Reviews (page 2 of 15)
We just call it CBAT in this house. 5 stars.
Can't give this one top marks as some of the tracks don't pull their weight. I'm glad it took them only 1 album to figure out that they didn't need Palmer's "pretty" voice; his lead vocals, in retrospect, ruin the whole Steely Dan vibe. Best track is the first one and it takes big balls to have your lead song on first album feature an electric sitar solo.
4, enjoyed this genre more than I thought
Starts very strong, kinda falls off
steely dan is neil young for people who say they like jazz instead of say they like country and also don't like neil young's voice. you'd think, then, that i would like steely dan, however, he's just fine. i'd rather listen to jazz when i want jazz, and rock when i want rock.
Soft rock, pop rock, jazz-rock. Released in 1972. Pretty good and easy on the ears but also kinda boring. I liked “midnite cruiser” and “only a fool would say that” the most. Added “midnite cruiser” to the playlist.
4/5
Some catchy choruses. Not much more to shout about than that though really.
Contrary to the bands ethos later on in their career, there is beauty to be had in whatever imperfections are present in the songs on this debut album. Not my favorite SD album but a goodie nonetheless.
Seth - 4/5 Logan - 5/5
Excellent recording
Great dad rock. Not as polished as future works by them and actually pretty eclectic.
8.3
Very good. Enjoyed every song. Theres something about Donald Fagens voice that I dont get on with but I still really enjoy Steely Dan in general
Album #207: Steely Dan – Can’t Buy a Thrill ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Recently I’ve seen a few comedy YouTube Shorts of this guy’s girlfriend trying to tell him important, often heartbreaking news while he’s hopelessly distracted listening to Steely Dan, completely enveloped in the minute details of their musicality. I actually love the fact that they’ve become this kind of memed band. The context of those videos wouldn’t work with every virtuoso band, but it does with the Dan because they are objectively uncool. And that’s what makes it funny. Coolness is usually a subjective term, but much like taste, there are moments of objective uncoolness, and it’s just a fact. Steely Dan are desperately uncool. I’d struggle, though, to explain why. Maybe it’s the whole yacht rock thing? It’s clean, pristine stuff, but it hides a level of musicianship that’s near unparalleled. To listen to this album, what it reminds me most of is a kind of ’70s heartland rock, akin to Tom Petty or Jackson Browne. Two relatively cool artists. But I think this album mops the floor with any album that they ever released. The same with contemporaries like Todd Rundgren and Little Feat, and definitely the soft rock of the Doobie Brothers. This is so much more than a simple soft rock album. It’s complex, challenging music disguised as approachable rock music. They’re jazz musicians with a pretty impeccable ear for a pop hook. I’m not one for virtuosity. I love a lot of guitar solos that could just be one stunted note hammered home over and over again. But the guitar playing on Steely Dan records is beggars belief to me. Highly underrated. Take Do It Again. That solo makes no sense in a rock context, but add the element of jazz into the mix and it’s quite literally perfect. I wouldn’t change a note on that song, or indeed any guitar break or solo on the album. I can’t think of any other band at the time that played like this. Super unique. Add in some of the best harmonies of the 1970s, with some stellar lyrics, and you’ve got a classic. But there’s always something uncool about it. I’ll never put my finger on it, but it’s part of the mythos of the band. It’s part of their package. And it probably keeps those who can’t get past that away, while shielding those who fall in love with it inside. With Steely Dan, if you know, you know.
A very easy and pleasant listen. Favourite tracks: "Dirty Work" and "Reelin' In The Years"
Smooth rock, but it is just a little bit too smooth to be great. Weak 4* Favourites: Do It Again, Reelin'In The Years and Dirty Work.
Iconic for a reason. Steely was in the pocket
Nice to meet, you. My name is "Amaz Jazzrock"
For the time, I can see that this album was progressive mixing elements like the electric guitar with the classic jazz and acapella boy group blues sound. I do not think this album holds up over the years. The mixing and production quality is not enjoyable. I really don't like how much they mess with the left and right panning. It is one of the better albums of the time and I can see myself revisiting it. I would definitely skip most of the songs because I don't like the multi voice lines that were very common in this time and the campy organ sound that's found in the instrumental. The guitar work and solos is something to be commended though. The singing is quite good too. Fire In The Hole is a song that is apparently greatly underappreciated because that song is actually amazing. I love the wild piano and dissonance. I would mess with this song in a karaoke setting and will be singing it in the car. I think this album is creative and incredible but it doesn't really hold up after all these years.
I have to admit that I have an almost instinctual dislike for Steely Dan due to associating them with the all the 70s and 80s soft rock that I hated as a kid, but the songwriting and musicianship is undeniable. The keyboards on the first song and the guitar on "Only a Fool" are especially fantastic. The songs Fagen sings are more compelling and generally have a better feel. Not sure if it is his vocals in particular or if he just chose to sing those songs because he was more invested in them or whatever. This could be a 4 but the unevenness of the material and the lead singers other than Fagen hold it back. Essential listen: I'd say Steely Dan is an essential listen, but if their other albums are basically the same but better, maybe this is not exactly an essential album Desert island disc: no
Ooh not a band I’m really keen on. I mean I want to like it more than I do I guess. I can imagine it was very popular when it came out. Decent, just doesn’t grab me.
The songs are catchy as hell. I wasn't sure how to rate it at first, but it became a really enjoyable album during the listen
They sure anticipated the prog years. And the fusiony soloism to come. Felonious and midnight Harlem creeping into pop, what's not to love? When they're on, they're on. When they miss, they are at least interesting (the early 70s were Osmond times, remember). Dirty Work the unsung hero of this album. You can also hear some yachtiness lying there.
The standouts are obvious, and there are a few sleepers on here. I did find myself losing interest in some of it, just didn't captivate all the way through. I think more of a 3.5.
I rather enjoyed this. The solos were fantastic (esp the guitar on Reelin' in the Years), and I liked the lyrics a lot. This might be their best? Okay maybe Aja, but anyway, I'm not a huge fan of these guys except this album was pretty damn great. They feel like a band on this one, not a bunch of session guys like on their later albums, if that makes any sense.
Classic chill music from the 70’s that I grew up on
very nice sound im getting more and more lazy with these reviews
Great album
Very solid debut
Great playing. Nice bass and keys and really easy melodies to get into.
Steely Dan is a band I’ve grown to appreciate more deeply thanks to the project. Of course I’d heard them before. I grew up when radios were the main way people discovered music and Steely Dan got plenty of airplay. Before this project only knew them through their hits, never bothering for deep dive. There is no denying that Steely Dan write damn good songs with catchy hooks and great arrangements. This makes sense given Becker and Fagan’s previous work as professional songwriters (initially from the famous Brill Building in New York). It is interesting that other artists couldn’t recognize this talent, necessitating them recording the songs themselves, which resulted in Can’t Buy a Thrill and several Top 10 hits. As impressive as this is a debut album, I’ve come to understand that while I can appreciate many of Steely Dan’s songs, sometimes quite a bit, like “Reelin’ in the Years”. However, as a whole, the songs come across as a little too polished, even on this debut record. With rock, the dirt is often what begets the emotional response. I suspect that this lack of grit is one of the reasons their live shows faltered in their early years. The secret to listening to Steely Dan, for me at least, is to remind myself that while it has many rock elements the music is actually intended as pop, albeit with more interesting instrumentation. This mind jiu jitsu is sufficient for me to like the tunes for what they are. I can now like Dan albums, even if I can’t quite bring myself to love them, yet.
