Can't Buy A Thrill

Great album!

What a perfect album. Relaxing summers, the open road, good times with great friends, this hits it all.

I almost skipped this one after the last 2 Steely Dan entries in this list but I’m glad I changed my mind halfway to work. Still not exactly my favourite band but I now at least understand the appeal as this album is far superior to the other two in my opinion. The 3 singles are the highlights (if you don’t sing along to Dirty Work you’re a stronger man than I) but the deep tracks were pretty solid too (Midnite cruiser being my favourite). Solid 3.3

3.2 Yup, more steely dan, another 3 rating.

4+/5

Nous revoilà plongés dans les méandres de cette liste biblique, ce totem de bon (et parfois de très mauvais) goût qu'est le "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die". Parfois, on en ressort grandi, ébloui par une pépite insoupçonnée. D'autres fois, on en sort avec l'envie furieuse de se faire greffer de nouvelles oreilles, ou de postuler pour un job de gardien de phare en Antarctique, histoire d'être sûr de ne plus jamais croiser une chaîne hi-fi. Aujourd'hui, c'est la deuxième catégorie qui nous occupe. Et le coupable s'appelle Steely Dan. Encore eux. Souvenez-vous, il n'y a pas si longtemps, je m'étais coltiné leur album "Aja". Une expérience étrange. Je n'avais pas été transporté, loin de là, mais j'avais dû, la mort dans l'âme, reconnaître une forme de génie. Un génie froid, clinique, désincarné. Une musique de chirurgien, une production d'orfèvre maniaque qui polissait chaque note jusqu'à en effacer la moindre trace de vie. C'était beau comme une équation mathématique, impressionnant comme une prouesse technique, mais aussi chaleureux qu'une poignée de main avec un cyborg. Alors, quand j'ai vu que la liste me renvoyait dans leurs pattes, mais cette fois avec leur tout premier album, "Can't Buy A Thrill", une lueur d'espoir a pointé le bout de son nez. La genèse ! Le point de départ ! J'allais peut-être y trouver la sève, l'énergie brute, le truc moins calculé, moins cérébral qui manquait tant à "Aja". J'allais peut-être, enfin, comprendre le pourquoi du comment de ce groupe. Quelle erreur. Quelle monumentale, abyssale, colossale erreur. J'ai 55 balais. J'ai passé ma vie le nez dans les bacs à vinyles, j'ai usé des kilomètres de bande magnétique à la radio, j'ai vu des modes naître et mourir, j'ai défendu des artistes indéfendables et j'ai descendu en flammes des vaches sacrées. Je pensais avoir une certaine endurance. Je pensais pouvoir tout encaisser. Il m'a fallu trois putains de tentatives pour arriver au bout de ce disque. Trois. La première fois, j'ai tenu jusqu'au quatrième morceau avant de sentir une anesthésie générale s'emparer de mon corps. Mes paupières pesaient une tonne, mon cerveau s'était mis en veille, et j'avais l'impression d'écouter la bande-son d'un séminaire d'entreprise sur l'optimisation des process en milieu tertiaire. La deuxième fois, je me suis mieux préparé. Café noir, fenêtres ouvertes, volume à onze. Peine perdue. Au bout de vingt minutes, je fixais le mur en me demandant si la peinture séchait plus vite que le rythme de leurs morceaux. C'est propre, c'est pro, c'est joué à la perfection. Chaque note est à sa place. Chaque harmonie est calculée. Et c'est précisément ça, le problème. C'est une musique qui a peur de se salir, qui refuse de transpirer, qui porte des gants blancs pour ne pas laisser d'empreintes. On est en 1972, merde ! Bowie sort "Ziggy Stardust", Lou Reed nous balance "Transformer", T. Rex est au sommet de son glam décadent, et pendant ce temps-là, en Californie, des mecs surdoués mais visiblement sous anxiolytiques nous enregistrent la bande-son parfaite pour une salle d'attente de dentiste de luxe. On imagine les mecs en studio, le regard vide, le cheveu propre, jouant des partitions d'une complexité folle mais avec l'âme d'un expert-comptable qui boucle ses bilans. Alors oui, pour être tout à fait honnête, il y a deux ou trois moments où on se dit "tiens, il se passe quelque chose". "Do It Again" et son rythme chaloupé, presque exotique, sort un peu du lot. "Reelin' in the Years" a un solo de guitare qui a le mérite de réveiller. Ce sont deux oasis. Deux petites gourdes d'eau fraîche au milieu du désert de Gobi de l'ennui. Mais elles ne suffisent pas à étancher la soif d'un mec qui cherche le frisson, la fameuse décharge, ce fameux "effet kisscool" qui fait qu'un album reste gravé. Ici, l'effet est plutôt celui d'un somnifère. La troisième écoute fut un calvaire, un chemin de croix discographique. Je l'ai subie, comme on subit une punition. Chaque morceau me semblait durer une éternité. Je n'y ai trouvé aucune passion, aucune urgence, aucune folie. Juste une maîtrise technique absolue au service de... rien. Du vide. Un vide impeccablement arrangé, mais un vide quand même. Alors, la question qui tue : mais que fout ce disque dans la liste des "1001 albums à écouter avant de mourir" ? Pour mourir d'ennui, peut-être ? Est-ce un test ? Une épreuve pour voir si on est capable de supporter le pire pour mieux apprécier le meilleur ? Si c'est le cas, alors mission accomplie. Je suis dur, je suis acerbe, mais je suis surtout déçu. Déçu d'avoir perdu mon temps avec une musique si anémique, si dépourvue de tripes. C'est une musique de tête, pour des gens qui aiment analyser les structures harmoniques complexes en sirotant un vin blanc hors de prix. Moi, je suis un mec de coeur, de bide, de sueur. Et sur ce disque, il n'y a rien de tout ça. C'est un disque que je ne conseille à personne, et le verdict est sans appel car il est le reflet de mon expérience, de ma douleur. Note finale : 1/5 Et je crois que je suis encore généreux. Allez, au suivant, en espérant tomber sur un truc qui saigne un peu. N'importe quoi, mais un truc vivant. S'il vous plaît.

