Rating: 7.5/10
After his breakthrough album, The Stranger, there was a lot of pressure on Billy Joel to repeat his success. However, instead of copying his previous album, Billy decided to try something new, and it definitely paid off, as 52nd Street was a huge success.
In this post I’ll be ranking all of the songs on Billy Joel’s sixth studio album, 52nd Street, from worst to best.
9. Rosalinda’s Eyes (Track 6)
This is a nice song, and for other people, I can see why it would be a favorite. The vocals and instrumental go together well, and the lyrics have some nice rhyming in them, but overall, this song just kind of blends in with the rest of the record.
8. Big Shot (Track 1)
I know it’s controversial that I’m putting this so low, as it’s one of the more popular songs off of 52nd Street, but I’m going to stick with my decision. This song is really fun and catchy, and I do like it, but it’s a little more generic than the other songs. Like I said though, it’s an enjoyable listening experience, and a valuable addition to the album.
7. 52nd Street (Track 9)
The closing/titular track on the album is the jazziest, which is appropriate, since the whole album is jazz-influenced, and 52nd Street is a street known for its jazz clubs. I enjoy this song and the playful tone it brings about, but I’m not in love with it.
6. Until the Night (Track 8)
This song marks the point on the list where all the songs from here on out are my favorites from the album (and just to address: I know I say this in all of my rankings. I always feel it necessary to say, so consider it a staple of my album rankings). Billy’s voice sounds really different in the verses in this song, so much so that I initially thought it was a duet. I may just be stupid though. Anyway, this is a great ballad, and very romantic, but it does go on a little too long in my opinion. This song also has some great lyrics. “When the sun goes down and the day is over, when the last of the light has gone, as they pour into the street I will be getting closer. As the cars turn their headlights on, while they’re closing it down, we’re gonna open it up. And while they’re going to sleep we’ll just be starting to touch. I’m just beginning to feel, I’m just beginning to give, I’m just beginning to feel, I’m just beginning to live. Before I leave you again, before the light of the dawn, before this evening can end, I have been waiting so long.”
5. Stiletto (Track 5)
This is an irresistibly catchy, and dare I say, GROOVY, song about a manipulative woman. From the saxophone at the beginning to the infectious piano riff at the beginning (accompanied by snaps), there’s nothing about this song that’s unpleasant to listen to. Billy’s vocals also accentuate the clever lyrics. “She cuts you once, she cuts you twice, but still you believe. The wound is so fresh you can taste the blood, but you don’t have strength to leave. You’ve been bought, you’ve been sold, you’ve been locked outside the door. But you stand there pleadin’, with your insides bleedin’, ’cause you deep down want some more. Then she says she wants forgiveness, it’s such a clever masquerade. She’s so good with her stiletto, you don’t even see the blade.“
4. Zanzibar (Track 4)
I like this song because the instrumental is very modern-jazzy, the vocals are fun, and the lyrics paint a vivid picture of the scene being described. It’s hard not to move to this one. I will say that it’s a little longer than it needs to be, but not overwhelmingly so. I also imagine this song would be a blast to play on the piano.
3. Honesty (Track 2)
One of the more sentimental tracks of the album, Honesty is one of the most successful songs from 52nd Street, as it was nominated for Song of the Year at the Grammys. The lyrics and vocal performance are very moving, and it shows a certain vulnerability that’s not present on this album outside of Until the Night, and maybe Rosalinda’s Eyes.
2. My Life (Track 3)
By far the most popular song off this album nowadays, My Life is extremely catchy and endurable. And I know that most people will want this to be in the top spot, but just know that this song and the top choice are very close together. I think I’ve just heard this one more often, so it’s not as fresh in my mind. “I never said you had to offer me a second chance, I never said I was a victim of circumstance. I still belong, don’t get me wrong. And you can speak your mind, but not on my time. They will tell you you can’t sleep alone in a strange place, then they’ll tell you you can’t sleep with somebody else. Ah, but sooner or later you sleep in your own space, either way, it’s okay, you wake up with yourself.”
1. Half a Mile Away (Track 7)
This is my favorite song, probably because it’s the most fun-sounding. It kind of sounds like a song that would play in the end scene of a movie, where the main character and their friends all gather around and just hang out. The instrumental is incredibly infectious, as are Billy’s vocals. “I’ve given everybody so much time, now I need a moment that’s mine. Oh, my other world is just a half a mile away.”
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