel was born in The Bronx, New York in 1949. He grew up on Long Island and began studying the piano in 1953. Billy joined his first band 10 years later. In 1971, he signed a recording contract as a soloist. That year, he released his solo debut album. Since then, his music has been the soundtrack for countless fans. 

Here are 100 of his best works…

🎙

100

WHY JUDY WHY

‘Cold Spring Harbor’ was Billy’s first solo album, issued in 1971. Songs like “Why Judy Why” were a stark contrast from the harder metal style of his songs as part of the duo Attila. Billy Joel- the singer/ songwriter- had arrived.

🎹

99

CODE OF SILENCE

While recording ‘The Bridge’ at the Power Station in New York, Billy was experiencing writer’s block. Cyndi Lauper was also at the studio and she offered to collaborate with him. The result was “Code Of Silence”. Lauper co-wrote the song and joined Billy on backup vocals. Both artists had previously been part of the recording of "We Are The World".

🎹

98

FALLING OF THE RAIN

‘Cold Spring Harbor’ was recorded at the Record Plant in Los Angeles. Artie Ripp was at the helm producing Billy’s all-important solo debut LP.

🎹

97

SURPRISES

Billy likes to surprise his fan base by going in new and unexpected musical directions. ‘The Nylon Curtain’ was another twist after the successful ‘Glass Houses’ album.

🎹

96

STORM FRONT

Phil Ramone had steered Billy’s recorded output on his best-selling albums, but by the time the piano man was recording the ‘Storm Front’ LP, he switched over to a new producer. For this 1989 disc, Billy hired Mick Jones from the rock band Foreigner. Most of his regular backing band was also ditched, with the exception of drummer Liberty De Vitto. Among the background singers on the title track is Richard Marx.

🎹