Billy Joel top 25 Countdown! (#s 3-1 revealed!!)

[KevShmev]

I see my secret is out!

Don't ask me why I do it, but this is my life, and sometimes I feel the need to go to extremes.

[KevShmev]

Okay, I am going to put up tomorrow's three songs tonight.

18 My Life
Appeared on 8 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 1 (bosk1)
3 Top 10 Finishes

I didn't rank this, as it never been a song that did a lot for me, but I listened to earlier this week on the way home from work and was like, "hot damn, this really is a great song."  So yeah, it would certainly rank for me now if I did my list again.  Not sure why it took me 40 years to come around on it, but I finally got there this week.


17 She’s Got A Way
Appeared on 9 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 2 (hefdaddy42)
3 Top 10 Finishes

This is another I kept seeing on lists and wondered if I was overlooking it, so I gave it a few fresh spins.  Nice song for sure, but I'd never think of it as one of my favorites.  Some did, and that's cool.


16 Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)
Appeared on 6 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 1 (cfmoran13, Samsara)
3 Top 10 Finishes

This one just missed the cut for me, finishing at 26 when I did the ranker.  Great climax, and I love the solo piano that closes out the song.

[DTwwbwMP]

25 An Innocent Man unranked great song and vocal performance. Just didn't crack my top 25
24 A Matter of Trust 15 LOVE this one.
23 The Downeaster ‘Alexa’ unranked never a fan of this one
21 (t) Uptown Girl unranked good song. Cracked my top 40
21 (t) It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me unranked good song. Cracked my top 40
20 Captain Jack 6 Simply, A CLASSIC!
19 Just the Way You Are 25 Very pretty song
18 My Life 7 fun, great song!
17 She’s Got a Way unranked just missed at #26 for me
16 Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway) 4 Another TRUE Billy classic

[The Realm]

18 My Life
Appeared on 8 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 1 (bosk1)
3 Top 10 Finishes

17 She’s Got A Way
Appeared on 9 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 2 (hefdaddy42)
3 Top 10 Finishes

16 Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)
Appeared on 6 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 1 (cfmoran13, Samsara)
3 Top 10 Finishes

My Life - a really great up beat song, always really liked this one. My ranking 13.

She's Got a Way - this is a really beautiful song but not one I seriously considered for my top 25, so unranked but kind of cool to see it get lots of love. To be honest though it does really sound like a ballad from a musical (not that there is anything wrong with that,..)

Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway) - not really familiar with this song so couldn't rank it. However, just gave it a listen and it is really great.

[Stadler]

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.  An Innocent Man
7.
8.
9. The Downeaster 'Alexa'
10.
11.
12.
13. Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway)
14.
15. Just The Way You Are
16. Captain Jack
17. She's Got A Way
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.

26. My Life
60. A Matter Of Trust
80. It's Still Rock and Roll To Me
89. Uptown Girl

Two made the list, one did not, but just barely.  "My Life" is a great song, and I dig it, I just don't think it's a song I would seek out to listen to, and for the most part the top 25 are songs I would actively go listen to. "Miami..." is an interesting song; while I think there are overlaps, in his early career his lyrics were a lot more...  vague for lack of a better word and Miami is one of those.  I know what he was going for, but that song seems a lot more of Joel as the observer, than Joel as the participant (like a lot of his later work).

[pg1067]

18 My Life
Appeared on 8 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 1 (bosk1)
3 Top 10 Finishes

I didn't rank this, as it never been a song that did a lot for me, but I listened to earlier this week on the way home from work and was like, "hot damn, this really is a great song."  So yeah, it would certainly rank for me now if I did my list again.  Not sure why it took me 40 years to come around on it, but I finally got there this week.

I really only know this one in this context:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UI_JwF3cnA

[Samsara]

My Life - I had this at 18.  So dead on with the forum. Great tune.

She's Got a Way - this came in at 22 for me. Again, just not much to say about great songs. It's wonderfully written and a beautiful chorus

Miami 2017 - I'm actually really shocked this is at #16 for the forum. Yes, it's my #1, but I figured it would make the top-5 here. Just that epic feel, figured DT fans would put it higher.

[Kram]

Okay, I am going to put up tomorrow's three songs tonight.

