"Honesty" is a song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, released by Columbia Records as the third US single from his sixth studio album 52nd Street (1978) in 1979.

It went to Number 1 in France and has also been certified gold by Recording Industry Association of Japan for ringtone download sales of over 100,000 units.

[3] According to Ken Bielen in his book The Words and Music of Billy Joel, Liberty DeVitto's drums and cymbal crashes, remind listeners that "the track is a predecessor of the power ballads of the 1980s and 1990s".

[9] While reviewing 52nd Street, Stephen Thomas Erlewine of the website AllMusic noted that "Honesty" was one of Joel's best songs.

"[12] Cash Box called it "a provocative and melodic ballad full of words and meanings" with "emphatic" piano chording and drumming and said that "background strings sweeten the emotion.

"[14] Paul Evans wrote in the Rolling Stone Album Guide that "The sweet music of 'Honesty' is sabotaged by trite lyrics".

[23][24] In May 2009, Joel's version was certified gold by Recording Industry Association of Japan for ringtone download sales of over 100,000 units.

[27] The song was also included on South Korean and Japanese edition of Joel's 1985 compilation Greatest Hits Volume 2 as one of the bonus tracks.

[54][55][56] Pip Ellwood of Entertainment Focus described Knowles' version of the song as a "turgid" ballad that doesn't "add too much to the record".

[58] It showcases Knowles' "soulful" voice and "outstanding" vocal range as stated by Hannah Spencer of the website Allgigs.

[58] Ken Bielen in his book The Words and Music of Billy Joel wrote, "Backed primarily by an electronic keyboard and an urban rhythm and blues arrangement, she stays faithful to the original ballad with a bittersweet vocal performance.

"[3] "Honesty" was performed during Knowles' concert at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena in Seoul on October 20, 2009, as part of her worldwide I Am... Tour (2009–10).