Billy Joel fans have been treated to their first new song in 17 years with the release of “Turn the Lights Back On.” This song captures the essence of a classic Joel ballad, featuring elements like the rhythm and chords reminiscent of “She’s Always a Woman,” a plea similar to “Just the Way You Are,” and the bass and snare from “The Downeaster ‘Alexa.'” There is even a nod to the piano solo in “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” albeit slower. Releasing new music in his 70s is a commendable feat. But what does this release signify? Is Billy Joel making a comeback, or did he ever fade away?
My research delves into how musicians’ legacies continue and evolve over the years, even after their original music has been released. Billy Joel is particularly intriguing because he is actively involved in shaping the legacy of his own songs long after they were initially composed. Normally, legacy considerations surrounding artists of Joel’s stature occur posthumously. Yet, Joel has been in this “legacy crafting” stage longer than many musicians’ entire careers. Between 1970 and 1993, Joel released albums consistently, writing over 120 songs. However, he has not released a new pop album since “River of Dreams” in 1993. That album ended with “Famous Last Words,” a straightforward rock song with a chorus proclaiming, “These are the last words I have to say,” which fans interpreted as his retirement from producing new hit albums. Despite this, Joel has remained an enduring figure in music.
Though he stopped recording new music years ago, Joel has continued to perform live to sold-out stadiums, such as during his “Face to Face” tour with Elton John. In 2014, he began a monthly residency at Madison Square Garden, which will culminate in his 150th show there in July 2024. These performances have prolonged the life of his songs and introduced them to new generations. Joel has sold over 150 million albums, and special editions and collections have kept his legacy alive, similar to The Beatles’ 50th-anniversary releases. Without new music, Columbia Records has kept Joel in the spotlight with releases such as “Greatest Hits: Volume III” in 1997 and “My Lives” in 2005.
Now approaching 2024, Joel’s creative hiatus has surpassed the duration of his active music-making years. So what does the release of “Turn the Lights Back On” entail? Could it be a prelude to a new compilation? I have previously explored how Joel’s life and career have been showcased through greatest hits collections. New releases often accompany these compilations, designed to entice buyers, whether through unheard archive tracks or completely new songs. However, in a streaming age where playlists are easily accessible and customizable, promoting a new album doesn’t appear to be the main aim.
Instead, Joel seems to echo The Beatles, who last year launched “Now and Then,” touted as “the last Beatles song.” A month later, Joel hinted at a possible new project during a Madison Square Garden concert, which gained traction through his debut TikTok post. Similar to “Now and Then,” “Turn the Lights Back On” is a rare and significant release, especially for his younger fans. For many, this is likely the first time they have experienced a brand-new song from an artist they admire. In a teaser released on January 22, 2024, Joel literally turns the page to this new chapter in his career, and the page is a waterlogged lyric sheet for “Famous Last Words.” He’s delivering on a promise contained in that song: “There will be other words some other day, Ain’t that the story of my life?”
Joel stepped away from record-making in the 1990s when he felt creatively stagnant. It’s possible that the years since have not been as fulfilling as he’d envisioned. What does “Turn the Lights Back On” indicate about his plans? Is Joel ready to resume sharing his music with the world, or is this an artist yearning to be remembered as his fame wanes? Perhaps searching for meaning is unnecessary. As Joel proclaims in the song’s conclusion, “I’m here right now.” Maybe that’s all his fans need.