When you think of classic musical acts, there are fewer than far between that have shined as brightly like the Piano Man, Billy Joel. It has nearly been 40 years since he released his debut album, and his songs past and present have stood the test of time in a incredible way. While it has honestly been more than a decade since he made his final studio album, 1993's River Of Dreams, he still holds his own beautifully by delivering the strong songs that have been staples of great music. With the new success of his music being recognized with his documentary, The Last Play At Shea, focusing in on his music as well as being showcased as the final act to perform at the former home of the New York Mets, and being the first to deliver a rock concert at Yankee Stadium back in 1990. Now set to celebrate his 40th anniversay, a new new hits collection is out there to re-introduce Billy Joel's classics to a new era.

Billy Joel - The Hits is a single disc retrospective of Billy Joel's big hits on one album. While the songs have all been remastered nicely, it honestly is a collection of great to a younger era of those who've never owned a Billy Joel album before. Still, the collection does deliver nearly all of his big hits including The River Of Dreams, the #1 hit We Didn't Start The Fire, his signature staple Piano Man, and the intimate New York State Of Mind, and Big Shot. While the collection of songs stands well on a single disc, there are so many of Billy's biggest songs that sadly weren't here. The biggest shocker is his standout song Uptown Girl, as well as favorites like the Grammy-winning Just The Way You Are, Don't Ask Me Why as well as many others. It honestly is also a surprise that a standout like The Downeaster Alexa wasn't here, in place of one of Billy's lesser-known hits like Everybody Loves You Now. That simply is the biggest fluke of the record.

All in all, despite a lot of Billy Joel's great classics not being recognized, Billy Joel - The Hits isn't definitive from what has made him the Piano Man to sing us the songs tonight. It honestly isn't as definitive as was the case with Billy's better hits collections like The Essential Billy Joel (2001,) or his distinctive Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II which sold over 21 million copies in America alone, and remains the highest-selling greatest hits record by a solo artist. I honestly can't recommend this hits collection for the ultimate Billy Joel fan, but a noble sampler for anyone whom has yet to hear a ode from the Piano Man. What makes Billy Joel? It honestly wasn't everything here.

Album Cover: B

Songs: C+

Price: C+

Remastering: B

Overall: C+
When you think of classic musical acts, there are fewer than far between that have shined as brightly like the Piano Man, Billy Joel. It has nearly been 40 years since he released his debut album, and his songs past and present have stood the test of time in a incredible way. While it has honestly been more than a decade since he made his final studio album, 1993's River Of Dreams, he still holds his own beautifully by delivering the strong songs that have been staples of great music. With the new success of his music being recognized with his documentary, The Last Play At Shea, focusing in on his music as well as being showcased as the final act to perform at the former home of the New York Mets, and being the first to deliver a rock concert at Yankee Stadium back in 1990. Now set to celebrate his 40th anniversay, a new new hits collection is out there to re-introduce Billy Joel's classics to a new era. Billy Joel - The Hits is a single disc retrospective of Billy Joel's big hits on one album. While the songs have all been remastered nicely, it honestly is a collection of great to a younger era of those who've never owned a Billy Joel album before. Still, the collection does deliver nearly all of his big hits including The River Of Dreams, the #1 hit We Didn't Start The Fire, his signature staple Piano Man, and the intimate New York State Of Mind, and Big Shot. While the collection of songs stands well on a single disc, there are so many of Billy's biggest songs that sadly weren't here. The biggest shocker is his standout song Uptown Girl, as well as favorites like the Grammy-winning Just The Way You Are, Don't Ask Me Why as well as many others. It honestly is also a surprise that a standout like The Downeaster Alexa wasn't here, in place of one of Billy's lesser-known hits like Everybody Loves You Now. That simply is the biggest fluke of the record. All in all, despite a lot of Billy Joel's great classics not being recognized, Billy Joel - The Hits isn't definitive from what has made him the Piano Man to sing us the songs tonight. It honestly isn't as definitive as was the case with Billy's better hits collections like The Essential Billy Joel (2001,) or his distinctive Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II which sold over 21 million copies in America alone, and remains the highest-selling greatest hits record by a solo artist. I honestly can't recommend this hits collection for the ultimate Billy Joel fan, but a noble sampler for anyone whom has yet to hear a ode from the Piano Man. What makes Billy Joel? It honestly wasn't everything here. Album Cover: B

Songs: C+

Price: C+

Remastering: B

Overall: C+