His breakthrough album, driven by the iconic title track. It introduced his signature style: story-songs about barflies, dreamers, and losers. Other highlights include "Captain Jack" and "The Ballad of Billy the Kid."
The complete, official discography of Billy Joel’s solo studio releases tracks his career from a struggling lounge act to a global stadium headliner. Release Year Album Title Key Hit Singles RIAA Certification Status Cold Spring Harbor "She's Got a Way", "Everybody Loves You Now" 1973 Piano Man "Piano Man", "Captain Jack" 4× Platinum 1974 Streetlife Serenade "The Entertainer" 1976 Turnstiles "Say Goodbye to Hollywood", "New York State of Mind" 1977 The Stranger "Just the Way You Are", "Movin' Out", "Vienna" 12× Platinum (Diamond) 1978 52nd Street "My Life", "Big Shot", "Honesty" 7× Platinum 1980 Glass Houses "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me", "You May Be Right" 7× Platinum 1982 The Nylon Curtain "Pressure", "Allentown", "Goodnight Saigon" 2× Platinum 1983 An Innocent Man "Uptown Girl", "Tell Her About It", "The Longest Time" 7× Platinum 1986 The Bridge "A Matter of Trust", "Modern Woman", "Baby Grand" 2× Platinum 1989 Storm Front "We Didn't Start the Fire", "I Go to Extremes" 4× Platinum 1993 River of Dreams "The River of Dreams", "All About Soul", "Lullabye" 5× Platinum 2001 Fantasies & Delusions Solo classical compositions (No vocal singles) In-Depth Album Walkthroughs 1. Cold Spring Harbor (1971) billy joel albums in order
Joel’s true arrival as a mature artist. Recorded live in the studio with his touring band. Contains the classic "New York State of Mind," "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)," and "Say Goodbye to Hollywood." His breakthrough album, driven by the iconic title track
A transitional album focused on instrumental piano pieces ("Root Beer Rag") and reflections on suburban life ("The Entertainer," a sharp commentary on the music business). Not his commercial peak, but a fan favorite for its mood. Release Year Album Title Key Hit Singles RIAA