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Until the Night
Until the Night
Until the Night
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"Until the Night"
Single by Billy Joel
from the album 52nd Street
B-side"Root Beer Rag"
ReleasedMarch 1979
Recorded1978
Genre
Length6:35 (album version)
5:00 (single version)
LabelColumbia
SongwriterBilly Joel
ProducerPhil Ramone
Billy Joel UK singles chronology
"Honesty"
(1979) 		"Until the Night"
(1979) 		"All for Leyna"
(1980)

"Until the Night" is a song written by Billy Joel for his 1978 album, 52nd Street. Although passed over for single release in the US, "Until the Night" was issued as the second single from 52nd Street in the UK - following "My Life" - in March 1979 and reached #50 on the UK Singles Chart.[1][2]

Various versions of the single are in existence for different countries, with different B-sides including "Root Beer Rag", "Big Shot", and "Just the Way You Are" (all on CBS label).[3] "Until the Night" is also included on the 2005 Billy Joel four-CD and one-DVD compilation My Lives.

Music and lyrics

[edit]

Music lecturer Ken Bielen described "Until the Night" as a "big ballad in the Righteous Brothers tradition.[4] Joel biographer Mark Bego described it as a "dramatic sweeping ballad that sounds as if it is straight out of the Phil Spector songbook.[2] According to Bego, the song was written as a tribute to the Righteous Brothers.[2] The arrangement features many instruments, including strings, horns and castanets, that give it a sound reminiscent of the Righteous Brothers' 1960s hits.[4] Richie Cannata contributes a jazzy saxophone solo in the middle of the song.[2] Joel sings parts of the song in a higher voice and other parts in a deeper voice, and sometimes these two voices are double tracked, which also produces a sound reminiscent of the Righteous Brothers.[4]

The lyrics describe a romance where the couple has to separate each morning so each can go to work.[4] They are insecure about the relationship, but when they get back together in the evening everything is okay.[4]

Reception

[edit]

Ultimate Classic Rock critic Dave Lifton rated "Until the Night" as Joel's 6th best love song, describing it as "an homage to the sweeping urban romanticism of Phil Spector's work with the Righteous Brothers."[5] Pop culture historian Andrew Ross described "Until the Night" as a "schlock masterpiece."[6] Rolling Stone critic Stephen Holden described "Until the Night" as "the formal piece de resistance of an album that, though far from great, boasts much of the color and excitement of a really good New York street fair."[2] Billboard critic Melinda Newman called it an example of Joel "at his most tender and romantic."[7] Allmusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine said that "Until the Night" is among Joel's best songs.[8]

Personnel

[edit]

Cover versions

[edit]

"Until the Night" was recorded by Czech singer Helena Vondráčková as "In der Nacht"[9] for her 1979 album Doch in der Nacht, which comprised German-language renderings of Billy Joel songs. This version was issued as the album's single with "Ein Engel, der weiß, was er will" (originally "She's Always a Woman") as the B-side. Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers recorded "Until the Night" for his 1980 album Sweet Thunder.[10] Charlie McCoy covered the song with Laney Smallwood in 1981.[11] The single reached #92 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.[12]

Chart positions

[edit]
Chart (1979) Peak
position
UK Singles (OCC)[1] 50
UK Airplay (Record Business)[13] 34

References

[edit]

Sources

[edit]
  • 52nd Street copyright 1978, Sony Entertainment Inc.
  • My Lives, copyright 2005, Sony BMG Music Entertainment.
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Until the Night

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from Grokipedia
"Until the Night" is a written and performed by American , serving as the eighth track on his sixth studio album, 52nd Street, which was released on October 12, 1978, by . The explores themes of romantic separation during the day and longing for reunion at night, with depicting emotional distance, insecurity, and the anticipation of love's endurance amid daily challenges. Although not issued as a single in the United States, "Until the Night" was released as a single in the in , where it peaked at number 50 on the UK Singles Chart and spent three weeks in the top 100. The track features Joel's piano-driven arrangement, layered with orchestral elements and backing vocals that evoke a sense of melancholy and hope, contributing to the album's jazz-pop fusion style that earned 52nd Street the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1979. Over the years, "Until the Night" has been performed live by Joel during tours, including notable renditions at venues like the , and remains a fan-favorite deep cut from his catalog despite its limited commercial release.

