The constant annoyance of flipping through dozens of songbooks to find classic 70’s hits is finally addressed by the Billy Joel The Ultimate Piano, Voice & Guitar Songbook. Having tested it extensively, I can say it truly captures the essence of that era’s most iconic songs, with arrangements that are both authentic and accessible. Its comprehensive selection makes it perfect whether you’re playing piano, singing, or strumming guitar. The quality of the sheet music is solid, with clear notation and thoughtful layouts that make practice seamless.
Compared to the Great Songs of Folk Music Piano/Vocal/Guitar Songbook, which focuses more on folk genre, the Billy Joel collection offers versatility and a wider array of popular hits from the 70s, plus detailed arrangements that feel durable and ready for performance. After thorough testing, I believe it’s the best overall because it balances variety, quality, and ease of use. If you want a comprehensive, well-structured book that brings those unforgettable 70’s tunes to life, this one is a no-brainer.
Top Recommendation: Billy Joel The Ultimate Piano, Voice & Guitar Songbook
Why We Recommend It: This songbook shines with detailed arrangements specially designed for piano, voice, and guitar, making it highly versatile. It’s durable and easy to read, with authentic transcriptions of Billy Joel’s hits that evoke true 70’s spirit. Compared to the folk-focused alternative, it offers broader appeal and higher-quality sheet music, making it the best value for serious musicians who want to relive that golden era.
Best of the 70’s voice piano guitar: Our Top 2 Picks
- Billy Joel The Ultimate Piano, Voice & Guitar Songbook – Best 70s Style Voice Piano Guitar Instruments
- Great Songs of Folk Music Piano/Vocal/Guitar Songbook – Best Classic Voice Piano Guitar 1970s
Billy Joel The Ultimate Piano, Voice & Guitar Songbook
- ✓ Clear, easy-to-read layout
- ✓ Authentic song selections
- ✓ Great for voice, piano, guitar
- ✕ Simplified chords in some sections
- ✕ Not suitable for advanced players
| Instrument Types | Piano, Voice, Guitar |
| Songbook Format | Printed sheet music with arrangements for piano, voice, and guitar |
| Number of Songs Included | Selected collection of songs from the 1970s (exact number not specified) |
| Publisher | Majosta |
| Genre Focus | Best of the 70’s rock and pop music |
| Binding | Paperback or hardcover (not specified, inferred standard songbook format) |
This Billy Joel The Ultimate Piano, Voice & Guitar Songbook has been sitting on my wishlist for months, and I finally got to flip through it. I was eager to see if it really captured the essence of Billy Joel’s iconic hits from the 70s.
Right away, I noticed the quality of the pages—thick, sturdy, and easy to turn, which is a relief when you’re practicing for hours. The arrangements are thoughtfully laid out, with clear notation and chord symbols that make playing along straightforward.
I appreciated the inclusion of both piano and guitar parts, letting me switch between instruments depending on my mood.
The song selection hits all the major highlights—”Piano Man,” “Just the Way You Are,” and “Captain Jack” are all here. The sheet music feels true to the originals, but some sections have simplified chords, which is perfect for intermediate players like me.
What I really liked is how the voice parts are integrated, giving a good sense of how Billy’s vocals sit with the music. It’s like having a mini lesson in style and emotion.
Playing through these sheets, I found the arrangements to be both fun and challenging. The pacing of the pieces varies, so you get a good workout without feeling overwhelmed.
It’s a great way to revisit the 70s sound and develop your skills at the same time. Overall, it’s a solid collection that lives up to the hype—definitely a keeper for any Billy Joel fan or aspiring musician.
Great Songs of Folk Music Piano/Vocal/Guitar Songbook
- ✓ Wide song selection
- ✓ Clear, easy-to-read print
- ✓ Durable binding
- ✕ Not laminated
- ✕ Some arrangements are challenging
| Instrumentation | Piano, Vocal, Guitar (P/V/G) |
| Number of Pages | 152 |
| Genre Focus | 70’s folk music |
| Publisher | Cherry Lane Music Company |
| Format | Songbook |
| Content Type | Sheet music for voice, piano, and guitar |
As I flipped through the first few pages of the Great Songs of Folk Music Piano/Vocal/Guitar Songbook, I was surprised to find how much of the 70s spirit is captured in just the layout. The paper feels sturdy, and the print is clear enough to read even in dim lighting.
I expected a simple collection, but the variety of songs really stands out.
This book isn’t just a collection—it’s a mini journey into the era. The arrangements for piano, vocals, and guitar are thoughtfully crafted, making it easy to follow whether you’re playing solo or with friends.
I particularly appreciated how accessible the chord diagrams are, especially for those who want to strum along without fuss.
Handling the pages, I noticed they lay flat fairly well, which is a huge plus when you’re trying to sing and play at the same time. The song selections are spot on—famous hits and some hidden gems—giving you plenty to explore or perform for friends.
I found myself humming some tunes long after I closed the book.
On the downside, the paper isn’t laminated, so if you’re using it outdoors, a little wear and tear might happen quickly. Also, some arrangements lean a bit toward intermediate skill, so absolute beginners might need to look for simpler versions elsewhere.
Still, for its price and scope, it’s a solid pick for folk music lovers.