As a passionate Billy Joel enthusiast in 2025, you have much to cheer about. The highly-anticipated HBO documentary titled Billy Joel: And So It Goes, which debuted in July, offers an extensive two-part, five-hour exploration of his illustrious career. This documentary provides an in-depth, insightful portrayal of the legendary Piano Man, making it a must-watch for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. The captivating combination of thoughtful interviews and rare archival footage delivers a rewarding experience that resonates with anyone who has ever taken Joel’s advice to heart: never let anyone walk all over you.

Just hours after the credits rolled on the second part of the documentary, an even more expansive look at Joel’s remarkable musical output emerged. The accompanying soundtrack features nearly seven hours of tracks, including fascinating snippets from the interviews in the film, popular hits, lesser-known gems, and for die-hard fans, a treasure trove of nearly 60 unreleased outtakes, live recordings, and other rare finds that showcase the breadth of his artistic journey.

Even if you consider yourself an expert with all of his albums, box sets, and bootlegs, you might find it challenging to navigate through the essential listens among this new material. Fortunately, this comprehensive guide is designed to assist Joel-ologists in uncovering the best hidden gems featured in the Billy Joel: And So It Goes soundtrack.

1. Attila, “Wonder Woman”

The debut and only album by the power duo Attila, which includes both Billy Joel and drummer Jon Small, has remained elusive since its initial release in 1970. A small portion of one track was included on the 2005 My Lives box set, but And So It Goes digitally premieres two additional songs from this often-overlooked album. Among these, “Wonder Woman” stands out, showcasing an unexpected yet captivating vocal style from Billy reminiscent of Robert Plant, making it a highlight of this collection.

2. “Turn Around” (2025 Mix)

Joel’s official solo debut, the 1971 album Cold Spring Harbor, faced challenges due to a significant mastering error that resulted in an unusually high-pitched vocal performance. A later reissue aimed to correct these issues but introduced some misplaced overdubs. For the documentary, several tracks from the album were freshly remixed, and the pedal steel-augmented version of “Turn Around” particularly shines, highlighting Joel’s growth as an artist and the evolution of his sound.

3. “Prelude/Angry Young Man” (Live at Palmer Auditorium, New London, CT – Dec. 6, 1976)

This newly released live rendition of the fan favorite features the lightning-fast intro that has endeared it to audiences. It was recorded during an early video release titled Billy Joel Tonight, and six performances from this iconic set make their audio debut on the soundtrack, bringing a fresh perspective to these beloved songs.

4. “Scenes from An Italian Restaurant” (Live at Dome Auditorium, C.W. Post College, Brookville, NY – May 6, 1977)

Fans have long awaited an official release of this college concert, recorded just two months before the production of The Stranger. This performance features the first-ever recorded version of the album’s seven-minute epic about the characters Brenda and Eddie, capturing the essence of Joel’s storytelling and musical prowess.

5. “Only the Good Die Young” (Saturday Night Live)

During his debut on the iconic NBC variety show in 1978, Billy and his band delivered an energetic performance of this provocative Catholic-themed hit, which was already facing bans from some radio stations. Amidst the excitement of the evening, Billy remained unfazed by the chaotic atmosphere, including a fistfight between the show’s host, former SNL star Chevy Chase, and Bill Murray before his performance.

6. “The Longest Time” (Capital Center Locker Room Shower Version)

Captured during the An Innocent Man tour in 1984, this light-hearted version of the popular a cappella favorite was recorded in the Georgetown Hoyas’ locker room to take advantage of its natural echo. This unique rendition showcases the camaraderie and incredible talent of Billy’s long-time touring band, who contributed to seven of his studio albums, demonstrating their chemistry and musical synergy.

7. “Leave a Tender Moment Alone” (Live at Wembley Arena, London, England – June 8, 1984)

Another cherished track from the retro-infused An Innocent Man, this special live performance features Belgian harmonica virtuoso Toots Thielemans, who also played on the studio version of the song. This collaboration adds a unique flavor to the performance, making it a memorable highlight for attendees and listeners alike.

8. “Roz’s Theme” (Original Score)

Several original score recordings are featured in And So It Goes, showcasing arrangements from Billy’s extensive catalog crafted by his long-time touring guitarist Tommy Byrnes and producer Tony Bruno. “Roz’s Theme,” dedicated to Billy’s mother, does not directly quote the album cut “Rosalinda’s Eyes,” but it beautifully incorporates elements from two of his standout album tracks: “Souvenir,” the closing piece from 1974’s Streetlife Serenade, and the Beatlesque “Laura,” from 1982’s The Nylon Curtain.

9. “No Man’s Land” (Shelter Island Session)

One of the most significant revelations in the documentary is an early version of the track from River of Dreams, which represents Billy’s final collection of pop songs. While the released album was co-produced by legendary session guitarist Danny Kortchmar, the two “Shelter Island sessions” featured in the soundtrack showcase a more relaxed and self-produced approach by Joel, supported by his then-current touring band, offering a unique insight into his creative process.

10. “Piano Man” (Live at Columbia Records Studios, New York, NY – June 26, 1973)

Serving as a fitting conclusion to both the film and the soundtrack, this performance was recorded on the day Billy signed his enduring contract with Columbia Records. Even without the full band or a harmonica, this rendition exemplifies why “Piano Man” has resonated with millions of fans for over fifty years, encapsulating the timeless essence of Joel’s music.