Looking for the best Billy Joel “best of” collections to add to your library? This guide highlights five well-rounded options that cover peak hits, fan favorites, and iconic tracks. Each pick suits different listeners—classic rock fans seeking a broad overview, collectors chasing comprehensive anthologies, and casual listeners who want essential Billy Joel in one place. Below, compare what each album offers and who it’s best for, followed by a practical Buying Guide and FAQs to sharpen your decision.
| Product | Brand | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Essential Billy Joel | LEGACY RECORDINGS | CD/Vinyl | Shrink-wrapped |
| Greatest Hits Volume I & II | COLUMBIA | Vinyl | Availability: Pre-Order |
| The Hits | LEGACY RECORDINGS | CD/Vinyl | Shrink-wrapped |
| Piano Man: The Very Best of Billy Joel | SONY MUSIC CANADA ENTERTAINMENT INC. | CD | JoEL BILLY PIANO MAN: THE VERY BEST OF BILLY JOEL |
| The Complete Hits Collection 1973-1997 [Slipcase] | LEGACY RECORDINGS | Box Set | Shrink-wrapped |
The Essential Billy Joel
The Essential Billy Joel serves as a compact overview of Billy Joel’s most influential tracks, spanning his early pop-rock roots to his enduring ballads. Best for new listeners who want a concise, representative snapshot of Joel’s career. This collection is ideal for fans who prefer a straightforward set without multiple editions. A caution: it may not include every fan-favorite track some collectors seek.
Best For: New Fans Or Casual Listeners
- Inclusion: Select hits that define Billy Joel’s early and mid-career.
- Format: CD or vinyl depending on availability.
- Practical note: Shrink-wrapped copies indicate factory-sealed condition.
Greatest Hits Volume I & II
This two-disc vinyl collection compiles Billy Joel’s early-to-mid period hit singles, making it valuable for vinyl enthusiasts and long-time fans who want a comprehensive era-spanning set. Best for those who want a broad vinyl anthology and a strong sense of Joel’s development as a songwriter. Limitation: availability is listed as Pre-Order, which may affect delivery timing.
Best For: Vinyl Collectors
- Content: Early classics like Uptown Girl, Piano Man, and more.
- Format: Vinyl predominance; check if other formats are offered.
- Limitation: Pre-Order status may delay immediate shipment.
The Hits
The Hits compiles a broad slice of Billy Joel’s chart-topping material in a concise package. Best for listeners who want a mid-career emphasis with a focus on radio-friendly tracks. A potential drawback is that it may omit deeper cuts some fans love, depending on the edition.
Best For: Radio-Favorites
- Tracks: Focus on commercially successful singles.
- Format: Typically CD or digital editions accompany vinyl versions.
- Limitation: May miss less-mainstream songs valued by hardcore fans.
Piano Man: The Very Best of Billy Joel
This compilation centers on Billy Joel’s pianist persona and classic storytelling. Best for listeners who prize essential ballads and piano-driven tracks. A caution: the collection may overlap with other best-of editions, reducing added value if you already own them. Data highlights the album title in the sleeve, which helps identify the collection quickly.
Best For: Ballad Lovers
- Highlights: The signature tracks that define Joel’s storytelling style.
- Format: Commonly available on CD; check for digital options.
- Limitation: May not include some late-90s material.
The Complete Hits Collection 1973-1997 [Slipcase]
This slipcase edition assembles Billy Joel’s major hits across a 24-year span, ideal for collectors seeking a comprehensive overview in a single package. Best for longtime fans and completists who want a broad, archival set. Limitation: box-set size may be less portable for casual listening, and edition specifics can vary by release year.
Best For: Collectors And Archivists
- Scope: 1973–1997 hits across a single slipcase.
- Format: Box set; typically shrink-wrapped.
- Limitation: Heavier and less convenient for on-the-go listening.
Buying Guide
Consider these purchase factors when selecting a Billy Joel best-of collection:
- Purpose: Are you seeking a broad career overview, a vinyl-focused anthology, or a compact hit package for quick listening?
- Format availability: Check whether you prefer CD, vinyl, or digital editions, and verify current availability status (e.g., Pre-Order vs. In Stock).
- Track selection: Some compilations emphasize singles; others include deeper cuts. Decide which balance aligns with your listening goals.
- Edition specifics: Box sets or slipcases offer a wider tracklist, but are bulkier. Consider your storage and portability needs.
- Sound quality: For vinyl fans, pressings and mastering can affect warmth and dynamics. Assess what matters most for your system.
FAQ
- What is the best Billy Joel best-of for new listeners? The Essential Billy Joel provides a concise, representative overview of his career with accessible tracks.
- Which collection is best for vinyl lovers? Greatest Hits Volume I & II, along with The Essential Billy Joel, offer strong vinyl options depending on availability.
- Are there editions that cover Billy Joel’s entire early-to-mid career? The Complete Hits Collection 1973-1997 [Slipcase] is designed for a broad, archival-span experience.
- Should I buy a box set or individual discs? If you want breadth and a premium presentation, a box set like The Complete Hits Collection can be ideal; for portability, single-disc or two-disc compilations work better.
- Do these compilations include songs from the 1990s and later? Some editions include select later tracks; verify track lists before purchasing if you want specific post-1990 material.
- Is pre-order a risk? Pre-order may delay delivery, so if you want immediate listening, choose a currently in-stock edition.