Reviews (page 14 of 15)
Second favorite steely dan album
Right, how have I never heard this record before? This is cool as fuck, simple as that. Really soft production, great melodies, lovely harmonies.
With an obligatory shout-out to the Yokohama Rubber Company, I will admit that Steely Dan is a band that I admire more than I enjoy. For me, a little goes a long way, perhaps driven by the overplay of so many of their tracks on a lot of the playlists where I've been delving recently. So a number of the less-familiar songs tended to fade into the background while I was trying to listen, and made it harder to judge each on their own merit. So I made myself give it a second, more active re-listen. Each song is crafted expertly, wonderful production and brilliant musicianship. Maybe that's why it's so exhausting - they stand tall among any of their peers in yacht rock, but the peaks are harder to see against the other peaks of this album (I expect to find the same thing on Aja when I come to it). This is another album which makes me with this exercise ranked on a scale of 1-10 rather than 1-5, since I'd love to give it 9 stars. It's a great album, but it rarely excited me - its sense of cool leaves me a little cold.
I really dig this album. Full of classics from Steely Dan, and the production quality, is, of course incredible.
Lower 5 but still really good
Second album by Steely Dan on this list, this time their debut record "Can't buy a Thrill". After a rather negative review (by me, in general very positive reception by critics) of album "Aja", there is only a little more to look forward to with CBAT. It's a slightly different style between those two records. CBAT is much closer to classic rock, with endless guitar and piano solos. And I have to admit, anytime a new solo came up, the quality of the song was rising exponentially. Very entertaining pieces, great virtuosity by all band members. But otherwise the songs were just bland. I was not the fan of the vocal (again). The melodies weren't interesting or especially inspiring, and the length of the album transformed my listening session into a snoozfest. I'm not looking forward to another album by Steely Dan, hopefully those doors are now closed. I was ready to give a bad rating, but although I didn't like the music in general, the abilities of the band should be rewarded.
Not on streaming services
One of the great debut albums of the 70s, Steely Dan skillfully walk the tightrope between polished pop and avant-garde experimentation. Not a single truly weak song in the bunch.
Bangers & Mash
Great album
This a fantastic and fun album. Production, instrumentation, and so on were beautiful. Didn’t get as repetitive as I thought it would, but it’s still not incredibly exciting. 4/5
Was für ein Debut Album. Auch heute 30 Jahre später klingt die Musik noch Topaktuell. Schade dass Steely Dan nicht wie die Rolling Stones überdauert haben. Die Band hätte es verdient gehabt. Grossartige Musik, Gitarren betont, aber nicht alleine rockig. Viele Elemente aus verschiedentlichen Richtungen. Einfach grossartig.
Dang these are songs I've heard probably hundreds of times but didn't know it was all on one album. Do It Again, Dirty Work, Reelin In The Years. Crazy production value and just a good solid listen from front to back. I need to keep an eye out for this one on vinyl
LOVE ME SOME STEELY DAN 5/5
Oh baby did this send shivers down my spine. Dirty Work is iconic, Kings and Turn That Heartbeat Over Again are hidden gems, and Do It Again is in my top 50. This was just good. I needed this.
I feel like this album isn’t getting enough credit from the rest of y’all. Their first album release and they got three top hits from it? That’s damn impressive. Not to mention, it was one of the fringe era bands, still experimenting with the rock sound and making it their own. I think they did a fantastic job with this album and it deserves a ton of praise. Not the best of the best, but I did like it more than I ever remembered.
It sounds like walking down a beach on the shore of New Orleans with a bunch of indie kids watching a jimmy buffet concert
At the start I was getting deep into my austin powers bag. MHMMMMMMMM do it again is saucy. It truly lives up to the album cover... the rest of this album though? Boringgggg. How far have we fallen if we are to have an album with one liked song on it be a 3? It's good music but it's not at the same time. Egad, it's so sad. I liked dirty work in spotify, but then unliked it because I realized that I only liked it because it's a "classic". Realistically it's meh. Only a fool would say that was also ok. 2 stars for the number of songs on this album I'll ever actively choose to play again.
I’ve beat this album to death, so I wasn’t happy to return to it. This one sent me spiraling into ignoring the albums for a week or so, but I’m back for good bitch. I tried to go in unbiased, I used to love this album, but idk I’ve just heard it so many times it kind of missed me this time around. It’s groovy no doubt, a few years ago I’d give it a 4 but I’ve since grown- Steely Dan you get a 3 today.
