Super Bowl Suggestion

While the Super Bowl was not devoid of controversy (the 34 minute blackout, the no call on 4th and goal, etc.) most reasonable people agreed that Beyonce knocked it out of the park at halftime. Sure, I didn’t know all of the songs, but she’s stunning to look at and one hell of a performer. It had been years since the Super Bowl halftime act packed this sort of youthful punch. Ever since the Janet Jackson nip slip in 2004 the acts have skewed old. Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Prince, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, The Who, and Madonna. There was a one year aberration with The Black Eyed Peas and Usher, but that performance featured Slash, so there was still a dose of antiquity.

Many are now wondering who should perform the halftime show in next year’s game, which will take place at MetLife Stadium, the home of the New York Giants and Jets. I think the answer is simple. You want an act with local flavor, so your best options are Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Bon Jovi. The Boss performed back in 2009, so he’s out of the mix. Now it’s down to Billy Joel and Bon Jovi and I lean toward the Piano Man. I realize that this selection would be reverting back to an “older act”, but I think it’s the best route to go (unless the world is ready for Lady Gaga, who’s losing a little steam in terms of popularity, right?).

Here are Billy Joel’s Top 10 songs of all time in my opinion (I probably could have done a Top 25).


10.) Only the Good Die Young- This is one of Joel’s most popular songs and it’s no surprise because it’s very catchy.

9.) Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)- This song about upward social mobility is a crowd pleaser mainly because of how the verses end by kicking right into the chorus. For example, this is how the second verse ends, “And he's trading in his Chevy for a Cadillac, lac, lac, lac” and then the chorus starts with, “You oughtta know by now”

8.) We Didn’t Start the Fire- Not only is it a goal of mine to memorize this song, but I also updated the lyrics a few years back.

7.) She’s Got A Way- This one has wedding song written all over it.

6.) Tell Her About It- This is just an upbeat ‘80s song about telling a girl how you feel.

5.) Piano Man- Sure it’s his most popular song, but it’s fantastic. Joel has said that all of the characters in the song are based on real people.

“And the waitress is practicing politics
As the businessmen slowly get stoned
Yes they're sharing a drink they call loneliness
But it's better than drinking alone”

4.) You May Be Right- The chorus gets me every time. “You may be right. I may be crazy. But it just may be a lunatic you’re looking for.”

3.) Allentown- Joel provides a little social commentary in this one as he addresses the decline of the manufacturing industry in blue collar America.

2.) Uptown Girl- Joel allegedly wrote this song about supermodel Elle McPherson, who he dated before marrying supermodel Christie Brinkley. Legend also has it that Joel refuses to perform this song in concert, but I’m sure that’s just a myth. That said, I know chicks love rock and roll stars, but has anyone ever outkicked their coverage more than Billy Joel? He dated Elle McPherson and married Christie Brinkley. That's unbelievable. The only other people on that level are probably Derek Jeter and Leonardo DiCaprio.

1.) Scenes From an Italian Restaurant- Most people think it starts out the other way, but the opening lyric is, “A bottle white, a bottle of red…”

Honorary mention: Keeping the Faith, New York State of Mind (if he’s picked for next year’s half time show he’s obviously going to have to close with this), You’re Only Human (Second Wind), Pressure, Goodnight Saigon, Leningrad, The Ballad of Billy the Kid, The Longest Time, Only the Good Die Young, Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway), The Downeaster Alexa, Just the Way You Are, It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me

Speaking of honorary awards, Joel has been given six honorary doctorates including one from the two schools I most closely associate myself with in Fairfield and Syracuse University.