The “hard-edged” album Billy Joel called the most fun
Billy Joel described his 1978 album *52nd Street* as the most fun record he made, despite its “hard-edged” sound and themes of New York nightlife. The article highlights how the album broadened Joel’s musical identity after *The Stranger*, combining rock, jazz and pop influences while strengthening his standing as a major American songwriter.
Released in October 1978, *52nd Street* became Joel’s first US number-one album and later won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Its songs included major hits such as ‘My Life’, ‘Big Shot’ and ‘Honesty’, with Joel drawing on the energy and characters of Manhattan’s then-grittier music scene.
- *52nd Street* was Billy Joel’s most enjoyable album to make.
- It blended rock, jazz and New York-inspired storytelling.
- The 1978 record became his first US number one.