Billy Joel’s new song “Turn The Lights Back On” marks a significant moment in the artist’s career, being his first new single in 17 years. Here are 17 fascinating details about the song:

1. Release Date: “Turn The Lights Back On” was released on February 1, 2024.
2. Collaborators: The song was written by Billy Joel alongside Freddy Wexler, Arthur Bacon, and Wayne Hector, with production led by Wexler.
3. Music Video Innovation: The music video, directed by Warren Fu and Freddy Wexler, utilizes artificial intelligence technology by Deep Voodoo to showcase younger versions of Joel from various eras of his career, including the “Piano Man,” “Storm Front,” and “River of Dreams” periods.
4. Lyric Video: Alongside the official music video, an official lyric video was also released to coincide with the single’s launch.
5. Chart Performance: Upon its release, the song has seen notable chart success, peaking at #7 in Japan Hot Overseas, #12 in UK Singles Downloads, #4 in UK Singles Sales, #62 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and #10 on the US Adult Contemporary chart.
6. Critical Reception: Described by Andy Greene of Rolling Stone as a “romantic ballad,” the song has been received as a heartfelt message to fans who have awaited new material from Joel for years.
7. Technical Achievements: The song is Joel’s first to break into the Billboard Hot 100 since 1997.
8. Significance: This release is Billy Joel’s first original song since “All My Life” in 2007, followed by “Christmas in Fallujah” the same year.
9. Historical Context: Joel’s last studio album before this single was “Fantasies & Delusions” released in 2001.
10. Live Performances: Joel announced the end of his Madison Square Garden residency, which began in 2014, in June 2023. He plans to perform shows across the United States and in Cardiff, United Kingdom, in the coming months.
11. Social Media Tease: Joel teased new material on his social media pages before the release.
12. Artificial Intelligence in Music Video: The innovative use of AI technology in the music video allows fans to see Joel in various stages of his career, performing together.
13. Creative Process: The songwriting and production process involved collaboration with artists and producers, indicating a blend of Joel’s classic style with modern production techniques.
14. Fan Anticipation: The song was highly anticipated by fans, especially after Joel’s hinting at new material on social media.
15. End of An Era: The song’s release coincided with Joel’s announcement of the end of his historic Madison Square Garden residency, marking a new chapter in his career.
16. Global Reception: “Turn The Lights Back On” has achieved global recognition, charting in both the US and UK, as well as Japan, highlighting Joel’s enduring international appeal.
17. Romantic Ballad: Emphasized as a romantic ballad by critics, the song continues Joel’s legacy of crafting emotionally resonant music.