Joel began work on the album—on which two of his major influences (Ray Charles and Steve Winwood) made guest appearances—in 1985.

Another song particularly influenced by the music of another band, "Modern Woman" borrows heavily from the styles of Huey Lewis and the News.

Joel would return the favor by contributing backing vocals on Lauper's song "Maybe He'll Know" for her 1986 album True Colors.

… Here he's best when he's brassy and literal: failed wise guy in 'Big Man on Mulberry Street,' Ray Charles's coequal on 'Baby Grand.'

And even at his most rockin' he's seventy-five years retro whether he likes it or not—whenever he doesn't hit it just right you want to quarantine him for life in Atlantic City.