The Hits by Billy Joel - DeepRiffs

COMPILATION

As a preface to an ambitious 2011 reissue campaign that promises rarities from the vaults, previously unavailable studio tracks, live performances and home video releases, Columbia/Legacy kicks things off in 2010 with the career-spanning 19-track The Hits. While The Hits offers nothing new for the hardcore fan, it’s a solid collection for those who are just getting caught up. Beginning with “Everybody Loves You Now” from 1971’s Cold Spring Harbour, things quickly go hit-single crazy with “Piano Man,” “New York State of Mind,” “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song),” “My Life” all through to 1993’s “The River of Dreams.” Joel’s astonishing career is a testament to daring pop choices. His love of Frankie Valli (“The Longest Time,” “Tell Her About It”), his quick approximation of new wave (“It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me),” his social commentaries (“Allentown,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire”) and his peerless songcrafting (“Pressure,” “I Go to Extremes”) all come together in one succinct collection.

1. Everybody Loves You Now

Bass: Larry Knechtel
Joe Osborn; Performer
Drums: Mike Mcgee; Performer
Performer: Billy Joel; Performer
Steel Guitar: Sneaky Pete; Performer
Arranger: Artie Ripp
Jimmie Haskell; Composer
Composer: Billy Joel; Composer
Lyricist: Billy Joel; Composer
Conductor: Artie Ripp
Jimmie Haskell; Conductor
Assistant Engineer: Gordon Watanabe
Michael Stone; Production
Director: Artie Ripp; Production
Editor: Larry Elliott
Artie Ripp; Production
Engineer: Artie Ripp
Larry Elliott; Production
Guitar: Don Evans
Sal De Troia; Performer
Harmonica: Billy Joel; Performer
Harpsichord: Billy Joel; Performer
Organ: Billy Joel; Performer
Piano: Billy Joel; Performer
Executive Producer: Irwin Mazur; Production
Mixing Engineer: Artie Ripp
Larry Elliott; Production
Recording: Bob Hughes; Production
Primary Artist: Billy Joel; Main Performer
Producer: Artie Ripp; Production

2. Piano Man

Primary Artist: Billy Joel; Main Performer
Accordion: Michael Omartian; Performer
Background Vocals: The Creamers
Susan Steward & Co.; Performer
Banjo: Fred Heilbrun
Eric Weisberg; Performer
Drums: Ron Tutt; Performer
Fiddle: Billy Armstrong; Performer
Guitar: Larry Carlton
Dean Parks
Richard Bennett; Performer
Keyboard: Billy Joel; Performer
Performer: Billy Joel; Performer
Arranger: Michael Omartian; Composer
Composer: Billy Joel; Composer
Lyricist: Billy Joel; Composer
Engineer: Ron Malo; Production
Producer: Michael Stewart; Production

3. The Entertainer

Primary Artist: Billy Joel; Main Performer
Banjo: Tom Whitehorse; Performer
Bass: Larry Knechtel
Emory Gordy
Wilton Felder; Performer
Congas: Joe Clayton; Performer
Drums: Ron Tutt; Performer
Guitar: Roj Rathor
Gary Dalton
Al Hertzberg
Art Munson
Don Evans
Richard Bennett
Michael Stewart
Mike Deasy; Performer
Keyboard: Billy Joel; Performer
Organ: William Smith; Performer
Performer: Billy Joel; Performer
Arranger: Billy Joel
Michael Stewart; Composer
Composer: Billy Joel; Composer
Lyricist: Billy Joel; Composer
Engineer: Ron Malo; Production
Producer: Michael Stewart; Production

4. New York State of Mind

Bass: Doug Stegmeyer; Performer
Composer: Billy Joel; Composer
Drums: Liberty Devitto; Performer
Keyboard: Billy Joel; Performer
Percussion: Neil Jason; Performer
Performer: Billy Joel; Performer
Piano: Billy Joel; Performer
Saxophone: Richie Cannata; Performer
Lyricist: Billy Joel; Composer
Assistant Engineer: John Bradley; Production
Assistant Producer: John Bradley; Production
Vocals: Billy Joel; Performer
Engineer: Don Puluse; Production
Mastering Engineer: Ted Jensen; Production
Mixing Engineer: Bruce Botnick; Production
Primary Artist: Billy Joel; Main Performer
Producer: Michael Stewart
Phil Ramone; Production

5. Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)

Acoustic Guitar: Steve Kahn; Performer
Bass: Doug Stegmeyer; Performer
Clarinet: Richie Cannata; Performer
Lyricist: Billy Joel; Composer
Drums: Liberty Devitto; Performer
Electric Guitar: Steve Kahn
Hiram Bullock; Performer
Engineer: Jim Boyer
Phil Ramone; Production
Flute: Richie Cannata; Performer
Guitar: Steve Kahn; Performer
Keyboard: Billy Joel; Performer
Organ: Richie Cannata; Performer
Composer: Billy Joel; Composer
Performer: Billy Joel; Performer
Piano: Billy Joel; Performer
Soprano Saxophone: Richie Cannata; Performer
Synthesizer: Billy Joel; Performer
Tenor Saxophone: Richie Cannata; Performer
Orchestration: Patrick Williams; Composer
Vocals: Billy Joel; Performer
Primary Artist: Billy Joel; Main Performer
Producer: Phil Ramone; Production

6. Only the Good Die Young

Acoustic Guitar: Steve Kahn; Performer
Bass: Doug Stegmeyer; Performer
Clarinet: Richie Cannata; Performer
Lyricist: Billy Joel; Composer
Drums: Liberty Devitto; Performer
Electric Guitar: Steve Kahn
Hiram Bullock; Performer
Engineer: Jim Boyer
Phil Ramone; Production
Flute: Richie Cannata; Performer
Guitar: Steve Kahn; Performer
Keyboard: Billy Joel; Performer
Organ: Richie Cannata; Performer
Composer: Billy Joel; Composer
Performer: Billy Joel; Performer
Piano: Billy Joel; Performer
Soprano Saxophone: Richie Cannata; Performer
Synthesizer: Billy Joel; Performer
Tenor Saxophone: Richie Cannata; Performer
Orchestration: Patrick Williams; Composer
Vocals: Billy Joel; Performer
Primary Artist: Billy Joel; Main Performer
Producer: Phil Ramone; Production

7. My Life

Acoustic Guitar: Steve Khan; Performer
Composer: Billy Joel; Composer
Background Vocals: Donnie Dacus
Doug Stegmeyer
Peter Cetera; Performer
Bass: Doug Stegmeyer; Performer
Lyricist: Billy Joel; Composer
Assistant Engineer: David Martone; Production
Clarinet: Richie Cannata; Performer
Drums: Liberty Devitto; Performer
Electric Guitar: Steve Khan; Performer
Organ: Richie Cannata; Performer
Performer: Billy Joel; Performer
Piano: Billy Joel; Performer
Engineer: Jim Boyer; Production
Mixing Engineer: Phil Ramone
Jim Boyer; Production
Vocals: Billy Joel; Performer
Primary Artist: Billy Joel; Main Performer
Producer: Phil Ramone; Production

8. Big Shot

Composer: Billy Joel; Composer
Acoustic Guitar: Steve Khan; Performer
Background Vocals: Doug Stegmeyer; Performer
Bass: Doug Stegmeyer; Performer
Clarinet: Richie Cannata; Performer
Lyricist: Billy Joel; Composer
Assistant Engineer: David Martone; Production
Drums: Liberty Devitto; Performer
Electric Guitar: Steve Khan; Performer
Organ: Richie Cannata; Performer
Performer: Billy Joel; Performer
Piano: Billy Joel; Performer
Saxophone: Richie Cannata; Performer
Engineer: Jim Boyer; Production
Mixing Engineer: Phil Ramone
Jim Boyer; Production
Vocals: Billy Joel; Performer
Primary Artist: Billy Joel; Main Performer
Producer: Phil Ramone; Production