Was only familiar with two tracks intially but what a great album start to finish every track is was fantastic. Will be added to my vinyl collection
I initially rolled my eyes when I saw this because I feel like most people I’ve encountered extolling the virtues of Steely Dan have been insufferable, but you know what, I actually enjoyed this.
Loved it!
Reelin // Do It Again // Only a fool sounds great - great hooks.. A bit inconsistent totality though..
But you can with this album! Steely Dan is phenomenal in every way. Highly acclaimed production, witty writing, bold and deep musicianship, captivating vocals - they've got it all. "Reelin' in the Years" is probably my favorite track on the album, with "Dirty Work" (in spite of it's topic) right behind.
Fin plate, god lytt. Tok denne lytten på biltur, og det passa perfekt. Lenge sidan eg hadde høyrt plata, og den passa veldig bra etter å ha vore utsatt for Coldplay og Culture Club siste dagane. Endeleg skikkelege greier.
Jeg synes den taper seg på slutten av side B, men fram til og med Reelin' In The Years er dette helt uovertruffent.
Glimrande plate! Eg gjekk gjennom mine første femogtjue år eller noko slikt, overbevist om at eg hata Steely Dan. Den overbevisninga var nok i hovudsak basert på Aja-plata, av typiske grunnar. Ei plate eg til slutt enda opp med å lika, dog ikkje like godt som denne. Hadde eg høyrt denne då eg oppdaga Crosby & Nash (ja kanskje mest dei to av den gjengen der) og slike, hadde eg snudd tidlegare. Donald Fagen er ein kul vokalist altså, men fytti kor fint David Palmer syng på Dirty work!
Asle seier det meste over her. Føltes meir som eit band enn eit duo-prosjekt med studiomusikarar i starten. Fantastisk fin lyd, nydelege låtar basert på melodiar meir enn smarte akkordprogresjonar. Ei av favorittplatene mine. 9/10.
For en glede det var å våkne, sjekke telefonen, og se at i dag skal jeg høre på Steely Dan. Et av svært få band som har den unike kvaliteten at de bare blir bedre jo mer en hører på dem. Går aldri lei. Noterer en bitteliten formdupp mot slutten av plata, men ikke nok til å trekke poeng.
Steely Dan – Can’t Buy a Thrill Åh, for eit band dei var på denne tida. Ja, for dei var jo eit BAND der ei stund før Fagen og Becker fekk store tankar og mista litt bakkekontakt. Det ligg eit forsiktig fundament av jazz og funk allereie her, men komposisjonane er svøypte i californisk sol, fyldige vokalharmoniar og mjuke, fengande melodilinjer. Som eit smartare, betre Eagles (som hadde debutert eit par mnd tidlegare). Forbanna nydeleg musikk. 9/10
This album makes me regret not checking out Steely Dan sooner. Every song on here is just so fucking good.
Better than I thought it’d be. I've hated everything I've heard from Steely Dan, I never bothered to check this one out. But then there are a couple songs here that "Oh, that's THEM?" When I was a kid in the 80s, I wanted to listen to metal and my conservative mother wasn't having it. I could listen to all the pop stuff that I wanted ( I was the boy that had a NKOTB and Debbie Gibson tape ) but Guns n Roses was absolutely not allowed. No Motley Crue, no Metallica...I would hear about these bands because friends at school would talk about them and I would watch MTV whenever I could when I was unsupervised. A childhood highlight was when my dad bought License to Ill on cassette for me, not knowing who the Beastie Boys were. But I'd once heard of this band, Steely Dan. And I thought that was a metal band. Steely ----> steel -----> metal ----> heavy metal And then I heard Steely Dan..."What the fuck is this shit?" was the thought I had. Maybe not in those words, but that was the thought. I recognize that Aja is considered a masterpiece, I just can't get into it. But this is much more accessible. I don't know if I'd return to this but I actually liked it.
Very Good Album! Was very surprised as this is his debut album. I’ve been wanting to listen to this album for a while now. It has a nice yacht rock feel to it.
Really enjoyed this. At times the songs seemed a tad too long or overindulgent but that was the style of that era. Definitely interested to hear more from this guy.
Can I actually buy a thrill please, though? I couldn't find one on this album. A couple good songs but overall, just average.
Still not a convert but liked this a lot better than Pretzel Logic. Feels like they let themselves show off their chops more. The guitar solo on Kings was pretty sick tbf
maravilhoso!
This stuff is generally down my alley. Kinda jazzy rock. The only thing keeping it from five stars for me is that sometimes it feels a bit too smoothly produced and/or easy listening. Also, wow this album goes quickly - was surprised it was over after 40 minutes.
I think this is my third Steely Dan album on this list. It’s good, well written, well produced catchy soft rock.
Classics
Absolute classic!
Though there are definite weak points here, Can't Buy A Thrill is an excellent introduction to the Dan's ultra-refined jazz-rock sound. This early in their career, they sound a little like the Eagles, so it makes sense that the two bands were sort of the East and West Coast rivals of the chill rock (yacht rock) world throughout the 70s. The Eagles ended up being more successful, but in terms of sheer pop value, Can't Buy A Thrill gives the Eagles a run for their money. Now, to be clear, Steely Dan has better records. Countdown to Ecstasy, Katy Lied, Aja, and The Royal Scam come to mind. Pretzel Logic and Gaucho are arguably stronger efforts too. But all of the above easily clear most other 70s works, with bonus style points for fighting against both critics and (for the most part) mainstream audiences. Fagen and Becker knew what the heck they were doing even if nobody else did. Do It Again is a gem of a track, a timeless Latin-inspired jam that achieves some crazy impressive instrumental stuff that gets crammed into a modest six-minute runtime. Those beautiful, oddly melodic bongos open us to a catchy synth line, a sprinkle of wind chimes, and Fagen casually delivers us one of the best song melodies in modern music. That four-bar melodic loop in the verses is so damn excellent, and I think the Dan realise it, seeing as the verse never deviates a single time. Cool lyrics, too. Sarcastic and slightly opaque, just how I like them. Dirty Work is another big hit, and though it flies too close to being an Eagles copycat (copyeagle?) for comfort, I'll be damned if it isn't a masterpiece. Those chord choices, Palmer's smooth crooning, the saxes... Beautiful, just beautiful. Kings is most noteworthy for its backing vocals and great solo, but admittedly it is a bit of a lull on side 1 in terms of sheer star power. The others' catchinesses hit you like a truck. You might be a bit caught off guard by the opener to the next song, which reads "Felonius, my old friend / Step on in and let me shake your hand", but the chorus is huge, and gets even better on re-listens. Side 1 ends with the supremely pissed-off Only A Fool Would Say That, presumably a take on Lennon's hypocrisy showcased by the song Imagine. "I heard it was you / Talking 'bout a world where all is free / It just couldn't be." Plus, I guess, an anti-protest song. It makes sense that these guys were scorned by media and listeners alike. Even my eyebrows are rising. Reelin' In The Years. "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." Legendary, I tell you. There's also the infectious piano, drumming, basswork, singing (both lead and backing)... and the star of the show, the guitar. Jimmy Page – for whatever his opinion is worth – says the song in this song is his favourite of all time. A 12/10 rating, he gives it. Not sure I would go that far – after all, the scale on this site only goes to 5/5 – but I see the appeal. It takes melodic themes from the verses and chorus and amplifies them, adapts them, repeats ideas as necessary before moving on and weaving new stuff into the mix. Oh, and there are three fairly lengthy solos in the one song, which itself is well under five minutes in length. The excellent piano playing is taken up yet another notch in the very much piano-centric Fire In The Hole. Though the lyrics are essentially a tired blitz of clichés, they're charming in their own way, especially on subsequent listens. The chord progression works well for both singing and soloing. It starts off simple then goes completely off the rails (e.g., from the line "A woman's voice reminds me" through to the end of the chorus). Brooklyn (Owes The Charmer Under Me) is another lush Palmer piece, again with a solid chord progression and unbeatable virtuosity on the instruments. (As with every song so far.) I'm not a huge fan of the melody or vocals here, but the song is far from bad. Change Of The Guard, probably the simplest on the album in terms of raw music, takes a much friendlier stance on activism to the earlier Lennon-hatred piece. We end with the almost impenetrably confusing Turn That Heartbeat Over Again: a song that can't quite decide what it wants to sound like or what its lyrics are about. (Or whom they are addressed to, for that matter. Michael? Jesus? Sam? William Wright? Activists again? Nobody knows.) The vocals jump abruptly between left and right during the verses, the guitar solo is weirdly scripted, the chord progression is positively berserk... and for all those reasons and more, this final song may be Steely Dan's most intriguing. And let's be honest. It's one of their best too. 5/5 Key tracks: Do It Again, Dirty Work, Midnite Cruiser, Only A Fool Would Say That, Reelin' In The Years, Fire In The Hole, Turn That Heartbeat Over Again