Really quite good, for a band named after a dildo.

That’s some good vintage Steely. Strong start, strong finish. Reelin’ In The Years carries the B Side. Never listened to the album in its entirety until now, great debut! Will listen again, they’ll have at least one more that makes the list. Easy (3.2*s)

Enjoyable soft rock on the surface, complex and sophisticated song crafting below. Steely Dan crushes it with this debut. Between a handful of classics, there's really not a bad song on the set. Uptempo, swaggy, LA vibes throughout. They have such a specific sound, even the songs I'm not familiar with would be easily recognizable as theirs, and they do it really well. I'm a sucker for good yacht rock and this is very strong.

What a debut album from these guys. So well done and skillful with the construction. Right out of the gate you get the complex master work "Do it Again" (listen the the Christian Hand breakdown) and then the softer, underrated "Dirty Work". Another underrated one is "Only a Fool." Side B is much weaker but does have another classic "Reelin in the Years." This one holds as their top album...3.9.

These guys stormed out of the gates. Solid album all the way through with a couple of all-timers that stand the test of time. There was a time in my life where Do It Again was my favorite song of all time. It's a worthy album anyway but that reason alone is enough for me to put it on any list. Keep bringing the Steely. 3.82 stars

3.5

Know these songs all too well. No idea why though? Country radio growing up? Triple M Sydney? All of the above? Nice to hear the rest of the album. See - all country needs is a bit of jazz thrown in.

Easy bangers

Pretty much flawless. I didn’t expect myself to be a fan of Steely Dan but they are just so good at what they do

Booo, boring 👎

ugh

It was pretty nice

Had heard both Do It Again & Reelin In The years before but for years I wouldnt listen to Steely Dan as they were dad music but now I'm in my 40s I can justify listening to them. This is a great album as most of their albums are it's non offensive rock with nice music and catchy tunes.

Alright, Steely Dan album #2! I really liked Aja, and I think Can't Buy a Thrill is pretty good too. I probably liked Aja a bit more, but this is still some good stuff. The blend of rock, pop, and jazz is probably the most defining aspect of Steely Dan's music. It might be a reason for why some people dislike them so much. The pop elements don't appeal to rock fans, the jazz elements don't appeal to pop fans, and the rock elements don't appeal to jazz fans. However, that blend also happens to be exactly why I do like them so much. The musical talent behind this band is just immense. Songs like "Reelin' In The Years" and "Do It Again" showcase this through things like cool guitar solos and interesting chords. The singing is nice, the sound is pleasant, and the album isn't too repetitive. This is just a very nice album that reaffirms my belief that the Steely Dan hatred is unwarranted. 4/5.

I wish there was a 1/2 star rating. I would give this a 3 1/2 star. Out of 10 songs on this record, 4 or so are classics. the rest is good-to really good but not classic. Very good record-ish.

heater

Favorite Tracks: Dirty Work Do It Again Reeling’ In The Years

This is an easy listen. One of my favorite albums from Steely. Although I know most songs on this album I have discovered new songs I love!

Banger

Full on dad rock. Listenable for around half the album, then blends in to one tame, amorphous entity.

I’ve heard of this man before, might be a stand or something. Got some hot as sounding music. And I mean in a desert dying from the heat in Breathe of the wild desert. HEY ITS THE SONG FROM SOPRANOS!! But seriously Dirty Work is a banger. So many songs I’ve heard before, didn’t know it was by this guy. Real in’ in the Years. A TUNE. I’ve also just found out this was his debut I think so… Steely Dan came out swinging with some classic hits that live on. 8/10

Honestly not as good as I expected, started off strong but became more boring as the album went on, good songs all around but no songs that are absolutely amazing 2.5/5

Not great. 2

Technically very well put together but it doesn't speak to me I'm afraid.

Every song of this is an actual heater and a classic. Every time a song switches I’m delighted at getting to listen to another masterfully assembled pop song, until the album ends and I’m left wanting more Dan!

Hits=bangers resten går att lyssna på men inte mer spännande än så

Steely Dan's debut "Can't Buy A Thrill" (1972) is a strong 4 out of 5 stars, introducing their distinctive jazz-rock fusion and clever songwriting. Hits like "Do It Again" and "Reelin' In The Years" showcase catchy melodies and polished production. The album's mix of accessible pop and complex arrangements appeals to both casual fans and music enthusiasts. While not flawless, it's an impressive start that hints at the band's future greatness. Standout tracks and witty lyrics make this a must-listen, even if it doesn't quite reach the perfection of later Steely Dan albums.

First time listen. I was afraid of certain types of dad rock, like for example Steely Dan, when I was younger, so I never got to sit down and listen to this. But this is really, really good - I am happy I listened to it, and I am going to return to this again!

Man I hate Steely Dan.

My second Steely Dan album in a week... not best pleased!! I liked this better than Pretzel Logic - less rocky but more cheesy. Unfortunately the last few songs pushed it down to another 2 stars 👎

so far it's better than the last Steely Dan album on this list. liking this one a lot. added a ton to my playlist. recognized a decent amount of the songs.

Just wonderful

This album absolutely rips. I will admit I feel hesitant to give Steely Dan their SECOND five (would be my first artist to do this). But I fully expect that to happen to at least a few other artists. So I'm NOT SURE. But it really is such a consistent, solid record, from the popular singles being absolute rippers in their own right, to the lesser known songs. There isn't one snoozer on this album. Fuck it - it gets a 5!

I liked this album a lot. Great song writing, groovy jams without being overly droning. Good album.

I think I'd be more interested if I hadn't heard the hits off this album a ton in middle/high school. It's a pretty eclectic group of sounds that make up this album, but none of them are really for me. But they're also non-offensive tunes, so it's not that I dislike the album. I just don't give a shit.

