25 Best Billy Joel B-Sides

By Michael Perone / November 7, 2013

From Piano Man

3. "You're My Home"

Written for his first wife (he's had two since then, including the aforementioned Brinkley), this is probably the most romantic Joel song ever recorded, though Joel himself admitted the song is "corny but true." This is the Joel tune that every couple says is "their song."

4. "The Ballad of Billy the Kid"

This is one of the epic tracks off his second album ("Piano Man" and "Captain Jack" being the other two, but you've already heard those). It's quite possibly the closest Joel comes to a country song, since it tells the story of the title gunslinger. This is also a favorite at concerts, and surprisingly, many people sing along, though it's hardly played on the radio. Listen for the "Oyster Bay, Long Island" reference, as Joel turns the title character back on himself.

From Streetlife Serenade

5. "The Great Suburban Showdown"

This song describes how it's difficult€”and often impossible€”to go home again. This is exactly how I felt after I graduated college and came back to Long Island. It had only been 4 years, but with all I went through in that short time, it felt like 20. It still hits home, no pun intended.

6. "Souvenir"

This song always reminded me of "Bookends" by Simon and Garfunkel (well, really Paul Simon, since he wrote, sang, and played the whole thing). Not only is it a super-short pop song at around 2 minutes, it's about the same themes: nostalgia, longing for what isn't there anymore, and the quiet passage of time.