9. You May Be Right

Accordion: Billy Joel; Performer
Acoustic Guitar: David Brown
Russell Javors; Performer
Lyricist: Billy Joel; Composer
Assistant Engineer: Bradshaw Leigh; Production
Assistant Producer: Michele Slagter; Production
Bass Guitar: Doug Stegmeyer; Performer
Drums: Liberty Devitto; Performer
Electric Guitar: Russell Javors
David Brown; Performer
Flute: Richie Cannata; Performer
Harmonica: Billy Joel; Performer
Organ: Richie Cannata; Performer
Percussion: Liberty Devitto; Performer
Composer: Billy Joel; Composer
Performer: Billy Joel; Performer
Piano: Billy Joel; Performer
Saxophone: Richie Cannata; Performer
Synthesizer: Billy Joel; Performer
Engineer: Jim Boyer; Production
Vocals: Billy Joel; Performer
Primary Artist: Billy Joel; Main Performer
Producer: Phil Ramone; Production

10. It's Still Rock and Roll to Me

Accordion: Billy Joel; Performer
Acoustic Guitar: David Brown
Russell Javors; Performer
Lyricist: Billy Joel; Composer
Assistant Engineer: Bradshaw Leigh; Production
Assistant Producer: Michele Slagter; Production
Bass Guitar: Doug Stegmeyer; Performer
Drums: Liberty Devitto; Performer
Electric Guitar: Russell Javors
David Brown; Performer
Flute: Richie Cannata; Performer
Harmonica: Billy Joel; Performer
Organ: Richie Cannata; Performer
Percussion: Liberty Devitto; Performer
Composer: Billy Joel; Composer
Performer: Billy Joel; Performer
Piano: Billy Joel; Performer
Saxophone: Richie Cannata; Performer
Synthesizer: Billy Joel; Performer
Engineer: Jim Boyer; Production
Vocals: Billy Joel; Performer
Primary Artist: Billy Joel; Main Performer
Producer: Phil Ramone; Production

11. Say Goodbye to Hollywood (Live at Milwaukee Arena, Milwaukee, WI - July 1980)

Acoustic Guitar: Russel Javors
David Brown; Performer
Bass Guitar: Doug Stegmeyer; Performer
Lyricist: Billy Joel; Composer
Assistant Engineer: Tom Roberts
Bradshaw Leigh
Chaz Clifton
Larry Franke
Paul Hulse
Domonick Maita; Production
Drums: Liberty Devitto; Performer
Electric Guitar: David Brown
Russel Javors; Performer
Engineer: Jim Boyer
Elliot Scheiner; Production
Flute: Richie Cannata; Performer
Harmonica: Billy Joel; Performer
Organ: Richie Cannata; Performer
Percussion: Liberty Devitto; Performer
Piano: Billy Joel; Performer
Saxophone: Richie Cannata; Performer
Synthesizer: Billy Joel; Performer
Composer: Billy Joel; Composer
Performer: Billy Joel; Performer
Mastering Engineer: Ted Jensen; Production
Mixing Engineer: Jim Boyer
Phil Ramone
Elliot Scheiner; Production
Vocals: Billy Joel; Performer
Primary Artist: Billy Joel; Main Performer
Producer: Brian Ruggles
Phil Ramone; Production

12. Allentown

Acoustic Guitar: David Brown
Russell Javors; Performer
Arranger: Dave Grusin; Composer
Lyricist: Billy Joel; Composer
Assistant Engineer: Bradshaw Leigh
Larry Franke
Michael Christopher
Andy Hoffman; Production
Bass: Doug Stegmeyer; Performer
Drums: Liberty Devito; Performer
Electric Guitar: Russell Javors
David Brown; Performer
Composer: Billy Joel; Composer
Melodica: Billy Joel; Performer
Organ: Billy Joel; Performer
Percussion: Liberty Devito; Performer
Performer: Billy Joel; Performer
Piano: Billy Joel; Performer
Synthesizer: Billy Joel; Performer
Vocals: Billy Joel; Performer
Concert Master: David Nadien; Production
Engineer: Jim Boyer; Production
Mastering Engineer: Ted Jensen; Production
Mixing Engineer: Jim Boyer; Production
Primary Artist: Billy Joel; Main Performer
Producer: Phil Ramone; Production