It’s ok.

i was already a fan of the song dirty work, so i was excited to hear this album. While it sometimes felt rather repetitive (it really only had one sound imo) i still enjoyed the sound it has

My fourth and final Steely Dan album from the list! I didn't mind this album. One of the songs was familiar but I forget now which one. I liked "Do It Again" the most. Overall, this album was just OK.

a definite dad rock album. I was surprised how much I actually enjoyed it though. Very understated instruments with some lovely guitar solos.

Do It Again 3 Dirty Work 3.1 Kings 2.8 Midnite Cruiser 3 Only a Fool Would Say That 3 Reelin' In the Years 3.1 Fire in the Hole 2.9 Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me) 3 Change of the Guard 3 Turn That Heartbeak Over Again 2.8 Score: 2.97

yeah this was great actually, glad to see what all the fuss was about. Favourite song: Reelin' In The Years

I appreciate Steely Dan, even though I don't usually seek them out. They're folky, bluesy, funky, rocky, and fun. I like that they let different instruments drive each song - some are heavy on piano while others ride the guitar or bass. It's all a little different but still recognizable.

Great some fab tunes

Songs from every hip 70s movie you've ever seen

Not a Steely Dan fan and would usually turn from the classic radio station when a song would come on. This first album is the rare exception. Not a fan of the mid to late 70’s Steely Dan sound.

A classic for sure. Sounds great. Couple good hits. 4/5

I know I should love SD but I just don't. Good album.

More Steely Dan about a week after I got 'Aja' and discovered i really like that album. Turns out this one bangs pretty hard too. It's not as wild and jazzy as 'Aja' which is a bit of a shame, but it makes up for it with infectious hooks and smooth playing. Was enjoying myself for the whole runtime.

Very misleading album name because you absolutely can buy a thrill, such as this very album! Great from the start, and an amazing beginning to the band.

Steely Dan is a musicians band. It took me ages to appreciate them because I grew up wanted my rock music heavy and theatrical but the community of musicians that gathered around Steely Dan - a kind of artistic slime mold - were and are some of the best and most gifted studio musicians of all time. Only musicians of this quality could render Becker and Fagan’s vision perfectly. Let the boys take care of the long side eye lyrics and give over the real music making to the best in the business who could carry the snide lyrics on grooves of impeccable quality. This isn’t the best Steely Dan album by a long shot. And it’s still a pure five out of five. Listen carefully to it. Not a single note out of place, constant turns of phrase and musically ideas floating in the interregnum between jazz and rock without becoming a fusion reduction. Its amazing to think that from HERE they only got better at every aspect of recording and songwriting.

4.75 stars daaaang this album is good. I can see how it out Steely Dan on the map. Songs are super catchy and well produced. "Do It Again" is such a classic. "Only a Fool" sounds especially nice. "Change of the Guard" has a rocking guitar solo. There are songs on here that suffer from the writing style of "what the HELL are these guys talking about?" but there are other simpler songs that are less perplexing

Clásico.

3.5

Not a bad song on this album. Of course it leads with "Do it Again" and includes "Reeling in the Years". I feel the overlooked song is "Dirty Work." Outstanding album;

Not a bad song on the album really. Completely classic Dan. I am a middle-aged dad, I say so. This album cover is very bizarre though. Not a fan.

PERFECTION

Rad

I couldn't have named a single Steely Dan song, but recognised several of these regardless. Cosy listening.Nothing earth shattering, but nice easy listening.

Lots of songs that are absolute classics that I didn't realize were Steely Dan songs.

Solid album with some of their beat known songs. Not particularly groundbreaking but good music. I don't think I would put the album in again but I know there are songs I will continue to hear.

An ok album mixed with some really good songs. It felt like like a lot of the songs were trying to sound similar, but didn't stick like the hits off this. The last song was by far the worst to me and ended it on a bit of a sour note.

Средний

Starts strong. Many skate video memories. Some kind of fusion sound I can't describe. Latin rock? Cuban? Soft rock with a pop edge and hooks. Dirty work a classic, quite like Kings. They are really TRYING to NOT be pop at points - noodley off kilter solos feel a bit out of place in what probably felt like a contemporary pop banger. yacht rock! 'I am another gentleman loser' All the songs sound pretty similar, not that that's such a bad thing, they work well together on a playthrough - but there doesn't seem to be any thing to wake the listener up a bit. By the time we get to fire in the hole... feels a bit weak, and the jazz piano doesn't work initially. Still bored on 'brooklyn owes'. Change of the guard feels like a naff attempt at a political statement. Would it be better if the band stuck to simpler and less ambiguous song ideas? This album makes me wish I was listening to hall and oates. Some of the writing/lyrics feel very dated. Overall, 3/5 seems fair. The great songs are great, but there are too many forgettable duds in here that just can't match do it again or dirty work. The more I hear Reelin in the years, the less I like it, but that might have more to do with my impending 37th year than the song itself.

i simply can't believe there are already 3 steely dan albums on this list

Another very good Steely Dan album

No complaints here. This was nice. I feel like a middle aged white man.

Are those prostitutes on the cover? Is "Dirty Work" really a song about working girls? Or is it a song about a replacement vibrator sung by a band named after a vibrator? Either way, I love "Dirty Work" "Reelin' in the Years" and "Midnight Cruiser."

Lead off song hits like a 70s cop show sound track, but drags long a bit long. “Reelin” is quite the downer heard through my 50-something ears. But those 2 singles from this are burned in my brain from radio overplay in my youth, and honestly didn’t remember that those songs were Steely Dan. Not memorable then, not memorable now. Pretty boring boring hippy dippy stuff to my ear.

i dont wanna listen to Steely Dan, no mooooore.

I kept picturing Will Ferrell hanging out in the background with the cowbell.

Great

Enjoyable listen. Best track is Do It Again 3/5

Nice easy listening pop - album

Back in day, when I was into hard rock, one of my friends raved about Steely Dan, but I never saw the attraction. Having said that, I quite liked the two singles "Do It Again" and "Reelin' In the Years".

