Greetings,
So, Harry Connick Jr's show began its second season and his first guest was Billy Joel. Of course, that happened. We all know those piano men all stick together. Anywho, they did a little singing, naturally, and listening to it, I thought, "Oh, yeah. I really like Billy Joel's music and I ever made a Top Ten list of my favorite songs of his!" Or something like that. Therefore, I decided to do it today.
Now, considering when I was born and grew up, Billy Joel was really part of the zeitgeist for me, and I think he's just one of those artists that everyone enjoys, where even if you don't like him, you do. Just because. Well, maybe it's because he's always felt so regular guy-ish, and when you seem him, you feel like your neighbor or uncle or wacky, music teacher got famous. He feels like someone you know, and that counts for something. But he's also extraordinarily, musically gifted. So, I think we should start talking about said music. Here is my Top Ten list of Billy Joel songs. Enjoy
Honorable Mention goes to "We Didn't Start the Fire". I know he doesn't like it that much, but I do. And there are few greater feelings in the world than the moment you realize, "WOW! I've memorized all the words to this song!" Or is that just me, as my life is pretty sad? Moving on.
#10. "My Life" - This was the theme song to one of the greatest shows of all time, Bosom Buddies. I don't think I need any other reason than that to put it on the list. Although, as a person who is constantly telling others to "leave me alone", I can relate to this. Big time.
#9. "She's Always a Woman" - Or "The Backhanded Compliment Song". Oh, what? That is exactly what's happening here and you know it. Alright, I'm just kidding. Actually, I heard that he wrote this about his ex-wife, who helped him get his financial act together. She was pretty tough and apparently, some people were like, "A tough woman? I think not!" And this song was Billy's answer to those fools. Good times.
#8. "Don't Ask Me Why" - When I used to work at my heinous job in retail, I had to listen to many awful songs overhead. But occasionally, I'd hear a good one. This is one of them. And this is one that always made me feel better for some reason. The music just cheered me up in the moments I needed it the most. Much thanks.
#7. "Uptown Girl" - I mean, how could I not? This is just one of the funnest songs ever. Now, I think some people believe that this song was written exclusively for Christie Brinkley, as they were eventually married and she was in the video. But apparently, he started writing this about Elle Macpherson, who he was dating at the time, and then it morphed into being about Christie as well. Holy crap, I love this man's life. Anyway, I also heard it was inspired, musically, by the work of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and that will always get you points.
#6. "Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel)" - Unless my memory is playing tricks on me, I believe I once saw this special where Billy was at a university or something, talking to the students, giving them advice and answering questions. And I do remember that someone asked him to sing this song, but he couldn't even finish, he got so emotional. Because it's about his baby girl, Alexa Ray. I tell ya, I almost cried myself. Again, if I am remembering correctly.
#5. "Honesty" - He's not kidding when he says "Honesty is such a lonely word". No one wants to hear the truth, especially these days, and when you tell them the truth, they just flee. That's cool, though. I like my alone time.
#4. "New York State of Mind" - I tell you, nothing makes you appreciate the East Coast more than spending any amount of time on the West Coast. And that is what inspired this song. Actually, it seems to have inspired the whole album that this song was on, Billy's return to New York after being in L.A. for a while. There's nothing like coming home, and whilst we have a ton of songs about NYC, I think the best ones are written by genuine New Yorkers, IMO.
#3. "The River of Dreams" - Imagine if Billy Joel was the organist at your church. No need to imagine, because here it is. Yeah, no lie, this song sounds like church to me. A really good, jazzy one. And there's no way I can mention this song without bringing up the performance of it he gave at the Grammys, back when people still cared about the Grammys and they weren't utterly pointless. It's iconic. I'm sure you'll be able to find it someone.
#2. "The Longest Time" - I used to think that this song was just voices. The a cappella, ya know. But it actually has some bass and snare drum with brushes. I had no idea. Although, it has probably been covered many times without those things. MANY times! Again, this is just such a feel good song, and I dare you to not smile whenever it comes on. Unless you're really, super sad. Then, I'll let it slide
#1. "The Downeaster Alexa" - I don't know how many people would call this their favorite song of Billy's. I assume not a lot, but I like to go against the flow. I love this song. It feels like Billy Joel's very unique and specific version of epic. I mean, he got Itzhak Perlman do the violin solo. Come on! And the structure is so different from a basic "Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge" kind of a song, it really does bring something special to the table. Also, it's something of a story song, and I love me a good story song. Especially when it's inspired by true stories about true struggles. Excellent work, my friend.
And there are my favorite songs by the Billy Joel. I like Billy. I really do. We might not agree on everything, but his music certainly makes me happy. And all things considered where my life is concerned right now, that is exactly what I need. So, sir, if by some miracle you ever read this, I say thank you.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
