Can't Buy A Thrill

Great album, Do It Again, Dirty Work, Reelin' In The Years have all stood the test of time if you ask me. I like Steely Dan. I like their brand of rock, I think they showcase a variety of songs, they're talented musicians, and none of their songs just repeat the same stuff without any variation in phrasing or melody. A 4.5

notes - steely dan was my day 1! - debut album - couple of their biggest hits on here - great chord changes, guitar solos, harmonies - all steely dan staples - a bit more rock-oriented than the other album i reviewed - drums sound great! fav - reelin in the years - unforgettable chorus and great solos least fav - brooklyn - pretty meh, not super memorable 4/5 liked it more than pretzel logic

Now that's some dad rock! I liked the first half and the percussion especially, and my top pick is 'Midnite Cruiser'.

I love Steely Dan and have listened to this album a bunch of times

This album may not be the most hard rocking but it still rocks in its own way. The catchy Melodies and choruses make this a great album. Add in some jazzy sax and some smooth guitar playing and you have a great album. Hard to say if this is their best album, I know Aja is very well liked as well but this was first. Either way Steely Dan is essential dad rock and I’m only getting older. 8.5/10

Un descobriment agradable. Rock, jazz, r&b... Em fa gràcia que amb el temps deixessin de tocar en directe i es centressin només en grabar a l'estudi.

Ok, my friend is obsessed with steely dan & I've always maintained that I've never heard them, but when I started this record I recognized almost every song. Good shit.

I love listening to an album I've never heard before, but then recognizing 4-5 songs off of it and just not knowing who the band was who sung them. Another great old album to come back to.

A delightful listen. The substance, craft and attention to detail make it hard to believe that it's a debut.

much better than Aja in that it has some interesting songs with good melodies, and invents Thin Lizzy along the way. Still quite bland and cheesy but also very enjoyable

as my flatemate Brendan points out, the lyrics are cheesy but the instrumentals are too good

This band is polarizing. On one hand, there's a distinct sound, and some songs that really pop. On the other hand, I can only take so much of their sound. Aja was decent, and this one is decent too, but there's something about the that keeps me at arm's length. This album feels less confined than Aja though, but I just can't give them 5 stars even though I enjoy a lot of what's presented here.

Really great album. Great riffs, lyrics and singing. Still paying my penance for decades of not being able to appreciate the music they composed. Great album.

Apex level smooth

I have listened to some select songs from this album before, maybe all of it. Pretty chill album! Added a few of them to my very cool playlist B)))

This is pretty solid. I'm not really a big fan of Steely Dan by any means but I found myself really respecting this album. There's some staples of 70's rock found here. A 3.5 for me.

Some classic songs on this, a debut album. Classy as well as classic. Great stuff

4.75

Okayish

Hell of a debut.

very good, would give 4.5

I did not think I'd like this as much as I did. Solid from start to finish.

Copying and pasting my thoughts from a different listening group having this a week ago: Great grooves 4/5

Another solid album. I love the hits on this album but it felt less cohesive overall than pretzel logic.

Imagine the lead-off track of your debut album being "Do It Again"! The future would look promising. The other massive hit, "Reeling in the Years" I've never been crazy about, but that's because it sounds very un-Steely Dan like, with the rockin' guitar. It reminds me more of a one-hit wonder. Listening to it now, the verses and clever lyrics are still true-to-form. It's interesting that some lead vocals were handled by David Palmer, another curve ball. The rest of the album is still predictable, meaning predictably good, with the above mentioned clever lyrics, catchy choruses and horns. As they progressed they tightened up the sound and showed their jazz routes.

This is a pretty damned good debut album, their top notch song writing skills and musicianship are highly evident here, American easy listening Dad rock at its finest. Their later albums are great also, particularly Royal Scam, Katy Lied and Aja, but this is right up there. It lags a tiny bit for a few songs, eg Change of the guard, Midnite Cruiser and Brooklyn (where Hodder and Palmer do lead vocals instead of Fagen). Also an album of this calibre deserves a much better album cover. Hell even Fagen and Becker called it one of “ the most hideous album cover of the 70’s. But overall this is a strong 4.

I thought I'd like to focus on just one song, Reelin in the Years. Consider a song that really sounds like it was written on, and for, piano. But it starts with a guitar solo?! and the piano just drops out entirely in sections. The vocals are free and "lyrical," with complex and melsimatic harmony. Totally emblematic of a true group effort, not the product of one single creative force. The drums are a little formulaic, but all the other elements on this album are top notch.

Some really great straight up rock songs on this, fun album to listen to but I prefer the later material.

Quality record with tight musicianship and good lyrics.

Solid start. Recognized more songs on this then I expected to. Good listen all the way through. Less jazzy then some of the other Steely Dan records I've listened to.

Incredible debut album. Such classic rock tunes with that nostalgic feel to them. Reeling in the years one of my favorites of all time.

An album I own and have listened to many times. I’m definitely in the pro Steely Dan camp, although I know they don’t do it for everyone. To me this is an outstanding debut. I still love the riffs of Reeling in the Years, even though I’ve heard that song countless times. More recently I’ve become more aware and more awes by the ridiculous guitar solo in Do It Again. Just insane. While the album may not be the complete package that Fagen and Becker would produce later on, the seeds are all planted in this first full album. Funky jazzy riffs, nods to important influences, and cryptic, somewhat darkly themed lyrics. The experiment with David Palmer as vocalist wasn’t a complete failure, but it’s true that his interpretation (based on a tv appearance I saw) lacks the wit and sarcasm that Fagen’s has. So here we have a great start for one of the all-time great powerhouses of 70’s rock and popular music.

The 3rd of 4 (FOUR!!!) Steely Dan albums. This is the one I knew about the most and it's the one I actually enjoy. It's varied enough compared to the other albums it felt like they were actually taking risks before they became bland.

Love the Dan.

great grooves.

great album. one of the first Steely Dan albums I listened to and own. These guys were perfectionist for sure. whole album was put together very well.