I’ve tried very hard to like Aja, but I just can’t. Hopefully this can be the one that sets me down Steely Dan Blvd. This is tough. It is better than a 2, but not good enough for a 3. If I were Liad “Mr. Round-Up” Zaffrani, I’d give it the 3. But luckily, I’m not. So it’s a 2. Okay, I can’t lie, this is growing on me. I’ve listened about four times straight and I’m starting to really like it. It definitely doesn’t have the panache or consistency of a 4, but I’ve definitely warmed to it. Maybe I’m more similar to Liad “Mr. Round-Up” Zaffrani than I care to admit. This felt like the Oasis album: it was good, but didn’t grab me save for a few tracks. I gave that a 3, so it’s only fair. Hopefully, Liad “Mr. Round-Up” Zaffrani will be proud of me.
The feeling I get when I get a steely Dan album is exactly the opposite of how I feel when I get a who album where I feel actually excited instead of filled with dread. This album was jam packed with the bands biggest and best hits, with dirty work being especially important for my first political job. Definitely the best steely Dan album I’ve gotten so far and that was a pretty high bar to start.
20th January 2023 Listened in the day before driving to London to the Young Gun Silver Fox gig. Funny that this is the second steely Dan album since hearing the blues kitchen chat about him at the end of last year. Comfortable of forgettable country folk. 2.5 if I could.
I think I like this better than Aja, but it also helped me put my finger on what bothers me about Steely Dan… Donald Fagen over pronounces every word so much that it gives me a weird musical theater vibe. Cannot get into it. I know I owe them more chances, but I just don’t think I’m the right audience.
The hits pushed it forward a notch
Ok
9/10 - Really chill and great album, will listen again
Not for me. Cheesy af
EFFING HATE STEALY DAN. WON'T LISTEN!
If I had a bunch of cocaine, Ludes and brandy to go with this record, I would have enjoyed it a lot more than I did. There are 3 great songs surrounded by a couple OK ones immersed in some nonsense. This guy could have just put Aja on the list and walked the hell away from Steely Dan.
just when you think it's safe and to listen to it hits you with some 70s harmonised singing.
Mashing my soft cock into the anus of a young lady feels like this record sounds. She's not happy, I'm embarrassed, and nobody gets off.
Steely Dan sucks off dogs
"You've been telling me you're a genius since you were seventeen. In all the time I've known you I still don't know what you mean." Such a great line. A great debut album with some classic songs. Steely Dan really created a sound that was all their own. 4 stars.
Some decent tunes, but it’s a few days since I listened and I can’t remember which ones, so not that great.
The singles are undeniable. The rest is hit and miss. It might be shrugged off as inoffensive -- or even cheesy -- lounge rock by those less prone to letting their musical guards down, but there's a lot to groove to here.
Dirty work and reelin in the years are serious bangers but also popular. Hidden gem: Only a fool would say that
Love the laid back vibe of Steely Dan. This isn't their best but still has a couple of hits and after all was their first album so they were feeling their way.
This album isn't my typical type, but I really love it. It's just a fun listen.
I already recognize the first track, funny when that happens when you listen to a band you don't really think you've listened to that much. Decent record, nice songs, definitely a toe tapper.
5/5
I'm reading all these immensely positive reviews and calls of 'masterpiece' and I've listened to this album 6 times over 2 days. Apparently I'm missing something. It really is quite pleasant to listen to. The first two tracks really start the album off amazingly but this line is not followed through the rest of the album. I duly recognise how talented the musicianship, how influential and important this album is, but it never really caught me anywhere after a while. Not to say I dislike it and I've become quite curious what their later albums would be like, if they came to perfect their songwriting. I'll start this off as a 3,5*
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
Good, but not great
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
Em 2023 prometi a mim mesmo que faria o desafio dos 1001 Álbuns na intenção de entender mais sobre música e conhecer outros gêneros, artistas e histórias. Can't Buy A Thrill foi o primeiro que o gerador me recomendou. Aliás, linda capa. Do It Again foi a primeira impressão que tive do disco. Um sentimento de nostalgia me guiou por toda a faixa. Até Dirty Work aparecer. Ouvia tanto essa música quando adolescente e nunca tinha sequer prestado atenção no nome do artista ou álbum. É uma boa música.
Has the best Steely Dan songs?
