Billy Joel has made it clear that fans shouldn't hold their breath for a new album. Despite releasing a new track titled "Turn the Lights Back On" in February, Joel has expressed a firm "Nope!" when probed by ‘Variety’ about the possibility of an album.
Billy questions the current relevance of albums, pointing out that few artists, except Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo, are still committed to the format. Joel's stance reflects a broader shift in the music industry, where singles and playlists have gained prominence over traditional albums.
Billy’s reluctance to return to the album format is rooted in more than just industry trends. He describes songwriting as a battle with a "big black beast with 88 teeth," a metaphor for the piano that signifies the intense self-criticism and pressure he faces during the creative process. This struggle, coupled with past issues, has led him to step away from writing pop songs. His last pop studio album, "River of Dreams," was released in 1993, and since then, Joel has found contentment in making music without the frustration of chasing perfection.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]