Billy Joel has revealed why he stepped away from releasing full-length studio albums decades ago, saying he chose to preserve the quality of his work rather than continue creating music without the same passion that once drove his career.
The iconic singer-songwriter, whose catalog includes timeless hits such as Piano Man, Just the Way You Are, and Uptown Girl, recently reflected on his decision to stop recording new albums after the release of River of Dreams in 1993. Joel said he became increasingly concerned that continuing to release records later in his career could weaken the legacy he had spent years building.
The Grammy-winning musician explained that many artists continue producing albums long after reaching their creative peak, which can sometimes diminish the impact of their earlier work. Rather than follow that path, he decided it was the right moment to step away from writing pop albums.
Joel admitted the choice was far from easy, describing it as one of the hardest decisions of his career. Instead of pursuing more commercial releases, he redirected his creativity toward classical music, leading to the release of Fantasies & Delusions in 2001, a collection of original piano compositions that fulfilled a long-standing artistic ambition.
He also acknowledged that his motivation for writing songs had changed over time. After producing 12 studio albums, Joel felt he had completed the chapter he wanted to write as a songwriter. He compared his body of work to that of The Beatles, noting that reaching a similar number of albums felt like a natural point to conclude that phase of his career.
Beyond music, Joel chose to devote more time to his personal life and family, including his eldest daughter, Alexa Ray Joel. Although he largely stepped away from album-making, he surprised fans by releasing the original single Turn the Lights Back On in 2024, marking his first new pop song in years.
The veteran performer also shared that he no longer feels equipped to offer songwriting guidance to younger musicians. He described songwriting as an intensely demanding creative process that can become emotionally exhausting once an artist feels unable to reach the standards they once achieved. Rather than struggle with those expectations, Joel said he accepted that it was time to move on.
His reflections come as he continues recovering from normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a neurological condition caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. The disorder can affect balance, vision, hearing, and cognitive function, prompting the singer to cancel several North American and UK tour dates in 2025 while focusing on treatment and rehabilitation.
Joel’s family has since shared encouraging updates about his recovery, saying he remains committed to physical therapy, maintaining a healthier lifestyle, and regaining his strength. Their optimism has reassured fans that the legendary musician continues to make steady progress despite the challenges posed by his diagnosis.
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Source: Owink