To make a debut album you actually have two roads: make a record that catches the eye of the critics and some labels to go big on the subsequent ones, or make a record that talks so good about you almost like if you are making a statement. A record that everyone keeps listening to it for years and years. Many examples includes both sides of this spectrum at the same time and with Can't Buy A Thrill, Steely Dan made it. And they made it big. Released in November 1972, The album became successfully commercial ranking at #17 on Billboard 200 being certified with Platinum disc. Can't Buy a Thrill present us a happy soft rock sound incorporating musical elements of Mambo, Swing, Jazz, and Latin Music. "Do it Again" the opener present us a latin jazz melody that pretty much shows us what's about to happen in the rest of the record. "Reelin in the Years" it's basically a Mambo song with lyrics about a loser. And of course there was time for getting political, since "Fire in the Hole" present us Donald Fagen in the Piano with a heavy shoutout to the ones who evaded military or being sent to Vietnam, including him and Walter Becker as founding members. Adult Oriented Rock became a distinguished sound during this decade, but without a doubt, Steel Dan managed to make it in a truly unique way, with their chord and arrangement choices. This one is, after all a collection of songs you have to experiment by yourself to understand it.
As smooth as it gets. Like, goddamn but these guys knew how to write a pop album. Only critique would that it’s occasionally cloying, but that’s certainly not a dealbreaker. 4.5 rounded up.
This is a certified hood classic
Great funky rock album with hints of jazz. Very enjoyable to listen, with cool ideas. Midnite cruiser is pretty damn good.
this was a pleasant surprise as i've never heard a song of theirs before. the music by itself is pretty easy to listen to but where these songs shine is in the lyrics. some really great stuff on here. best songs: "Kings", "Midnite Cruiser", "Only A Fool Would Say That", "Change Of The Guard"
I go in phases with Steely Dan. Sometimes I feel meh, sometimes I love them, sometimes I feel annoyed and over them. These lads lucked out and caught me on a love day. There’s something me pretty great songs on here.
I haven’t yet hit my Steely Dan phase, it might just pass me by. But I do like most of what I’ve heard and the majority of this album is pretty good.
I am a Steely Dan guy. I don’t care. People love them or hate them, and I fall into love. This is very good, but not their best. Some of the filler is a bit filler-y. It’s no 5, but a 4 is fair.
This is the pinnacle of soft rock. Jazzy piano licks ('Fire in the Hole') and tasty hooks ('Do It Again,' 'Reelin' in the Years') are the calling cards.
This is peak Steely Dan in my opinion, I know many people love Aja but to me this album eclipsed Aja. The song writing and the overall feel of this album just do it for me.
la verdad muy piola, me copo bastante. 7/10
4.2 stars
3.5/5
Yacht rock.
I never cared much for SD, though that mat be a lack of exposure. Several songs on here I didn't know who they were by! There are some great pop tunes here (do it again, only a fool) and they don't overstay their welcome.
I’d heard the singles before, but honestly this record sounds great. I was surprisingly into the solos, which were amazing.
AMEI. chique, sofisticado. sons muito frescos pra um album tao antigo. quero dar mais tempo pra letras. 4,5!
I wasn’t expecting to like this album as much as I did. Amazing melodies and song structures, every track was unique in its own way while also remaining cohesive.
From a band that goes by Steely Dan I'd expect a more folk rock/country sound, but the sound of this album seems pretty solidly rock. Nothing too intense--the instrumentation is generally mellow, like something you'd hear playing in a old-school bar during off-hours, with occasional guitar solos that rise above the noise. I can keep this playing during work and there isn't anything that pulls me super into it. I like Dirty Work; feels a bit funk or jazz inspired with the electric organ/sax(?) opening, though the rest of it feels more standard. Fire in the Hole also has a similar feel that I enjoy. Midnite Cruiser also scratches my brain right, though I'm a bit disappointed with how the verse moves into the chorus. Different parts of the album jump from genre to genre, and it feels a little jarring at times. This was their debut album and maybe they were still trying find their own sound; the individual tracks are solid, but the connecting strings between it all feel a bit tenuous.
"Do It Again" was a banger, the rest of it was alright
5 Another one that has grown on me more and more. Never thought a song about Richard I could be so catchy
i didn’t check the lyrics to these songs. but is sounds so good and light. i am going to listen this album many times
ok i did listen to this already but i was snowboarding so i couldnt pay too much attention i love you daniel of steel. starting the album with the classic that is do it again. theres so much going on in these instrumentals but it comes together to sound so simple. they strung together like 3 solos and you hardly even notice because it just sounds natural. thats what they do best, create a vibe back to back classics. such nice vocals on here, especially the harmonies on the chorus. sax solo makes me wish i knew the saxiphone just so i can play this song great great great. its just that steely sound they do so well. it feels like theyre trying to fit in a solo for as many instruments as possible on this album god i love some good piano rock. a steely dan vocal harmony can cure most known ailments. pretty much every chorus this guy sings can make me smile. oh and here comes the classic guitar solo. they really perfected what they did another classic. when i hear the phrase yacht rock, this is exactly what i hear. no one else even comes close to replicating the pure level of vibes that this band can create so many classics fit into such a concise album. perhaps their biggest song of all time, theres definitely a reason it got as massive as it did. solo time yay. sleeper pick for one of the most iconic guitar solos of all time. they really have such a knack for melodies its like a superpower a little bit of a lotta ragtime magic going on right now. damn it feels like any song on this album had the power to become a classic. and what a fitting song for our piano solo of the album. i think a good 30-40% of this album is just solos guitar tone is hella nice. i love the little accents of the mirracas and tamberine that keeps the song moving along. i feel like i gotta take the time on each track to just sit back and appreciate the solo i once asked them if they could tone down the vibes on a couple of songs every once in awhile because i was having too good of a time, but they told me that unfortunately it was impossible for them to do that its hard to believe how little steams this song has, considering the vibes have not dropped one bit. ending this album the same way it started, with lots of fun and feel-good energy i mentioned vibes and solos a whole lot during this review, but thats exactly how i would describe this album. vibes and solos. and no one is able to do that quite in the same way that steely dan can. this music has the ability to lift my mood almost anytime i hear it, and for that reason and just the insane hit ratio i gotta give this album a 9
Steely Dan i think gets and wrap cause the lamest boomers seem to really like them. So their image is forever impacted by that. They even have their own condescending genre “yacht rock”. But I don’t think that should be this bands legacy. The combination of this album and Aja should be enough to have this band in the rock history books, but I do think they are gunna have to wait another generation before people can forget how insufferable “yacht rock” bros are. This album has got a decent amount of variety, and the instrumentation is flawless as ever, and this might be sacrilegious to say but while I think Aja is the better album, I think this one has better individual songs and bigger hits. The opening track is an all time great song, that I only fell in love with as a kid because of guitar hero (don’t remember which one but probably world tour). And this album has other great songs like “dirty work” “only a fool would say that” and “reelin in the years”. The last track being probably their biggest single hit of all time. But again like I referenced before, Aja is definitely their better more well rounded album that only has one and a half skips where as this album had a few more skips but better singles. So make of that what you will. I also on a smaller complimentary note, I really love the album cover even though it’s a lot of brown and yellow.
