Few singer-songwriters have left as lasting an imprint on the fabric of popular music as Billy Joel. With a career spanning over five decades and a catalogue of 13 studio albums (one of which was an original classical composition), Joel’s masterful mix of piano-driven balladry, rock anthems, and jazz-infused compositions has resonated with listeners worldwide. It is, therefore, fitting to explore—and rank—his albums from worst to best, celebrating both his chart-topping classics and the lesser-known titles that showcase his lyrical and musical versatility.

With such a substantial body of work, ranking Billy Joel’s albums is a challenging task; even through a lens of subjectivity. Some may question why certain fan favourites appear lower on the list as less notable releases outrank perennial hits. That’s the beauty of a subjective ranking: it highlights the albums in the order that spoke to me most.

You’ll notice that Joel’s original classical composition, Billy Joel: Fantasies & Delusions, Op. 1-10 - Music for Solo Piano has been omitted. While it’s a pleasant release, it’s considerably different to the music that made Joel an icon. As such, it really doesn’t suit this ranked list, particularly considering Joel didn’t perform the composition, instead passing that privilege to Hyung-ki Joo. However, for those craving a classical interlude, Fantasies & Delusions will likely be an enjoyable listening experience; but for the rest of us, it’s time to return to the piano-driven rock ’n’ roll that made him a legend.

…if only Turn The Lights Back On was the beginning of a new chapter; an astonishingly good modern recording that could have been so much more had it been accompanied by an entirely new album.

12. Glass Houses (1980)

Glass Houses sees Joel deliver an edgier, guitar-driven rock album. His departure from the piano‑ballad comfort zone he’d cultivated with perfection is somewhat surprising, but it works well for the intent of the record. However, despite the spirited energy and memorable hooks of “You May Be Right” and “It's Still Rock and Roll to Me”, those purely piano-based compositions are sorely missed with this more experimental and aggressive sound. Hence, it’s a good album but not his best.

Check out the full album on Apple Music.

11. Piano Man (1973)

Piano Man’s position will likely shock many fans; especially those who idolise this record. However, ask yourself, other than the incredible title track, what’s another killer tune from the record?

Okay, so “Captain Jack” is a timeless number, and “You’re My Home” is exceptionally pleasing, but when you open with “Travelin' Prayer”, I’m sorry but you’re destined to be positioned eleventh on my subjective list as it’s offset to the rest of the songs on the record.

Check out the full album on Apple Music.

10. Cold Spring Harbor (1971)

Joel’s debut, Cold Spring Harbor, offers a glimpse of his raw and nascent talent. Recorded when he was barely out of his teens, the album brims with earnest melodies and heartfelt lyrics. The lo‑fi mix can feel muddy at times, but don’t let that detract you for despite its position on this list, it has some incredible songs, such as the magnificent “She’s Got a Way”, and only gets better the more you listen to it.

Check out the full album on Apple Music.

9. Turnstiles (1976)

Turnstiles is somewhat of a transitional, but musically rich, entry in Billy Joel’s catalogue. The song selection is much more fluid than his earlier releases, with a real focus on the album experience. However, it isn’t all good as “All You Wanna Do Is Dance” doesn’t suit the overall structure of this release and is a core reason why Turnstiles is positioned much higher in the list than some would assume; especially given landmark tunes, such as “Say Goodbye to Hollywood”, “New York State of Mind’, and “Prelude / Angry Young Man” are amongst Joel’s greatest recordings. Regardless, Turnstiles did lay the groundwork for what would soon follow in The Stranger as Joel’s arrangements became more intricate and his band became even tighter as a performing unit.

Check out the full album on Apple Music.

8. The Bridge (1986)

The Bridge navigates the mid‑80s pop-rock waters alongside a polished production sheen that still isn’t dated to the era (with the exception of “Modern Woman”). Swapping introspective narratives for broad, radio-ready tunes, The Bridge, at times, feels overproduced and a little unfocused. While there are incredible songs to be heard, it isn’t quite the fluid album experience that one often associates with Billy Joel. Yet, it’s the songs that ensure the album is worthy of its position around the midway point of this ranked list.

