After a three-decade hiatus from releasing new pop music, Billy Joel is making a triumphant return with his upcoming single, “Turn the Lights Back On.” Set to be available on all digital platforms and as a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl starting February 1, the song marks a significant moment in the legendary musician’s career.
In a teaser shared on social media, Joel showcased the lyrics to his 1993 track “Famous Last Words” before turning the page to unveil the new song. The preview hints at a nostalgic and melancholic tone, with the opening chords of the piano setting a contemplative atmosphere.
Known for his solo songwriting endeavors, Joel collaborated with a team of accomplished writers for “Turn the Lights Back On.” The credits include Arthur Bacon, Wayne Hector, and Freddy Wexler, the latter known for working with artists such as Ariana Grande and Celine Dion. Wexler also took on the role of producer for the new single.
The anticipation for new music from Billy Joel began building after the artist hinted at the possibility during his December 19 residency concert at Madison Square Garden. Addressing the audience, Joel mentioned, “we got a little something we’re working on you might hear sometime.” This was further fueled by his recent social media posts featuring the lyrics, “Did I wait too long … to turn the lights back on?”
While Joel released the ballad “All My Life” in 2007 as a dedication to his then-wife Katie Lee, the upcoming single represents his first venture into pop music since the 1993 album “River of Dreams.” The singer-songwriter has been vocal about his hesitation to record new material, with his last studio album, “Fantasies & Delusions,” released in 2001, focusing on classical compositions.
As Joel approaches his 75th birthday in May, he continues to prove himself as a perennial road warrior. Despite the lengthy gap in releasing pop albums, the six-time Grammy winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer maintains an active touring schedule. This year, he is set to headline several stadium dates, featuring special guests like Stevie Nicks and Sting at select shows. Additionally, Joel will conclude his immensely successful residency at Madison Square Garden in July, capping off a decade of near-monthly performances at the iconic venue.
“Turn the Lights Back On” not only promises to be a musical event for fans eagerly awaiting new material from Billy Joel but also reaffirms the enduring legacy of one of the most influential figures in the history of popular music. The lyric video accompanying the release will provide a visual element to complement the emotive journey of the song.
As Joel prepares to illuminate the music scene once again, “Turn the Lights Back On” stands as a testament to his artistic evolution and a celebration of his indelible impact on the world of music.