Great album. I’m a Steely Dan fan. Haven’t listened to this one front to back in a minute. Good listen.
I know steely Dan is memed upon to hell and back but I simply can’t escape the fact that I enjoy them heavily. Sue me
I've never sought out Steely Dan in my life, but I really enjoyed this. I recognised more songs than I thought! The previous 70s "jazz rock" album (Chicago Transit Authority) was one of the worst things I've heard on the list so far, and perhaps in my life so far, so I was glad that this didn't bear much resemblance. Just a cool and mellow good time!
Not as jazzy as later Steely Dan but that suits me. In fact, the least jazzy and more rock/guitar-led album is The Royal Scam which is not making an appearance at all. Shame on you 1001! This one is fine as a laid-back listen but the singles starting each side are the stand-out tracks and the rest are easily forgettable.
Really enjoyed this record and would definately listen again, great laid back vibes but still really catchy tunes. An unexpected treat! I think this is peak dad rock but I feel I may finally be at the age where I can listen and appreciate it.
Better than I expected, not an unpleasant way to spend 40 minutes, lolloping about with some pretty relaxing yacht rock.
You can put all the Steely Dan you want on this list, it’s not going to change my mind that it’s just bad lounge rock. I don’t know what it is about them, they just rub me the wrong way every time.
Two of Steely Dan’s most famous songs can be found on this debut album with one other honorable mention and those tunes certainly catapulted the band to the success they experienced shortly after. The other songs on the album are clearly inferior but the music itself is decent.
A deep read on the history of Steely Dan reveals that an early incarnation of the band featured Chevy Chase on drums. Yes, that Chevy Chase. So it should come as no surprise that they ended up naming themselves after a vibrator. Instead of reviewing this repetitive, boring, drug-infused, divorced-dad geek rock album, I decided to make a list of other bands who sound like they are named after vibrators, even though they are not: Pink Floyd Thin Lizzy Dexy’s Midnight Runners Nine Inch Nails Everlast Little Richard Modest Mouse Kate Bush Thundercat Deep Purple Minor Threat Bad Bunny The Spin Doctors Kelly Clarkson Back Street Boys The Pretenders Limp Bizkit
Fantastic album packed with hits. Great harmonies, smooth jazzy grooves, and cheesy lounge lizzard lyrics. Everything I've come to expect from Steely Dan and by far their best offering on this list.
This is the third Steely Dan album I get, and I believe it's the final one although it's the earlier one. Once again I struggle to understand why this band is so highly regarded among boomers and zoomers alike. True, it's not terrible, but it's so toothless. The jazz isn't jazzing, the prog isn't progging, and the pop isn't popping. It's "highbrow" co-worker music. Key tracks: Do It Again Reelin' in the Years
I really liked the beat and drums in this album it’s really nice I would definitely listen to it again
Gefällt mir!
Besseres Gedudel, als letztes Mal
Just started. Great album. Though not entirely my jam.
Ahhh sounds like childhood!
This came out during my senior year in high school. First, Do it Again was a Top 10 hit and it felt like nothing else on the radio. Not sure if I bought the album right away or waited until Reelin’ in the Years was released (it made it to #11) a few months later, but once I did I was a fan for life. A few songs have other singers or shared vocals with Donald Fagen which was OK, but they ditched all that after this LP. The songs are varied and some are quite lovely — Kings, Dirty Work, Brooklyn, Turn That Heartbeat Over Again. Listened to the original quadrophonic mix of this for today. As with a number of albums released in quad at this time (e.g., Jethro Tull’s Aqualung), some of the instrumental parts are very different than the normal stereo release, particularly the guitar work (but not the iconic solo) on Reeling in the Years, Probably only the 4th or 5th fave of the SD catalog, but a solid 5 nonetheless. Also, a great cover.
I’m sure I heard “dirty work” and “reelin in the years” plenty of times as a child without knowing who sang them (and “do it again,” but I don’t like that one as much). At some point in my musical education, I became aware of Steely Dan as the jazz-pop guys. So when those two ideas came together it was a little mind-blowing. Sorry to say it, Danheads, but I prefer the straightforward pop stuff.
Love Steely Dan!
Enjoyment: 10/10 Replayability: 10/10 Cohesion: 9/10 Flow/Pacing: 8/10 Artistic Merit: 10/10 Weighted Average: 9.65/10 Review: The ability to find, craft, then perfect their sound on their debut album is truly a testament to Steely Dan. They have bottled comfort and leisure into an audio elixir that can relax a worried mind like no other. This will be the first album I put on when I'm cruising down PCH at sunset in my convertible coupe on my first night of retirement. But for now, I have to Do It Again and listen to this gem back through. Liked Song(s): Do It Again, Dirty Work, Kings, Midnite Cruiser, Only A Fool Would Say That, Reelin' In The Years, Fire In The Hole, Brooklyn (Owes The Charmer Under Me), Change Of The Guard, Turn That Heartbeat Over Again Disliked Song(s): (None) Recommend? Yes Heard Before? Yes
Great harmonies and brilliant bass lines.
"*Stupidest person alive voice* Steely Dan is literally Muzak LOL!!!!!!" I will beat you into next week, this rips so hard. 4.5/5
Some really good songs, some okay songs, and some pretty weak songs. Overall, 4 stars or B.
This album has really good combinations of satisfying vocal hooks, beautiful guitar phrases and piano melodies. I love how it all comes together and feels like a journey. It has a very sandy deserty vibe to it, but that’s just my raw thoughts. 8.5/10
70’s vibey rock. 2 dainos baisiai geros, kitos meh
This is my first time really listening to steely dan. Of course I’ve heard some of there most famous Songs. I had always meant to give them a chance but i just never got around to it. I’m glad “Can’t Buy a Thrill” was my first steely dan record, because it’s pretty damn good. Each song feels distinct but all remaining cohesive in the album. 8/10
Er dessverre noen skips
I dug it, didn't hate it. It's like a chill hang at the studio, jamming with jazz cats. Some tracks are smooth as silk, others just... existing. Nothing mind-blowing, but hey, it's Steely Dan, right? Spins: 2 Playlist Additions - Do It Again - Dirty Work - Reelin' In the Years
If you want an example of why this list of 1001 albums is biased toward white, male rock stars you just have to see that there are four Steely Dan albums on here (and a crappy Donald Fagan solo effort) and only two from Dolly Parton. How many middle of the road yacht rock albums by bands named after steam powered dildoes do you need in your life? Sod this, I'm listening to The Grass is Blue instead.
Thoroughly enjoyed. Do It Again is an absolute banger, plus a whole bunch of other great tracks.