18 My Life
Appeared on 8 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 1 (bosk1)
3 Top 10 Finishes

I didn't rank this, as it never been a song that did a lot for me, but I listened to earlier this week on the way home from work and was like, "hot damn, this really is a great song."  So yeah, it would certainly rank for me now if I did my list again.  Not sure why it took me 40 years to come around on it, but I finally got there this week.


17 She’s Got A Way
Appeared on 9 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 2 (hefdaddy42)
3 Top 10 Finishes

This is another I kept seeing on lists and wondered if I was overlooking it, so I gave it a few fresh spins.  Nice song for sure, but I'd never think of it as one of my favorites.  Some did, and that's cool.


16 Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)
Appeared on 6 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 1 (cfmoran13, Samsara)
3 Top 10 Finishes

This one just missed the cut for me, finishing at 26 when I did the ranker.  Great climax, and I love the solo piano that closes out the song.

Miami just missed my list as well.

I had My Life at 23 (yes, I'm old enough to remeber Bosom Buddies).  I've always loved She's Got a Way and had it ranked quite high at #6 (I based this on the incredible live version from Songs in the Attic)

[cfmoran13]

1. Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway)
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14. Captain Jack
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21. It's Still Rock And Roll To Me
22.
23.
24. She's Got A Way
25.

36. My Life
45. Just The Way You Are
46. A Matter Of Trust
65. An Innocent Man
69. The Downeaster 'Alexa'

Miami 2017 - This has been my favorite Billy Joel song for decades.  Of course, in my head, the version I hear is from 'Songs In The Attic'.  This is a sentiment that will be expressed multiple times on this list.   That live version absolutely obliterates the original version.

My Life - Good song.  Whenever I hear this, I can't help but think of Busom Buddies.

[Samsara]

Miami 2017 - This has been my favorite Billy Joel song for decades.  Of course, in my head, the version I hear is from 'Songs In The Attic'.  This is a sentiment that will be expressed multiple times on this list.   That live version absolutely obliterates the original version.[/quote}

Absofreakinloutely. 

[DragonAttack]

20  Captain Jack  NR     for years I thought this was about Jack Daniels
19  Just the Way You Are  #19
18  My Life #14    Hanks and Scoleri were oddly good in this offbeat show
17  She’s Got A Way  #12
16  Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)  NR  this never grabbed my state of mind as another Big Apple song....

[cfmoran13]

16  Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)  NR  this never grabbed my state of mind as another Big Apple song....

Not so much a Big Apple song as a post-apocalyptic story.  Kind of took on a new meaning after 9/11.

[DTA]

Miami was my #14. Brilliant song and my favorite of his pre-Stranger tracks (and the only one I included actually).

[KevShmev]

We carry on...

15 Big Shot
Appeared on 10 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 6 (The Realm)
3 Top 10 Finishes

Good song, but never one I went out of my way to hear, thus it was unranked for me. 


14 You May Be Right
Appeared on 9 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 3 (bosk1, DTwwbwMP)
4 Top 10 Finishes

This is another that just missed making my list.  Good song, and I do really like the solo section, as we first get a guitar solo in a style we rarely got in one of his songs and then that glorious saxophone solo.

[DTwwbwMP]

25 An Innocent Man unranked great song and vocal performance. Just didn't crack my top 25
24 A Matter of Trust 15 LOVE this one.
23 The Downeaster ‘Alexa’ unranked never a fan of this one
21 (t) Uptown Girl unranked good song. Cracked my top 40
21 (t) It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me unranked good song. Cracked my top 40
20 Captain Jack 6 Simply, A CLASSIC!
19 Just the Way You Are 25 Very pretty song
18 My Life 7 fun, great song!
17 She’s Got a Way unranked just missed at #26 for me
16 Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway) 4 Another TRUE Billy classic
15 Big Shot unranked Liked it a lot when it came out, but quickly lost its luster
14 You May Be Right 3 GREAT Billy rocker!

[cfmoran13]

1. Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway)
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. Big Shot
11.
12.
13.
14. Captain Jack
15.
16.
17.
18.
19. You May Be Right
20.
21. It's Still Rock And Roll To Me
22.
23.
24. She's Got A Way
25.

