Billy Joel - 52nd Street / 45RPM 2LP Mobile Fidelity

REPRESSED

Some artists enjoy their success by repeating the steps that originally brought them fame. Billy Joel did the opposite and refused to be restricted or even defined by labels. “52nd Street”, the follow-up to “The Stranger”,

which brought the American musician his breakthrough, further expanded on the bold production techniques and innovative arrangements of its predecessor, incorporating more sophisticated textures and reflecting the

jazz influence Joel had absorbed in New York's vibrant club scene. “52nd Street” was Billy Joel's sixth album and was released on October 13, 1978, by Columbia Records. Although the record company was skeptical about

its success due to its musical direction, the album quickly became a worldwide million-seller and has since gone platinum 15 times and gold 4 times! “52nd Street” also won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.

Joel teamed up again with producer Phil Ramone for the recordings. The singer's conciseness and focus are evident in the length of the songs, only “Until The Night” exceeding the six-minute mark. The three singles, especially

the hit singles “Big Shot” and “My Life,” sparkle with an urgency and intensity that Joel had not shown before. The combination of passionate vocals, sarcastic undertones and haunting grooves sets the stage for what was to follow.

The Latin and jazzy touch is certainly also thanks to the contributions of Dave Grusin and Freddie Hubbard, who, together with a team of great background singers and horn players, contribute to the album's distinctive flair. Everything

is tastefully arranged, yet the singer's trademark Broadway look and flair for grand gestures fit perfectly with the straightforward self-assurance of the production.

Lovingly mastered from the original tapes at MoFi's California studio and pressed on 180-gram vinyl (45 RPM), this strictly numbered double LP presents this classic in stunning audiophile quality and with a sound balance that earlier editions lack.

Everything is just right on this reissue of “52nd Street”: you'll quickly hear why the album helped redefine mainstream pop rock and why Billie Joel became the most successful musician of the late 1970s!

Title

Side A
1.    Big Shot
2.    Honesty
3.    My Life

Side B
4.    Zanzibar
5.    Stiletto

Side C
6.    Rosalinda's Eyes
7.    Half A Mile Away

Side D
8.    Until The Night
9.    52nd Street