What a way to rebound from yesterday There’s so many good songs on this one it’s not even funny. Do it Again’s a classic, groovy in the best way and an amazing way to start an album. Midnite Cruiser is just awesome, kinda underrated but I love the vocals and the chorus so much on that one. Only a Fool Would Say that and Change of the Guard just further show their range and keep the album interesting all the way through. Somehow though, none of those tracks are the actual peak of this album. Reelin’ in the Years is almost a perfect song; listen to those guitar riffs and solos and tell me that’s not the coolest shit ever. I really think there’s very few songs that have better riffing than that one, not to mention it’s super easy to sing along to. Throughout the entire album, vocals are awesome (and I like that they change off to keep the sound fresh), variety is great, and instrumentation is just iconic Very few complaints about this one, if I had to come up with something I guess it’d be that the last tracks is just kinda ok instead of amazing like the rest? It would be a totally fine song on another album but the bars sky high here This is without a doubt one of my favorite albums on here, gotta be top 10 so far. The fact that there’s only 1 maybe 2 songs on this that I would have below an 8/10 is just an insane level of consistency, there really isn’t a bad song on this at all. I’d be absolutely shocked if Reelin’ in the Years wasn’t close to the top of my Spotify Wrapped this year, what a song.
Unc Gem!
Every band dreams of opening their first album with a track like Do It Again. A killer beat, strong lyrics, super fun listening. Dirty Work has a cool sax solo, and I really want to love the vocals but they're admittedly a little shaky. Kings is just alright, the instrumental is solid but the political commentary is pretty mid. I really dig the guitar solo on Midnite Cruiser, and it's probably the catchiest track on the album. Only a Fool Would Say That is super smooth and has genuinely interesting ideas. Reelin' in the Years blew my mind, hands down my favorite track. Such a killer guitar solo, the whole thing is a treat start to finish. The album starts to wind down a bit after that. The lyrics to Fire in the Hole are interesting, but I was a little sleepy listening to the instrumental. Brooklyn doesn't particularly stand out, but it's not bad either. I enjoyed Changing of the Guard and its optimistic lyrics. Turn That Heartbeat Over Again is pretty good but nothing crazy. I like how you get the 3 different voices all coming in on the final track. Overall a very strong debut, has a very consistent style and even achieves greatness at times.
What a phenomenal debut album. Starting with their best song too. Really enjoyed this. Not the biggest Steely Dan fan, but this was brilliant. Great one again.
Really good album with a lot of classics. A fun listen.
An iconic album of ‘70s rock, and still my favorite of Steely Dans
Love Steely Dan. Grew up on their music. I went to one of their concerts when I was younger with my parents.
Idk if I actually like this more than Aja but giving it a 5 because my ratings are meaningless
Quite liked this. 3.5
7.0/10 Thought this was pretty cool... must be getting old!
This is in fact Steely Dan.
This is my first review and I don't really know how I should go about this but I can say that I understand why this album is on the list. I only knew previously one of the tracks but all of the songs were quite distinct while also being very classic and easy to listen to. All the components (voice, guitars, drums, keys) are very unique and well balanced. I really liked it and it was a very good start to this list.
I'M A FOOOOOOL TO DO YOUR DIRTY WORK
Gran álbum, excelentes canciones.
some great tunes on this
Lucky enough to have my Dad’s ‘72 pressing of this record. It has some pops but sounds great. Grew up with this stuff because of him. 5/5
Solid album. I knew a couple songs but enjoyed basically everything.
Perfectly good album. There's a lot going on with this album but it never feels like too much.
Some fun bangers on this one, good driving music
Excellent, beyond the hits some great tunes that I've not heard before. Lot of reviews slating the soft rock, easy listening genre. But its really just a good listen. Not everything needs to to be deep and complex.
Turns out I know way more Steely Dan songs than I realised. I guess that means they're classics? But I can't say I'd ever put them on to listen to. It was fine.
Very bland but didn't mind the time.
Lucky today, my favourite band.
The yacht rock king
Was jazzier than expected for a rock album. Good easy listening for work & walking in the sun. Songs had some familiarity that I’d never actually made the connection to.
I think I’ll let Steve Albini's 2023 tweets provide my feelings on this album and any other Steely Dan album… (this was taken from my Aja review). I will always be the kind of punk that shits on Steely Dan Christ the amount of human effort wasted to sound like an SNL band warm up. "They spent three weeks on the guitar solo..." Three weeks of watching guitar players give it their all while doing bumps and hitting the talkback, "More *Egyptian* but keep it in the pocket..." "Their engineer invented a machine to play the bass drum..." Did he now. And yet it sounds like this. Look at yourselves. Calling them "the Dan." Go trim your beard. Two types of perfectionist: One will prepare, revise and rehearse carefully, with intent, honing an idea to a keen edge, ready to cut the cloth of execution. The other makes other people responsible by saying, "do it again," until by chance they are satisfied, then take credit. There's some video where they talk about every song on an album, and each one begins with the not-bald one saying, "this song is based on my deep love of the blues, just a very bluesy blues. Deep blues." Then lays his jazz dork hands on the fucking electric piano... Music made for the sole purpose of letting the wedding band stretch out a little. All you "I used to hate them" people, pleading their case like it's a natural infirmity. "I need readers now, take pills for my prostate. Get winded on the stairs. And oh, I like that cocaine shit music now. (and it's 1 star only because I can't give it a negative number. FUCK THIS BAND)
They can be mad about it all they want, they are still Yacht rock in my mind. I don't care if they have more complex lyrics or themes to their music, it still screams Yacht Rock -- that isn't necessarily a bad thing -- but it isn't necessarily a good thing either.....
Это было прекрасно. Отличное сочетание рока, джаза, фанка и других многих жанров.
The Dan certainly started off strong. Not a dud on there but I added “Reelin’ in the Years” to my playlist.
Me gusta el album pero siento que el instrumental es abrumadoramente positivo para mí, me gusta un poco más la melancolía e intensidad. No logro conectar con algunas de las letras de las canciones. Only a Fool Would Say That encendió mi curiosidad pero no me gusta que desacredite una idea del mundo tan bonita. Dirty Work fue una de las canciones cuya letra me gustó ya que me sentí identificado con lo que dice sobre no querer hacerme cargo de lo que no me corresponde.
Good easy listening, a classic album.
Notable Textzeile: Times are hard, you're afraid to pay the fee So you find yourself somebody Who can do the job for free Das ist gefällig ohne zu süß zu sein. Eingängig, aber auch mal kurz wiederwillig. Die Lyrics gehen oft gegen die Süße. Aber es ist trotzdem auch süß. Für 70er Pop-Rock ist das sehr gut. Aber 70er Jahre waren jetzt insgesamt nicht die Beste Zeit für richtig aufregenden Pop-Rock. In Bezug auf den Rest ist es besser als ne 3, aber ne 4 ist es auch nicht. 3,4
Oh man. Ich habe nie in Betracht gezogen dass die weird klingen *wollen*. Mag ich jetzt Steely Dan? Irgendwie hat das Charme, die Songs sind auch gut. Insgesamt doch zu eintönig und dudelig für ne vier, aber ne gute drei... Die ist drin.
Es dudelte vor sich hin und war auf einmal vorbei. Irgendwie hatte ich bei Steely Dan weniger generische Tunes im Kopf. Aber stört auch nicht
Classic feel good, up-beat and soft rock just as expected from Steely Dan. That is just the vibe I had about this band without ever really intentionally listening their songs and I like it, maybe not the best for bouldering though. At 41 minutes, it was not long enough for a typical bouldering session. Lyrics and music did not distract from bouldering, kept me moving fine and positive, but its not the best vibe for trying hard. Best song: Only a Fool Would Say That. 7/10.
Ok steely dan. If I didn’t know of you before, I definitely know about you now!
