Album Info
| Artist: | Billy Joel |
| Album: | 52nd Street |
| Released: | Australia, 1978 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Big Shot | 4:01 |
| A2 | Honesty | 3:50 |
| Acoustic Guitar - David Spinozza | ||
| Arranged By [Horns & Strings] - Robert Freedman | ||
| A3 | My Life | 4:43 |
| Acoustic Guitar - Russell Javors | ||
| Backing Vocals - Donnie Dacus, Peter Cetera | ||
| Electric Guitar - David Brown | ||
| A4 | Zanzibar | 5:10 |
| Marimba, Vibraphone - Mike Mainieri | ||
| Trumpet - Freddie Hubbard | ||
| B1 | Stiletto | 4:39 |
| B2 | Rosalinda's Eyes | 4:40 |
| Acoustic Guitar [Nylon String] - Hugh McCracken | ||
| Marimba, Vibraphone - Mike Mainieri | ||
| Percussion - Ralph MacDonald | ||
| Recorder [Sopranino Recorder] - George Marge | ||
| B3 | Half A Mile Away | 4:06 |
| Arranged By [Horns] - Dave Grusin | ||
| Backing Vocals - Babi Floyd, Frank Floyd, Milt Grayson, Ray Simpson, Zack Sanders | ||
| Guitar - Eric Gale | ||
| Percussion - Ralph MacDonald | ||
| B4 | Until The Night | 6:35 |
| Acoustic Guitar [Nylon String] - Hugh McCracken | ||
| Arranged By [Horns & Strings] - Robert Freedman | ||
| Percussion - David Friedman | ||
| B5 | 52nd Street | 2:27 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $150 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid cardboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- We almost always ship in stock vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
When discussing stalwarts of American music, Billy Joel undeniably stands tall. In "52nd Street," released in 1978, Joel melds an array of genres to create a melodious chronicle that resonates with the energy and lifeblood of New York City's famed jazz corridor. This album won a Grammy for Album of the Year, and a single listen makes it clear why.
The album kicks off with the buoyant "Big Shot," a playful, yet sarcastic critique of the Manhattan party scene, enriched with biting lyrics. This energetic beginning, replete with saxophones and trumpet blasts, sets the tone for what's to come.
In "Honesty," Joel shifts gears. This ballad, characterized by its somber piano chords and sweeping strings, is a melancholic exploration of loneliness and the facades people erect. Joel's heartfelt vocal delivery strikes a chord, making it one of the most memorable tracks on the album.
"Zanzibar" harks back to the jazz essence of 52nd Street itself. It's a fascinating blend of jazz improvisations, mixed with tales of ambition and love. The trumpet solo by Freddie Hubbard is a masterstroke, adding layers of sophistication to the composition.
Then there's "Stiletto." It's a lyrical masterpiece, where Joel uses the imagery of a sharp heel to elucidate the pain of a toxic relationship. The song's mix of jazzy overtones and rock foundation showcases Joel's genre-blending prowess.
The emotional roller-coaster continues with "Rosalinda's Eyes," an affectionate ode to Joel's mother. Here, the Latin influences come to the fore, painting a vivid image of the woman who shaped his life. The intricate piano sequences, coupled with Joel's nostalgic tones, create a heartwarming ambiance.
"52nd Street" culminates with "Until the Night." A dramatic piece, it is reminiscent of Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound" style. The song oscillates between soft verses and explosive choruses, with Joel's powerful vocals passionately expressing yearning and desire.
What's truly exceptional about "52nd Street" is its eclectic nature. From jazz to rock to Latin, Joel borrows from an array of genres, yet the album remains cohesive. Each track is like a chapter in a larger narrative, making the entire album feel like a journey down the very street it's named after.
The production, helmed by Phil Ramone, deserves special mention. The crispness of each instrument, the balance between vocals and accompaniments, and the impeccable sequencing make "52nd Street" a sonic delight.
In summation, "52nd Street" isn't just an album; it's a time capsule. It captures the essence of late 70s New York, complete with its glitz, grime, dreams, and despair. Billy Joel, with this magnum opus, proved his mettle as not just a musician, but a storyteller, weaving tales of love, ambition, regret, and hope against the backdrop of the city that never sleeps.
For ardent Billy Joel fans, this album is a reaffirmation of his genius. For newcomers, it serves as a perfect introduction to the rich tapestry of his music.