I was prepared to not like this album, due to me being exposed to the Steely Dan slander so commonly found in pop culture. This album rules though and it's hard to deny once you actually give them a chance. I had to listen to it again right after it ended because it was that good.

I liked some of the songs, & I might listen to the album again.

This album brings me back to my childhood!

I hated everything about this album. Songs aren’t horrible but they are nothing I ever want to hear again.

If the first song on your debut record is "Do It Again", you know you're doing something right. Steely Dan flits the line between technically impressive, and having an understanding of writing a damn good pop song. The second half of the record is weaker than the first, but it's still solid, and it's difficult to truly shake the desire to purchase a yacht after this record. Favorite tracks: "Do It Again", "Reelin' In the Years", "Midnite Cruiser"

Impossible not to be in a good mood after this one

9/10. Great album. Toed the line for a 10 but not quite enough “wow” factor. Great songs throughout though. About even with Pretzel Logic.

Solid

Steely Dan is the man.

Hmmmm

Das coisas mais maravilhosas que eu já ouvi

Almost gave it a 5, this is some quintessential soft rock. I could listen to this album all day and not get tired. The guitar licks are awesome throughout, only reason this isn't a five is a few of the songs just aren't very memorable such as "kings", "brooklyn", "change of guard" and "turn heartbeat over" but these aren't bad songs at all just not as great as the rest.

boring.

https://youtu.be/DJ5xJH64BR4?feature=shared

Do there really need to be (at least) three Steely Dan records on this list? Seems to be the best (so far) tho

A cracking 70’s rock album

Really enjoyed this actually! In a chill way, gave me heavy Thin lizzy vibes on a few songs but on "Reelin' In The Years" mainly!! :D

Quite enjoyable

I love this whole album, but haven't listened to it in years, so I really should click "did not listen" but I'm giving it a five based on pure memory and so I can reveal the next album, which better not be Joni Mitchell.

Surprised, impressed and found it enjoyable. I wasn't looking forward to this album but found myself tapping along. Decent

Good, easy listening.

Smooth. Clever. Polished. I can never figure out I love Steely Dan or hate them. Are they interesting or mundane? The more I think about it the less I want to.

Solid album with a couple of bangers. Minimal filler. Worth another listen.

There are some bands that I just assume never had debut albums--they just exist (like Springsteen). Imagine my surprise that Steely Dan had a legit first album and it's great with lots of hits. Loved it!

One of my favorite records by one of my favorite groups. I think I have owned this recording in 8-track, cassette, LP, and CD. I do have a reel-to-reel player, maybe I should track down a copy in that format.

It’s my second time listening to this and I still can’t remember anything after a couple of hours. I thinks I’m just not interested in this kind of music.

meirl

Louter bangers

Ben een beetje vies van het aantal hitjes

4/1001

Soft rock, easy listening. Stand-out: Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)

avg

This is a helluva debut album. Three solid hits. I’ve come to appreciate Steely more as I was reelin’ in the years.

Steely Dan is alright. Always enjoy the guitar work and drums in certain songs. Can’t get my into the writing too much though

An impressive and pleasant debut album. I didn’t look into their history, but these guys obviously had some musical training. The music is very tight and precise. I imagine a live performance would sound almost exactly like the recordings. And the recording quality here is exceptionally good, especially when you compare it to another album from around that time, the Small Faces, which sounded like they recorded it on a cassette player. I would not listen to this by choice….but if it came on while I was on a yacht, then yes. Go back jack, do it again. 3.5

Pretty good. A few big radio hits. Good choruses. Didn't seem inaccessible in the way Steely Dan has been described. Not one I would seek out often, but it may be a good background album. 3.2

this took a while to get through. Do it again is a masterpiece and the rest of it is yacht rock at its finest. It is a shame that i do not like yacht rock

Couple of hits, but meh.

I think it's an almost perfect album for long car trips.

Loved it, quite a few favorites on here. Just so easy to listen to.

My experience listening to this was “Oh, Steely Dan made that song? wow” “Oh what? Steely Dan made this song? nice”

Another station wagon classic.

Three classic songs and the rest of the album didn’t fill me with rage, so maybe I’m grading on a curve now. I can’t tell.

Not my favorite genre, but definitely consistent throughout, and some solid hits among the tracks.

Some good tunes. Could easily listen to again.

Groovey and entertaining.

Ok

Not bad but a little too groovy, sounded like even had some wind chimes on the first track.

A very good debut from one of my favorite groups. I'm glad they ended up going into stranger territory with later releases.

Solid debut with lots of radio hits. But it feels like it only has a couple of gears.

I love me some Steely Dan!

High 3. Some good songs on there that I'd never heard.