Cool-dad jazz-rock. I know a few of these songs already, but I'd never heard the album front to back. Considering all the tracks I know, I really expected more from it. Of course now I know that Steely Dan was still tied to a physically capable band at this point, it's later on that it becomes a studio project, so maybe the composition was constricted. My main issue is that I only remember the first track when I think back on it. Not even the classics stick out, so I'm a little taken aback. I was sure I'd appreciate this more than Aja, instead I find it a smooth listen that doesn't bug you too much. I think these guys just aren't for me, right now. 3.1/5
it's good, a few nice tracks. Approved!
I didn't understand steely Dan until I got a BBQ, and then it all clicked. Contemplated giving it a 5, but that felt a little cheeky. Not my favourite Dan record but boy are there some hot hot tunes on this
Never been into steely. I bet you a steely Dan fan would say don’t start with this record… so I won’t… Idk it just sounds like not much of anything to me. Fav track: fire in the hole
They do such a great job of balancing musical sophistication with hooks on this record. A few dinkier tracks near the end but this one is full of bangers.
There is some Thin Lizzy in them (Reelin' in the Years). So I don't dislike that but it's unremarkable anyway.
I love Steely Dan. Groovy, sharp, fantastic audio quality, a real craft for melodies. Not their best album but certainly one of the best debuts.
GOOD ALBUM
6/10 - I knew a few of these songs from listening to 92.3. I didn’t know they were Steely Dan. They aren’t songs that I would turn off, but they aren’t songs that I would stay on if there was something better on another station. I think this soft rock 70s thing just isn’t for me.
There are a few classics on here that are so dang catchy, but there are a few towards the middle/end of the album that just don't do it for me. Altogether, it's a fun, good vibes record. 7/10
Love it ofc
So many different hits, so many different sounds, very impressive.
Heard some before; 4; This is an album and music that I really appreciate more as I've given it a new listen. Everything just feels so incredibly on point, has crystal clear production, but not in an overly-produced way. Interesting, exciting riffs and instruments mixed in everywhere and catchy melodies that Favorite Track: Dirty Work
This album starts off great, much better than I expected it to. Just the right amount of jazz influence in the soft rock. Then if does off fast after Reelin in the Years. Overall, it's better than I would have expected. 3.5
Un vrai banger
CHOM
Crazy, j’adore steely Dan
No es tan de mi estilo pero los solos de guitarra son increíbles
It’s always on these lists, and it’s a fine album, but I don’t even think it’s in Steely Dan’s top 5. The hits are incredible though. 3.5
4/10
I've heard some of these songs. I like a lot of these songs.
2,5/5
9/10 Отличный альбом. Не думал что так зайдет фьюжн. Очень классно переплетаются разные виды джаза местами с добавлением фанка и рок-н-ролла. По трекам - Fire In The Hole и Midnite cruiser
The choruses are very quotable
Few skips, overall quite good. Instrumentals good and interesting - pretty chill vibe
i did like itt! especially learning more about the band itself
De los mejores debut de la historia. Sigue sonando fresco 50 años después.
A lot of classics on this album. I can see why it is considered a yacht rock album by some. It has that summery 1970s sound. A sound a bit if it’s time, but solid. At no point did I feel need to take a break.
I suppose soft rock can be their genre, this album reminded me very much of The Eagles. Catchy pop lyrics amongst an array of guitar riffs and jazzy bass to keep the majority of people happy. It does sound very 70s however it feels like it’s stood the test of time! I enjoyed it for all the above reasons but the main reason probably being that I’m a dad of almost 40 and in my opinion this album is the epitome of dad music! Best track- ‘do it again’ purely just for the absolute banging bass just beating ‘reeling in the years’ actually can I pick both please as listening again I can’t decide between them both 😅 Worst track- I honestly didn’t have one. Trying to find a reason to mark it down but honestly I can’t think of a reason too. So it has to score 10/10
Steely Dan - Can't Buy a Thrill Hell of debut. Every note perfectly placed, the cleverest of clever lyrics. Cut glass production as clear as a bell. There's so much to enjoy here. Except the tracks where where Donald Fagen doesn't sing. No matter how I tried, they just didn't land in the same way. So points knocked off for Dirty Work, Midnite Cruiser and Brooklyn. But then a point back on for Reelin' In The Years having, possibly, one of the greatest guitar sounds ever created 😁 So 8/10 BT - Reeling in the Years WT - Brooklyn
This is thus far my favorite Steely Dan. Maybe because it is less cynical and more poppy. Excellent album.
Rating: ⭐️4/5 Favorite Tracks: Reelin’ In the Years, Do It Again, Kings Honorable Mention: Dirty Work Verdict: A very good, but not special, debut from Steely Dan. Like many other albums, most of my favorites are from the A side. Although the B side is less memorable besides their hit ‘Reelin’ In the Years’, it still contains good songs like ‘Change of the Guard’. I like the band’s blend of rock and jazz, which leads to some great instrument arrangements. ‘Midnite Cruiser’ is a good example which comes to mind. However, some tracks like ‘Brooklyn’ sound like typical 70s soft rock.
Really nice easy listening, recognised more songs that I thought - including 'do it again' and 'dirty work' :)
I really enjoyed this, more hits than I knew. Listened on my commute.
Pretty fantastic all the way through. 5.0/5.0
enjoyable enough
I have never hear of this band or this album before. I throught it said 'Can't Buy a Tail' so there's dyslexia for you. I listened to Can't Buy a Thrill while mindlessly writing a note sheet for my Unit 1 Texts and Traditions test the next day. It was good, after the first listen my favorite song is probaly Do It Again, but obvisouly that can, and most likely will change with time and a few relistens. Overall I enjoyed it! It made Text and Traditions bearable.
Excellent release with one of the great opening tracks to a first album.
Last one... it's done! No more Steely Dan. I have experienced them, and confirmed that they do not float my boat. I was hoping to be suprised by them... but no. They just do sound like Waitrose's idea of rock, with all edge and interestingness sanded off.
Thanks Paul Thomas Anderson <3
buenas melodías, buenas guitarras, buenos pianos.
Absolutely loved this. Some brilliant melodies and instrumentation. Really recognisable tunes.
Great! I want to hear it again!
Nice album. I enjoy the vibes.
Alright, third Steely Dan record on my journey, and this time, it's their debut. I'm familiar with the singles "Do It Again" and "Reelin' in the Years", along with a few album cuts like "Dirty Work" and "Only a Fool Would Say That", and I still enjoy them a fair bit. How does the rest of Can't Buy a Thrill stack up? Well, I'll admit that this is my favorite Steely Dan record thus far. I think it boils down to how much more energetic the overall style of Can't Buy a Thrill is compared to the laid-back, easy-listening jazz rock that I came to expect from Countdown to Ecstasy and Aja. The guitar work of Jeff Baxter and Denny Dias is more involved, and the hooks are prominent and upbeat. Even when the tempo is slowed down for the likes of "Dirty Work" and "Kings", the beat from Jim Hodder is snappy as Donald Fagen and David Palmer traded soulful deliveries over the upward tonal modulation. Hell, even Jim takes lead vocals on "Midnite Cruiser," and he nails it. From an instrumental standpoint, the album is engaging from back to front, with no real lull in between, as Gary Katz's rich production made all the above elements stand out alongside such notable guest contributions like Jerome Richardson's tenor sax solo on "Dirty Work" and Elliott Randall's soaring guitar lead on "Reelin' in the Years". As for the lyrical content, Donald and Walter Becker ran through some biting social commentary. Whether it's the exploration of vices on "Do It Again", the allusions to the Watergate scandal through the tale of Robin Hood on "Kings", the scathing retort to John Lennon's "Imagine" on "Only a Fool Would Say That", or evading the draft on "Fire in the Hole", the two of them brought their game with looking outward at the hell that's brewing in the world. Though that said, they do take the time to develop some genuine character moments, such as the lament over bygone opportunities on "Midnite Cruiser", the yearning over an ex-lover on "Reelin' in the Years", and the cheeky caricature of Donald's fellow apartment tenant on "Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)". Plus, it was a nice sentiment ushering in the next generation on "Change of the Guard", followed by begging Michael the Archangel and Jesus Christ for a second chance at life to make things right on "Turn That Heartbeat Over Again". It's an unusually optimistic note to end the record on. Overall, I really dug Can't Buy a Thrill. I'm curious about that last Steely Dan record on my journey, but I am firm in my adoration for the band's debut.
