Legendary singer-songwriter Billy Joel is making a triumphant return to the music scene with his upcoming single, “Turn the Lights Back On.” This marks Joel’s first solo release in 17 years, following his last single, “All My Life,” in 2007, and his second solo track since 1993.
Co-written with producer Freddy Wexler, known for collaborations with artists like Ariana Grande and Kanye West, the song is set to debut on streaming services on February 1. For devoted fans and collectors, the single will also be available on limited edition 7-inch vinyl.
Hints of Joel’s musical comeback surfaced last month on TikTok, where he teased, “we got a little something we’re working on you might hear sometime.” Fans were further intrigued over the weekend when the Spotify canvas for Joel’s music displayed an image with the words, “Did I wait too long… to turn the lights back on?” This poignant lyric from the upcoming track added anticipation for the release.
Despite a relatively quiet period on the solo music front, Joel has remained a fixture in the performance arena. With an iconic series of residencies at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, the 74-year-old has consistently delighted audiences. Last July, he announced the conclusion of his residency with a milestone 100th performance scheduled for July 2024.
While Joel has treated fans to occasional releases, such as cover songs on 1997’s “Greatest Hits Volume III” and a one-off single in 2007, “Turn the Lights Back On” marks a significant chapter in his solo discography. As anticipation builds for the new single, fans can expect a fresh musical chapter from the esteemed artist who has left an indelible mark on the industry for decades.
