After the massive success of The Stranger], Joel hit back with 52nd Street (1978) - further building on his unique sound and songwriting formula that brought him to the top of the charts. Working again with producer Phil Ramone, Billy jazzed up his act and even gets some Steely Dan influences in there on songs like "Zanzibar". Ramone"s slick producing style also fits the melodrama and uplifting effect of Joels music, derived from Broadway theater. Always a craftsman in his own right, the melodies Billy churned out on 52nd Street remain some of the best he ever wrote.