Неплохо
It’s fine. Nice bass.
I knew 3 songs. Loved the variety. "Do It Again" was hypnotic. "Kings" surprised me with its prog feel. "Midnite Cruiser" leaned jazz rock. "Brooklyn" reminded me of early Eagles. "Fire in the Hole" made me think of JY from Styx. Favorite new song: "Change of the Guard." Would absolutely buy on vinyl.
I've listened to Steely Dan so often since the 70s, but here are a couple more songs I haven't heard. Just as good. 4/5
My goats for the third time, love to see it. Now i adore this album, but i dont think its as strong as the final 3 albums of the 70’s (The Royal Scam, Aja and Gaucho) but this album is unique among its discography as it had the soft rock thing going on where their other stuff is a bit more jazzy, not sure how better to put that. Hard to find a debut album as good as this, Legends of their craft. Standouts are Do It Again, Dirty Work, Only A Fool Would Say That and Reelin’ In The Years. Also in terms of a narrative this being their first album makes the hypothetical protagonist young, wild and “throwin’ away the time.”
Good vibes 8/10
A magnificent album. Stunning sound mixing and a seamless blend of styles — truly a landmark masterpiece of the music industry.
#11. This was a surprise for me. Had never heard of this album but was pleasantly surprised both musically and lyrically. Would definitely listen again.
Another heater from Steely Dan. These guys just do not miss, I'm afraid, even on their very first album, before they became the tightly-run unit that produced albums like Aja.
I was kinda shocked that this was their debut. Not a bad track on here. Definitely the most classic-rock feel of their albums. I personally like Aja better, but I can see why this ended up being more popular into the present.
I'm an Ajapilled guy; a Countdown To Ecstasyhead; a rare Pretzel Logic respecter. I mention all that because I was excited for our fourth and final Steely Dan project today, and was sadly not as Thrilled with it as I hoped. I can't even make sense of it to be honest. If I had to guess, the plain classic rock sound probably has a lot to do with it since I do love them most when they're pulling off some crazy genre fusions...... but then Countdown To Ecstasy also quite traditional in that respect, and it still instantly hooked me a lot harder. Here, I enjoyed most tracks, and that's about it. There's no Bodhisattva earworm. No East St. Louis Toodle-Oo weirdness. No Peg sax. I'll try revisiting and seeing how much it grows on me, but for now this is just an alright Dan project. :( Standouts: Dirty Work • Only A Fool Would Say That • Fire In The Hole /// Edit, 2 months later: They've done it again. Goddamn it. I'm not even kidding when I say that in the two months that followed the review above, this may actually have become my most played album of the year. Never doubt The Dan.
I fucking love this album. It's so fresh, so intricate, and it perfectly keeps one vibe going without getting stale. The production is immaculate and everything is so crisp that you should reach out and touch it. Just a gorgeous piece of work.
banger after banger
So good! I can't believe this was their debut album, they really perfected their sound right from the get-go. It has some of the best songs ever and also a couple skippable duds, but even those are still enjoyable. They just have such an amazing sound that is so unique to them and they get better and better. Top Songs: Do It Again, Dirty Work, Only A Fool Would Say That, Reelin' In The Years
fav song: dirty work
Se notaba q era cool pero no lo pude escuchar tipo cállate
4.5/5
Knew more of them than I thought I would!
Best prima 2e helft was beter
Awesome album
a lot of rock here
Originally was thinking a 3, but after skimming through some of the songs again, it's a pretty fun album. I don't think it's absolutely amazing or perfect by any means, but it's pretty enjoyable to listen to with others around as background/party music. Definitely some of the better stuff to come out of the yacht rock era.
- Huh. Apparently I am a fan of Steely Dan earlier in their career, because this is my favorite of the four albums I have received on this list. It all just feels so much more fresh and exciting. I vastly prefer their pop-rock to their jazz-rock. - The guitar work by Elliott Randall is superb on "Reelin' In The Years" is superb. - "Dirty Work" is another fun track. And the lyrics of "Only A Fool Would Say That" are the most interesting.
listen after deftone
Dan sure is Steely
I fucking love Steely Dan
This album is best listen to with really good headphones or a really good stereo system. Otherwise it will sound like elevator music to most.
Was thinking this would mostly be new to me, but I've heard a number of these before, being classic rocks hits. A good listen and one I'd do again but didn't find anything new that really caught my attention
Starter megasterkt med to bangers som ikke resten av plata klarer å leve opp til. Fremdeles veldig fornøyelig.
Liker stilen. Rett og slett trivelig å høre på.
Smooth sailing. Absolutt ingen thrills, men hva gjør vel det? Dette flyter fint, med en banger her og der.
Full of songs I already knew but didn't know it was this band! Hooks that can bury into your brain. A very musical performance but catchy
It was fine. Not good not bad just fine
Soft rock "clássico". Pra quem gosta do gênero, mas nem de longe um disco indispensável.
Lots of great stuff on this album. I definitely enjoyed it!
This album made me a fan of steely Dan. I regret not knowing this album before. 10/10
I found it really really really sad. Some guitar pieces were quite inspirational. Reelin' in the years made me almost cry cuz. that's me. it was so, so sad. and i realized i dont like old music cuz i wanna just LAP UP ALL THE NOVELTY, THEB YOUTH, THE MOST RECENT STUFF ONLY, because old media is death, it's old people, and they had it too and i don't care what my grandma had to say and I don't want to be like her and I just want to get closer to the future.
Never a fan, but like this a bit more than I expected
Some classic Steely Dan tracks with some good deep cuts mixed in
Solid stuff from Steely Dan here
I already listened to the Royal Scam and really liked it so i'm expecting big things out of "Can't Buy a Thrill". Do It Again is fcking incredible man such an addictive song. I don't like Dirty Work as much but it's still good. Kings, also good but not as good; Midnite Cruiser was good, better than the previous two songs. Only A Fool Would Say That is a certified BANGER as well, the only song i'd heard before listening to the album. Reeling in the years, also a BANGER. Fire in the hole, more instrumental but still a very solid song which I enjoyed quite a bit. Brooklyn was good but weaker comparatively to the rest of the songs tbh. Change of the guard was pretty lit i can't lie👀👀👀. Turn that heartbeat over was good but also a weaker song. This album was great but not quite as good as the Royal Scam in my opinion. I'm thinking 82/100 (Great)
Exciting! This was a band I had been meaning to get more familiar with anyway. Already knew a few of the songs here (Do it Again, Dirty Work, Reelin in the Years), so those stand out for sure. The rest are good as well, although I did start to get a little bored towards the last couple of tracks, so can't give it a full 5. Look forward to listening to more of them though.
Classic. Lyssnat på många gånger men alltid ett stort nöje att lyssna på igen
Masterpiece. Love it. Own it.
Early Steely Dan still had some rough edges, and I like that.