36. My Life
45. Just The Way You Are
46. A Matter Of Trust
65. An Innocent Man
69. The Downeaster 'Alexa'

Big Shot and You May Be Right - 2 songs from that era of me first hearing Billy Joel.  And, both are "rockers".  There's a reason why they each opened their respective albums.

[Kram]

We carry on...

15 Big Shot
Appeared on 10 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 6 (The Realm)
3 Top 10 Finishes

Good song, but never one I went out of my way to hear, thus it was unranked for me. 


14 You May Be Right
Appeared on 9 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 3 (bosk1, DTwwbwMP)
4 Top 10 Finishes

This is another that just missed making my list.  Good song, and I do really like the solo section, as we first get a guitar solo in a style we rarely got in one of his songs and then that glorious saxophone solo.

I had Big Shot at #18 and You May Be Right just missed my list.  Both good songs and staples of my childhood.

[DTwwbwMP]

I expect at least 7 of my top 25 NOT to make the final list.

[The Realm]

15 Big Shot
Appeared on 10 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 6 (The Realm)
3 Top 10 Finishes

14 You May Be Right
Appeared on 9 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 3 (bosk1, DTwwbwMP)
4 Top 10 Finishes

Big Shot - surprised I am the high ranker. This a great song, love the rhythm, just a really cool vibe.

You May Be Right - my rank 12. Just a classic song, lots of fun memories hearing this song in my youth. Always loved that guitar riff.

[KevShmev]

Today is the second and last time two songs tied for a spot.

12 (t) Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)
Appeared on 11 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 6 (jammindude)
3 Top 10 Finishes

Damn good song, but I have to admit that it is a bit overplayed for me, as classic rock radio still plays it to death.  I still ranked it 25th, however.


12 (t) Honesty
Appeared on 8 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 2 (The Realm, Kram)
4 Top 10 Finishes

I like this song, but didn't rank it. I was caught a bit off guard by how much support this one got, to be honest, pun intended.

[ReaperKK]

Movin' Out is what started my intense dislike of Billy Joel (however listening through the songs in this thread my opinion is changing). Working retail that fucking song was played every hour, listening to that heart attack ack ack line was my personal hell.

[DTwwbwMP]

25 An Innocent Man unranked great song and vocal performance. Just didn't crack my top 25
24 A Matter of Trust 15 LOVE this one.
23 The Downeaster ‘Alexa’ unranked never a fan of this one
21 (t) Uptown Girl unranked good song. Cracked my top 40
21 (t) It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me unranked good song. Cracked my top 40
20 Captain Jack 6 Simply, A CLASSIC!
19 Just the Way You Are 25 Very pretty song
18 My Life 7 fun, great song!
17 She’s Got a Way unranked just missed at #26 for me
16 Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway) 4 Another TRUE Billy classic
15 Big Shot unranked Liked it a lot when it came out, but quickly lost its luster
14 You May Be Right 3 GREAT Billy rocker!
12 (t) Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song) 19 Another fun mid-tempo rocker
12 (t) Honesty 5 Definitely my favorite Billy ballad

[DTwwbwMP]

Movin' Out is what started my intense dislike of Billy Joel (however listening through the songs in this thread my opinion is changing). Working retail that fucking song was played every hour, listening to that heart attack ack ack line was my personal hell.

 

[Kram]

Today is the second and last time two songs tied for a spot.

12 (t) Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)
Appeared on 11 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 6 (jammindude)
3 Top 10 Finishes

Damn good song, but I have to admit that it is a bit overplayed for me, as classic rock radio still plays it to death.  I still ranked it 25th, however.


12 (t) Honesty
Appeared on 8 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 2 (The Realm, Kram)
4 Top 10 Finishes

I like this song, but didn't rank it. I was caught a bit off guard by how much support this one got, to be honest, pun intended.

I had Movin' Out at #13.  Classic solid Billy Joel song that I've always enjoyed despite that somewhat annoying heart attack line lol

Huge fan of Honesty (had it at #2).  The lyrics always hit home on a personal level for me. Check out the awesome live version from KOHUEPT (Live in Lenningrad) if you haven't already.

[cfmoran13]

1. Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway)
10. Big Shot
14. Captain Jack
17. Honesty
19. You May Be Right
21. It's Still Rock And Roll To Me
24. She's Got A Way

36. My Life
45. Just The Way You Are
46. A Matter Of Trust
57. Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)
65. An Innocent Man
69. The Downeaster 'Alexa'

I really like "Honesty".  I was surprised to see it come out as low as it did on my list.  I like the studio version.  However, I prefer the version off Концерт much more. 