Steely Dan son sinónimo de calidad, compositiva, lírica, melódica e instrumental. Una banda (dúo casi en realidad: Becker/Fagen) típicamente setentera, lejos del rock duro y estridencias glam, sus producciones son técnicas, limpias y pluscuamperfectas. Encontraron un equilibrio perfecto entre los delirios del rock progresivo (con inacables solos instrumentales para deleite exclusivo de sus interpretes) y el rock suave, cantautores folk o AOR (pianos, saxos, coros...). Lo suyo fue otra cosa, más sencilla pero a su vez más compleja. Lo hacían fácil, pero no lo era en absoluto. Todo estaba detalladamente pensado y estudiado. En cierto modo me recuerda a duos como Tears for fears, con discos de larga gestación en busca de la perfección. De hecho este disco se publicó sin que ellos quedaran satisfechos de la mezcla final, pretendían corregir errores que solo ellos pueden apreciar. Los coros marca de la casa (influenciados por el soul, una de sus pasiones junto con otras más evidentes como el jazz). Para muestra su apertura con Do it again, todo un clásico en su pulido repertorio. La otra canción más conocida es Reelin´ in the years, aunque cualquiera tiene calidad suficiente: Only a fool would say that es un caramelo que no conviene obviar (ácida crítica al sueño hippy y al Imagine de Lennon con la que estoy muy de acuerdo). Dirty work, que estaba prevista como descarte del disco, ha sido también muy reconocida y versionada (incluso por Homer Simpson) además de usada en incontables películas. Kings y Midnight cuiser tienen ecos de Byrds y CSNY... Fire on the hole tiene un piano exquisito... El cierre de Turn that heartbeat over again te deja con ganas de seguir escuchando otra vez este disco. Las referencias al country-rock de los Eagles y los Doobie Brothers, al uso de metales de Blood, Sweat and Tears o Chicago, al mejor Elton John, al detallismo de Todd Rundgren, al jazz-fusion de Chick Corea, Pat Metheny o Weather Report, son justificadas si bien son más que eso: son Steely Dan. Por cierto, la portada (también cuidaban sus cubiertas, la de Aja es estupenda) estuvo censurada, cómo no, en España. Presenta a unas prostitutas en una calle francesa. No es su mejor disco, para mi es Aja (o Pretzel Logic), pero este está a un nivel excelente. Otros discos de 1972 fueron: Debuts, al margen de este de los Steely Dan, los de Roxy Music, Paul Simon, Big Star, Neu¡, ¿Fela Kuti? y Lou Reed (además de su espléndido Transformer ) Discos expecionales como los de David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, Todd Rundgren - Something/ Anything?, Stevie Wonder – Talking Book y Music of my mind, Elton John-Honky Château, Nick Drake – Pink Moon, Yes – Close to the Edge, Miles Davis – On the Corner, Neil Young – Harvest, The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main St, Curtis Mayfield – Super Fly, Raspberries- Fresh, Genesis – Foxtrot, Van Morrison - Saint Dominic's Preview, Deep Purple- Machine Head y Made in Japan, Joni MIttchell- For the roses, Tangerine Dream - Zeit, T Rex- The slider, Kevin Ayers- Whatevershebringswesing, la banda sonora The harder they come... una cosecha excelente en la que Can´t buy me a thrill no desentona.

This was a good album to listen too. I was raised on classic rock, but Steely Dan is one of those artists that I never payed attention to, but after listening to this album, I actually liked if more than I thought I would of.

What a great rock and roll album. There isn't anything wrong with this album. But that doesn't mean it is perfect. It's just an overall great album. The only song I didn't care for was the last song.. But it's still not terrible. Could and would listen to this record again.

Bit too crusty, very dadcore

How can one band make so many perfect albums? It seems impossible. And yet, here's another one.

The most underrated album by my favourite band.

Just doesn't click with me....

Steely Dan is the man

Do It Again is fantastic. Dirty Work, and Reelin’ in the Years are solid. The rest bores me. Steely Dan is like someone in your friend group who never causes any drama but never really opens up and is the last person you'd call to hang out with.

4.2

I thought this album would be cheesy but it's cool. "Midnite Cruiser" is my favourite track. It got a bit boring near the end. My recommendations have started improving again. Now I'm grateful for that. 4 stars for " Can't Buy a Thrill".

Very good album. Saw others compare them to the Eagles, and it’s an apt comparison. Very easy listening. Solid 4 stars.

the best at their soft/jazz/pop rock blend. The songs are well composed and the instruments are expertly played. A few great songs, like Reelin’ In The Years and Do It Again - but a bunch of the lot aren’t too memorable for me. I think I enjoy a Steely Dan best hits over their individual albums, and I always thought they were better with higher energy/intensity (and a rippin guitar) than the laid back stuff. Overall it’s quality stuff, some of which is great and some fine.

Walter White liked Steely Dan, and that should tell you everything you need to know. Technically brilliant, but very forgettable, bland and boring, they chose to create one of the great evils in the world in pursuit of money and glory. In a similar vein, Walter White was a teacher who made meth. This album is shit. Steely Dan are shit. I'm grudgingly giving it an extra star because 'Dirty Work' is a great song - it's a bit like if Hitler had painted the Mona Lisa, you can appreciate the painting but it's still a Hitler.

Honestly just the singles are the highlights but they're some pretty amazing highlights

God I love Steely Dan. Sardonic lyrics, incredible playing, just masterful

I was a fan, liked their music because it was a little different, but - now I just can't. Maybe because a few of their songs get so much airplay on the 'classic rock' stations, every time they come on - I switch the channel.

sisi 7/10

I remember hearing Steely Dan on the radio as a kid. This is a decent album but I'll probably never listen to it in its entirety again. 2.5 stars

That didn’t sound like a debut album. That sounded like peak Steely Dan. They’ve always had that chord progression misdirection gear? Wild.

Good album will definitely listen again

Really good, enjoyed it - hadn’t heard this one either but Steely Dan are a great band

Dull

Not for me. Really dull and uninteresting.

What can I say - it’s inoffensive American radio rock - AOR I think they used to call it. Is it bad - no - is it in any way exceptional - no.

hmmm if you asked me to name a Steely Dan song I could not for the life of me. But I totally know this first song Do It Again. Interesting album cover art. Seems ahead of its time. Totally have heard Dirty Work too. Reelin' In The Years of course I've heard that. So that's 3 already so far. Overall it was a good album. 3.5...I'll give it a 4

One of my favorite full albums of all time. I listened to this endlessly when younger and it was nice to revisit the entire album.

I never get tired of this album.

Oh my god I absolutely love this. It just makes me want to get up and dance my ass off. It's so energetic and funky in the best way possible, and I adore the hint of Latin influences in some of the songs, absolutely incredible stuff.

One of the best albums I've ever heard.

2.5* Very average bar 2-3 songs. Almost like lift music.

pretty good

Apparently I know a lot more Steely Dan songs than I was aware of — "Do It Again," "Dirty Work," and "Reelin' in the Years" were all familiar. I guess I always assumed they were by some other band. Look, I'm not a yacht rock fan. Never have been, never will be. And I'm from Philly, the home of Hall and Oates. It's just not my thing. That said, I thought I would hate this a lot more than I did. I didn't particularly love it, but I can't deny the musicianship here. There are some crazy guitar solos, and it does have kind of a proggy/funky side to it. Lyrically, some of the songs are deeper than I would have expected from this kind of band. But it also gets really weird, really smooth-jazzy, and boring. "Brooklyn Owes" lost me with the slide guitar. "Change of the Guard" sounds like it's trying to rip off "Dancing in the Street." And the closing track is just bizarre as hell. The singer kind of sounds like Kermit the Frog (and it has an odd Rainbow Connection vibe) but it also sounds like a song Patrick Bateman would play for a woman he was seducing/murdering. 3/5 — not terrible, not great. Probably wouldn't listen again.

