The Craft of Billy Joel: How Discipline and Simplicity Create Timeless Music

TLDRDespite struggling to produce hit singles, Billy Joel's disciplined songwriting process and dedication to simplicity have allowed him to create a catalog of music that stands the test of time.

Key insights

🎶Billy Joel's best songs are often the album tracks rather than the hit singles.

🖊️Songwriting for Billy Joel is a hard and disciplined process, requiring time and effort.

🎹Billy Joel's classical piano training heavily influenced his songwriting.

🎵Billy Joel's music blends rock and roll, blues, and jazz, creating a unique sound.

🎶The success of Billy Joel's songs often comes long after their release, as they stand the test of time.

Q&A

Why are Billy Joel's album tracks often considered better than his hit singles?

Billy Joel's album tracks are often more artistically complex and showcase his true musical talent.

How does Billy Joel approach the songwriting process?

Billy Joel approaches songwriting with discipline and focus, considering melody, harmony, and rhythm.

What is the influence of classical music on Billy Joel's compositions?

Billy Joel's classical piano training has influenced the structure and complexity of his music.

What genres does Billy Joel incorporate in his music?

Billy Joel's music incorporates elements of rock and roll, blues, and jazz.

Why do Billy Joel's songs stand the test of time?

The timeless quality of Billy Joel's songs lies in their craftsmanship, capturing universal emotions and experiences.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Despite being known for hit singles like 'Uptown Girl' and 'Piano Man,' Billy Joel's fans often appreciate his album tracks more.

01:45Billy Joel's songwriting process is far from easy, often describing it as 'like pulling teeth.'

02:21Billy Joel's classical piano training heavily influenced his approach to music composition.

03:09While Billy Joel's music encompasses rock and roll, blues, and jazz, his melodies and lyrics remain simple and memorable.

06:14Billy Joel's songs often become hits long after their initial release, thanks to their timeless quality.