This was great! steely Dan has popped up before and I felt like I didn't know it but I knew some of these ones. They were really well put together songs, feel good folky rock goodness. Need to look into Steely Dan to find out more

YOU JUST CAN'T SAY NO TO DAN AND THE STEELYS

Fun and Groovy. Recognized a few songs that I didn't realize were Steely Dan

Makes me feel middle-aged, but in a cool way. I think I like this slightly more than Aja, but still prefer Pretzel Logic although I gotta say that "Do It Again" might be the best Steely Dan song I've heard so far. Album cover is a big "graphic design is my passion" moment.

It's a quick shot, barely ten seconds. "I'm a fool-to-dooo your-dir-ty work, oh yeaaaaah! I don't want-to-dooo your dirty-work, no mo-o-ore." It's nighttime, the radio plays an old Steely Dan hit, and Tony Soprano is singing at the wheel as he drives somewhere. The endearing yet sociopathic mob boss has the same bored, weary eyes as ever, but that scene is probably the closest thing in the whole series to a moment showing him having the time of his life. Tony knows them oldies-but-goldies standards. And he knows it's always deeply pleasurable to sing along to one of those as they pop up between Journey and Cream on the car's radio. Such are the simple kicks most of the great tracks of this album can give any listener interested in early-seventies rock music--even though the Dan had tried to go against the grain from the get-go. Sure, the whole thing may sound a little trite or quaint today, in 2022, but there also lie some of its charms. For those who are not in the known, Steely Dan then went on to create far more intricate songs, at least when it comes to their chord successions and other jazz-inspired shenanigans. Hardcore fans of the band will surely tell you that's when they put out their best albums--with haughty *Aja* reigning above all of them from its high throne. Frankly, I'm not always convinced by this take... Because when it comes to Steely Dan, the line between sophistication and convoluted overthinking has always seemed very thin, in my opinion, and this starting with everything that followed *Countdown To Ecstasy*. Comparatively, what *Can Buy A Thrill* can offer you is the best of both worlds: catchy songs such as "Reelin' In The Years" or "Do It Again" AND incredibly effective arrangements. I fear that after *Pretzel Logic*, catchiness just gave way to something far less dynamic, enhancing the quaint nature of the band's ideas until the latter became totally cheesy or strangely remote. In other words, arrangements and musical prowess can't do everything on their own in that sort of soft-rock genre. You need the tunes you can whistle under the shower, man. But maybe my ears are faulty here. And what I've said up ere is not even a claim I would make for other sorts of rock, indie-rock, or electronic acts. So who knows what I got right or wrong, huh? Another way to say I dread the day I will have to review *Aja*... In the meantime, it's *Can't Buy A Thrill* I have to review, and it's all fine, man. I can pretend I am Tony Soprano singing along to it at the wheel, and everything is peachy. Number of albums left to review or just listen to: 813 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory: 101 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 46 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important): 41

4.5

F**k. I actually liked this album. What has become of me? Actually, this was very solid. Do it again, reeling, quite a lot of crafted pop.

Easy listening. Amazing musicianship, these guys can flat out play. Surprisingly deep lyrics and themes. I had heard all the hits on the radio and knew they were very talented musicians, but I was never into it enough to actually listen. I have a new appreciation for Steely Dan.

Really good. Do it Again being an absolute highlight. One of the smoothest albums I have listened to, it's just a shame it couldn't keep up the energy of Do It Again and Reelin' In the Years. Most other songs on the album kinda disappeared after I listened to them. 4/5

Mér finnst þetta ekki vera neitt meistaraverk, en ég hef ansi stóran veikan blett fyrir svona jazzskotnu áttunda tugar softrokki. Fjórar stjörnur.

Very nice and chill melodies, especially in the first half of the album.

Solid, fun, rock, no statements, no politics, just rock n roll and it was good

Steely dan, a classic, "Only a Food Would Say That" probs the highlihgt.

this album provided such nice easy listening! it was so smooth. i can hear some yacht rock tendencies in here. it wasn't quite full yacht rock yet and it falls out of the year range, but its soft rock genre is right there. there were some jazzy aspects, too--the sax and horn! (evidently the flugelhorn?!) the sitar on "do it again," which i never noticed before and enjoy very much, is very indicative of the year 1972. i've listened to aja as part of this project, and i can see the evolution between can't buy a thrill and aja. the choruses are still catchy (the chorus of "dirty work" has been permanently stuck in my head for the last 24 hours). the beginnings of incorporating jazz into their music began in can't buy a thrill and jazz is much more prominent in aja.

This album was an excellent listen! I was familiar with a couple of the more iconic songs, but I've definitely been sleeping on Steely Dan overall, as both albums of theirs on this project have been outstanding. It was perfect for active, engaged listening as well as great music to work to. I listened through three times! Steely Dan comes out of the gate with their first album, immediately laying down iconic songs such as "Reelin' in the Years" and "Do It Again". The entire album is full of great vocal work and harmony, as well as exciting and unique guitar and instrumentation work. They do that 70s soft rock sound soooo well, and it's impressive that they got it so very right and left such a mark with their first album. An outstanding debut, for sure; really, there wasn't a bad song on the album.

A great rock album with some classic 70s songs like reeling in the year. I liked it but I didn’t have anything special going for it in my opinion.

Dobar album, nekakav ljetni štih i taman sam na moru pa je dobar tajming. 3.5/5 - RYM, a ovdje - 4.

One of those amazing debut albums - I can't imagine how it would have sounded when it was first released!

guitar hero songs represent. do it again. this song is hard to play on guitar hero, i don't think i've beat it on expert. what genre are they? i also feel like i've gotten a couple of albums from the 70's so far. dude i actually already love the song dirty work and i didn't know it was them. nice. I like reelin in the years. This was a good album I liked it more than I thought I would. unclear on what this bands reputation is generally but I enjoyed it. 4

Pretty good. Classic radio hits, some jazzy EZ listening sort of stuff.

All the Steely Dan trademarks are here - the slick production, the smooth tunes, those smart vocals. I don’t know what it is that elevates Steely Dan from being corny but there is something inspired about the way they do their thing.

Do it again is a classic as is Dirty Work. I love this album!!

There are more great songs on here than I expected. Solid album with smash hits.

One thing this app has done has been to force me to listen to a few Steely Dan albums, and it's actually been pretty fun. I know them mostly from classic rock stations and movie soundtracks, and to hear whole albums has been a good way to show me that I actually generally like the band and can listen to them for some time without getting bored. They require a certain mood and maybe aren't the hipster's choice, but hey, I feel ok liking them.

