Billy Joel's Triumphant Return to Pop Music with 'Turn the Lights Back On'

The legendary musician Billy Joel has broken his pop song hiatus with the debut of ‘Turn the Lights Back On’, marking his first new pop music release in almost 20 years. Unexpectedly, the push for his return came not from music industry experts but a doctor from Long Island.

The Reluctance to Create New Pop Music

Despite his significant impact on music, Joel, now age 74, had shown little interest in crafting new albums, having not released new studio albums since 1993. Although the production of classical music compositions and live performances continued, Joel expressed a fear of not meeting his own high quality standards, finding the creative effort daunting. Over the years, multiple figures in the industry attempted to inspire him to resume composing, yet none succeeded.

A Lunch That Changed Everything

Change came when Joel's family doctor encouraged him to have lunch with Freddy Wexler, a young Los Angeles-based songwriter and producer who idolized Joel. During the meeting, Wexler's passion and understanding for Joel's music led to a creative partnership that would slowly draw Joel back into songwriting.

The Creation of 'Turn the Lights Back On'

Wexler presented Joel with ‘Turn the Lights Back On’, a poignant song about reviving a faded romance. Joel admired the song but remained unsure about recording it until finally, he agreed to step into the studio. Upon listening to his performance, Joel's initial reaction was positive albeit modest, accepting that he didn't dislike the new track.

Challenges and Changes

Reminiscing about his past work, Joel acknowledged the hardships of creating music, referencing his distress over critiques and chart success. However, age and experience have brought a change in attitude. Today, Joel cares less about public reception and more about the joy of creation.

The Future and a New Perspective

Having premiered 'Turn the Lights Back On' at the Grammy Awards on February 4, Joel is open to the possibility of further collaborations with Wexler. The new single’s release marks a moment of rejuvenation in Joel’s illustrious career, highlighting the value of believing in the potential of new beginnings in music.

comeback, pop, song