What to Spin as Billy Joel Turns 76

"... I don't want you to tell me it's time to come home."

May 09, 2025

Billy Joel reached the age of 76 today (May 9, 2025), but don’t worry for him ‘cause he’s alright. The legendary “Piano Man” still regularly plays to packed crowds at large arenas in various major cities, as he’s set to do once again this year into 2026.

I got into Joel’s music, at least in a considerable way, a couple of decades ago during my college-aged years. Sure, born in the mid-80s, I grew up hearing tunes like “Uptown Girl” (1983) and “We Didn’t Start the Fire” (1989), but no one around me was a huge fan or anything.

For adolescent me, “Billy Joel” was simply a famous name from my parents’ day that I associated with “old” music. His discography didn’t really fit in with my love of ‘90s Alt. and turn-of-the-century rock. I had a foot on the hip-hop and dance floor back then too.

What a foolish young man.

Refined Ear

I got older, and my musical taste matured. Joel has become a regular listen during my adulthood.

“She’s Always a Woman,” like so many of his songs, never gets old and is nothing short of a masterful composition. “My Life” and “Movin’ Out” have also been played on my speakers countless times.

“Rosalinda’s Eyes” is a truly underappreciated tune by many. During a 2016 interview on SiriusXM radio, Joel said the song was “my attempt to write a letter that my father should have written to my mother.” Joel’s parents divorced when he was a young boy in 1957.

The Stranger or 52nd Street

Joel’s consecutive offerings in 1977 and 1978 respectively represent his peak as an artist. I lean toward The Stranger, but 52nd Street — his first No. 1 album — ranks right up there too. Take the time to listen to the two back-to-back at some point.