[HOF]

I fell behind on this so I’m trying to dig out.

My Life - Didn’t realize what song this was until I started playing it, and then it was like “oh yeah, this one.” I do like this one quite a bit. That main piano hook is great. Kind of reminds me of Stepping Out.

She’s Got A Way - I didn’t know this one, but is very nice. Once again I feel like his voice has a different quality on this one than what I’m used to. Kind of reminds me of how Paul McCartney could kind of be different singers on different songs.

Miami 2017 - Also new to me but I enjoyed it quite a bit. Can see how that would have played well after 9/11.

Big Shot - This one I know, and I have always liked it. It has a nice edge that I always thought could have played well as a heavier rock track. He does a good job of making it sort of heavy just with the vocal.

You May Be Right - Another that I know well, though I’ll always think of it mostly as the theme song to Dave’s World (which I have no memory of other than the theme song, and that version was apparently recorded by Southside Johnny). A pretty fun tune though.

Movin’ Out - New to me, didn’t like this one so much. 

Honesty - same with this one, just didn’t care for the melodies I think.

[The Realm]

12 (t) Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)
Appeared on 11 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 6 (jammindude)
3 Top 10 Finishes

12 (t) Honesty
Appeared on 8 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 2 (The Realm, Kram)
4 Top 10 Finishes

Movin Out - my rank 14. Not sure what isn't to love about this one, just a great catchy fun song.

Honesty - just a beautiful, heartfelt song. Nice work Kram on the number 2 ranking.

[KevShmev]

Today's featured songs are ones that were number 1 on at least one list!


11 Goodnight Saigon
Appeared on 8 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 1 (hefdaddy42, Kram)
4 Top 10 Finishes

I had this at 11, so I was spot on!  Great song, and one I likely would have put higher if the chorus had been as good as the rest of the song.  The chorus isn't bad by any means, but considering how great the rest of the song is, it's not overly special. Still, it's still a great song in my estimation.


10 Vienna
Appeared on 9of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 1 (Stadler)
4 Top 10 Finishes

This is one of those songs with a melody that just sticks to landing perfectly and hits that sweet spot.  That accordion solo is just glorious, and the amazing thing about it is that it almost sounds like something you'd hear in a film about someone traveling across Europe and landing in Vienna.  Talk about nailing a vibe perfectly!  Great song; I ranked it 8th.

[DragonAttack]

15.   Big Shot #8 

14.   You May Be Right #6    ‘bumped’ way up after seeing the MSG ‘house band’ perform this during the encores, and hip bumping with the wife during it.

12 (t).  Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song) #13  another that I (semi) nailed. Glad, though, that I didn't have to hear it 8x a day while working.....

12 (t).  Honesty #17

11.  Goodnight Saigon #21

[DTwwbwMP]

25 An Innocent Man unranked great song and vocal performance. Just didn't crack my top 25
24 A Matter of Trust 15 LOVE this one.
23 The Downeaster ‘Alexa’ unranked never a fan of this one
21 (t) Uptown Girl unranked good song. Cracked my top 40
21 (t) It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me unranked good song. Cracked my top 40
20 Captain Jack 6 Simply, A CLASSIC!
19 Just the Way You Are 25 Very pretty song
18 My Life 7 fun, great song!
17 She’s Got a Way unranked just missed at #26 for me
16 Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway) 4 Another TRUE Billy classic
15 Big Shot unranked Liked it a lot when it came out, but quickly lost its luster
14 You May Be Right 3 GREAT Billy rocker!
12 (t) Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song) 19 Another fun mid-tempo rocker
12 (t) Honesty 5 Definitely my favorite Billy ballad
11 Goodnight Saigon unranked Good song, just not in my top 40
10 Vienna unranked Really nice song. A top 40 for me

[Stadler]

1.  Vienna
2.
3.
4.
5.  Goodnight Saigon
6.  An Innocent Man
7.
8.
9. The Downeaster 'Alexa'
10.
11.
12.
13. Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway)
14. Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)
15. Just The Way You Are
16. Captain Jack
17. She's Got A Way
18.
19. Big Shot
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.