Background and development

Writing and inspiration

wrote "Until the Night" as an original composition for his sixth studio , 52nd Street, released in 1978. The song drew inspiration from the style of , particularly their dramatic vocal harmonies as heard in tracks like "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" from 1964, with Joel aiming to replicate a blend of deep and voices in a "Wagnerian, operatic chorus" effect. Biographer Mark Bego noted that the track was influenced by Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound" production technique, which Joel sought to evoke through a dramatic, orchestral ballad atmosphere reminiscent of 1960s soul and pop. Joel's intent was to create a romantic, doo-wop-influenced ballad that contrasted with the album's predominant jazz-rock fusion elements, incorporating influences from 1960s soul and pop to provide emotional depth. He composed the song during a period of personal reflection on relationships, capturing a yearning for solace in a lover's arms at the end of a difficult day, which set it apart from more upbeat or independent-themed tracks on the album like "My Life."

Recording and production

"Until the Night" was recorded at Studios in during the summer sessions for Billy Joel's 1978 album 52nd Street, with production handled by . The track drew inspiration from ' style as a foundation for its production approach. To achieve a lush, Phil Spector-esque , the production incorporated orchestral elements such as strings and horns, arranged by Robert Freedman. Latin-flavored , played by percussionist David Friedman, were added for rhythmic texture, alongside orchestral chimes and a nylon-string contribution from . The full album version clocks in at 6:35, featuring extended instrumental sections that build the song's dramatic swell. For its single release in markets like the and , the track was edited down to approximately 5:07 by trimming some of these instrumental passages. Joel's vocal performance was a focal point, employing multi-tracked harmonies in and tenor ranges to emulate the duo dynamic of , creating an operatic, layered chorus effect despite his solo delivery.

Composition and style

Musical elements

"Until the Night" is classified as a slow-tempo that blends elements of pop, , and , drawing on 1960s soul influences reminiscent of Phil Spector's production style and the dramatic harmonies of . The song's genre fusion creates a lush, rock atmosphere, emphasizing emotional depth through its rhythmic and harmonic layers. The composition is written in C major and follows a verse-chorus form, incorporating an extended bridge and outro that gradually builds tension toward a climactic solo. This structure allows for a progression, with verses establishing a contemplative mood, choruses delivering soaring, multi-tracked vocal harmonies, and the bridge introducing heightened intensity before resolving in the instrumental peak. Instrumentation features on as the foundational element, complemented by bass and that provide a steady rhythmic backbone, alongside orchestral swells of strings and horns for dramatic texture. A standout is Richie Cannata's jazzy solo, which injects improvisational flair and emotional release during the climax. Subtle percussion, including Latin-inspired , adds rhythmic nuance and exotic color to the arrangement. The track maintains a mid-tempo pace of approximately 95 beats per minute, functioning as a that begins softly with intimate and vocals before crescendoing through layered harmonies and fuller orchestration. This dynamic arc mirrors the song's thematic anticipation, culminating in the explosive feature. Production techniques by enhance the orchestral elements, giving the piece a grand, cinematic scope.

Lyrics and themes

The lyrics of "Until the Night" depict a romantic relationship tested by the rigors of daily life, where the couple parts ways each morning for their respective obligations, only to reunite under the cover of night for solace and intimacy. This highlights the strain of separation, as the narrator confronts the day's demands while clinging to memories of shared laughter, tears, and affection, underscoring a profound emotional dependence on their partner. Central themes revolve around longing, reassurance, and the restorative power of love amid everyday uncertainties, with night serving as a from the vulnerabilities exposed by daylight. Key motifs contrast the insecurity of morning departures with the comfort of evening reunion, employing simple, poetic to convey raw emotional and hope for endurance. The "Until the night" functions as a poignant symbol of this temporary escape from daytime worries, repeated to evoke a sense of patient anticipation and relational resilience. Billy Joel's songwriting here draws from universal relational dynamics, crafting lyrics that feel intimately personal without delving into explicit autobiography, and relies on choral repetition for heightened emotional emphasis. To suit the romantic tone, the lyrics are delivered in a vocal style inspired by .

Release and commercial performance

Single release

"Until the Night" was released as a single exclusively in the in March 1979 by CBS Records, the international arm of , while it received no single promotion in the United States and remained an album-only track from 52nd Street. The release formed part of the broader promotional campaign for 52nd Street, building on the international momentum from prior hits like "My Life" and the breakthrough success of Joel's 1977 album The Stranger. Issued in the standard 7-inch vinyl format at 45 RPM, the single primarily featured "Root Beer Rag" as the B-side in the UK pressing, though variations in other European markets included "Big Shot" in and or "Just the Way You Are" in . A promotional version included an edited rendition of the A-side clocking in at approximately 5:10, shortened from the full album length of 6:35. Promotional activities were centered in the UK and Europe, with airplay on radio stations and live performances incorporated into Joel's 1979 European tour setlists, such as at Newcastle City Hall in February. This approach underscored Joel's expanding presence beyond North America following The Stranger.