I’m a Steely Dan fan and I love this album, one of the beloved cassette acquisitions of my youth. Still I waiver between masterpiece and merely great, though I’m not sure why: every song is solid, there’s no real filler. But there are higher heights to come.

Great Album

Steely Dan, particularly in the year 2022. has cemented themselves as the pop-jazz-rock masters. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker are the obvious rocks for this band, but I must also give a well-deserved credit to producer Gary Katz, who serves as an unofficial member of the band in a way. It is especially impressive that these singles have stood the test of time, having heard Do It Again, Reelin' In the Years, and Dirty Work prior. Really every song on here is a solid piece of work. Whole album is tight: 5 great songs on side A, 5 more on side B, clocking in 40 minutes total. Perfect blend of jazz and rock to make it pop without watering down anything. They're just damn fine songs; a pinnacle of quality.

I know Steely Dan is one of the most influential bands of the 1970s but I’ve never actually sat down to listen to an album of theirs. I was impressed. This album features a great blend of jazz and rock with interesting lyrics. The musicianship is top notch and the songwriting was very tight. I was blown away by some of the guitar work and with the complexity of the music in general. There were a few songs that didn’t resonate with me, but overall, this is a phenomenal debut

baita som, agradável o rockzinho

Great album in the 70’s…. Easy listening

A few classics in here that I've heard before like Do It Again. Steely sounds a bit like Thin Lizzy too which isn't a bad thing. Reelin In The Years felt like that opening but then getting to the chorus this is one of those songs I've heard a ton but never knew it was this song. Great album to kickstart the week!

Oh, here we go. I know the last Steely Dan album was alright, but this one is vibrant and has a lot of hits that I love (and didn't realize were by Steely Dan). I know these guys for making esoteric rock that only a select few weird uncles are into, but I guess at the time of their debut they had other plans. This sound, this style, works a lot better for me and there's plenty on here to enjoy, including the more instrumental-heavy tracks. I really dig this one. Favorite tracks: Reelin' in the Years, Do It Again, Fire in the Hole, Dirty Work. Album art: Haven't seen this one before but I adore it. Colors out the wazoo, loving the pop art style. The shirtless guy standing there for no reason?? The wacky cartoon fonts? I'm all about this. 4/5

The first album from the soon to be kings of sophisticated rock music. While it's not a wholly Donald Fagen sing-along (some of the vocals are done by other singers), it obtains characteristics that would soon define the Dan as a polarizing band in the decades to come. One shouldn't look at this album and steer clear, it's still worth a listen; just know that the best is yet to come. Favorites: Do It Again, Dirty Work, Only a Fool Would Say That, Reelin' in the Years, Changing of the Guard, Turn That Heartbeat Over Again.

“Do It Again” is a great song to vibe to, got a cool sitar solo; I’ve heard it before somewhere. Cynical message on the inability to give up vice. “Dirty Work” has a sort of soulful feel, quick sax solo reenforces this feel; again a song about the inability to quit something, this time a woman. “Kings” has a really catchy piano/guitar riff, has a slight soul feel as well. Theme of futility shows up again, this time in the idolatry of a powerful man (government?) that gives nothing in return. Instrumental solo stands in contrast to the rest of the song as frantic, disorienting. “Midnite Cruiser” has a vibe of late night music (it’s in the title), but the vocals (different singer) doesn’t quite fit the vibe. Still solid though, theme of lamentation is a little bit different from the past songs. “Only a Fool Would Say That” has the mambo feel that “Do It Again” has, possesses critical lyrics about naïveté with a slightly upbeat tone than the content would suggest, but the futileness is evident. “Reelin’ in the Years” has a really good guitar intro and solo. Upbeat song but with not upbeat lyrics about a toxic and belittling relationship. “Fire in the Hole” has a fierce piano instrumental that conveys the defiance of the singer well. Sick piano solo as well. Criticism against the draft and blind patriotism/order-following surrounding Vietnam is in line with political themes in “Kings” and “Only a Fool Would Say That.” “Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)” has a lounge vibe to it, one of the slower songs on the album. Content/themes aren’t as pronounced as on some of the other songs. “Change of the Guard” has an upbeat sound that actually has some upbeat lyrics with it. Either the lyrics are hopeful for the new generation, or it’s ironic. Same with the messaging on adaptation. Pretty bruising guitar solo along with it. “Turn That Heartbeat Over Again” seems to tell the story of crime and the disconnect between the criminal about the negative impact of his actions. Maybe more futility in there with the criminal trying to convince himself he’s not to blame for his actions. Slower song, instrumental isn’t as noticeable as other songs’ instrumentals. Overall a pretty good album. I definitely preferred the front half of the album in a musical sense. Lyrically and thematically, the front half of the album was clearer, but themes persisted throughout the second half.

This has some seriously good bops

Listening to Steely Dan is really difficult because every 30 seconds I have to repress a primal urge to scream 'this groove is so fucking tight' Anyway this has some massive bangers but also not quite their best. Good vibes though

Never heard the album before, just a couple of the radio hits. Enjoyed it, overall. The songwriting and musical complexity all to the good that came to be known as the "Steely Dan Sound" were there from the jump, and in an advanced state too. Fav songs were Do It Again, Dirty Work, Midnight Cruiser, Only a Fool Would Say That, Reelin' in the Years, and Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me).

Another great great album. Flawless production and simply so east to listen to and enjoy. I am loving the exposure this list has given me to Steely Dan.

Entertaining album, very easy listening, whats not to like about catchy pop/rock songs with some jazz influences

Like"a rock"n roll

Un groupe ayant en main les ingrédients du prog mais qui choisit de les mettre au service d'une pop ouvragée. L'attention portée à la richesse des textures sonores et de l'enregistrement sont évidentes. Un album qui pave la voie à une certaine "pop intello". On sent quand même l'époque, par exemple dans les choeurs à la CSN&Y dans les refrains.

Good stuff and bad stuff and amazing stuff. Very familiar having a father like mine

Surprisingly good - never listened to the whole album before - very much of its time but gentle on the ear with some truly stand out tracks.

Fængende poprock, opløftende, groovy, kor, lækre soloer

An incredibly solid dad-jazz rock album by a group incapable of paring down their musical whims

Fínasta debut. Steely Dan er mjög svo næs.

