Billy Joel – Turn the Lights Back On Review

Teased at a recent live performance where Billy Joel dared not showcase the song itself, hints of a new release from the Uptown Girl singer were lingering. Linger no more. Turn the Lights Back On, the latest single from Joel and his first slice of original material in almost two decades, is of the late-stage career variety. Nothing to prove but still something to itch at. Wasting no time, and from the first second of this track Joel shows, almost to the detriment of those clinging on to the hope of a new release these last seventeen years, that his voice is unchanged and in perfect form. Joel has now found something worth singing on, a chance to not live up to the past glories but to provide a fresh perspective. 

Stunning is the word for it – and long may this reign of returning legends like Peter Gabriel and John Cale continue. Laying in the darkness never felt so comfortable, and it is a credit to Joel and his convincing performance here. A stunning build is the key to this one, those clashes of percussion rising in the background as Joel cries against leaving it so long to get back to where he belongs, in the recording studio. His performances of the last few years were intermittent, huge and had a sense of farewell to them. Elton John did the same though does not appear to be on the same footing as Joel, whose latest track is of the same quality he put out in his heyday. This is no small feat, the string collections and percussion which backs Joel here is marvellous.  

It all feels very pop-aimed and hopeful of a chart-topping life. Whether Turn the Lights Back On is capable does not matter much, but it has all the takings of legendary musicians aiming for the highs of a system which no longer matters. There is a semblance of nostalgia rushing through this one, the tempo Joel maintains for this is a tender and stylish piece, and this is no surprise. Turn the Lights Back On could easily slot into the best of his works. Joel has not missed a beat with his return to the recording studio, with isolated feelings rushing through, as it often does when Joel takes a turn away from the upbeat momentum. His attention is thoroughly on making up for lost time. Not so much regret for not turning the lights back on but an acceptance of his return and a better late than never rush of thought.  

Turn the Lights Back On is a track which may be buried under the discussion of how long it took to get here. Joel takes a gamble and hopes those longstanding fans and newcomers who may mark this as their first listen to his work outside of the classics are welcoming of him. It is easy to reciprocate his efforts when they are so well-formed, completely open and guilt-free as he opens the window to his private life through a song which leaves no room for other readings. He is back. He is sorry he left. Enjoy it while you can. Firmed up by a wonderful piano working and some neat string collections, Joel could not have asked for a better comeback – and nor could his fans.