The List of Billy Joel Albums in Order of Release

Billy Joel Albums in Order: William Martin Joel, the American singer, pianist, and songwriter commonly known as the “Piano Man,” has left an indelible mark on the music industry with his iconic songs and a prolific discography spanning several decades.

Born on May 9, 1949, in New York City’s Bronx and raised on Long Island, Joel’s musical journey began with piano lessons at the insistence of his mother. After dropping out of high school to pursue his passion for music, he dabbled with different bands before ultimately launching a prolific solo career in 1971. Since then, Joel has enjoyed a highly successful music career, releasing a total of twelve studio albums encompassing the genres of pop and rock music.

Notably, with over 160 million records sold worldwide, Joel stands as one of the best-selling music artists globally, recognized as the fourth-best-selling solo artist in the United States. His compilation album “Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II” ranks among the best-selling albums in U.S. history. Despite not releasing a studio album since 2001, Joel continues to captivate audiences with his live performances, solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the world of music. For die-hard fans eager to explore his musical evolution, here is the definitive list of Billy Joel albums in order of release. So, if you are a die heart fan of Billy Joel Albums then check out here we have list of Billy Joel albums in order of release so far.

Also See: Elton John Albums in order

Billy Joel Albums Available on:  Apple Music 

How many albums does Billy Joel have?

This is the discography of American singer-songwriter Billy Joel. He released 13 studio albums, seven live albums, 18 compilation albums, 10 video albums, 61 singles, three promotional singles and 45 music videos.

All Billy Joel Albums in Order of Release Here!

Here is the list of Billy Joel Album in Order of Release Date:

1. Cold Spring Harbor — November 1, 1971
2. Piano Man — November 9, 1973
3. Streetlife Serenade — October 11, 1974
4. Turnstiles — May 19, 1976
5. The Stranger — September 29, 1977
6. 52nd Street — October 11, 1978
7. Glass Houses — March 12, 1980
8. The Nylon Curtain — September 23, 1982
9. An Innocent Man — August 8, 1983
10. The Bridge — July 29, 1986
11. Storm Front — October 17, 1989
12. River of Dreams — August 10, 1993
13. Fantasies & Delusions — October 2, 2001

 

All Billy Joel Albums List in Order

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1. Cold Spring Harbor (1971)

Tracks

1. She’s Got a Way
2. You Can Make Me Free
3. Everybody Loves You Now
4. Why Judy Why
5. Falling of the Rain
6. Turn Around
7. You Look So Good to Me
8. Tomorrow Is Today
9. Nocturne
10. Got to Begin Again

“Cold Spring Harbor” is Billy Joel’s debut studio album, released on November 1, 1971, by Family Productions. Despite Joel’s immense talent, the album initially sold poorly, failing to gain widespread recognition. It was only after the success of his 1973 hit “Piano Man” and subsequent albums that “Cold Spring Harbor” received attention. Due to his growing popularity, the album was reissued in 1983, giving fans a chance to rediscover Joel’s early work. Despite its initial commercial struggles, “Cold Spring Harbor” remains an essential piece of Billy Joel’s musical journey and serves as a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of music.

 

2. Piano Man (1973)

Tracks

1. Travelin’ Prayer
2. Piano Man
3. Ain’t No Crime
4. You’re My Home
5. The Ballad of Billy the Kid
6. Worse Comes to Worst
7. Stop in Nevada
8. If I Only Had the Words (To Tell You)
9. Somewhere Along the Line
10. Captain Jack

“Piano Man,” the second studio album by American artist Billy Joel, was released on November 9, 1973, under Columbia Records. It marked Joel’s breakthrough after resolving legal issues with his former label, Family Productions. The title track, a fictionalized tale of his time as a lounge singer in Los Angeles, reached No. 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Other notable tracks, like “Travelin’ Prayer” and “Worse Comes to Worst,” charted modestly. The album itself peaked at No. 27 on the Billboard 200 and received a gold certification from RIAA in 1975.

 

3. Streetlife Serenade (1974)

Tracks

1. Streetlife Serenader
2. Los Angelenos
3. The Great Suburban Showdown
4. Root Beer Rag
5. Roberta
6. The Entertainer
7. Last of the Big Time Spenders
8. Weekend Song
9. Souvenir
10. The Mexican Connection

“Streetlife Serenade” is the third studio album by Billy Joel, released on October 11, 1974, under Columbia Records. It reached No. 35 on the US album charts and achieved sales of over one million copies. Notably, Joel’s 1970s live performances frequently showcased the instrumental piece “Root Beer Rag” and the short song “Souvenir,” often used as the final encore. Live versions of “Streetlife Serenader” and “Los Angelenos” were featured on his first live album, “Songs in the Attic” (1981), while a live rendition of “The Entertainer” was included on “12 Gardens Live” in 2006.

