52nd Street, released in 1978, stands as a pivotal album in Billy Joel’s discography, marking a sophisticated evolution in his sound. While opinions may vary on individual tracks, this album undeniably showcases Joel’s musical versatility and songwriting prowess. Moving beyond the straightforward rock of his earlier work, 52nd Street incorporates richer jazz and pop elements, resulting in a listening experience that is both commercially appealing and artistically deep. This exploration of sound, combined with Joel’s signature storytelling, cemented 52nd Street‘s place as a classic album, deserving of critical acclaim and repeated listens for both longtime fans and new audiences.
“Big Shot,” the album opener, immediately throws listeners into the energetic world of 52nd Street. Despite some criticisms regarding its abrupt start and Joel’s vocal delivery, the track’s raw energy is undeniable. It serves as an immediate jolt, setting a high-energy tone for the album. While some might find the directness a bit jarring initially, within the context of the full album, “Big Shot” functions as a powerful statement of intent, announcing the album’s ambitious sonic landscape right from the outset.
“Honesty,” in stark contrast, offers a masterclass in balladry. This enduring classic from 52nd Street exemplifies Billy Joel’s songwriting at its most poignant and relatable. Its timeless quality is evident in its continued resonance with modern listeners, proving its status as a quintessential Billy Joel song. The emotional depth and sincerity in “Honesty” make it a standout track, a beautiful and moving centerpiece within the album’s diverse tracklist.
“My Life” injects a vibrant, toe-tapping rhythm into the album’s flow. The track is driven by exceptional piano work, Joel’s distinctive vocals – enhanced with a subtle echo – and a robust, rock-solid rhythm section. The addition of backing vocals by Peter Cetera and Donnie Dacus from Chicago elevates the song further, their exquisite harmonies adding layers of richness. “My Life” is a prime example of Joel’s ability to craft infectious and expertly arranged pop-rock anthems.
“Zanzibar” ventures into more experimental territory, becoming one of the most intriguing and somewhat enigmatic tracks on 52nd Street. Its unconventional structure and stylistic shifts throughout the song might initially seem disjointed, but upon closer listening, these elements coalesce into a unique and rewarding musical experience. Allowing oneself to absorb “Zanzibar” without over-analyzing its components reveals its true charm and innovative spirit.
The inclusion of jazz trumpet legend Freddie Hubbard on “Zanzibar” is a significant highlight, further emphasizing the jazz influences woven into the album. Hubbard’s trumpet solos enrich the song and underscore the album’s overall stylistic ambition. Some might even imagine how further contributions from Hubbard across other tracks could have elevated 52nd Street to an even more groundbreaking fusion of genres, pushing its musical boundaries even further. While the album version features a slightly premature fade-out of Hubbard’s second solo, the unfaded version available on My Lives allows for a fuller appreciation of his brilliance on this track. The edit on the original album was likely a necessary compromise for vinyl format constraints and album flow, but Hubbard’s extended solo is a true gem for aficionados.
“Stiletto” bursts forth as an immediate standout, arguably one of the album’s strongest tracks. From its captivating introduction to its driving beat, rhythmic complexity, and inherent jazziness, “Stiletto” is a tour-de-force of musicality. The stylistic shifts within the song, while potentially risky in disrupting flow, are executed flawlessly, contributing to its unique and compelling character. It’s a hidden gem that reveals more with each listen.
Following the dynamism of “Stiletto,” “Rosalinda’s Eyes” feels comparatively subdued. While a well-crafted song in its own right, it struggles to reach the heights of its predecessor and may not be a track listeners actively seek out independently. It serves as a more mellow interlude within the album’s broader spectrum of sounds.
“Half A Mile Away” reignites the tempo, bringing back the brass-infused energy that complements Joel’s vocal style so effectively. Although not a chart-topping hit, “Half A Mile Away” is a strong track deserving of wider recognition, particularly for its exceptional vocal performance and vibrant musical arrangement. It’s a testament to the depth of quality within 52nd Street beyond its more famous singles.
“Until The Night” presents another beautiful ballad, showcasing Joel’s mastery of the form. It possesses a quality that would have made it a fitting album closer, providing a sense of poignant resolution. The subtle shifts in vocal pitch throughout the song draw the listener in, highlighting the song’s emotional nuances. “Until The Night” is another of 52nd Street‘s underappreciated gems, deserving of greater attention for its lyrical and melodic beauty.
The title track, “52nd Street,” ironically, is considered by some to be the album’s weakest point. Its placement as the closing track is particularly debated, with some feeling it detracts from the overall listening experience and ends the album on a somewhat underwhelming note. It’s a track that, for some, doesn’t encourage immediate revisits to the album, standing out as an unusual closing choice for such a celebrated artist.
In conclusion, 52nd Street distinguishes itself within Billy Joel’s catalog as perhaps his most stylistically diverse and unique album. While it may deviate from a predictable progression from his earlier work, it rewards listeners with an album brimming with memorable melodies, intricate arrangements, and insightful lyrics. Despite minor critiques of certain tracks, the album’s overall impact is undeniable. 52nd Street undeniably enriches Billy Joel’s body of work, offering a sophisticated blend of pop, rock, and jazz that continues to captivate and inspire. It’s a testament to Joel’s artistic evolution and a must-listen for anyone exploring his extensive and influential musical legacy.