Definitely a fun listen. I will need to come back to it since I didn’t listen too closely, but I’m excited to return to it nonetheless. 7/10

What’s not to like?

I do like hearing these albums from artists that are now considered a bit cheesy, back before they were officially cheesy, and doing things just as they wanted to, without irony.

Surprised how many songs I knew on this album. Just a good rack n roll album.

There's been a bit of a reevaluation of Steely Dan, once maligned for being incredibly uncool, now have younger music fans into them. And I can see why, this is a really good listen. Really slick sounding, listenable pop sensibility, gorgeous vocals, not really any songs I wasn't too keen on. Sunglasses emoji as a band. :cool:

So many great songs on this album. 4.5/5 stars

Some catchy rock tunes mixed with a salsa-vibe (a bit reminiscent of Sympathy for the Devil) - and Steely Dan knows how to write catchy choruses!

Really enjoyed it, there's some classics on here that are excellent. I think Aja was a bit more consistent though.

Groovy man

Good

Realised I really like a few songs on this album.

Can’t buy a thrill was a very interesting album. I had never heard all but one song, reelin’ in the years. Most of the songs were very well written and keep you engaged. One of the main pros of this album is it’s only 40 minutes which leaves you wanting more. Not wishing it was shorter

Pretty good album. Had a few of the hit, though not quite as jazzy-prog as I like my Dan.

First time I've actually dove into some Steely... fuck it's good. It's painfully good because I always assumed this was some old man yacht rock that was soulless, sun bleached, and moronic. It's pretty much the opposite. The sunshine in this album is making fun of you in the dark hours.

Great debut album with some great tracks.

Really solid debut album

We love to do ca-caine!!!

Decently listenable but occasionally lost my interest. Favourite songs: Dirty Work & Change of the Guard

Loads of great tracks on this. Dirty work will forever remind me of Tony Soprano singing along in his car.

sarah is very excited she loves this. waiting to go to Christmas at her sisters. even tho its not Christmas ok enjoying it xoxo

Pretty good

Can’t Buy a Thrill by Steely Dan (1972) This debut album from a group that chose to name itself after a sex simulation device begins with a splash (“Do it Again”) and quickly proceeds to the deep end of the pool, doing synchronized swimming with intricate, acrobatic compositions that are influenced by jazz, country, rock, samba, and God-knows-what-else. Sublimely cool. Steely Dan burst on the scene with highly crafted studio techniques and good musical sense. With some nice vocal ensemble arrangements, and some pathbreaking chord structures, they nevertheless did not wander far too from pop. Lyrically intelligent, if somewhat obscure, the songs provoke thought but not passion. Not without humor (“Only a Fool Would Say This”), these works are engaging, especially for 1972. Compared to later Steely Dan studio albums, Can’t Buy a Thrill has more variety (with its attendant unevenness and weak spots) and thus is not stuck in what would later become a Fagen/Becker compositional rut. This debut collection makes fine use of a full band lineup and a variety of highly competent session musicians. I wish they’d stayed together—in the studio! Guitarists Dias and Baxter and drummer Hodder would leave the group within two years. The guitar solos in “Reelin’ In the Years” are classic. The biggest negative in listening to this record in 2021 is that the three mega hits (“Do It Again”, “Dirty Work”, and “Reelin’ In the Years”) dominate the less familiar material. But if the listener can discipline him/herself to imagine it as an original unity, as an album, the beauty shines through. The less-than-stellar closing track “Turn That Heartbeat Over Again” subliminally suggests turning the LP over again, to listen one more time to the opening track “Do It Again”. And again, and . . . Yes, I could listen to this all morning long. I think I’ll wax the car. 4/5

Classic chillout

Ufff... Recuerdos de ir en el coche con mi familia... No voy a ser objetivo aquí jeje. Personal: 8, por los feelings. Trascendencia: 6? Genero: 8, rollo Eagles pero ellos son mejores

Still not a massive classic rock fan, but this album was pretty good, start to finish.

Love this album, change of the guard was an absolute highlight for me! Not a 5/5 but a solid 4/5

i enjoyed it. found a few songs that i really like

Love this!

This definitely sounds of a particular time and place.

Good album, had heard about 4 tracks previously. Others sounded very Steely Dany, would listen again / buy on vinyl to add to the collection at a good price.

Awesome band, glad i heard 'em finally

Their best album great!

Ik vind dit wel lekkere muziek. Niks mis mee. ****

it feels like I'm in a movie where the protagonist is a 70s surfer.

Enjoyed this!

Enjoyed this, I'll even forgive the more country-vibe songs.

enjoyed, didn't find it outstanding 3.7

Steely Dan is so classy. This was their first album and they were already a solid band.

Guess I’m a steely Dan man

A very good album, I think it's something that takes time to come around though, so for now I'm leaning on a 3 or a 4. Gives me a great vibe now though, and some of the songs are perfect for an Awesome Mix™, so I think a 4 is in order.

The Dan would reach greater heights on successive albums but this is a great debut. Only A Fool Would Say That, Dirty Work and Do It Again (with its electric sitar solo!) are among the highlights and Reelin' In The Years is an all-timer with one of the greatest guitar solos ever.

It's weird how we get one album soon after another from bands... Besides the hits, I keep forgetting that "Dirty Work" was also theirs, thanks to David Palmer. "Kings" sounds very much like a Steve Howe guitar solo to me, which was interesting. I liked this album a lot more than the previous Steely Dan album we have heard. I still think there is a better album which, from what I see on the list, we will come to. But the album tracks I liked almost as much as the "hits," so I think that that is something.

I don't own this album and never realized that so many good songs were on it. Back when I was a teenager and didn't really know who was who in rock I thought Do it Again was a Santana song. And I loved Dirty Work, though I'm not sure I knew it was Steely Dan either. Reelin' in the Years I had straight - great, great lyrics on that track (and the guitar solo halfway in). I always thought it was dumb that they earned a Grammy in 2001 when if they were going to be recognized it really should've been in the 70's (no matter how good the album in 2001, they were out of place). When you consider this was their debut, wow. For sure a 4, not quite sure it's a 5 - back half of album is not quite as stellar as earlier (though I really like Change of the Guard).