- well. it’s steely dan - tres chill.. soundscape of instrumentation moves so smoothly - i do love the harmonization over the chorus of dirty work - wikipedia referred to lyrics as ‘elliptical’ which feels very accurate - again, big fan of guitars in harmony, in reelin in the years - ‘oh michael, oh jesus’ is funny to me - i think there is a niceness and comfort to the repetition in it, makes it very background easy listening. it’s sunny music - idk. it’s nice! i don’t dislike it! i think i’m just not that attached to it. 3/5, did not add but did save turn that heartbeat over again

Multiple top-tier bangers on this one. This was Steely Dan when they were an actual band vs. a duo+. This album is 5 stars all day, every day.

Steely Dan can be polarizing but I am a sucker for their catalog and this one is one of their more solid albums.

One mediocre song from perfection. The coolest music around. Take Heartbeat off and it'd top every list. Incredible soft rock album. There are 4 songs on here in contention for my all time favorites list. I wish I could speak more effectively my love for this record, but it kind of speaks for itself. It chases and perfects a vibe.

Two Steely Dan's in a week! I liked this more than the last one (Pretzel Logic). The sitar solo in Do It Again is pretty great. A high 4.

Everything you want in a Steely Dan album.

Love Steely Dan <3 I'm a dad I guess and this album has all the bangers

Yacht rock! Yeah! Some great moments here. My algorithms have started offering me some awful stuff as a result of my lingering on this and Aja. I like a bit of Steely Dan but I don't go in for the wider genre. It becomes tiresome quick. Good album though.

Pretty badass.

Anybody on the street Has murder in his eyes You feel no pain

Couple of filler level tracks, but generally a solid album all the way through.

Good country/folk album

Some track are pretty cool, but it was too boring to listen to whole

4.5

Love that band. Great album

Classic

whattaya gonna do?

List listening

Easy listening, nice to hear the ood songs

3.9

DISCAZO

Pretty sure everything Steely Dan put out was perfect. This one deserves a 5 on production alone

Dirty work, that's it.

Only good song was Do It Again

Oh man, I wanted to give this album 5*, because the good songs (Do It Again, Only a Fool, Reelin' in the Years) are excellent. The rest just fell short for me and sadly dragged the album down. Shame, was looking forward to this one.

Cool

loved it

Some of the best yacht rock

Great album for beach vibes

Classic

What is this, the fourth Steely Dan (or member) album on this list? Not complaining, but I am surprised to see them so well-represented here. Do It Again is a classic rock genre staple. Vocals are pretty floating above the key and percussion lead rhythm. Love this song. Dirty Work is another radio single. This sheds some of the *mystery* of Do It Again in favor of a more straightforward pop rock single. Solid song in its own right. Guitar work in Kings almost appears to pay some homage to The Dead with a reminiscent tone and minor breakdown that feels like something I've heard in countless jams. Only A Fool Would Say That starts on a bright jazzy guitar tone, with an underlying percussion rhythm that reminds of Do It Again. I'm a sucker for this guitar tone; just lends itself so nicely to they type of noodling on display here. Reelin' In The Years sheds all of the crispness of the former song's guitar for a distorted and absolutely classic guitar riff. Easily among the greatest classic rock songs ever to be made. Chorus harmonization is classically 70s in tone, but the other vocal sections have such a unique gait about them. And just beautiful guitar work through the bridge. :chef_kiss: Another thoroughly enjoyable album from Steely Dan. This one feels a lot more pop-influenced (or pop-forward) than the others thus far. Standouts: Do It Again, Kings, Reelin' In The Years, Only A Fool Would Say That, and Fire In the Hole. Really love the vocal harmonization and guitar throughout. High 4.

Great album 4 stars

Another good one from Steely Dan. Has some nice jazzy tones to it while providing some bangers. Hopefully this isn't the end of Steely Dan (being the third album we have gotten). It certainly won't be the end of my listening to them.

I see Steely Dan, I get very excite. Always down with some funky rock from this band. The piano and shredding guitar hits every single time. 2 all time songs on this one with Do It Again and Reelin' in the Years. Very solid 4

Do It Again is a classic that you still hear at cookouts and bars on the reg and I'm not mad about it. Dirty work is also a great singalong. Get some classic sounding Steely Dan songs and then we get to Reelin in the Years which is a bonafide jam. Steely Dan is one of those bands that has some really good jams that I know and love. Some songs don't hit as hard for me but it's all enjoyable nonetheless and will be pleased if someone put them on while hanging out.

Solid rock album. Reelin' in the Years is the standout track for me, but there really isn't a bad track on here.

Again, more meh...

Of course, CBAT is a GOOD album because the Dan are/were incredibly talented, but it falls a bit flat (both lyrically and instrumentally) when you compare it to their other albums, especially Gaucho or Aja. It’s not an album I’d listen to all the way through, but it has some banger standalone songs (Reelin, Fire in the Hole, Only a Fool, Do it Again) and is a solid first album for a group/artist, so I can’t fault it too much.

Very nostalgic

What a hell of a debut album. It's gold top to bottom. I don't love how produced Steely Dan got later in their career (although Aja is phenomenal) but this is just stunning work from a group of crazy skilled people.

Not sure if they are genius or cringe. But I was kind of falling asleep towards the end of my listen this morning.

Well I don’t think I will ever be the world’s biggest fan of Mr. Dan in all his steeliness, but I did like this album better than the last one I heard. Pretty cheery and straightforward with some good melodies. Best song: Reelin’ in the Years

Chill, soft, happy music. A bit generic. Good Production. Perfect background music. No instrument pushes to the front. Even the guitar solos are a bit reserved but they fit the mood perfectly.