 

4. Turnstiles (1976)

Tracks

1. Say Goodbye to Hollywood
2. Summer, Highland Falls
3. All You Wanna Do Is Dance
4. New York State of Mind
5. James
6. Prelude/Angry Young Man
7. I’ve Loved These Days
8. Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)

Turnstiles, released on May 19, 1976, is the fourth studio album by the renowned American singer-songwriter Billy Joel. The album showcases Joel’s remarkable musical versatility and songwriting prowess, encompassing various genres like rock, pop, and even elements of jazz. It features notable tracks such as “New York State of Mind” and “Say Goodbye to Hollywood,” both of which have become beloved classics in Joel’s discography. Turnstiles further solidified Joel’s presence in the music scene, setting the stage for his subsequent critical and commercial successes. With its compelling melodies and introspective lyrics, the album remains a significant and cherished work in Billy Joel’s impressive repertoire.

 

5. The Stranger (1977)

Tracks

1. Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)
2. The Stranger
3. Just the Way You Are
4. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant
5. Vienna
6. Only the Good Die Young
7. She’s Always a Woman
8. Get It Right the First Time
9. Everybody Has a Dream

“The Stranger,” Billy Joel’s fifth studio album, released in September 1977 by Columbia Records, marked a pivotal moment in his career. Produced by Phil Ramone, the album featured Joel’s touring band, including Liberty DeVitto on drums, Doug Stegmeyer on bass, and Richie Cannata on saxophone and organ. Spending six weeks at No. 2 on the US Billboard 200, it became Joel’s critical and commercial breakthrough. The album’s singles, including “Just the Way You Are,” “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song),” and “Only the Good Die Young,” achieved success on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. It won two Grammy Awards and remains his best-selling non-compilation album, exceeding 10 million units sold worldwide. Rolling Stone recognized it as one of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

 

6. 52nd Street (1978)

Tracks

1. Big Shot
2. Honesty
3. My Life
4. Zanzibar
5. Stiletto
6. Rosalinda’s Eyes
7. Half a Mile Away
8. Until the Night
9. 52nd Street

“52nd Street” is the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, released on October 11, 1978, by Columbia Records. Following the success of his breakthrough album, “The Stranger,” Joel aimed to infuse the new record with a fresh sound by collaborating with jazz musicians. The album soared to the top of the Billboard charts, becoming the first of four of Joel’s albums to achieve this feat. It earned him two Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Notably, “52nd Street” was one of the first commercially released compact discs and the first vinyl release when Sony resumed vinyl production in 2018. The title pays homage to the famous jazz hub, 52nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, where Joel’s label and the recording studio were located at the time.

 

7. Glass Houses (1980)

Tracks

1. You May Be Right
2. Sometimes a Fantasy
3. Don’t Ask Me Why
4. It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me
5. All for Leyna
6. I Don’t Want to Be Alone
7. Sleeping with the Television On
8. C’était Toi (You Were the One)
9. Close to the Borderline
10. Through the Long Night

Glass Houses, the seventh studio album by Billy Joel, was released on March 12, 1980. It marked a turning point in Joel’s career, featuring a harder-edged sound in response to the punk and new wave movements of the time. The album’s standout track, “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” became Joel’s first song to reach No. 1 on Billboard’s Pop Singles chart. Glass Houses topped the Pop Albums chart for six weeks and was ranked No. 4 on Billboard’s 1980 year-end album chart. The album achieved massive success, selling 7.1 million copies in the U.S. alone, making it the 41st best-selling album of the 1980s. In recognition of his remarkable work on Glass Houses, Billy Joel won a Grammy Award for “Best Male Rock Vocal Performance” in 1981.

This album also marked the end of the original incarnation of the Billy Joel Band, with new lead guitarist David Brown joining the lineup.

 

8. The Nylon Curtain (1982)

Tracks

1. Allentown
2. Laura
3. Pressure
4. Goodnight Saigon
5. She’s Right on Time
6. A Room of Our Own
7. Surprises
8. Scandinavian Skies
9. Where’s the Orchestra?

“The Nylon Curtain,” the eighth studio album by singer-songwriter Billy Joel, was released on September 23, 1982, with production by Phil Ramone. The album reached No. 7 on the Billboard albums chart and achieved two million sales in the U.S. Notably, it was among the pioneering albums to be digitally recorded, mixed, and mastered. The album showcases Joel’s lyrical and melodically ambitious style, featuring hits like “Allentown” and “Goodnight Saigon.” With its innovative recording techniques and commercial success, “The Nylon Curtain” remains a significant and enduring piece of Joel’s discography.

 

9. An Innocent Man (1983)

Tracks

1. Easy Money
2. An Innocent Man
3. The Longest Time
4. This Night
5. Tell Her About It
6. Uptown Girl
7. Careless Talk
8. Christie Lee
9. Leave a Tender Moment Alone
10. Keeping the Faith

“An Innocent Man” is the ninth studio album by Billy Joel, released on August 8, 1983. The concept album serves as a tribute to the American popular music of Joel’s youth, drawing inspiration from various styles of the late 1950s and early 1960s, notably doo-wop and soul music. The album cover features Joel on the front steps of 142 Mercer Street, located in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. With its nostalgic and diverse musical influences, “An Innocent Man” showcases Joel’s artistic versatility and became a well-received addition to his discography.

