Billy Joel – 52nd Street
Chart-Topper Certified Seven-Times Platinum

Featuring “Big Shot,” “Honesty,” and “My Life”

Some artists build on success by repeating the formula that first brought them acclaim. Billy Joel chose a different path. Rather than resting on proven approaches, he continually challenged himself as a songwriter and performer, refusing to be confined by expectations or labels. Released as the follow-up to the landmark The Stranger, 52nd Street expands upon its predecessor’s adventurous spirit, blending bold production, imaginative arrangements, and sophisticated textures with a distinctive jazz influence inspired by New York City’s vibrant club scene.

A cornerstone of Mobile Fidelity’s acclaimed Billy Joel restoration series, 52nd Street has been mastered directly from the original master tapes and pressed on 180-gram 45RPM vinyl at RTI. The combination of meticulous mastering and wider groove spacing delivers exceptional dynamics, expansive soundstaging, remarkable depth, and lifelike tonal balance. Every instrument occupies its own space, while Joel’s voice emerges with striking realism and presence. It’s an immersive listening experience that brings you closer than ever to the Grammy Award-winning Album of the Year.

Reuniting with legendary producer Phil Ramone, Joel capitalized on the momentum generated by The Stranger, crafting a collection rich with memorable melodies, sharp songwriting, and compelling storytelling. The album’s focus and economy are evident throughout, with only “Until the Night” extending beyond six minutes. Hit singles “Big Shot” and “My Life” burst from the speakers with newfound confidence and energy, combining infectious grooves, biting wit, and passionate performances that showcase Joel at a creative peak.

Drawing inspiration from the energy and character of late-1970s New York, Joel broadens his musical palette by incorporating jazz and Latin influences across several tracks. Esteemed musicians including Dave Grusin and Freddie Hubbard join an accomplished ensemble of background vocalists and horn players, adding colour and sophistication without ever overshadowing the songs themselves. The result is a seamless blend of musical ambition, Broadway flair, and straight-ahead rock-and-roll confidence.

More than four decades after its release, 52nd Street remains one of the defining achievements of Joel’s career and a shining example of his remarkable consistency as an artist. From its impeccable production to its enduring songs, the album helped redefine the possibilities of mainstream pop-rock. Now, presented with stunning sonic transparency and fidelity, listeners can appreciate the recording with a level of clarity and musicality that closely mirrors the original Columbia master tapes. Mobile Fidelity transports you directly into the performance, while Billy Joel’s timeless songwriting does the rest.

Also Available from Billy Joel on Mobile Fidelity Vinyl
An Innocent Man (MFSL 2-45388)
The Stranger (MFSL 1-383)
Glass Houses (MFSL 2-45385)
The Nylon Curtain (MFSL 2-45387)
Songs in the Attic (MFSL 1-386)
Features
Numbered Limited Edition
45RPM Audiophile Edition
Half-Speed Production and Mastering by Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab
Pressed on 180g High Definition Vinyl
Pressed at RTI
Special Static-Free, Dust-Free Inner Sleeve
Heavy-Duty Protective Packaging
Mastered from the Original Master Tapes