Billy Joel: The Signature Singer-Songwriter
Billy Joel’s music is defined by its lyrical honesty and incredible piano-driven melodies. Whether you’re looking for a song that expresses the vulnerability of new love or a track that celebrates a lifetime of partnership, Billy has a song for every chapter of your wedding day.
- Ceremony & First Dance: Intimate, piano-forward ballads about genuine devotion.
- Reception & Dance Floor: High-energy pop-rock hits that everyone knows by heart.
- Sentimental Favorites: Perfect tracks for parent dances or quiet dinner moments.
Spotlight Moments: First Dances & Ceremony
- The Premier First Dance: “Just the Way You Are” – 1977. This is Billy Joel’s most enduring wedding classic. The message—loving someone exactly as they are without needing them to change—is the ultimate wedding vow. It’s perfectly paced for a romantic first dance.
- The “Ride or Die” Ballad: “She’s Got A Way” – 1971. A stunning, simple piano ballad about being unable to live without your partner. This is a top-tier choice for a Processional or an intimate First Dance.
- The Emotional Walkdown: “She’s Always A Woman” – 1977. A sophisticated look at the complexities of a partner. It’s poetic, beautiful, and creates a cinematic atmosphere for a walk down the aisle.
- The “Home” Sentiment: “You’re My Home” – 1973. As the lyrics say, “Wherever we’re together / That’s my home.” This is a beautiful choice for a couple’s First Dance or a Final Slow Dance of the evening.
- The Vulnerable Choice: “And So It Goes” – 1989. For couples who want a deeply moving, quiet moment during the ceremony or a slow dance, this track is a masterpiece of emotional songwriting.
Reception & Sing-Along Party Starters
- The Ultimate Group Sing-Along: “Piano Man” – 1973. While it’s a story-driven track, playing this near the end of the night often results in the entire room swaying together and singing at the top of their lungs. It’s a “bonding” song for the whole guest list.
- The High-Energy Entrance: “Uptown Girl” – 1983. A fun, upbeat choice for a Wedding Party Grand Entrance. It’s catchy, nostalgic, and immediately raises the energy in the room.
- The A Cappella Favorite: “The Longest Time” – 1983. Perfect for a lighthearted dance set or Cocktail Hour. Its doo-wop influence makes it a hit with older generations and catchy enough for the younger crowd.
- The “Rowdy” Dance Track: “You May Be Right” – 1980. If your crowd likes a bit of rock and roll, this is the track to play. It’s a great “icebreaker” song to get people on the floor.
- The “Future” Toast: “This Is the Time” – 1986. A fantastic choice for a Slideshow or a Final Dance. It’s about recognizing the importance of the present moment—exactly what a wedding is all about.
DJ Expert Tips: Mastering the Billy Joel Vibe
- The “Garth Brooks” Twist: If you have country fans in the room, consider playing Billy’s original “Shameless” or the Garth Brooks version. It’s a great way to bridge pop and country genres.
- Cocktail Hour “Sleeper”: Don’t overlook “Baby Grand” (with Ray Charles). It’s a sophisticated, soulful track that adds an air of “cool” to your cocktail hour or dinner set.
- The “Fire” Warning: While “We Didn’t Start the Fire” is a massive hit, it’s very fast-paced. Save it for the peak of the dance set when the crowd is ready for high-energy “list” singing!
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Billy Joel Highest-Ranking Billboard Hits – US
- #1 It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me, 1980
- #1 Tell Her About It, 1983
- #1 We Didn’t Start the Fire, 1989
- #3 Just the Way You Are, 1977
- #3 My Life, 1977
- #3 Uptown Girl, 1983
- #3 The River of Dreams, 1993
- #4 Big Shot, 1979
- #6 I Go to Extremes, 1990
- #7 You May Be Right, 1980
- #9 You’re Only Human (Second Wind), 1985
- #10 An Innocent Man, 1983
- #10 Modern Woman, 1986
- #10 A Matter of Trust, 1986
- #14 The Longest Time, 1984
- #17 She’s Always a Woman, 1977
- #17 Say Goodbye to Hollywood (Live), 1981
- #17 Allentown, 1983
- #18 Keeping the Faith, 1984
- #18 This Is the Time, 1986
- #19 Don’t Ask Me Why, 1980
- #20 Pressure, 1982
- #23 She’s Got a Way (Live), 1982
- #24 Only the Good Die Young, 1977
- #24 Honesty, 1979
- #25 Piano Man, 1973
Billy Joel Love Songs List
Shameless
Released in 1989 on the album Storm Front
Garth Brooks’ version became more mainstream but still a great song.
I’ve never lost anything I ever missed
But I’ve never been in love like this
And So It Goes
Released in 1989 on the album Storm Front
So I would choose to be with you
That’s if the choice were mine to make
This Is the Time
Released in 1986 on the album The Bridge
Someday we will both look back
And have to laugh
We lived through a lifetime
And the aftermath
Baby Grand
Released in 1986 on the album The Bridge
Although this is not a love song for a person but for a piano. Baby Grand is perfect for piano-loving couples.
Ever since this gig began
My baby grand’s
Been good to me
Leave a Tender Moment Alone
Released in 1983 on the album An Innocent Man
And if that’s how I feel
Then it’s the best feeling I’ve ever known
It’s undeniably real
The Longest Time
Released in 1983 on the album An Innocent Man
And the greatest miracle of all
Is how I need you
And how you needed me too
This Night
Released in 1983 on the album An Innocent Man
It’s only you and I
Tomorrow is a long time away
This night can last forever
Through the Long Night
Released in 1980 on the album Glass Houses
The warm tears
The bad dreams
The soft trembling shoulders
The old fears
But I’m here
Through the long night with you
Until the Night
Released in 1978 on the album 52nd Street
I just might make it
Until the night, until the night
When I see you again
Just the Way You Are
Released in 1977 on the album The Stranger
I said I love you and that’s forever
And this I promise from the heart
She’s Always A Woman
Released in 1977 on the album The Stranger
Oh, she takes care of herself, she can wait if she wants
She’s ahead of her time
Oh, she never gives out and she never gives in
You’re My Home
Released in 1973 on the album Piano Man
Well I’ll never be a stranger
And I’ll never be alone
Wherever we’re together
That’s my home
She’s Got A Way
Released in 1971 on the album Cold Spring Harbor
She’s got a way about her
I don’t know what it is
But I know that I can’t live without her
Billy Joel Spotify Playlist
Do you have a favorite Billy Joel song? Please share your song below in the comments!
For more information on current tour dates or Billy’s updates, visit the official Billy Joel website.