Now that's some dad rock! I liked the first half and the percussion especially, and my top pick is 'Midnite Cruiser'.
quite samey, 70s vibe is cool.
Loved - dirty work a cult classic
I did enjoy it but I can't see myself revisiting too often. A decent record.
I've always considered this one of my favorite albums. Of course it has three absolute bangers, but does it hold up as a whole? This album has a lot of personal history with me, so my heart rates it a 5. It's not nearly the best Steely Dan album though. The meat of the album is not mind blowing, but it's still really good. If I didn't have a connection to this music, it would be a 4 for me. But it's not, so it's a real soft 5 here.
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
nothing pops out to me
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.
1972. Reelin' In The Years, Dirty Work
This is definitely my favorite album I've listened to so far. Every song is an absolute bop and I don't think there's a single bad song on this album. Steely Dan is definitely my favorite band I've found through this website. Wish I knew about them earlier. Favorite song: Do It Again (it's so hard to pick a favorite song from this album, they're all so good) Worst song: N/A
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.
Some good songs
Angenehm zu hören, aber nicht eindrücklich. Mittelfeld mit 3 Sternen.
Ok background music
I'm a fan of Steely Dan! Mostly I just wanted to write that, but I did enjoy this album. Good hooks and melodies, but it hasn't left me wanting more.
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.
Steely Dan is one of the best of the 1970s! This is a great one. 3.5/5
Great debut
God I hate steely Dan.
Music for people who like white bread sandwiches, consider mayonnaise spicy and view mac and cheese as exotic international cuisine. I give this 2/5 old crackly speakers playing this at an inoffensive volume at an empty mid-western Greyhound bus stop.
A delightful listen. The substance, craft and attention to detail make it hard to believe that it's a debut.
Great musicianship, great songwriting. Outstanding album.
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
Chillige 80s Sound. Kannte ich an manchen Stellen bereits. Wsl. aus Filmen.
I fucking hate Steely Dan. I don't know if it's a result of growing up in the 70s and 80s and being subjected to the soft-rock, nouveau jazz part deus sounds of Steely Dan in dentist's offices or elevators but I've never enjoyed them. I am however, cognizant of their impact and contribution to music and knowing how they are reviewers darlings I did listen to this. And while it wasn't as bad of a listen for me as it was, I still don't get it. But this was a big improvement over some of the brit-pop cycle I've been stuck in. 3/5.
Great album
as my flatemate Brendan points out, the lyrics are cheesy but the instrumentals are too good
Steely Dan’s come up a few times on the list now, and I have the same issue as always. It’s really close to the kind of thing I like, but it feels empty
Coasting on some nostalgic memories of playing ‘Do It Again’ on Guitar Hero: World Tour all the way back in ‘08. Not every track stands out, but those that do have enough diversity and sheer hooks to make this one more than just a flash in the pan.
"Dirty Work" is fine song. But I really do not like Steely Dan.
One of my favorite classic rock albums. The instrumentals are so crispy here. Very impressive.
Stainless Steel
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.
Better than I expected, would definitely give it another listen and check out some of their other stuff
Apex level smooth
I must be getting old. Thought they were shit when I was a kid but it’s not bad
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)))
3,5
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
Pretty sick
Hell of a debut.
Still a distance from the sleek studio sound Steely Dan would develop in a short time by the end of the decade, this diverse debut album features strong little songs, mostly rather tuneful ditties with vocals shared across three singers. The multi-layered last track takes things to another level with its tasteful yet ambitious arrangement and mysterious no-good lyric; it is this type of song that sets Steely Dan above 'em all. Favorite track: 'Fire In The Hole' or 'Turn That Heartbeat Over Again' Least favorite track: Do It Again
Much better than I expected...
very good, would give 4.5
This is the best Steely Dan record. And it still sucks.
For a band that doesn't seem to have ever been a huge part of the Zeitgeist, and definitely wasn't at the time this book was first written (late 90s? early 00s?), Steely Dan sure is in here a lot. This is their 4th album so far, and the singer has had a solo album included as well. What's THE DEAL with that? Anyway, this is the album with reelin in the years on it. Much like the rest, it's technically proficient and has a few fun hooks here and there. So inoffensive it almost comes 180 and offends me, but overall that's not a real complaint, is it? At absolute worst it has a few dull moments - most of it was either enjoyable or completely acceptable background music. It's either a 3 or a 4. I'll decide tomorrow.
I did not think I'd like this as much as I did. Solid from start to finish.
