"I've Loved These Days" by Billy Joel

Almost a boxer, Billy Joel became one of the finest songwriters of our generation, ranking as the 6th most successful artist of the 80s and the 44th of all-time. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 and honored as a Grammy Legend in 1991.

Joel's first hit, "Piano Man," earned him that famous nickname. Surprising to most people, the song only reached #25 in 1974. Three years later he scored much better when "Just The Way You Are" shot to #3. From there, Joel racked up hit after hit until he retired in the late 90s. His last chart appearance was a cover of Bob Dylan's "To Make You Feel My Love," which reached #50 in 1997.

Joel topped the charts 3 times during his career, first in 1980 with "It's Still Rock And Roll To Me," then in 1983 with "Tell Her About It," then in 1989 with "We Didn't Start The Fire."

In addition to all the well known classics, Joel's extensive catalogue is filled with timeless pop treasures that should have seen chart action. It is so difficult to choose a favorite, but "I've Loved These Days" is among the greatest songs he's written that most folks don't know. The song can be found on his fourth record, "Turnstiles," the one that starts with "Say Goodbye To Hollywood." Joel literally did say goodbye to Hollywood during the recording and returned to his home in New York City. "I've Loved These Days" is his melancholy farewell to those Hollywood days.