Billy Joel vs. Elton John?
 

I've always viewed these two gentlemen as parallel artists. The same way I've always viewed Rod Stewart and Bruce Springsteen as parallel artists. I created this poll just to see who is preferred by the members of MusicBanter (and because I'll be going to a Billy Joel concert this Sunday :D).
My vote goes to Billy. I can identify with just about all of his songs.
And a bonus question for y'all, if you're up for it: favourite song by each?
BJ - Scenes From an Italian Restaurant
EJ - Rocket Man

I'm more drawn to Billy Joel.

Both Billy and Elton sold out pretty badly in the 1980s (I can't really stomach either of them at that point) but since I was young I've always cited Billy's album "The Stranger" as one of my very favorites of all time.

Though I also accredit my indifference toward Elton to the fact that I'm not as familiar with his body of work as I am with Billy's.

And now for a favorite song from each (though it's so hard to choose) -

Elton John: Your Song.
Billy Joel: Tossup between Honesty and Pressure.

Super bonus (if you're fit for grooving right now):

Billy Joel - The Stranger (full album, vinyl rip)

Elton John by a long shot.

Is Billy Joel's music intended to be catchy? Because I don't get a reaction while hearing Piano Man, Uptown Girl, My Life, etc. Flies over my head.

Don't know about Elton John, but I am inclined to pay more attention to his songs. So him.

Yeah, not even close. Elton owned the 70's.

I'm lucky enough to have a mother who owns most of Billy Joel, including The Stranger, on vinyl. If only I had a decent phonograph.

Billy Joel. I enjoy both, but Billy Joel always spoke to me a bit more. Bernie Taupin wrote some gems for EJ but Billy Joels early work was outstanding. I'm not much a of an 80's Joel fan.

I like both equally but if I had to choose I think I would pick Billy Joel. I agree with FRED HALE SR about Billy Joel's early early work but then again I think a lot of 70s music was outstanding. Glass Houses was departure from the piano but still an ok album, and his 80s stuff was so so - very 80s' Pop. Didn't Billy Joel date a supermodel or something? I think her name was Kate Upton, because he wrote that song for her "Upton Girl."

Christie Brinkley is the one you're thinking of. She appears in the Uptown Girl music video.

That was a joke. 5/10 Neapolitan cause I had to explain it. :wavey:

Rather embarrassed for missing that... :o:

I like BJ but I have to give Elton the nod here.

Billy Joel Has Nothing On Elton John
 

Billy Joels' material was exceptional for his time. However, Elton John banged his way through the decades with number powerful hits.

Both have great conceptual ideas but I just feel that Elton Johns' are stronger and instant classics for all time.

Elton John, no question.

Wait, ill take a BJ over Elton and Billy any day.

I'd imagine Elton gives a lot better BJ's than Billy so I can see why someone would "give him the nod".

Agreed

Have to say Elton, too

I see what you did there.

OH it's Elton without a doubt. He seems to have moved effortlessly from one style of music to another and has so many greatest hits there are like four editions to choose from! Billy Joel has made some great albums also, but I think if you put their careers side by side and compare them Elton John has got the edge! I would just like to say that it is a musical blessing that both these gentlemen have got the careers that they have had.

Billy Joel is good, but Elton John is a classic... Elton John's music will live forever. [Philadelphia Freedom = The best Elton John song]

Don't get me wrong... Billy Joel is awesome sauce. But Elton John towers over him as a musician.

Love both of course, buuuuut Elton is my favorite.

Elthon is god man !!!! :)

This thread was the beginning of my quest.

bruh

I know, I cringe whenever I'm reminded of how ignorant I was a few months ago. I was thinking primarily of the rough voice.

But really, Springsteen is the superior musician on so many levels.

I'll take every picture over anything by Joel so to each his own.

Like everyone said...they are both so good, but I think Elton John deserves the win here!

I don't really like either artist but I'll go with Billy Joel for We didn't start the fire & a few other enjoyable top 40 hits.

Nuff said.

I was listening to that earlier...one of my favorites!! :thumb:

BJ('s) all day

Not one of EJ's better-known songs, but one of his best IMO. Tends to bring a tear to my eye in the 2nd half. :)

And here's a BJ song that brings tears to my eyes (in particular, when the guitar arpeggios kick in).

When I saw him back in March, he did "Piano Man", "Uptown Girl", "You May Be Right"--all the crowd pleasers--but that song was the show stopper. There was this weird energy flowing through the crowd, especially when he got to the "Oh, she takes care of herself" bit.

hmmm
 

I had that album once, dunno where it went, think it grew legs. never had a bj album.

My condolences.

For me, there's absolutely no contest. Elton John, of course.

I've always loved this song!