Great debut album. The singles are classics but tracks like Kings, Midnite Cruiser, Turn That Heartbreak over Again are strong songs as well.

Loved this album. It was filled with Steely Dan greats

Perfectly-crafted 70s MOR with a hint of something sinister.

Escuchado domingo en la tarde con mi familia merodeando y sin mucha disponibilidad de poner atención. Jazz rock tranquilo, no vi pretensiones especiales, quizás en las melodías, pero musicalmente lo encontré simple.

I enjoyed it. Didn’t really move me, but that might have had more to do with the fact that I wasn’t paying that much attention while I listened to it.

Ajalas que chabochito.

No pos si aguanta, buen disco

Dad rock vibe

unwillingly catchy. Sigh. 3s?

Rock un tanto psicodélico y un tanto sureño. Muy de la época. Canciones un tanto facilonas y con un buen estilo. Me ha gustado, como álbum y como grupo.

Not a massive Steely Dan fan but I was surprised by the quality of the songs here. Every musician gives something great and contribues to a well-rounded album. Favourite songs: Do It Again, Kings and Reelin In The Years

I love the rock/ pop sounds that Steely produces. For a debut, it's extremely experimental. Had a blast playing through this album. Knew a few songs but after this gives me the urge to listen to the rest of his catalogue.

Solid 70s rock feel. Strong album for a debut. Organ is a nice touch.

Enjoyed it. I'm learning that the 70s is better musically than I thought it was! Fun vibes.

This yacht rock at its best…. GIVE ME MORe!

Fun listen, album has the distinct sound of the stuff I like to hear on classic rock stations while fishing.

Felt like I was listening to every song I've ever heard on KQRS. Pretty great album, feels like a "classic" with a lot of iconic songs. Now I know who Steely Dan is!

Jazzy soft rock typical of the 70s with some Latin twist. I recognize 3 songs (you know which) and they're all amazing songs. My favorite parts are always the solos, but the the vocals are clear and hit you hard. Back vocals also fit nicely. There aren't any particular weak songs, as each song contributes its own unique spin to the overall experience. They're not forgettable either since they each start with an intriguing hook. The 4th star is cemented by that solo in Reelin in the Years, one of the best I've ever heard. Hard to believe this was only their first album, and probably not even their creative peak if you contest Aja.

Would be great if not for "Reelin' in the Years"

I was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did.

A fun album with several hits

Good vibes, nice listen

What an awesome album. Lots of really cool sounds all mixed into the one album. The biggest hits in here are ‘Dirty Work’ & ‘Reelin’ In the Years’ but the whole album is great!

really good

Steely dan

Stacked with hits. Great listen for a Sunday morning.

First two tracks awesome, rest of the album was ok. Probably worth 3.5 stars for me

funny

Loved it

Pretty good

So good.

Le gros problème de cet album, c'est qu'il est excellent, ce qui laisse très peu de place à l'inspiration pour de potentielles moqueries, dégradation de l'image ou encore invectivations envers Robert Dimery.

Rock&Roll album, a combination of slow and fast songs. Not unique but very good.

Some real bangers on this one, overall not too bad.

Great album, would listen to again.

It's a classic, but not every song is a winner. Lots of hits and then misses. I was interested to learn that going mobile wasn't a newer song - I thought they made it in the 90s about getting an RV. The album also lacks cohesion in a lot of ways. If these songs hit the radio, I'll listen, but I never pick up this album and am excited to play it. Definitely second fiddle to the beatles, stones, and led zeps of the era. I give it 7/10.

Some nice soft rock

Wen den ich nicht kannte aber kannte - weißte schon! Gute Popmusik, spannend gemacht. Merke ich mir.

It's a 3.5, and wanting to hear it again (and see what the fuss is about).

This has been the third Steely Dan album I get in less than a month (lucky me?), and so a part of me wanted to not like it because I kind of think 4 of their albums on the list is a little too much. But it was still pretty nice.

Better than expected

A proper classic with some really good songs that still kick inside

- very pleasing - upbeat but latin vibes - paul mccartney meeting elton john?

Sarcastic, slick AOR. BT: Do It Again, Dirty Work, Reelin' In The Years

I previously only knew "Do it again", but there were many hidden gems to be found

noice

This is just class - well written songs, beautiful simple production, little bit Americana, rock, even proggy here and there but not so much of any of the above that it became annoying. 4 well-earned stars.

I enjoyed it.

Classic SD! lots I've never heard before

Oh brilliant ! A real 70s vibe and two tracks from our teenage years so very nostalgic. Really enjoyed the album ****

I mean, the album starts with "Do It Again" and "Dirty Work." Those two songs alone make this one a heavy-hitter. "Reelin' in the Years" anchors the middle - also another Classic Rock radio mainstay. Overall, this album displays tight songcraft, meticulous studio production, crisp orchestration, and some impressive guitar work at certain parts. A band with a deep bag of tricks. One ding from me would be that it definitely sounds like 70s stadium rock, but it's probably among the best I've heard of that genre/era.

Serious jazz pop music to be enjoyed in so many contexts. They would get better with the years, but their first is still a strong statement.

Pretty catchy and has a timeless element to it. Nothing stood out for me, but consistently good.

Hi: Midnight Cruiser, Fire In The Hole Steely Dan was finding their footing in their debut album, but it was still a strong start...Besides the radio classics Do It Again, Dirty Work, and Reelin' in The Years (all of which are fantastic), less familiar tracks like Midnight Cruiser and Fire In The Hole really show that Steely Dan were on to and what they would become. It might be unfair to judge an artist against their later work, but this isn't my favorite Steely Dan album (That would be Aja)...It's great musically, just not as crisp and clean as later showings.

Yup, it's Steely Dan. 7/10, I liked Aja more.

Vraiment tre bon, j’adore et je vais assurement reecouter. 4.75

I forgot this album existed ngl, but I enjoyed most of it

Fint album. mange fine sanger etc, men litt enfoldig til tider. Får ikke så mye ut av tekstene, kanskje det svakeste aspektet med albumet. Beste sangen er "only a fool would say", den jeg likte minst var kanskje "Broklyn", var veldig kjedelig og ba ikke på mye som jeg ikke har hørt før. Gir albumet en svak 8/10

Mange behagelige sanger, med stilig spilling tvers gjennom. Dessverre ikke så mye fancy fusion shit, eller komplekse tromme groover, noe som kommer med de senere albumene. Ellers et ganske fint album. Har hørt og lest mye om hvor heftig produksjonen av alle Steely Dan albumene var, og hvor plettfritt det måtte spilles, og hvor nøye utvalget av mikrofoner og lydutstyr var. De tekniske komponentene i produksjonen er høyt over min egen kompetanse, men det er verd å nevne. Kan ikke gi mindre enn en 4.