-S Tier- Do It Again Dirty Work Midnight Cruiser Only a Fool Would Say That Fire in the Hole Turn That Heartbeat Over Again -A Tier- Kings Reelin’ in the Years Brooklyn -B Tier- Change of the Guard AVG SCORE: 4.5 / 5 - - - One of the greatest freshman albums of all time.
this is not my cup of tea but I really enjoyed having it on in the background. which essentially is what 1001 has done to me. If it's not objectionable somehow (looking at you pere ubu, being unlikable isn't a likable trait) music outside your wheelhouse can be very pleasant to listen to.
Perfectly reasonable classic rock album. Knew many of the songs, all were fine, in offensive, perfectly listenable.
I love this album! I made a song by song commentary, but it didn’t save lol. It’s just so damn groovy and catchy. All the chords are so luscious. It’s so fun to play on piano too. I already had 6/10 of these songs liked on Spotify lol. Now it’s 10/10 and I can’t give this album anything other than that. Beautiful and masterful
Good Steely Dan. Dirty work is up there. Could be the quality of the remastered track was lacking but pretzel logic felt sharper. Still a good ride
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.
I’ve heard better Steely Dan albums.
Good
I have this album and one or two other Steely Dan albums on vinyl but never realized they had a second lead singer on this one. Side 1 kicks off with Do it Again which is one of Steely Dans’best songs and has two excellent solos: guitar followed by keyboards. Side 1 kicks off with Reeling in the Years, another excellent song. Aside from these two songs, the album is weak. There are some artists that don’t have an album that’s a game stopper, but the artist is so relevant that they deserve to have an album on the 1001 list. As we have been on the 1001 journey for over a year, I’ve noticed that In such circumstances the authors recognize this and, almost by default, they pick the artist’s first album. Some examples of this are Steve Earl’s and Miriam Makeba’s first albums. I might not think their first album was their best but I get it and will rate generously. If SD didn’t have later albums on the list, I would understand this logic applying to their 1st album Can’t Buy a Thrill and rate it generously. But Aja is on the list so Can’t Buy a Thrill needs to stand on its own merits. On this basis, it has only two good songs. The two are good enough to get to a 3 but I can’t go any higher.
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.
Fajne
Good
Quite a few hits, so I’ll give them that, but in my opinion: dull.
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.
Eeeh it was okay
Never listened to much Steely Dan. Only an occasional song. I mainly associated them with easy listening softer rock music so this album surpised me. From start to finish, the album was great. Every song is ear candy and I really think there is something for everyone in the track list. They have a distinct sound and it's masterfully produced. It's going to sound a bit dated in some places but take that with a grain of salt because most of it still sounds very fresh. I'm wondering now if I've simply gotten older and soft rock sounds better now or this is simply that good. Either way, glad I listened to this cause some these tracks are going into the rotation.
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.
Great album. Major hits, and I was singing along with most of the album even though this was my first time listening to it all the way through. Still not quite as good as Aja in my mind, but that doesn't take away from it being an excellent album.
Incredible debut album. Such classic rock tunes with that nostalgic feel to them. Reeling in the years one of my favorites of all time.
Thought this was cringe as first but then realized I was cringe and this is class.
Three great songs make the album. 3/5
I honestly didn’t expect to like this as much as I did. The whole album slaps
Great record!
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.
So many bangers
This album doesn't do much for me, if it weren't for two good songs this would be a solid two starts however songs 6-9 really charm me in, and I wish the whole album was like this. 3 stars
Love the Dan.
a 70's album alright, nothing i could say stuck to me.
Worse than I was expecting. The jumble of instruments is interesting and the band sure can noodle on em pretty well, but often works against itself, and I wasn't a fan of the frequent choice to song in harmony. And in general the vibes just didn't click for me in a way I'm having trouble describing. Like there's awesome 70s rock & folk, and then there's lame... This was lame. Not bad per se, just lame. Like grocery store rock but with better instrumentation. Do It Again is legendary though, and stands head and shoulders above everything else here. Highlights: Do It Again, Only a Fool Would Say That Lowlights: everything else. nothing else stands out as better or worse than the rest.
Incredibly enjoyable, start to finish. Songs carry on to one another seamlessly for me while changing up just enough to make it feel fresh. Very nice as background music and I will save it and listen to it while focusing more on the tracks on their own.
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.
Awesome, do it again dirty work.