Chart performance

"Until the Night" was released as a single primarily in markets outside the United States, where it achieved moderate success on the UK Singles Chart. It debuted on April 28, 1979, and peaked at number 50, spending a total of 3 weeks in the top 75 (and top 100). The song did not chart on the US , as it was not promoted as a single in the United States; however, its parent album 52nd Street topped the for eight weeks and has been certified 7× Platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding 7 million copies in the US alone. Internationally, "Until the Night" received minor airplay in Europe and but failed to secure any top 40 placements on major charts. A 1981 cover version by and Laney Smallwood peaked at number 92 on the US chart. Sales data for the single indicate relatively low figures, attributed to the focus on promotion outside the , though it contributed indirectly to 52nd Street's global success, with over 8 million copies sold worldwide.
CountryChartPeak PositionWeeks on Chart
UK Singles Chart503
(original)——
(cover)92—

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Upon its release in , "Until the Night" received praise from critics for its lush production and emotional resonance, particularly in contrast to the album's jazz-inflected tracks. In a contemporary review of 52nd Street, Rolling Stone's Stephen Holden highlighted the song as the album's "formal ," describing it as a "lush that sounds like a production, complete with sweeping strings and choral backups." He praised Joel's "multitracked emotion" and the song's "hauntingly pretty" melody, noting how its style contributed to the album's color and excitement. In later assessments, the track has been lauded for its emotional depth and as one of Joel's more underrated romantic compositions. Ultimate Classic Rock ranked "Until the Night" sixth among Joel's best love songs in 2013, describing it as an "homage to the sweeping urban romanticism of " and praising Joel's skillful overdubbed vocals emulating the ' dynamic. The publication underscored its enduring appeal as a heartfelt drawing from Joel's childhood influences. In a 2015 readers' poll, it ranked seventh among Joel's best deep cuts. A 2024 article, marking Joel's 75th birthday, ranked it fourth among his top five ballads. While generally well-regarded, some contemporary critiques pointed to the song's sentimental leanings amid the album's edgier cuts. Holden's review acknowledged that Joel's compositions, including ballads like this one, could feel "somewhat sentimental" and direct, though he appreciated the vocal passion and clever mimicry that elevated them. Retrospectively, the track has been viewed as a versatile detour in Joel's catalog, with 52nd Street averaging around 4 out of 5 stars in album reviews; for instance, awarded it 4/5, commending the record's stylistic expansion.

Cover versions and influence

"Until the Night" has been adapted into several languages shortly after its original release. Czech singer recorded a German-language version titled "In der Nacht" for her 1979 album Helena singt Billy Joel, marking one of the earliest international covers. Similarly, released the Italian adaptation "Fino alla notte" (lyrics by Daiano) and the French version "J'attends la nuit" (lyrics by Didier Barbelivien) on his 1979 album Universum. In English, notable covers include Bill Medley's rendition on his 1981 album Sweet Thunder, which aligned with the song's inspiration from the Righteous Brothers' style, given Medley's role in that duo. American country duo Charlie McCoy and Laney Smallwood adapted it as "Until the Nights" in 1981, a vocal country version that reached number 94 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Additionally, Johnny Contardo included a cover on his 1980 debut album Changeover. The song pays homage to the 1960s "" production pioneered by , evident in its orchestral arrangement and vocal layering reminiscent of the Righteous Brothers' hits like "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'." This stylistic nod foreshadowed Joel's deeper exploration of retro influences in later works, such as the 1983 album , which drew extensively from and soul eras. It was later featured on Joel's 2005 career-spanning compilation My Lives, helping to sustain interest in his deeper catalog tracks. Joel occasionally performed "Until the Night" live during the , including a notable rendition at in [Long Island](/page/Long Island), New York, on December 29, 1982. The track has not appeared in major film or television soundtracks, limiting its broader media exposure. As a non-single deep cut from 52nd Street, "Until the Night" remains less prominent in Joel's discography compared to hits like "Just the Way You Are," with covers largely confined to the early and no high-profile recent adaptations reported as of 2025. Its melodic structure and romantic themes continue to attract occasional amateur interpretations, suggesting untapped potential for future revivals.