Reelin in the year Dirty work

I like the singles. Classic for a first album.

This was pleasant to listen to.

A great album with a number of songs I didn't know the origin of

wait i was pleasantly surprised by this, a true feel-good album.

YOU GO BACK JACK. DO IT AGAIN. the first track sets high expectations. it sounds like they’re still figuring out what their sound is - some songs just don’t need to be there. but undeniably talented especially the piano and guitar :D

Great album. Very nostalgic feel. I think my parents listened to this one a lot around me when I was young. Do it Again, Dirty Work, Brooklyn are all great songs. And Reelin' In the Years is easily recognizable and a great song that has lasted for nearly 50 years. Overall a great album to put on in the background and chill out to

Many great songs!

Heard it before. Its a good one

LOVE THIS. Another epic debut album! 4.5 stars.

Cruising on a california highway

Great album, not as good as Pretzel Logic

Surprisingly enjoyable

couldnt get to the end, not my thing. Its pretty good tho

Really did enjoy this album. Wasn't what I expected to hear.

Enjoyable

Fun album, steely Dan rips through with guitar sections that take you away on multiple tangents. Always feels like the band is just having fun putting together good music, will listen to again

Na da bin ich ja gespannt, Steely Dan‘s Pretzel Logic war ja für mich DIE Entdeckung schlechthin. Bei 'Do it again' dachte ich mir: ach, das ist von denen! Und: habe ich 'Reelin‘ In the Years' eventuell nicht auch schon mal gehört? Die Platte kommt nicht ganz an Pretzel Logic ran und die Songs zünden insgesamt später, sie zünden aber größtenteils. Ich mag den Stil der Band offenbar einfach. Gute 4 Sterne.

Surprisingly good

I mean... this album is great. That's all.

While everyone will know "Reelin' In the Yearsm" my personal favorite was "Dirty Work," which I feel like I've heard a million times without never actually hearing it before. The bossonova/lounge music seems like it goes well as a background track doing mundane tasks and reminds me of beach resort music. There are def worse ways I can imagine sipping on a drink near a pool.

Cool, the first part was good

I knew more songs on this album than I thought I was going to, and they are all songs that I like. The album is really consistent throughout 4/5

4.5; I bigly enjoyed this, more than I thought I was going to.. I might be a steely dan fan now

Love the mellow vibe that most of this album puts out, with the exception of a few tracks, but even the non-mellow tracks are great. I've heard Rellin' in the years before, but now I actually know the artist and song name! I'll probably go back and listen to this again.

Classic rock seasoned with Caribbean influences. Warm and uplifting, great for these dark times.

Classic, Do It Again is a song I heard throughout my childhood. Overall love the album

catchy

Great Vibe 4.2/5

Great Songs - but not all of them.

Great album with great classics

Great

Pretty solid, a few singles I recognize from the album.

decent, unique style

This is probably more like a 3.5. There are definitely some dad rock bangers on here. Guitar solos are kinda goofy.

It's really hard to find any fault with this album. It's just solid. Maybe not the most exciting at times, but not a dud track in the listing. And, honestly, "Reelin' In The Years" is one of the most iconic songs of the 70s for a reason. Super solid entry to the list.

I've never really listened to Steely Dan outside of their hits, and it looks like I need to take another look. There's not a weak spot on this album. Best track: Do It Again

Peak dad rock

7.5/10 FT: Do it again

Heard of Steely Dan but never previously listened to them. The epitome of inoffensive 70s soft rock. You can't hate it but could I remember it an hour later? Nah.

A lot of good bangin’ songs and a lot of eh songs. Good mixture of it though 3/5

steely dan is neil young for people who say they like jazz instead of say they like country and also don't like neil young's voice. you'd think, then, that i would like steely dan, however, he's just fine. i'd rather listen to jazz when i want jazz, and rock when i want rock.

Soft rock, pop rock, jazz-rock. Released in 1972. Pretty good and easy on the ears but also kinda boring. I liked “midnite cruiser” and “only a fool would say that” the most. Added “midnite cruiser” to the playlist.

Some catchy choruses. Not much more to shout about than that though really.

I have to admit that I have an almost instinctual dislike for Steely Dan due to associating them with the all the 70s and 80s soft rock that I hated as a kid, but the songwriting and musicianship is undeniable. The keyboards on the first song and the guitar on "Only a Fool" are especially fantastic. The songs Fagen sings are more compelling and generally have a better feel. Not sure if it is his vocals in particular or if he just chose to sing those songs because he was more invested in them or whatever. This could be a 4 but the unevenness of the material and the lead singers other than Fagen hold it back. Essential listen: I'd say Steely Dan is an essential listen, but if their other albums are basically the same but better, maybe this is not exactly an essential album Desert island disc: no

They sure anticipated the prog years. And the fusiony soloism to come. Felonious and midnight Harlem creeping into pop, what's not to love? When they're on, they're on. When they miss, they are at least interesting (the early 70s were Osmond times, remember). Dirty Work the unsung hero of this album. You can also hear some yachtiness lying there.

Steely Dan is a band I’ve grown to appreciate more deeply thanks to the project. Of course I’d heard them before. I grew up when radios were the main way people discovered music and Steely Dan got plenty of airplay. Before this project only knew them through their hits, never bothering for deep dive. There is no denying that Steely Dan write damn good songs with catchy hooks and great arrangements. This makes sense given Becker and Fagan’s previous work as professional songwriters (initially from the famous Brill Building in New York). It is interesting that other artists couldn’t recognize this talent, necessitating them recording the songs themselves, which resulted in Can’t Buy a Thrill and several Top 10 hits. As impressive as this is a debut album, I’ve come to understand that while I can appreciate many of Steely Dan’s songs, sometimes quite a bit, like “Reelin’ in the Years”. However, as a whole, the songs come across as a little too polished, even on this debut record. With rock, the dirt is often what begets the emotional response. I suspect that this lack of grit is one of the reasons their live shows faltered in their early years. The secret to listening to Steely Dan, for me at least, is to remind myself that while it has many rock elements the music is actually intended as pop, albeit with more interesting instrumentation. This mind jiu jitsu is sufficient for me to like the tunes for what they are. I can now like Dan albums, even if I can’t quite bring myself to love them, yet.

