Stephanie G. Mathis The song has the hallmarks of a classic Joel tune: the rolling chords and rhythm of “She’s Always A Woman,” the plea for acceptance of someone in “Just the Way You Are,” and the percussive snare and bass of “The Downeaster “Alexa.” There is even a lick from the piano solo from “Scene from an Italian restaurant,” which some might remember.
Turn the lights back on is Billy Joel’s official lyrics video.
What does it all add to? Is this a sign that Billy Joel has returned? Has he ever left?
My research explores the legacy left by musicians and how it reverberates over time.
Joel is an interesting case because of his active involvement in the shaping and evolution of music he composed many years ago.
The legacy of an artist with Joel’s stature is usually only revealed after their death. Joel’s “legacy-making” phase has lasted longer than many other musicians’ careers.
Hibernation in the creative mode
Joel composed more than 120 songs between 1970 and 1993. He released an album every 12-16 months.
The last album of his popular music was “River of Dreams” in 1993. It ended with “Famous Final Words,” an uncomplicated rock song that has a chorus repeating, “These are the final words I must say.”
Fans interpreted this from afar as an end to the production of hit albums. Joel has been a time-bound artist ever since, despite the timeless nature of some of his songs.
Joel continues to sell out stadiums, even though he has long since stopped recording new music. Joel toured with Elton John on “Face to Face,” and began a Madison Square Garden residency in 2014. This run will end on July 20, 2024, when he performs his 150th performance at the legendary venue.
Billy Joel and Ray Charles laugh together in 1993. That was the year Joel released his latest album, ‘River of Dreams’. Ron Galella/Getty Images
The constant live performances of his songs have extended their longevity and allowed new generations to enjoy and discover his back catalog.
He has sold over 150 million albums. The Beatles have released a steady stream of 50th Anniversary reissues. Columbia Records, in the absence of any new music from Joel, has released his “Greatest Hits Volume III” (1997) as well as “My Lives”, a 2005 album.
What is the last act of a star?
Joel’s creative output has decreased since 2024.
What’s his plan with “Turn The Lights Back On?” Is a new collection in the works, or is it just a one-off?
I have written elsewhere on the arrangement of Joel’s career and life through the greatest hits compilations.
In order to encourage people to buy these compilations, new material is usually released, either from his archives, which never made it on one of his previous albums, or a brand new song, when the occasion calls for it.
In an era of streaming, with customizable and accessible playlists available to all, it doesn’t appear that promoting a new album is the main motivation.
Joel appears to be more influenced by The Beatles.
In November last year, the band released “Then and Now,” a song marketed as being “the final Beatles song.” A month later, Joel joked during a Madison Square Garden residency that he may have upcoming music. It was used to spread the news. It was his first ever post on TikTok.
Like “Now and Then,” “Turn The Lights Back On” was a once in a lifetime event, especially for his younger fans.
For millions, this is the first opportunity they have had to hear a song from an artist that they’ve admired for years.
The teaser video for the new song, which will be released on January 22, 2024, shows Joel literally turning the page to the next chapter of his career. You’ll notice that the page he turns is actually a set of waterlogged lyrics for “Famous Last Words.”
He is fulfilling the promise made in the song’s lyrics: “There’ll be more words some other time, Isn’t that my story?”
In the 1990s he stopped making records , because he felt stuck. The years since may not have been as fulfilling for him as he had hoped.
What’s next for “Turn The Lights Back On?” Is Joel now ready to release new music? Is it a last-ditch effort from a Baby Boomer to be remembered when his star fades?
Trying to find meaning is not the main point. He declares at the end of the song “I’m right here.”