13. Pressure

Acoustic Guitar: David Brown
Russell Javors; Performer
Arranger: Dave Grusin; Composer
Lyricist: Billy Joel; Composer
Assistant Engineer: Bradshaw Leigh
Larry Franke
Michael Christopher
Andy Hoffman; Production
Bass: Doug Stegmeyer; Performer
Drums: Liberty Devito; Performer
Electric Guitar: Russell Javors
David Brown; Performer
Composer: Billy Joel; Composer
Melodica: Billy Joel; Performer
Organ: Billy Joel; Performer
Percussion: Liberty Devito; Performer
Performer: Billy Joel; Performer
Piano: Billy Joel; Performer
Synthesizer: Billy Joel; Performer
Vocals: Billy Joel; Performer
Concert Master: David Nadien; Production
Engineer: Jim Boyer; Production
Mastering Engineer: Ted Jensen; Production
Mixing Engineer: Jim Boyer; Production
Primary Artist: Billy Joel; Main Performer
Producer: Phil Ramone; Production

14. The Longest Time

Acoustic Guitar: David Brown
Russell Javors; Performer
Alto Saxophone: Mark Rivera; Performer
Arranger: David Matthews; Composer
Lyricist: Billy Joel; Composer
Assistant Engineer: Scott James
Bradshaw Leigh
Mike Allaire; Production
Background Vocals: Billy Joel
Eric Troyer
Terry Textor
Mike Alexander
Rory Dodd
Mark Rivera
Frank Floyd
Tom Bahler
Ullanda Mccullough
Lani Groves
Ron Taylor; Performer
Bass: Doug Stegmeyer; Performer
Drums: Liberty Devitto; Performer
Electric Guitar: Russell Javors
David Brown; Performer
Keyboard: Billy Joel; Performer
Organ: Billy Joel; Performer
Percussion: Mark Rivera; Performer
Composer: Billy Joel; Composer
Performer: Billy Joel; Performer
Piano: Billy Joel; Performer
Mastering Engineer: Ted Jensen; Production
Mixing Engineer: Jim Boyer; Production
Strings: String Fever; Performer
Tenor Saxophone: Mark Rivera; Performer
Vocals: Billy Joel; Performer
Engineer: Jim Boyer; Production
Vocal Arrangement: Tom Bahler; Composer
Primary Artist: Billy Joel; Main Performer
Producer: Phil Ramone; Production

15. Tell Her About It

Acoustic Guitar: Russell Javors
David Brown; Performer
Alto Saxophone: Mark Rivera; Performer
Background Vocals: Frank Floyd
Billy Joel
Ron Taylor
Eric Troyer
Lani Groves
Ullanda Mccullough
Tom Bahler
Mark Rivera
Rory Dodd
Mike Alexander
Terry Textor; Performer
Arranger: David Matthews; Composer
Lyricist: Billy Joel; Composer
Assistant Engineer: Scott James
Bradshaw Leigh
Mike Allaire; Production
Baritone Saxophone: Ronnie Cuber; Performer
Bass: Doug Stegmeyer; Performer
Drums: Liberty Devitto; Performer
Electric Guitar: Russell Javors
David Brown; Performer
Keyboard: Billy Joel; Performer
Organ: Billy Joel; Performer
Percussion: Mark Rivera; Performer
Composer: Billy Joel; Composer
Performer: Billy Joel; Performer
Piano: Richard Tee
Billy Joel; Performer
Strings: String Fever; Performer
Mastering Engineer: Ted Jensen; Production
Mixing Engineer: Jim Boyer; Production
Tenor Saxophone: Mark Rivera
Michael Brecker; Performer
Trumpet: Joe Shepley
John Gatchell; Performer
Vocals: Billy Joel; Performer
Engineer: Jim Boyer; Production
Vocal Arrangement: Tom Bahler; Composer
Primary Artist: Billy Joel; Main Performer
Producer: Phil Ramone; Production

16. A Matter of Trust

Bass: Doug Stegmeyer; Performer
Primary Artist: Billy Joel; Main Performer
Drums: Liberty Devitto; Performer
Guitar: David Brown
Russell Javors; Performer
Performer: Billy Joel; Performer
Piano: Billy Joel; Performer
Synthesizer: Jeff Bova
Billy Joel; Performer
Composer: Billy Joel; Composer
Lyricist: Billy Joel; Composer
Assistant Engineer: David Dickson
Steve Boyer
Bradshaw Leigh
Fred Tenny; Production
Engineer: Jim Boyer; Production
Mastering Engineer: Ted Jensen; Production
Producer: Phil Ramone; Production