26. My Life
28. Honesty
39. You May Be Right
60. A Matter Of Trust
80. It's Still Rock and Roll To Me
89. Uptown Girl

All good songs; Honesty and You May Be Right would be top 20 for virtually any artist. Here, I just like other songs better.  Though I will say; Billy has a very very diverse catalogue, but his mid-80's singles seem to all be of a type; Movin' Out and My Life and You May Be Right and Only The Good Die Young are all sort of interchangeable; I have those on my list that fit on their album better (which is generally "The Stranger", my favorite Billy Joel record).  Big Shot made it because I just love the attitude of that song.

Goodnight Saigon made it because of the epic live versions over the years.  it's one of those songs you have to see live to really appreciate it, IMO.  I've seen Billy I think seven times and each time it was a - if not THE - highlight of the show.

Vienna.  I struggle for the words to cover what this song means to me.  It's a perfect song, IMO.  It's Billy writing about his father, with whom he's had a troubled relationship (he left the family when Joel was young) and expressing a respect and admiration for "old age" and the wisdom it brings.  It really resonated with me in the latter years of my father's life.  I love this song beyond words, and it would certainly be in any top five list of my favorite songs by any artist.

[Kram]

Today's featured songs are ones that were number 1 on at least one list!


11 Goodnight Saigon
Appeared on 8 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 1 (hefdaddy42, Kram)
4 Top 10 Finishes

I had this at 11, so I was spot on!  Great song, and one I likely would have put higher if the chorus had been as good as the rest of the song.  The chorus isn't bad by any means, but considering how great the rest of the song is, it's not overly special. Still, it's still a great song in my estimation.


10 Vienna
Appeared on 9of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 1 (Stadler)
4 Top 10 Finishes

This is one of those songs with a melody that just sticks to landing perfectly and hits that sweet spot.  That accordion solo is just glorious, and the amazing thing about it is that it almost sounds like something you'd hear in a film about someone traveling across Europe and landing in Vienna.  Talk about nailing a vibe perfectly!  Great song; I ranked it 8th.

Two of my all-time favorite songs by anyone really. Had Goodnight Saigon at #1 and Vienna at #5.  As Stadler just pointed out, the live versions of Goodnight Saigon put it over the top for me.  Again, checkout the awesome live version from KOHUEPT (Live in Lenningrad).

[King Postwhore]

Today's featured songs are ones that were number 1 on at least one list!


11 Goodnight Saigon
Appeared on 8 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 1 (hefdaddy42, Kram)
4 Top 10 Finishes

I had this at 11, so I was spot on!  Great song, and one I likely would have put higher if the chorus had been as good as the rest of the song.  The chorus isn't bad by any means, but considering how great the rest of the song is, it's not overly special. Still, it's still a great song in my estimation.


10 Vienna
Appeared on 9of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 1 (Stadler)
4 Top 10 Finishes

This is one of those songs with a melody that just sticks to landing perfectly and hits that sweet spot.  That accordion solo is just glorious, and the amazing thing about it is that it almost sounds like something you'd hear in a film about someone traveling across Europe and landing in Vienna.  Talk about nailing a vibe perfectly!  Great song; I ranked it 8th.

If I had voted, Goodnight Saigon would have been my #1 song. So emotional.

[The Realm]

11 Goodnight Saigon
Appeared on 8 of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 1 (hefdaddy42, Kram)
4 Top 10 Finishes

10 Vienna
Appeared on 9of 14 lists
Highest Finish: 1 (Stadler)
4 Top 10 Finishes

Goodnight Saigon - no doubt I can see how this song can really resonate with someone. The verses especially are really fantastic but I am not really a fan of the chorus. I didn't rank this one but no issue at all with it finishing this high.

Vienna - I ranked this 19, easily could have been higher. Really love this song, has a real magical quality to it.

[cfmoran13]

1. Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway)
10. Big Shot
12. Vienna
14. Captain Jack
17. Honesty
19. You May Be Right
21. It's Still Rock And Roll To Me
24. She's Got A Way

36. My Life
45. Just The Way You Are
46. A Matter Of Trust
48. Goodnight Saigon
57. Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)
65. An Innocent Man
69. The Downeaster 'Alexa'