Billy Joel is one of the most celebrated musicians in Hollywood, having earned the nickname Piano Man after his signature 1973 song of the same title. The famed pianist’s positive comment about Taylor Swift previously made rounds online.
It’s true that the country-pop singer is dominating the music industry with her catchy and relatable songs, something that Joel heavily praised during one of his interviews. The latter particularly commended her songwriting skills.
Billy Joel Praised Taylor Swift For Her Genius Music Ideas
Speaking with USA Today, singer-songwriter Billy Joel applauded Taylor Swift for her brilliant music concepts and song compositions. The Lover singer is known for her catchy and emotionally-charged lyrics.
“Taylor [Swift] is also a very talented girl, and she’s productive and keeps coming up with great concepts and songs, and she’s huge. You have to give her high marks. She knows music, and she knows how to write. She’s like that generation’s Beatles.”
Joel comparing Swift to The Beatles is a huge deal, as the latter remains one of the most popular music icons from the past up until today. While many raised their eyebrows at this assessment, a fan from Twitter defended Joel’s statement and shared a clarification.
“I think he’s really comparing her songwriting talent – which I believe is a fair comparison to McCartney & Lennon. Taylor deserves a spot next to both. I don’t think anyone would say she’s innovated artistically the way the Beatles did – not anyone familiar with their music.”
Speaking about modern singers, Joel shared his sentiment on the rise of new music artists. Whenever they mention or credit him in their works, the singer claims this is what he thinks:
“We kind of left them in the past and moved on to the new stuff, the Elvis generation and the Beatles generation and disco and the ’80s. We weren’t a back-looking generation and there are a lot of younger people now looking backward and they like their parents’ music, which is a strange phenomenon. I look out (in the crowd) and see so many young people. I’m grateful for it, especially because they make more noise. It’s a great mix.”
Joel’s admiration for Swift’s talent is something that fans will take as a huge compliment. The pop star is currently on her Eras Tour which will conclude on December 8 this year.
Is Taylor Swift More Famous Than The Beatles?
An article from The Standard claimed Taylor Swift is bigger than The Beatles in terms of profit and popularity:
“Because in terms of success, fame, and sheer output, Swift is John, Paul, George, and Ringo (and Brian Epstein) all rolled into one. She is, to amend a phrase, bigger than The Beatles. She sells an experience, a vibe, and a moment people want to be a part of. The music may as well be thrown in for free.”
For the new generation, the music of Swift hits close to home while The Beatles’ songs are mostly enjoyed by the older population.