This was a pretty enjoyable album. I’ve always known about Steely Dan, but never really looked into him and actually listened to any of his albums until this one, and I’m definitely going to look into more of his music.

Really good songs on this album. Reelin' in the years, do it again, love them!

Very nice classic rock album! Do It Again is a hit!

There’s a couple songs on here that are recognizable, the rest of it is shit. I’m so sick of 70s albums.

Very steely

Opens with a classic Do it Again, good vibes all around, really dense instrumentation, percussion especially. Killer solo before that iconic keyboard riff in the bridge. Dirty Work, Jazzy instrumental, vocals are 70s as hell, and then I realize I know it! Harmonies are unbelievably good Kings, oof, this is some serious 70s cheese, there’s still some real wonders going on with the instruments, but this is a stinker. Midnite Cruiser Vibe with this one a lot more, good chorus Only A Fool Would Say That Solid Reelin’ In the Years Honestly perfect, just crisp and fun and catchy, if this was their only song they’d be iconic Fire in the Hole Kind of a bop, doesn’t do much but manages to be fun Brooklyn Love it, kind of a classic feeling singer-songwriter joint Change of the Guard Forgettable, by no means bad but nothing really stood out Turn that Heartbeat Over Again Oof, a real wet fart of an ending, feels like any other song from the time. Bad closer. The singles I know are the singles for a reason, and I do really like the overall vibe and experimentation in this record. A bit confused as to how it became SUCH a popular record and band in recent years. Good bit by no means earth shattering, 4/5

Outstanding!

Good catalog of there work

Honestly pretty listenable. I even (gasp) liked some songs. Gave like ABBA vibes a lil.

Pop rock. Such a beautiful album, cheesy but so pleasant. Catchy pop tunes full of harmonies and some jazzy influences here and there found in some of the chord progressions. It starts off really strong, the entire first half of the album is incredible. The second half starts off strong with maybe the best song on the album, but then can't quite keep up. I particularly liked the song "Dirty Work", the progressions just sound so cool. Very accessible and straightforward. On the other hand, it's a very safe album from my perspective. Just a great pop rock record. Makes me want to listen to more of their records, should revisit. 4/5

Steely Dan’s first album continues to be the crowd favorite! With the most recognizable tunes that fall easily on the ears and create a fun and laid back atmosphere. Jam bandy and impressive solos. Would be fun to see them live.

Steely Dan’s Can’t Buy A Thrill! Is groovy and pleasant. Really not much else to it. Yes, sometimes it does seem to wander off and not grab any attention, but for the most part, the singing and drums are enough to make it an enjoyable listen throughout. Highlights include Do It Again, Midnite Cruiser, and Change of The Guard. All in all, Can’t Buy A Thrill! Is a great album. Best Song: Do It Again Worst Song: Fire In The Hole

Very good

Fine listening

Mäßiger Jazz Rock.

This album provided a couple of recognizable songs to 70's and early 80's radio. Not really rock, pop, or jazz, but carries influences of each.

Nr. 155/1001 Do It Again 4/5 Dirty Work 5/5 Kings 5/5 Midnite Cruiser 4/5 Only A Fool Would Say That 4/5 Reelin' In The Years 4/5 Fire In The Hole 4/5 Brooklyn 5/5 Change Of The Guard 5/5 Turn That Heartbeat Over Again 4/5 Average: 4,4 Prior to this project I didn't even know Steely Dan existed. So far I have gotten 3 albums of theirs. All really good, with this being my favorite. Super groovy, easy to listen songs.

Favourite tracks: do it again; dirty work; reeling in the years; fire in the hole; change of the guard; midnight cruiser; only a fool would say that

I was expecting dad rock and was pleasantly surprised! The melodies made me want to sing along.

Pretty good debut, couple of classic songs I know I have definitely heard before. Upbeat and fun listen, and holds up. If you like this, give Aja a try, seems to be considered their best.

I looked up why Steely Dan is named Steely Dan not too long ago and it was the name of a vibrator in Naked Lunch. When I think of Steely Dan's music I don't associate it with Naked Lunch or vibrators but after listening to this album maybe I should. Steely Dan is superficially just good 70's pop music but there is a layer of weirdness and depth in there that you don't notice until you really listen to them. Do It Again, Dirty Work, Only a Fool Would Say That, and Reelin In The Years are the highlights. I'd definitely revisit the rest of the album too as the underlying themes are less superficial than the music sounds.

Good album. Classic Steely with a few recognizable hits. 3.5/5

This is like classic early '70s soft rock vibes, but honestly there's some bangers on here. "Do It Again", "Dirty Work", and "Reelin' In The Years" are all classics that are all pretty catchy. I didn't know much about Steely Dan, but I guess the two main guys (Becker and Fagen) originally had a full band, and the singer on this one is David Palmer. This album was a hit, and the two main guys basically decided to take the band name and start doing there own thing that was a lot more experimental and jazzy. So it seems like big Steely Dan fans have mixed feelings about this album, despite it including a lot of their bigger hits. I'm curious to hear more Steely Dan going forward. While this isn't the most groundbreaking thing in the world, it's generally very enjoyable with lots of catchy songs. It's nice low key listening, albeit maybe a bit boring after awhile. Favorite song: Dirty Work Other: Do It Again, Midnite Cruiser, Only A Fool Would Say That, Reelin' In The Years, Fire In The Hole, Change Of The Guard 3/26/24

Always love Steely Dan

This is so good.

Love this. No idea why they have a reputation for being hated by women. It's groovy :)

Not really my thing, felt pretty listless sometimes, but nice harmonies. Fave: Fire In The Hole

Steely Dan vika, alltaf jafn ánægjulegt.

lagged at the end

Love the production and vibe of this record. Super happy fun times. Favourite tracks: Do It Again, Dirty Work, Kings, Reelin' In The Years, Fire In The Hole.

