Why ‘Piano Man’ is not Billy Joel’s best song

July 25, 2025 3 AM PT

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You like “Piano Man?” Nothing wrong with that, other than it’s not Billy Joel’s best song. Los Angeles Times music critic Mikael Wood on why and what actually is Joel’s best.

Entertainment & Arts Music

Mikael Wood

Mikael Wood is pop music critic for the Los Angeles Times.

Mark E. Potts

Mark E. Potts is the senior editor for video at the Los Angeles Times. A native of Enid, Okla., Potts graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a master’s degree in broadcast journalism. He has created and edited video for DreamWorks, YouTube, Microsoft, Sony and BET.