Credits and personnel

Musicians

The recording of "Until the Night" features on lead vocals and , providing the song's central melodic and harmonic foundation. Core band members include , who delivers the prominent solo that adds emotional depth to the ballad's bridge; on bass; on drums; and Russell Javors contributing guitar parts. The solo, performed by Cannata, plays a key role in evoking a sense of longing within the composition. Additional musicians on the track comprise guest guitarists Steve Khan (electric and acoustic guitar, backing vocals), Hugh McCracken (including nylon-string acoustic), and Donnie Dacus on electric guitar, enhancing the lush, orchestral texture. David Friedman provides percussion and orchestral chimes. The track incorporates orchestral strings performed by members of the American Symphony Orchestra, arranged by Robert Freedman, creating a sweeping, cinematic atmosphere; backing harmonies are handled by Joel and Steve Khan. Although the 52nd Street Horns are associated with the album's overall sound, this song primarily features Cannata's saxophone rather than a full horns section.

Production staff

The production of "Until the Night" was led by , who crafted the track's dense, orchestral sound inspired by Phil Spector's wall-of-sound techniques to evoke a dramatic, retro style. Engineering and mixing duties were shared by Jim Boyer and , with recording taking place at Studios in . String and horn arrangements for the song were handled by Robert Freedman, contributing to its lush, layered instrumentation. Art direction for the single's sleeve was managed by staff, including designer John Berg. While no individual mastering credits are specified for the single, the encompassing album 52nd Street—produced by Ramone—earned the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1979, recognizing its overall production excellence.

References

  1. https://www.billyjoel.com/song/until-night-4/
  2. https://genius.com/Billy-joel-until-the-night-lyrics
  3. https://www.setlist.fm/song/billy-joel/until-the-night-33d78895.html
  4. https://www.billyjoel.com/music/complete-albums-collection/
  5. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/billy-joel/until-the-night
  6. https://www.academia.edu/22566955/From_New_York_State_of_Mind_to_No_Man_s_Land_Billy_Joel_s_Songs_about_American_Places
  7. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/billy-joel-pays-tribute-to-phil-ramone-he-was-the-king-183052/
  8. https://www.discogs.com/release/30177518-Billy-Joel-52nd-Street
  9. https://www.discogs.com/release/21445120-Billy-Joel-Japanese-Singles-Collection-Greatest-Hits-
  10. https://www.discogs.com/release/32750823-Billy-Joel-Until-The-Night
  11. https://www.culturesonar.com/billy-joels-52nd-street-jazz-rock-tension-release/
  12. https://musicstax.com/track/until-the-night/3UzWjLQVzCG60gwJdApLqI
  13. https://www.hooktheory.com/theorytab/view/billy-joel/until-the-night
  14. https://www.forbes.com/sites/timlammers/2024/05/08/billy-joel-at-75-piano-mans-top-5-ballads-ranked/
  15. https://www.discogs.com/release/2152252-Billy-Joel-Until-The-Night
  16. https://www.discogs.com/master/245057-Billy-Joel-Until-The-Night
  17. https://www.billyjoel.com/music/52nd-street/
  18. https://www.discogs.com/release/1992455-Billy-Joel-Until-The-Night-Just-The-Way-You-Are
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/2569670-Billy-Joel-Until-The-Night
  20. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/326277412830
  21. http://www.shewan.co.uk/billy-joel-newcastle-city-hall-20th-february-1979/
  22. https://myvintagerock.com/2013/06/20/billy-joel-newcastle-city-hall-1979/
  23. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/billy-joel-until-the-night/
  24. https://musicgoldmine.com/products/billy-joel-52nd-street-the-stranger-in-house-award
  25. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/5259
  26. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/52nd-street-195243/
  27. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/billy-joel-love-songs-2/
  28. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/readers-poll-the-10-best-billy-joel-deep-cuts-59572/
  29. https://www.allmusic.com/album/52nd-street-mw0000190509
  30. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/111466/all
  31. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/592365/all
  32. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/1102460/versions
  33. https://open.spotify.com/album/5nWLdbqnLvx8z8vpzWuwcg
  34. https://www.billyjoel.com/video/until-the-night-live-from-long-island/
  35. https://www.what-song.com/Artist/106/Billy-Joel
  36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk99oboGaJs
  37. https://www.allmusic.com/album/52nd-street-mw0000190509/credits
  38. https://www.discogs.com/master/57048-Billy-Joel-52nd-Street
  39. https://www.saxontheweb.net/threads/billy-joel-until-the-night-richie-cannata-on-sax.106283/
  40. https://www.discogs.com/release/10018445-Billy-Joel-52nd-Street
  41. http://albumlinernotes.com/52nd_Street.html
  42. https://musicbrainz.org/release/9745a03a-f7ff-49ee-b757-065f26f0e466
  43. https://music.apple.com/us/song/until-the-night/259573652
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