Billy Joel has had a very varied career since he became an icon with his rock and roll in the‭ 1970s and ‬1980s.‭ His best-loved and most popular tunes are his exuberant pop-rock from this era. Yes, the songs are fun for dancing and singing along, yet there is also a deeper meaning to them as well.

 

“It‭’‬s Still Rock and Roll to Me‭” is a hit from 1980 from the album “Glass Houses.” Fans may be amused to know that Billy wrote in in the backseat of a car while he was being driven to a recording session because he didn’t have anything ready for the upcoming session, according to the Top of the Pops 2 Billy Joel Special. It’s upbeat in feel, but the lyrics are scathing look at the music industry from a protagonist who refuses to change who he is to be a rock star.

 

The song, “Only the Good Die Young,‭”‬ turns that old phrase on its head. Its from Billy’s earlier 1977 album, “The Stranger.” It was controversial in its time, with it being accused of being anti-Catholic, although Billy just claimed that instead it was simply “pro-list.” In the song, a guy tries to corrupt a young girl because he’d rather “laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints.” This ditty does not take itself too seriously, and it will bring to your feet.

 

“Uptown Girl‭”‬ is a fun one from the 1983 album entitled “An Innocent Man.” It was a huge hit, and the video starred Billy’s soon-to-be wife, Christie Brinkley. However, he later said it was originally written for a previous girlfriend, Elle Macpherson, but that it later became about Christie. It’s about a man going after a woman who is considered to be out of reach. It’s doo-wop beat was influenced by the Motown sound of the early 1960s.