Taking a Critical Look at Billy Joel’s Questionable Song Choices

It’s no surprise that Billy Joel is known as one of the most beloved, prolific music artists of all time. He has a knack for writing catchy, memorable songs and singing them with his signature voice. However, what if we told you that not everything he produced was gold? Yes, it’s true: today we are going to take a look at some of Billy Joel’s more questionable song choices over the years and how his lyrics often leave something to be desired. So put on your listening ears because it's time to give this classic rock icon some much-needed criticism!

Billy Joel, a name that resonates with countless music lovers across the globe, has been an icon in the industry for over four decades. From his smash hits “Uptown Girl,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire” to “Piano Man,” it's undeniable that Joel is one of the best-selling artists of all time. However, while many of his songs have stood the test of time, there are certain tracks that have left fans and critics alike scratching their heads. In this blog, we're going to dive into some of Billy Joel's more questionable song choices throughout his illustrious career.

1. The Entertainer: Released in 1974, “The Entertainer” is a song that fails to impress. The track was an attempt at a follow-up to “Piano Man,” but it pales in comparison to his earlier hit. A point to note, “The Entertainer” features Joel bashing music record executives and industry bigwigs, which can be seen to be a bit hypocritical for an artist who owed much of his success to the record biz.

2. Pressure: While “Pressure,” which was released in 1982, did reasonably well on the charts, the song itself was nothing to write home about. The song is overly repetitive, with Joel simply slogging through the chorus over and over again. It was more of a dictation than a sophisticated or artistic composition.

3. All About Soul: Throughout his career, Billy Joel’s ballads have touched millions of people, but the same can’t be said for “All About Soul,” which Joel released in 1993. The song comes off as clingy, highlighting how the narrator is overwhelmed by his love for his significant other, which ultimately makes the song sound melodramatic and whiny.

4. Big Shot: There's no denying that Big Shot was a hit when it was first released in 1978. But, upon closer inspection, we have to wonder what it’s all about. With lyrics that suggest Joel's insecurity regarding the New York elite's social scene, the song doesn't necessarily stand the test of time. It's hard to imagine the struggle that comes with living the high life when you're listening to it four decades later.

5. Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song): Lastly, we have “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song),” released in 1977. While the song has a catchy melody, the lyrics often toe the line of offensive, portraying blue-collar workers as uneducated and immature. The song also seems to have been written with an emulated accent, which reinforces the stereotype that everyone from New York City has a particular accent and a cocky attitude.

There's no doubting the talent and skill that Billy Joel possesses, both as a songwriter and as a performer. However, some of his more questionable song choices make us wonder what he was thinking at the time. For every Piano Man and Uptown Girl, there's an “All About Soul” or a “Big Shot.” Nevertheless, we must remember that Joel was only human, and like any other person, he was prone to making mistakes. In conclusion, while it's essential to scrutinize our idols, it’s also essential to recognize and celebrate their significant contributions to the music industry.