Turnstiles (album)

Turnstiles is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, released on May 19, 1976. Conceived and written after Joel's three-year stint in Los Angeles, Turnstiles marked a return to his New York roots, both thematically and practically.

The album is notable for its shift in production compared to Joel's previous work. After dissatisfaction with the overproduction of Streetlife Serenade, Joel opted to produce Turnstiles himself, aiming for a more raw and organic sound. He ultimately enlisted the assistance of Phil Ramone after some initial struggles.

Turnstiles features several songs that have become staples of Joel's live performances and are considered among his most popular works. These include "Say Goodbye to Hollywood," inspired by his time in Los Angeles and paying homage to the Ronettes' "Be My Baby," "New York State of Mind," an ode to his beloved home city, and "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)," a dramatic, apocalyptic song.

The album artwork depicts Joel surrounded by passengers on a New York City subway platform, further emphasizing the album's New York theme. Although Turnstiles was not initially a massive commercial success compared to some of his later albums, it has since been certified platinum by the RIAA and is considered a critical favorite among Joel's discography.