Billy Joel's Resurgence: The Return of Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II
Billy Joel, the iconic singer-songwriter known as the "Piano Man," is experiencing a resurgence in his music career. His compilation album, Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II, originally released nearly 40 years ago, has reentered the charts, currently sitting at No. 75 on the Billboard 200. This renewed interest in Joel's music follows the release of his HBO documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, and a growing fascination with his extensive music catalog.
Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II, released in 1985, is a compilation of Joel's biggest hits from 1973 to 1985, including popular songs like "Piano Man," "New York State of Mind," and "Uptown Girl." The album, which features two previously unreleased tracks, has been a massive success, certified 23-times Platinum in the United States, with over 11.5 million copies sold.
In 2025, Joel announced his retirement from touring due to health reasons, sparking a renewed interest in his music. The HBO documentary shed light on Joel's personal and professional life, attracting both new and longtime fans. Internationally, the album made a comeback on sales charts in the UK, with a special vinyl edition released for its 40th anniversary.
With a career spanning over five decades and selling more than 160 million records worldwide, Joel's influence in the music industry is undeniable. A new feature film, Billy & Me, is in development, focusing on Joel's early years before his rise to stardom. Despite his hiatus from touring, Joel's music continues to resonate with audiences, solidifying his status as a music legend.