You've probably heard every track on this album, and rightly so. Every song is a hit. Not my favorite Steely Dan album (that goes to Aja), but definitely worth your time.
Steely Dan is a band beloved by a paradoxical demographic of music students/theory-heavy musicians and people who don’t really like music at all. Or maybe that’s not so incompatible after all - neither of those groups invest a great deal of genuine sentiment into their enjoyment of art. In some ways Steely Dan are the epitome of this nexus point. There’s a pronounced pop sensibility in their songwriting an an equally pronounced tendency towards virtuosity. On the whole, I didn’t hate this album, largely due to the former characteristic. These guys could write a great song, and the persistent noodling isn’t entirely without purpose (even if it is without subtlety). I will definitely come back to this record for the singles if nothing else. Pleasant surprise.
- I already know Dirty Work and I’m excited to hear the rest of the album! - Do It Again got a little catchiness to it okayyy purr
Classic jams for sure. Steely Dan is a bit much for me. It's good for sure, but just a little too much. Dirty Work is a straight jam though for sure. Pretty good time listening, but I don't love it and couldn't listen to it a ton.
Just smooth. When you need that perfect backdrop for a good dinner.
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
The Dan bear such repeated listening because at their heart is mystery - is this a tune or just noodling? What do the lyrics really mean? And each time one has to unravel it all again. However, here they would never be so pop in their melodies and straightforward in their lyurics. Aja it ain't, but still five stars.
Allegro, simpatico.
A classic and a personal favorite. It has Steely Dan’s two biggest hits — “Do It Again” and “Reelin’ in the Years” — songs I never get sick of hearing. There’s also a ton of other great songs — “Dirty Work” is incredible and “Kings” is a favorite of mine. This was back when Steely Dan was a full rock band (later it would be just Donald Fagen and Walter Becker writing songs and playing with studio musicians). I tend to think of this album as their most straightforward rock album but there’s still a bunch of awesome jazzy solos and complex songwriting. (“Fire in the Hole” has a great jazzy strut to it.) It’s always fun to hear other singers take lead vocals on a few songs on this album. They definitely have ‘prettier’ voices than Donald Fagen but I’m glad he stayed the lead singer after this album. His singing is so unique. He’s capable of adding a strange drama and theatricality to the songs (and there’s something kind of sleazy about his voice too). I’m totally at risk of giving 100 albums a ‘top 20’ designation but I’m gonna do it again (no pun intended). This is a very much a contender for my top 20 or top 30 rock albums. It’s solid front-to-back, no filler. Such a great album cover too. It’s tacky and gaudy and vulgar but I think it’s very funny and pleasing to look at.
"Do It Again" "Dirty Work" "Reelin' In The Years" --> are all A+ 10/10 rock songs. Jeez. I didn't know they were all on the same album! What a great album cover too. Obviously surreal and even with the title "Can't Buy A Thrill", I find it hard to understand all of the elements and why they are there. Easy 5 out of 5 for me. This album Slaps with a capital S.
Mid?
I love Steely Dan! Iconic album. Reelin' in the Years, Turn that Heartbeat Over Again, Dirty Work, all music that's still popular today, but I fell in love with Midnight Cruiser on a full listen. I'm amazed this was their first studio album, because the music is so utterly listenable and so well put-together. Great stuff!
It's OK, but doesn't blow me away
Couple of good ones on this album
Fun and Groovy. Recognized a few songs that I didn't realize were Steely Dan
Really good !!
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.
Brilliant
Do it again- great song, good lyrics and groovy instrumental 👍 Dirty Work - nice bit of sax , pleasant to listen to Kings - a history reference and a political allegory? Very well put together👍 Midnite Cruiser- pretty groovy Only a fool would say that - incredibly cynical, great song and perhaps response👍 Reelin' in the years - catchy, another great instrumental👍 Fire in the hole - Vietnam song. I love the piano instrumental👍 Brooklyn - bit more of a laid back song Change of the guard - more optimistic song about positive change. Another Catchy song Turn that heartbeat over again- interesting narrative of junkie and criminal trying to justify his actions👍 Pretty much every song here is very solid, instrumental always outstanding 5/5
Good jams
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
Mola. Agradable de escuchar
4.5
Absolute masterpiece
A classic
One of my favorite albums of all time! If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would.
bit muso for me and doesn't do much
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.
Okayish
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.
probably their greatest album. Jeff Baxter is credited on the album, a guitarist that has a great resume.