17. We Didn't Start the Fire

Composer: Billy Joel; Composer
Background Vocals: Crystal Taliefero; Performer
Bass: Schuyler Deale; Performer
Guitar: David Brown
Joey Hunting; Performer
Keyboard: John Mahoney
Billy Joel; Performer
Lyricist: Billy Joel; Composer
Assistant Engineer: Dana Becker
David Dorn
Gary Soloman
Gary Solomon
Tim Crich
Suzanne Hollander
Joe Pirerra; Production
Coordinator: Jim Miner; Production
Drums: Liberty Devitto; Performer
Mastering Engineer: Ted Jensen; Production
Percussion: Sammy Merendino
Liberty Devitto
Crystal Taliefero
Billy Joel; Performer
Performer: Doug Kleeger
Billy Joel; Performer
Mixing Engineer: Tom Lord-alge; Production
Synthesizer: Jeff Jacobs; Performer
Engineer: Jay Healy; Production
Programmer: Kevin Jones; Production
Vocals: Billy Joel; Performer
Primary Artist: Billy Joel; Main Performer
Producer: Billy Joel
Mick Jones; Production

18. I Go to Extremes

Background Vocals: Billy Joel
Mick Jones
Ian Lloyd
Joe Lynn Turner; Performer
Composer: Billy Joel; Composer
Bass: Schuyler Deale; Performer
Drums: Liberty Devitto; Performer
Guitar: David Brown; Performer
Organ: Billy Joel; Performer
Performer: Billy Joel; Performer
Piano: Billy Joel; Performer
Synthesizer: Jeff Jacobs; Performer
Lyricist: Billy Joel; Composer
Assistant Engineer: Gary Soloman
Gary Solomon
Dana Becker
David Dorn
Tim Crich
Suzanne Hollander
Joe Pirerra; Production
Vocals: Billy Joel; Performer
Engineer: Jay Healy; Production
Mastering Engineer: Ted Jensen; Production
Mixing Engineer: Jay Healy; Production
Primary Artist: Billy Joel; Main Performer
Producer: Billy Joel
Mick Jones; Production

19. The River of Dreams

Composer: Billy Joel; Composer
Bass: Lonnie Hillyer
Chuck Treece
Jeff Lee Johnson; Performer
Drums: Zachary Alford; Performer
Guitar: Danny Kortchmar
Mike Tyler; Performer
Percussion: Andy "funky Drummer" Kravitz; Performer
Lyricist: Billy Joel; Composer
Assistant Engineer: Dirk Grobelny; Production
Engineer: Joe Nicolo
Phil Nicolo; Production
Keyboard: Billy Joel; Performer
Performer: Billy Joel; Performer
Vocals: Billy Joel
George Simms
B. David Whitworth
Frank Simms
Crystal Taliefero
Marlon Saunders
Wrecia Ford; Performer
Orchestration: Ira Newborn; Composer
Mastering Engineer: Ted Jensen; Production
Mixing Engineer: Joe Nicolo
Phil Nicolo; Production
Programmer: Jeff Jacobs; Production
Vocal Arrangement: Crystal Taliefero; Composer
Primary Artist: Billy Joel; Main Performer
Producer: Danny Kortchmar
Joe Nicolo; Production

Technical Specifications

Volume

1 volume only

Tracks

19 tracks available

Type

COMPILATION

Format

Digital Media

Duration

1 hour, 18 minutes and 59 seconds

Explicit

None

Coverart

Available and up to 1500x1500 px

Booklet

Not available

Max Quality

CD Quality (Lossless)

16bit / 44.1 kHz

Stereo

Audio Extension

Lossless: FLAC, M4A, WAV, WV, AIFF

Lossy: AAC, MP3, M4A, MP4, OGA, OGG, OPUS, WMA

Archive Format

Available in these formats: ZIP, TAR, RAR

Lyrics

All tracks have lyrics

Synchronized Lyrics

All tracks have synced lyrics

Genres

Pop/Rock, Adult Contemporary, Singer & Songwriter, Soft Rock, Arena Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Lite Rock

Label

Columbia/Legacy

Music Distribution Service

Sony

Country

United States

Language

English (United States)

Popularity

Release Date

Nov 15, 2010

Track Preview

Available

Delivery Charge

Free

Delivery Method

Digital download link via Email or Personal Dashboard on this site

UPC

884977818574