25 Best Billy Joel B-Sides

By Michael Perone / November 7, 2013

From The Stranger

11. "Vienna"

This song was a karaoke favorite of mine. It's about what happened when Joel visited his father in Vienna, having moved there years ago after divorcing Joel's mother. It's incredibly moving for such a simple song and easy to relate to, but don't take it from me; buy the album, and let the song speak for itself.

From 52nd Street

12. "Zanzibar"

This one doesn't sound like a Billy Joel song at all. Not only does it feature a funky, almost Latin rhythm, but he trades his trademark piano for, of all things, a spirited trumpet solo! Still, you can't deny its danceable hook. He played it at the last concert of his that I attended at Madison Square Garden, and because it's so obscure, I was probably one of the few in the entire arena singing along.