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.
yeah I’m with Heisenberg on this in terms of pure musicianship, I’d put them up against any current band you can name this is too good for the five star scale, but somehow I think I like their second and third albums even more but all of these are just beyond incredible sorry I gave Pretzel Logic a measly 9/10 when I started doing this website, every Steely Dan album I’ve ever heard is too good for this five star scale
Easy 5. Lots of good tracks of the top and then some decent songs and then reelin in the years as the middle track. Great songs and great mix of order
😕
Warm grooves to make ya feel cool.
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.
Come to find out I know more Steely Dan songs than I thought. There are some classics on this album, but that obvious non-disco seventies' sound does not do much for me.
True neutral. I don't mind this playing, but also don't care about any of the songs.
Hey little girl, what’s your favorite steely Dan album? What’s that? You don’t know a lot about steely Dan? Do not a lot of you know anything about steely Dan? Like, you’ve heard the name, but nothing specific?
Dobar album, nekakav ljetni štih i taman sam na moru pa je dobar tajming. 3.5/5 - RYM, a ovdje - 4.
I've said it once already but god damn these guys are tight. A perfect album start to finish. Exceptional musicianship.
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.
A lot of great songs. Soft rock, easy to listen. I always appreciate a good saxophone solo! I can't think of anyone who wouldn't enjoy this album.
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.
I know some fans consider Can't Buy a Thrill to be an outlier in their catalog, and they don't especially care for it. But it's actually one of my favorites, not just from Steely Dan, but one of my favorite albums period. It's the kind of album I can put on repeat for hours. Fagen and Becker made some masterpiece albums after this one, but Can't Buy a Thrill is easily their most accessible work. There's a softness and more laid back quality to the sound here that's absent from a lot of their later work. But the band's trademark elegant arrangements and musical creativity are all here, as well as Fagen's cagey and unsentimental approach to lyricism. There are the obvious hits that everyone knows, but every track here is a home run. You can drop the needle anywhere on here and you'll land on a gem. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Kings, Only a Fool Would Say That, Reelin' In the Years, Fire in the Hole, Dirty Work, Do It Again, Midnite Cruiser, Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me), Change of the Guard, Turn That Heartbeat Over Again
Not my favorite steely Dan record (more pop than rock or jazz) but still so catchy. 3.5/5
Meh. I tend to like music like this, but the album just couldn’t keep my attention. Maybe one day I’ll revisit it.
Classic. Easy listening. Was not familiar with Steely Dan but recognized 3-4 songs. Loved it.
Already heard this
Do it again is a classic as is Dirty Work. I love this album!!
God, this band took any sort of bite out of jazz when they shoved it into their soft rock snoozefest, paving the way for all the Kenny Gs of the world. Do It Again is a good song, but the rest of this album can fuck right off.
Me gustó. Los 2 sencillos son muy buenos.
Vocals, instrumental sounds and grooves typical of AM radio soft rock in the early 70s, pleasant but not that exciting either. Steely Dan are apparently a critics favorite, supposedly for their opaque lyrics and songwriting but to me, they seem bland. On the plus side, there are a few nifty guitar solos scattered throughout and the production is polished. But lets put it this way, I'd sooner listen to 'Do It Again' by the Beach Boys instead of 'Do It Again' by Steely Dan.
Mum ok suppose
Soft rock nonsense. Consigned to 1970s & 80s Radio2 where it belongs.
Initial reaction, "Oh why bother? Who wrote this stupid list?" After the album, "If this was my lift music, it wouldn't be so bad to live another floor up."
Do It Again, Dirty Work, and Reelin' in the Years were good, the rest is okay. I liked the piano parts on Fire In The Hole. 2.5
Wonderful musicianship. Dark lyrics obscured by jaunty tunes. Brilliant.
Bang average 70’s.
The creator of this list has quite a thing for Steely Dan. It's fine but surely there were other artists in the 70s?
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.
As a Steely Stan I wouldn't put this in their top 3 albums, but it does have some of their best tracks. Awful album cover though.
i likey
Love Steely Dan, great album.