Reelin // Do It Again // Only a fool sounds great - great hooks.. A bit inconsistent totality though..

Better than I thought it’d be. I've hated everything I've heard from Steely Dan, I never bothered to check this one out. But then there are a couple songs here that "Oh, that's THEM?" When I was a kid in the 80s, I wanted to listen to metal and my conservative mother wasn't having it. I could listen to all the pop stuff that I wanted ( I was the boy that had a NKOTB and Debbie Gibson tape ) but Guns n Roses was absolutely not allowed. No Motley Crue, no Metallica...I would hear about these bands because friends at school would talk about them and I would watch MTV whenever I could when I was unsupervised. A childhood highlight was when my dad bought License to Ill on cassette for me, not knowing who the Beastie Boys were. But I'd once heard of this band, Steely Dan. And I thought that was a metal band. Steely ----> steel -----> metal ----> heavy metal And then I heard Steely Dan..."What the fuck is this shit?" was the thought I had. Maybe not in those words, but that was the thought. I recognize that Aja is considered a masterpiece, I just can't get into it. But this is much more accessible. I don't know if I'd return to this but I actually liked it.

Can I actually buy a thrill please, though? I couldn't find one on this album. A couple good songs but overall, just average.

Still not a convert but liked this a lot better than Pretzel Logic. Feels like they let themselves show off their chops more. The guitar solo on Kings was pretty sick tbf

I think this is my third Steely Dan album on this list. It’s good, well written, well produced catchy soft rock.

Great funky rock album with hints of jazz. Very enjoyable to listen, with cool ideas. Midnite cruiser is pretty damn good.

la verdad muy piola, me copo bastante. 7/10

3.5/5

I never cared much for SD, though that mat be a lack of exposure. Several songs on here I didn't know who they were by! There are some great pop tunes here (do it again, only a fool) and they don't overstay their welcome.

"Do It Again" was a banger, the rest of it was alright

i didn’t check the lyrics to these songs. but is sounds so good and light. i am going to listen this album many times

Steely Dan i think gets and wrap cause the lamest boomers seem to really like them. So their image is forever impacted by that. They even have their own condescending genre “yacht rock”. But I don’t think that should be this bands legacy. The combination of this album and Aja should be enough to have this band in the rock history books, but I do think they are gunna have to wait another generation before people can forget how insufferable “yacht rock” bros are. This album has got a decent amount of variety, and the instrumentation is flawless as ever, and this might be sacrilegious to say but while I think Aja is the better album, I think this one has better individual songs and bigger hits. The opening track is an all time great song, that I only fell in love with as a kid because of guitar hero (don’t remember which one but probably world tour). And this album has other great songs like “dirty work” “only a fool would say that” and “reelin in the years”. The last track being probably their biggest single hit of all time. But again like I referenced before, Aja is definitely their better more well rounded album that only has one and a half skips where as this album had a few more skips but better singles. So make of that what you will. I also on a smaller complimentary note, I really love the album cover even though it’s a lot of brown and yellow.

Not as jazzy as later Steely Dan but that suits me. In fact, the least jazzy and more rock/guitar-led album is The Royal Scam which is not making an appearance at all. Shame on you 1001! This one is fine as a laid-back listen but the singles starting each side are the stand-out tracks and the rest are easily forgettable.

Really enjoyed this record and would definately listen again, great laid back vibes but still really catchy tunes. An unexpected treat! I think this is peak dad rock but I feel I may finally be at the age where I can listen and appreciate it.

Better than I expected, not an unpleasant way to spend 40 minutes, lolloping about with some pretty relaxing yacht rock.

Two of Steely Dan’s most famous songs can be found on this debut album with one other honorable mention and those tunes certainly catapulted the band to the success they experienced shortly after. The other songs on the album are clearly inferior but the music itself is decent.

I’m sure I heard “dirty work” and “reelin in the years” plenty of times as a child without knowing who sang them (and “do it again,” but I don’t like that one as much). At some point in my musical education, I became aware of Steely Dan as the jazz-pop guys. So when those two ideas came together it was a little mind-blowing. Sorry to say it, Danheads, but I prefer the straightforward pop stuff.

Love Steely Dan!

I dug it, didn't hate it. It's like a chill hang at the studio, jamming with jazz cats. Some tracks are smooth as silk, others just... existing. Nothing mind-blowing, but hey, it's Steely Dan, right? Spins: 2 Playlist Additions - Do It Again - Dirty Work - Reelin' In the Years

Quite liked this. 3.5

Turns out I know way more Steely Dan songs than I realised. I guess that means they're classics? But I can't say I'd ever put them on to listen to. It was fine.

Very bland but didn't mind the time.

Me gusta el album pero siento que el instrumental es abrumadoramente positivo para mí, me gusta un poco más la melancolía e intensidad. No logro conectar con algunas de las letras de las canciones. Only a Fool Would Say That encendió mi curiosidad pero no me gusta que desacredite una idea del mundo tan bonita. Dirty Work fue una de las canciones cuya letra me gustó ya que me sentí identificado con lo que dice sobre no querer hacerme cargo de lo que no me corresponde.

Notable Textzeile: Times are hard, you're afraid to pay the fee So you find yourself somebody Who can do the job for free Das ist gefällig ohne zu süß zu sein. Eingängig, aber auch mal kurz wiederwillig. Die Lyrics gehen oft gegen die Süße. Aber es ist trotzdem auch süß. Für 70er Pop-Rock ist das sehr gut. Aber 70er Jahre waren jetzt insgesamt nicht die Beste Zeit für richtig aufregenden Pop-Rock. In Bezug auf den Rest ist es besser als ne 3, aber ne 4 ist es auch nicht. 3,4

Oh man. Ich habe nie in Betracht gezogen dass die weird klingen *wollen*. Mag ich jetzt Steely Dan? Irgendwie hat das Charme, die Songs sind auch gut. Insgesamt doch zu eintönig und dudelig für ne vier, aber ne gute drei... Die ist drin.