 

10. The Bridge (1986)

Tracks

1. Running on Ice
2. This Is the Time
3. A Matter of Trust
4. Modern Woman
5. Baby Grand
6. Big Man on Mulberry Street
7. Temptation
8. Code of Silence
9. Getting Closer

“The Bridge” is the tenth studio album by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, released on July 9, 1986. Produced by Phil Ramone, it marks the end of an era, being the last album to feature Joel’s long-time bassist Doug Stegmeyer and rhythm guitarist Russell Javors. The album spawned successful singles like “A Matter of Trust” (peaking at No. 10), “Modern Woman” (featured on the Ruthless People soundtrack, also peaking at No. 10), and “This Is the Time” (peaking at No. 18). It showcased Joel’s musical versatility and continued his streak of delivering chart-topping hits and critically acclaimed albums.

 

11. Storm Front (1989)

Tracks

1. That’s Not Her Style
2. We Didn’t Start the Fire
3. The Downeaster ‘Alexa’
4. I Go to Extremes
5. Shameless
6. Storm Front
7. Leningrad
8. State of Grace
9. When in Rome
10. And So It Goes

Storm Front, Billy Joel’s eleventh studio album, was released on October 17, 1989. Achieving Joel’s third No. 1 album in the U.S., it featured the chart-topping hit “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” a fast-paced song chronicling historical events and cultural icons from 1949 to 1989. The album’s emotional depth is evident in the Top 10 hit “I Go to Extremes,” capturing the highs and lows of Joel’s life. Other successful tracks included “And So It Goes,” “The Downeaster ‘Alexa’,” and “That’s Not Her Style.” Nominated for five Grammy Awards, the album’s cover art portrays a storm warning flag, and Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” served as inspiration for the title track’s driving rhythm section.

 

12. River of Dreams (1993)

Tracks

1. No Man’s Land
2. The Great Wall of China
3. Blonde Over Blue
4. A Minor Variation
5. Shades of Grey
6. All About Soul
7. Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)
8. The River of Dreams
9. Two Thousand Years
10. Famous Last Words

River of Dreams, the twelfth studio album by Billy Joel, debuted on August 10, 1993, showcasing a more contemplative and serious tone compared to his earlier works. The album delves into themes of trust and enduring love, with hints of personal struggles. Rumors suggest that lyrics from tracks like “A Minor Variation” and “The Great Wall of China” may reflect Joel’s legal disputes with his former manager and ex-brother-in-law, Frank Weber, who allegedly embezzled funds from the artist. Marking Joel’s last rock album to date, River of Dreams featured a captivating cover art painted by his then-wife, Christie Brinkley, earning Rolling Stone’s Top Picks award for “The Best Album Cover of the Year” in 1993.

 

13. Fantasies & Delusions (2001)

Tracks

1. Opus 3. Reverie (“Villa d’Este”)
2. Opus 2. Waltz #1 (“Nunley’s Carousel”)
3. Opus 7. Aria (“Grand Canal”)
4. Opus 6. Invention in C Minor
5. Opus 1. Soliloquy (“On a Separation”)
6. Opus 8. Suite for Piano (“Star-Crossed”): I. Innamorato
7. Opus 8. Suite for Piano (“Star-Crossed”): II. Sorbetto
8. Opus 8. Suite for Piano (“Star-Crossed”): III. Delusion
9. Opus 5. Waltz #2 (“Steinway Hall”)
10. Opus 9. Waltz #3 (“For Lola”)
11. Opus 4. Fantasy (“Film Noir”)
12. Opus 10. Air (“Dublinesque”)

Fantasies & Delusions is the thirteenth and final studio album by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel. It stands out as his only album comprising classical compositions, performed by British-Korean pianist Richard Hyung-ki Joo. Initially recorded at Cove City Sound Studios in New York with assistance from production coordinator Bill Zampino and Richie Cannata, it was later re-recorded in Vienna, Austria, for its official release. The album marked Joel’s 19th entry on the Billboard 200 chart, peaking at No. 83 in October 2001. Moreover, it achieved significant success on Billboard’s Top Classical Albums chart, debuting at No. 1.

 Conclusion:

In conclusion, William Martin Joel, the “Piano Man,” has carved an enduring legacy in music history. With his iconic songs and twelve studio albums, he’s sold over 160 million records worldwide, earning him a place among the top-selling artists. Joel’s journey from humble beginnings to global acclaim showcases his musical genius, honored by numerous awards and hall of fame inductions. While his last studio album dates back to 2001, Joel’s live performances continue to mesmerize audiences, cementing his status as a legendary figure. For devoted fans seeking to explore his discography, here’s the definitive list of Billy Joel albums in order, a testament to his timeless impact on music.

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