Couple jams on here. The lesser known tracks are lesser known for good reason. Pretty laid back album, and I do enjoy sections of it. However, it is not a record that draws you in and gets you excited about much. You're just showing up to chill and listen to some easy-going jazz rock. Nothing special about it, and there's a time and place to give this one a listen. Not an iconic album in my view. Fave tracks: Do It Again, Dirty Work, Reelin' In The Years
I think "soft rock" is definitely an accurate descriptor for this. It's relaxing, easy listening type stuff without anything too challenging happening. That's not to say it's not enjoyable, but I think great albums need to make you think. There are elements of various musical styles like Jazz and Latin incorporated here, but I feel like they get washed away in the overall sound instead of being featured. Overall a couple of tracks I enjoy on here, but not enough to give it a solid 3. Fav Tracks: Do It Again, Reelin' In The Years, Fire In The Hole
Savage
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
Enjoyed this a lot more than I thought it would. Nice and mellow with really good melodies and songs. Recognised 'Do It Again' and 'Reeling in the years' (obviously but didn't realise it was them. Would definitely listen to this again - nice as background. Earlier songs in album are stronger than last ones
baita som, agradável o rockzinho
Great album in the 70’s…. Easy listening
Lov the build up in “Do it Again” Forgot how much I like this album. Very well written and executed music! Dirty Work was like listening to Chicago, playing so many instruments . Always loved Reeling In the Years- wow what great🎸strumming. well done Steely Dan. .
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
No. Just no. It's Diet Eagles, and they were awful as well. File under insipid.
Good quality music
Great vibing
In Tha Morninnnnnn..
Do it again and Reelin' in the years are just *chef's kiss*. I feel like I should be a bit less shy about handing out 5 star reviews, and you know what, this is a very good start. This album is chill and smooth and versatile and clever and just great.
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.
Peak easy listening
I love that Steely Dan sound. Smooth, elegant, barbs in all the right places. The whole thing polished like a disco ball. Do It Again into Dirty Work is a great one two. Reelin' In The Years is another amazing classic. What a collection of great songs on the same sonic effort.
Some nice hits and good song writing. A bit too middle of the road and bland for my tastes
“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.
1st time ever listening to Steely Dan. Easy to listen to, I want to re-listen to this album and their other work. Ok, so I have heard the Reelin' in the Years song, one of their bigger hits.
Can't Buy A Thrill is the fourth Steely Dan album recommended to me from this list. I've heard three tracks off of Can't Buy A Thrill on the radio."Dirty Work" is the track I liked the most, followed by "Reelin' in the Years", "Change of the Guard" and "Do It Again". I still wish I could hear what others hear in Steely Dan. I know they're talented, but I don't feel a real desire to hear more. Can't Buy A Thrill, you are officially "okay".
I really liked this, nice easy listening with some great tunes. I especially enjoyed Only a fool and Fire in the hole
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
decent start, awesome cover art, decent album overaLL 6/10
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).
Nice
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
kind of blurred into the other 70s stuff, but listenable
Great leadoff album for the week. Another personal favorite
What y'all need is some of dem easy-listening classics!
Like"a rock"n roll
groovy
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
Just find these so dull. Very appropriately named to be fair. 2/5
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.
70s average album
det ok
Fængende poprock, opløftende, groovy, kor, lækre soloer
70
Okay take my 5 stars meme album
Cursed by its monumentally hideous cover and the fact that it's a Steely Dan album. Two undeniably good singles and one other likeable song, but hell's teeth this is some smug shit.
Reconheci a primeira e segue com folk
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.
ok
Antiseptic pop. Catchy but devoid of personality. Pro
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?
Close to a 4. Could see myself listening to this in the car.
Decent
Possibly the worst band of all time
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.
The Dan fucks.
Off to a great start, and then, I don’t know, a bit meh again
Slow start, and album grew on me with Reelin' in the years. Solid, but the odd track aside, unlikely to revisit
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:
If you're going to enjoy one Steely Dan album then it's going to be this one. Has some iconic tracks, a cool vibe, underscored by the majestic Do It Again opening up. Dirty Work follows it with a different sound but it's just as good, Reelin' In The Years is a proper groove, and those three tracks alone get you to a high 3. The rest of the album is fine but unspectacular and maybe doesn't elevate to a 4. The weird thing about Steely Dan, though, is if you didn't know it was them and you weren't really a fan, you'd say someone else performed all of those songs.
Lovely bit of yacht rock! Do It Again is just brilliant, love that song. A couple of other really solid tracks (Midnite Cruiser, Reelin' In the Years, and Change of the Guard). Suffers a bit from a few tracks that slightly overstay their welcome (despite not being that long), and is a bit too middle of the road to get a top tier score, but an enjoyable listen nonetheless.
