Every Billy Joel Album Ranked Worst To Best

Ignoring the legal difficulties that marred both its production and release, Piano Man was Billy Joel's second album, and should really have been the one to launch him to superstardom. In hindsight, at least. At the time, it sold well and got him noticed, but it would't be for another four years before he really reached the masses.

Even with its anti-climatic reception, though, Piano Man has emerged as one Joel's most popular records, a musical extravaganza that perfectly balances his already fantastic lyricism with his spotless abilities behind the piano.

The title track might just be Joel's most well-known song, and is a fine example of how enduring his music has proven to be. "Captain Jack," meanwhile, allows Joel to break all the rules and rock out a seven minute anthem of teenage angst and his observations of drug addiction in his old neighbourhood.

Piano Man marked a major improvement from his debut effort, with more mature songwriting and better production ensuring that Joel was sure to end up as one of the musical giants of the generation.

Best Songs: Piano Man, Captain Jack, You're My Home, Travellin' Prayer