So many classics on this album

Who you calling pinhead? I wanna be Steely Dan.

Got my copy of the shelf.

It may sound classic, if not dated and perhaps overplayed through the years. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed it. 4/5

Cool but too smooth.

Not bad but not great boomer music

This wasn’t bad, I’m just not a Steely Dan fan.

Me ha gustado. Corto, directo, bonito. Jazz-rock soft rock[1] pop[2] folk rock[3]. Reelin' In The Years.

Mid

Najbolje pjesme: 1. Brooklyn (Owes The Charmer Under Me) 2. Do It Again 3. Change Of The Guard 4. Midnite Cruiser 5. Dirty Work Sve su dobre zapravo.

Do these smartypants only come in beige?

Lets go! Easily the best album so far. The only one that has felt like a true album. Guitars, bass and drums are off the charts crisp. Best guitar song is “Reelin in the Years” but the solo on Midnight cruising was a head turner as well.

I like Reeling In The Years, and Do It Again is pretty good too. The rest of the album is fine but didn't especially grab me.

If I liked the whole album as much as I liked the three singles I was familiar with, I'd have given this a 4.

easy 4/5 album. several radio hit bangers and some great "deep cuts" as well (Midnite Cruiser and Change of the Guard never really got radio play as far as I can remember). album has no real stinkers, 41 minutes flies by.

I knew quite a few of these songs. Do It Again, Dirty Work and Reelin’ in the Years are classics and still sound great. The rest of the tracks were okay. I’d give the overall a 4.

4.5 I think I like dad rock now… (Slowly transforms into Tony Soprano driving while dissociating)

Good stuff. We liked. Will listen again.

Favourite song - Only a fool would say that

This is a quintessential 70's album. They have a very unique sound. The recording itself was very "clean". The instrument separation was really good.

Dirty Work has been a favorite of mine since I heard it on the Punch Up the Jam podcast a few years ago, but I wasn't very familiar with the rest of this album. It took me a while to get into it but I really liked it by the end. Definitely enjoyed it more musically than lyrically. Did not enjoy the song Kings at all. Faves: Dirty

Um dos álbuns mais irritantes que eu já ouvi Fav tracks: Do It Again Least fav track: Reelin' In The Years

Was fine, sort of passed me by...

Dirty Work is a classic, and this lp aint that bad either.

Just some cool, classic, Western rock. The instrumentation eases the music from my listening device into my ears. If this album was a song it would be Black Magic Woman by Santana.

enjoyable, relaxing, a little boring/repetitive... fades into the background a little too easily

Eww. I’ve never liked Steely Dan but I thought I’d give the album a fair listen. The musicianship is far better than the singing or the lyrics. Too bad such fine musicians put out such boring music.

Do It Again, Reelin’ In The Years, and Dirty Work are pretty great song but the rest of the album is just ok. I don’t hate it, I don’t love it outside those three songs. Though I do really like Dirty Work and listen to it more than occasionally. If I could do half stars this would be a solid 3.5

I hate Steely Dan. If they want my 5 stars they have to come claim them with their slick, guitar playing hands. If they want my 5 stars they have to come into my headphones and show off a crisp recording style. There's no way they're coming at me with clever lyrics and catchy tunes. There's no way Steely Dan is catching me grooving along and getting these 5 stars. If Steely Dan wants my 5 stars, they have to come into my bedroom and kiss me. And do it sensually too. None of this quick and dirty business. They have to... have to... Damn it. Take your 5 stars. This is the biggest surprise of my musical experience. I have dismissed this album, unheard, my entire life and it's a masterpiece.

This is the Steely Dan album where the singer isn't really in Steely Dan. It's fine, but the albums that come after are the real gems.

Where dad rock began

Saai, wel goed gemaakt

Steely Dan’s sound is so soothing to me. This one has a several classic hits-Do It Again is my standout. But there were a few songs that didn’t quite hit the mark for me, so I can’t quite give it a five.

Pretty mellow and enjoyable on a weekend morning

Unremarkable I’m afraid

Strong 4

A good song or two, solid 3/5.

Great album but i do prefer aja

Overall a fun listening experience filled with great performances around the board. The thought provoking lyrics and catchy choruses kept me engaged through the whole projects. The only problem I have with the album is that it losses a little bit of steam in the last few songs.

Great album!

I love this album

Liked more than I expected, good vibes dad rock

Breezy album that doesn't take itself too seriously and has some songs that are easy to listen to and fun.

Not bad. Some big hits on it. Certainly got me grooving a bit, but nothing too mind blowing.

Good easy listening, nothing to be mad about here

This album brought back nostalgic flashbacks of my youth. The music has fared well over time. Wish I could say the same for the details of my memories.

Classic . 4.5

Didn't realize so many bangers were on the album

Albums like this is why I signed up in the first place. I know Steely Dan, and individual tracks by Steely Dan, but I've never sat down and listened to a complete album. I should have. It likely helped that my first week of this 3+ year project has been generic 60s pop rock that did absolutely nothing for me. Listening to a band with some different takes was great.

Such a good album. I love the vocals and all of the harmonies, and the melodies are fun. That's two Steely Dan albums I love.

I'm not ashamed to say it. I'm your dad and I like some good Steely Dan.

4...high potential to be a 5

tbh i never really wanted to listen to this one in full but reelin in the years and the first two tracks are cool and the rest can’t be that much different can it?

I knew a lot more than I thought I did

Groundbreaking.

Started off with some bangers, but grew disinterested as the album went on.

C’mon it’s classic Steely Dan. An audiophile’s paradise and musician’s dream. How they made albums that sound this good back then speaks to their enormous talent. True they went on to make albums that song-wise were more consistent than this, but this has Do It Again and Reelin’ In The Years so, like, shuddup.

Do it again (go back jack) - 1st song - a masterpiece!!!

Yeah it's a good one and has a lot of hits on it, but it's not my favorite Steely Dan album.

Great hits and great tunes throughout.

Не особо. Очередное старье.

The Dan rules.