Love steely Dan amazing album
3/5 interesting but not memorable
5.5…one of my all time favorites….solid rock and roll…was housesitting on Maui late 70’s and these guys lived next door, came out and played volleyball with us….regular guys, good fun…..but I’ve just always loved their music
Love the blues and R&B influence on this album. Not a bad song on the album
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
The song writing, the production, the musicianship and performances - all excellent, as you would expect from the Dan. However, while objectively very good musically, not sure how likely I would be to revisit much of this. Nice enough as background music.
I love Steely Dan so I'll take any excuse to listen to them. I think they have better albums than this but this is still a great album.
It was good. Three recognized songs
Just so you know, Donald Faison and Donald Fagen are two different people. This is a silly album and I can't help but think that these guys were always smirking about inside jokes when performing. 'Steely Dan,' the name of a dildo in Naked Lunch is even a joke. Steely Dan, the band, not the plastic penis, fit into that 70's, Dirk Diggler, Boogie Nights category along with ELO, Jackson Browne Supertramp and others. Each of those bands have some excellent stuff, but most is not immediately apparent and substantial time needs to be spent wading through some serious garbage to get to it. Dirty Work perfect example... the silly falsetto singing is overshadowed by the tender organ and soft horns but the product is pure-gold kitsch. That track was worth the work, I cold listen to that 10 times a day. The rest of the album is good and I'm sure with a few additional listens, I'd grow to like it more, but right now, my time is being consumed with reruns of SCRUBS. and... well... I'm no Superman.
I knew the name Steely Dan, but couldn't have told you any of their songs. I knew "Do It Again," "Dirty Work," and "Reelin' in the Years," but didn't know who sang them (or that they were all the same band). I'm happy to have the connection made. But an even stronger connection to the name Steely Dan has now been made, as I have discovered that there was no band member named Dan who was made of steel. Instead, Steely Dan named themselves after a steam-powered dildo in the novel "Naked Lunch." It's too bad I will now associate these songs with industrial-era sex toys, because the first few tracks on "Can't Buy a Thrill" provide some jammin' classic 70s rock. However, by the time "Only a Fool Would Say That" rolled around the softer side came out and certainly once I got to "Brooklyn" I was sure of it - this was one of the first entries in the yacht rock genre. (If any doubt remained, at the end of the album Amazon auto-played Captain & Tennille's "Love Will Keep Us Together.") Yacht rock is not necessarily a bad thing - there is some very listenable yacht rock. But much of the album doesn't have the same appeal for me as those classic singles. At least "Can't Buy a Thrill" came before Steely Dan worked in more jazz and synthesizer. Maybe I'm just not a yacht kind of guy at heart? Or I prefer my dildos battery-powered?
Insert this Steely Dan and let the pleasure take you away… This jazzy, soft rock always hits the spot… What a great fucking album! Top 15 for sure. It’s hard to find a dozen albums I’d rather hear than this one. Reelin’ In The Years and Do It Again are great songs, but Dirty Work is my favorite song on the album. In particular, I love the lyric, “like a castle in it’s corner in a medieval game…I foresee terrible trouble but I stay here just the same…” then the drums lead into the chorus…rat-tat-tat-tat…mmmmmm yeaaaaahhhhh However after listening again today, I prefer side 2 over side 1. The screaming lead guitar on Reelin’ In The Years is classic while Fagen’s piano on Fire In The Hole is outta this world. The last three tracks all have something special too. Interesting fact that I didn’t know before today is that Walter Becker and Donald Fagen were in a band with Chevy Chase before Steely Dan.
pretty chill feels like it would be more fun to listen to live at a bar 3.5
Mellow rock with elements of jazz, latin, and psychedelic mixed in. Despite the light-hearted sound of the tracks, the lyrics all tell fairly sad stories. You can check out 'Dirty Work', 'Midnite Cruiser' and even 'Reelin' In The Years' to hear what I'm talking about. In and amongst the well-known classic rock hits on this album, I think I enjoyed the track "Change of the Guard" the most.
If this isn't perfect, then the definition of perfect needs updating.
Groovy man
Some of the best songs in Steely Dan's catalogue, but also some pretty weak ones. This album is frustratingly inconsistent. Still overall enjoyable though.
Good
4.5*. Dirty Work is a song I fell in love with.
This is one band I always miss the bus on...
Realised I really like a few songs on this album.