Es dudelte vor sich hin und war auf einmal vorbei. Irgendwie hatte ich bei Steely Dan weniger generische Tunes im Kopf. Aber stört auch nicht

Classic feel good, up-beat and soft rock just as expected from Steely Dan. That is just the vibe I had about this band without ever really intentionally listening their songs and I like it, maybe not the best for bouldering though. At 41 minutes, it was not long enough for a typical bouldering session. Lyrics and music did not distract from bouldering, kept me moving fine and positive, but its not the best vibe for trying hard. Best song: Only a Fool Would Say That. 7/10.

Cool-dad jazz-rock. I know a few of these songs already, but I'd never heard the album front to back. Considering all the tracks I know, I really expected more from it. Of course now I know that Steely Dan was still tied to a physically capable band at this point, it's later on that it becomes a studio project, so maybe the composition was constricted. My main issue is that I only remember the first track when I think back on it. Not even the classics stick out, so I'm a little taken aback. I was sure I'd appreciate this more than Aja, instead I find it a smooth listen that doesn't bug you too much. I think these guys just aren't for me, right now. 3.1/5

it's good, a few nice tracks. Approved!

There is some Thin Lizzy in them (Reelin' in the Years). So I don't dislike that but it's unremarkable anyway.

GOOD ALBUM

6/10 - I knew a few of these songs from listening to 92.3. I didn’t know they were Steely Dan. They aren’t songs that I would turn off, but they aren’t songs that I would stay on if there was something better on another station. I think this soft rock 70s thing just isn’t for me.

There are a few classics on here that are so dang catchy, but there are a few towards the middle/end of the album that just don't do it for me. Altogether, it's a fun, good vibes record. 7/10

No es tan de mi estilo pero los solos de guitarra son increíbles

It’s always on these lists, and it’s a fine album, but I don’t even think it’s in Steely Dan’s top 5. The hits are incredible though. 3.5

2,5/5

Few skips, overall quite good. Instrumentals good and interesting - pretty chill vibe

A lot of classics on this album. I can see why it is considered a yacht rock album by some. It has that summery 1970s sound. A sound a bit if it’s time, but solid. At no point did I feel need to take a break.

I have never hear of this band or this album before. I throught it said 'Can't Buy a Tail' so there's dyslexia for you. I listened to Can't Buy a Thrill while mindlessly writing a note sheet for my Unit 1 Texts and Traditions test the next day. It was good, after the first listen my favorite song is probaly Do It Again, but obvisouly that can, and most likely will change with time and a few relistens. Overall I enjoyed it! It made Text and Traditions bearable.

Неплохо

It’s fine. Nice bass.

Se notaba q era cool pero no lo pude escuchar tipo cállate

This album is best listen to with really good headphones or a really good stereo system. Otherwise it will sound like elevator music to most.

Full of songs I already knew but didn't know it was this band! Hooks that can bury into your brain. A very musical performance but catchy

Early Steely Dan still had some rough edges, and I like that.

Couple of decent songs, but was unmoved by the album overall

A solid album. Good start and trailed off a little bit.

Generic but enjoyable 70s rock

Some bangers on this one. Plus, it's a little less overly slick than their later material. Decent record.

Enjoyed it

I like it but it's not my weekly

“Full” Sounding. Lots going on. Everything is easily discernible though. Song 1 is popular. I’ve heard this before. Sounds great. Dirty Work lyrics are some crazy shit. Reelin’ in the years has a dope middle section. Quick vocals sound like Thin Lizzy in their phrasing. Fuck it. Its a three

Reelin' in the years is great! I've liked that song since I heard it when I was younger. I think this album was really easy listening just not sure when I would ever listen to it.

I never really got into Steely Dan and I don't think I ever will. Outside of the big hits, the sound is too safe, too meticulous, too far in the background for me. This isn't to say this album is entirely bad, it's just that I would naturally only be attracted to the bigger songs on this, and there are quite a few of them on this. The music itself is quite technically correct and surprisingly elaborate as well, so I'll give the Dan some credit there, as I will to some of the more obscure lyrical references (what is "Kings" really about...?) That said I don't really understand why there's so much Steely Dan representation when, in my opnion, just including Aja would have been fine enough. Maybe it's the boomer-era critics' legacy hyping this band up as they incorporated a lot of Latin influences, which is very apparent on the songs here. Quite a bit of Latin jazz and mambo-type sounds to be found here, which I suppose lends an "exotic" quality to these cocktail bar anthems. Key Tracks: Do It Again, Reelin' in the Years, Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)

It just feels samey. The sitar intro at the start rips but then it just slows down into that same art rock slump. Please I beg for a new artist/ new genre

It's got good lyrics, and in a different mood I might be convinced it's special. But my mood is foul, so it suffers to be average.

More Steely Dan?! For crying out loud. One was plenty.

3/5

Excellent album

Rate: 7/10.

I had never heard this album, but enjoyed it from start to finish. I like Steely Dan but have never done a full dive into their disscography, so this felt like a great jumping off point.

I do like some Steely Dan. This album cover is too bizarre for me; I'll take the weary attitude of Fagen's "The Nightfly" over this image every time. It's amusing to me that the Wikipedia article suggests that the band members also were't fans of the cover art. I really enjoy the music, although I only really know the hits from this one.

All in all a nice album. Even thow I couldn’t remember the cover, I know a lot of the songs already. So this brought back some memories.

Well written soft rock. Some of the tracks catched my attention but the rest was just enjoyable… not more. Had fun to listen but wouldn’t listen again in near future.

A very solid album with several bangers on it. I don't know have a lot of reactions outside of that blanket statement.

Ok, so my Dad didn't listen to Steely Dan; he was more into Beach Boys and Eagles.

Was okay.

A collection of tracks that in my opinion ,and from my limited understanding of music history, elegantly showcases some of the highs of 70's rock. This is showcased greatest in the guitarwork.

Santana vibes on "Do It Again" of course, but a strong start for their debut. A bit of Bowie on Fire In the Hole. Easy listening, good times 70s rock, and the start of something to frame an era; but per critics, Steely Dan's best and most innovative was yet to come.