What 2024 single marked Billy Joel's return to composing new music?

The 2024 single that marked Billy Joel’s return to composing new music was “Turn the Lights Back On.” Released on February 1, 2024, it was Joel’s first new single since “Christmas in Fallujah” in 2007 and his first major return to pop songwriting after a long period away from the studio.

The song began through Joel’s collaboration with songwriter and producer Freddy Wexler, along with Arthur Bacon and Wayne Hector. Wexler presented Joel with the song after the two had developed unfinished material together for more than a year. Joel connected with its melody, chord progression, and reflective lyrics, then helped finish the composition.

The release was notable beyond its title. It entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 62, Joel’s first appearance there since 1997, and he performed it at the 66th Grammy Awards with Laufey. The title also works as a message to listeners who had been waiting years for new Joel music.