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Billy Joel Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
Billy Joel has created numerous classic hits, including Piano Man, Just the Way You Are, Uptown Girl, The Stranger, and Honesty.
He gained popularity with his catchy melodies and sophisticated adult contemporary sound.
Here, we’ve listed his popular songs in a ranking format based on the number of plays.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting to know Billy Joel, be sure to check it out.
Billy Joel Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
HonestyBilly Joel1rank/position
This is a ballad that powerfully resonates with people’s hearts, celebrating the importance of sincerity.
Featured on the classic 1978 album “52nd Street” by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, the song portrays a longing for honesty—something harder to find than kindness or love—accompanied by a beautiful piano melody.
Beloved around the world, it reached number one in France and earned Gold certification for ringtone downloads in Japan.
Carrying a universal message that calls for truth not only in romantic relationships but also from politicians, this is a recommended track for anyone struggling with human relationships.
Just the Way You AreBilly Joel2rank/position
Just the sweet tone of the Fender Rhodes in the intro is enough to make your heart melt.
Billy Joel, the singer-songwriter who represents New York.
This signature ballad from his career is included on his album The Stranger, released in November 1977.
The song, which won two awards at the 21st Grammy Awards including Song of the Year, is also famous for having been written as a gift to his then-wife.
Its universal message of loving someone just as they are never fades with time.
The saxophone played by Phil Woods in the interlude is exquisite, further enhancing the song’s romantic atmosphere.
Give it a listen when you want to convey unadorned love to someone special.
Piano ManBilly Joel3rank/position
Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” released in 1973 and included on several albums, is one of his signature songs.
The fact that “Piano Man” is also known as a nickname for Billy Joel shows just how big a hit the song was.
As the title suggests, the piano takes center stage, and when his soaring vocals layer over it, the result is a moving atmosphere.
In Japan, it was used in a commercial for Kirin’s Spring Valley Silk Ale, where the pairing with the song further emphasizes the emotional impact.
New York State of MindBilly Joel4rank/position
This commercial, featuring Hana Sugisaki standing still in the middle of Shibuya’s scramble crossing—an image that leaves a strong impression—introduces a company’s mission to use IT to make the future better.
The dawn-lit visuals are so beautiful that you can’t help but want to watch it over and over.
The emotional song that plays alongside this wonderful footage is Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind.” Released in 1976, the song expresses Billy’s feelings as he returned to his hometown of New York.
His richly expressive vocals—and the beautiful piano accompaniment—further elevate the song’s moving atmosphere.
LeningradBilly Joel5rank/position
A track released in 1989 by Billy Joel.
It’s about Viktor Razinov, a Russian clown and friend he met while touring the Soviet Union.
It was inspired by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s 1878 piece, Violin Concerto in D major, Op.
35.
The StrangerBilly Joel6rank/position
The melancholy melody that flows from the intro is unforgettable—once you hear it, it won’t leave your head—Billy Joel’s number.
As it happens, that whistling was originally just a demo-stage idea that was supposed to be replaced by another instrument, but there’s an anecdote that it was kept in at the strong urging of the producer.
It’s included as the title track that symbolizes the classic album The Stranger, released in September 1977.
The lyrics, which depict the hidden inner self that everyone has, and the somewhat forlorn tone color are a perfect match, aren’t they? It’s a melody full of adult charm that makes you want to start whistling in the stillness of the night.
It might take a bit of practice, like controlling your breath, but being able to casually whistle this phrase would be very cool, wouldn’t it?
Uptown GirlBilly Joel7rank/position
This commercial conveys, through Shiori Sato’s reflections on her memories, that with Greens Free you can enjoy a special taste even without alcohol.
It unfolds like looking back at memories through photographs, and her full-on smile—perfectly in step with Greens Free—really brings out the fun.
The song that further highlights the cheerful mood of the visuals is Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl.” Its buoyant, light rhythm is striking, evoking a happy image of everyday life becoming more colorful and enjoyable.