Columbia Preps Brand-New Billy Joel Single — First in Nearly 20 Years

Photo Credit: Billy Joel / Columbia Records

Billy Joel announces the release of his forthcoming song, ‘Turn the Lights Back On,’ his first new song in almost 20 years.The Piano Man is planning to “Turn the Lights Back On” next month, releasing his first new song in 17 years. Billy Joel announced on Monday, January 22, that his longtime label, Columbia Records, will release the new song, “Turn the Lights Back On” on February 1. The 74-year-old singer-songwriter teased the song with a short clip on social media.

Fans immediately reacted to the news of the release of brand-new music with excitement on social media. “I hoped one day we would see new music,” wrote one fan on Facebook. “Beyond excited for this!”

“Turn the Lights Back On” will be released on limited edition 7-inch vinyl, in addition to its wider release on streaming services beginning February 1. Joel co-wrote the song with producer Freddy Wexler, known for his work with contemporary artists like Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Lil Wayne, and Kanye West. Additional writers include Arthur Bacon and Wayne Hector, the latter of whom has written for One Direction and Nicki Minaj.Billy Joel’s last pop album, River of Dreams, released over 30 years ago in 1993, featured the track “Famous Last Words,” which expressed Joel’s plans to take a step back from the recording studio.

That said, he has released a few songs for himself (mostly non-lyrical piano tracks, like his 2001 full-length classical album Fantasies & Delusions) and worked on projects for others periodically during that time. His 2007 song “All My Life” became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales chart.

Despite spending so many years away from the recording studio, Joel has rarely taken a break from live performance during that time. Aside from regular international tours, this summer will see him finish up his 10-year residency at Madison Square Garden with his 100th concert in the series.