If you’re after the best songs from The Bridge, but don’t feel that the album experience is up to par, three of the album’s most memorable tunes “A Matter Of Trust”, “Baby Grand”, and This Is The Time” can be found on Joel’s excellent 1997 compilation, Greatest Hits Volume III.

Check out the full album on Apple Music.

7. The Nylon Curtain (1982)

The Nylon Curtain stands as one of Joel’s most mature records; from both a thematic lyrical perspective and bold musical production. Drawing inspiration from social and political currents of the early 80s, the album weaves its intricate arrangements and introspective lyrics to deliver a record that has a rock‑opera scope and cohesive narrative, making it one of his most artistically ambitious—and enduring releases.

Check out the full album on Apple Music.

6. Streetlife Serenade (1974)

Streetlife Serenade balances piano‑centric ballads with breezy, jazz‑tinged numbers, showcasing Joel’s early-career versatility as it pertains to his songwriting and musical direction. Though it lacks a chart-topping hit, its charmingly soulful performances are addictively good and its strength can be found in the linear structure as this album experience grows on you the more you listen to the record.

Check out the full album on Apple Music.

5. 52nd Street (1978)

52nd Street is a masterclass in blending musical genres, in this case, jazz, pop, and rock. Anchored by tight arrangements and sparkling production, the album never loses its momentum from start to finish with, arguably, the greatest song Joel has ever recorded, “Stiletto,” being the connective tissue that holds the album together at its midway point. It’s another example of Joel’s incredible songwriting prowess and remains one of the definitive albums of 1978.

Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Billy Joel’s 52nd Street.

4. An Innocent Man (1983)

Tapping into doo‑wop, soul, and Motown influences, An Innocent Man is Billy Joel’s heartfelt homage to the music of his youth. In an interesting dichotomy, “Uptown Girl” represents one of my very first musical memories and, along with Starship’s “We Built This City” is a reason why this site and my love of music continue to exist some four decades later.

Each song on An Innocent Man is crafted with affection and precision, resulting in a joyous, cohesive experience. There’s, subsequently, little wonder as to why I also consider it to be one of the best albums of 1983, as well as one of the greatest in Joel's illustrious career.

Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Billy Joel’s An Innocent Man.

3. Storm Front (1989)

Storm Front saw Joel adapting his style through the implementation of a bolder edge and razor-sharp production qualities that were perfectly suited to the era. Navigating between driving rock anthems, lush ballads, and tight, radio-friendly hooks, Storm Front showcases Joel’s versatility as both a songwriter and performer as it’s amongst his greatest albums and is one of the best records released in 1989.

On a personal note, Storm Front holds a special place in my heart—it was one of the very first albums I owned, on cassette, and while River Of Dreams would cement my love for Billy Joel’s music, it was this album, and the anthemic “We Didn’t Start The Fire” that really got me hooked as a lifelong fan.

Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Billy Joel’s Storm Front.

2. The Stranger (1977)

Ranked as the best album of 1977, The Stranger blends compelling storytelling, emotional depth, and melodic brilliance into what can be best described as a musical masterpiece. Its enduring songs (particularly, “She’s Always A Woman”), linear structure, and timeless appeal make it the undisputed runner‑up on this list. I’d even go as far as suggesting that had it not been for my love of River Of Dreams, The Stranger can most certainly be considered, objectively, Billy Joel’s greatest musical achievement.

Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Billy Joel’s The Stranger.

1. River Of Dreams (1993)

River Of Dreams holds a special place in my heart for it was an album that helped define my formative years, with every lyric memorised and every melody ingrained. Its blend of gospel‑tinged soul, introspective songwriting, and pop-rock styling creates an album that never loses momentum. From start to finish, it’s Joel at his most engaging, and for me, it stands as the pinnacle release of his career.

Check out the full album on Apple Music.

 

I'm curious—how would you rank Billy Joel’s Studio albums? Share in the comments!