Third SD album of this project and it’s another wash 4 stars. Not as good as Countown or Pretzel but hardly a wasted note.
very chill but too old for me
Some of the vocals are a detraction from the instrumental.
Pre Listen: Second Steely Dan album featured on here I've encountered. Unlike the 1st one I got (Pretzel Logic) I actually know this one, and have two songs from it on my playlist already. Looking forward to listening to it again :) Notable Tracks: Do It Again - Now this one's been on my playlist for ages, probably amongst the first 50 songs when I first started building it over a decade ago. Classic :) Kings - I don't remember this one, but man is it good. Adding it to my playlist! Reelin' In The Years - Another certified classic, and the 2nd song I've had on my playlist for ages now. Fire In The Hole - Another song I really dig and forgot about completely? Shit I really didn't recall how much I enjoyed this album. Post Listen: Man I enjoyed this album a lot more than I remembered. For a debut album from a band that remained relevant for quite a while, I think it's impressive that this is probably their best work. Donald's lyrical poetry is superb, being clever, digestible, and full of substance. While I do love his lyrics, his vocal performance itself can get a little old upon repeat listens back to back, but overall it's pretty good. The instrumentation is wonderful as well, one of the few albums that I think does a sort of Jazz-rock fusion really well. The piano and guitar work especially stick out as something special to me. On a thematic level the album's great as well, exploring all sorts of concepts around vice and the consequences that follow, and attempting to turn things around. This album doesn't have any sort of pitfalls or major issues I can think of, no least favorite song either. I think this album is truly Steely Dan at their absolute best, which is a shame since again it was their debut studio album. Regardless, it doesn't get Steelier than this. 5/5
So much good music all packed into their debut album of all things. What legends.
Couple of decent songs, but was unmoved by the album overall
A solid album. Good start and trailed off a little bit.
Generic but enjoyable 70s rock
Solid album through and through.
Some bangers on this one. Plus, it's a little less overly slick than their later material. Decent record.
omg it's the steely dan saturday song... on a friday?!
I never realized I was a fan of Steely Dan prior to this project. The only two Steely Dan songs I knew coming into this were Do It Again and Reelin' in the Years, both great songs that are on this album, but they barely scratch the surface of where Steely Dan would take their music. This album is a lot more rock oriented compared to some of their later jazz fusion, but there are still some jazzy references on this album. Overall, this album doesn't quite hit the same heights as the others on the list (especially not Aja), but it's still damned good.
Very calm I like it
Enjoyed it
Yeah I mean it's smooth soft rock etc but if you just look at it as a pop album it's pretty masterful
better than i expected
Супер мне понравилось
Brilliant
SAVE ME STEELY DAN, STEELY DAN SAVE ME!! chill, vibey, chill, incredible, chill, perfect. 9/10.
It was good, but in the relatively non imposing style of Steely Dan The first track was something In the morning you go gooning Do It Again
Es un álbum interesante con un sonido tranquilo. Es bastante piola de escuchar y no considero que haya un tema malo. Es música más vieja pero creo que es un buen disco que debe perdurar en el tiempo.
This is a really nice rock album! I really like the song Reelin' In The Years. Really cool cover art. I think the instrumentation throughout has been really good. It feels like it has different rock-y influences mixed through different songs. Brooklyn (Owes The Charmer Under Me) is one of my favs!! It feels so sunny, and the backing vocals and guitar are sooo good!
Giving this 5 for two reasons. Foremost because I was generally surprised and how much I enjoyed it. The grooves/progressions were really nice. And two (part of one), I couldn’t believe that I recognized like 50%+ of the songs. I couldn’t name a steely dan song to save my life, but clearly I know it. So look forward to becoming more familiar with his hits and the discography.
#52 I never realized so many of their well-known hits came from their debut album. Do It Again, Dirty Work, and Reelin' In The Years are all classic rock staples, and Brooklyn is a sneaky good track with some great steel guitar work. Good album, jazzy and soft with plenty of hooks.
I like it but it's not my weekly
This is great. Love
Great album listened to it before.
I never understood Steely Dan, and I still don't. Didn't hate this album, though. Very American, but in a nice way.
Do it Again and Reelin' in the Years. I had no idea these songs were by Steely Dan. I had heard of the band, but never jammed them. This was a very enjoyable album. It reminds me of my dad and my childhood.
Favorite Track: Brooklyn Least Favorite : Fire In The Hole
The softest of soft dad rock. Nothing bad, just nothing good. Overall I felt bored. 2.5* rounded down to 2*
Steely Dan makes good music. Even if it’s not your kind of music.
Another great production album!
“Full” Sounding. Lots going on. Everything is easily discernible though. Song 1 is popular. I’ve heard this before. Sounds great. Dirty Work lyrics are some crazy shit. Reelin’ in the years has a dope middle section. Quick vocals sound like Thin Lizzy in their phrasing. Fuck it. Its a three
This is a great album. All the songs are exceptional. There were a few classic hits like Reelin In The Years, Dirty Work, Do It Again and this is a debut album. They went on to create more great songs. It is quite a different genre than what was floating around like David Bowie Lou Reed and Alice Cooper. I think that is their appeal.
Super chill and fun to listen to.
I'm finally mature enough to really dig Steely Dan. Love it!
Good steely dan, quintessential album but didn't enjoy as much as Aja
More Steely Dan?? Oh, "Reelin In The Years" is this song!
Another debut album that doesn't sound like a debut album. I don't know if it is because I am a dad now or some other reason but I found this album to be incredibly fun to listen to and incredibly solid from start to finish. I'll be honest I always thought "Do it Again" was a Santana song. Finding out it was Steely Dan doesn't change the fact that its a great song. I also learned to play a shuffle to "Reelin in the Years." Not every song hit, but the hits greatly outnumber the misses. Solid 4/5
Lots of songs I knew but didn't know were by them. Classic!
Quite good. I could listen on repeat all day (and I have)
Such a good vibe
I didn't realise who steely Dan was until I heard this album. Definitely understand why listening to it is dadmaxxing, but guess I'm a dad now.
4/5 https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/steely-dan/cant-buy-a-thrill/ Well that's more fun than I expected! Pure boomer rock but hey, sometimes you just gotta embrace the inner boomer.
But you can buy perfection?
classic jams. groovin. chill.
This shit sucks. Sanded down jazz pop with the most annoying parts elevated. Played well and technically it sounds good so I can't give it 1 star. Catchy enough that this crap is gonna be stuck in my head. Fuck Steely Dan.
so vibes ngl.. the first few songs r my favs in the album. maybe the uncs are onto smth...
Better than expected
Reelin' in the years is great! I've liked that song since I heard it when I was younger. I think this album was really easy listening just not sure when I would ever listen to it.
Lyrically this is pretty interesting but albums start with tunes, not lyrics, and this is cursed with some of the most anodyne pop-rock it's been my mistfortune to hear, powered by beats that wouldn't sound out of place on the cheapest of Bontempi organs.
honestly this is as good as classic rock gets. i used to have adults put on classic rock around me as a kid all the time, and this gives me a nostalgic feeling of a moment of "oh it's rock again..." followed by "oh wait this is the good kind!". it's all just really upbeat and melodic in a way that a lot of stuff of the era isn't. really into it
a delightfully lovely listen. i was told by a guy one time that i look like i love steely dan so gave some of the songs on this a listen, props to him because he clocked me before i even knew it myself
My introduction to Steely Dan. The fact I bought a ticket for a Steely Dan tribute act the same day should tell you everything you need to know. Dirty Work and Reelin' In the Years should expect to be on repeat for some time.
Reminds me of college! The first two tracks are great and have been heavily soundtracked over the years, so they are very well known. Reelin in the Years was the highlight for me during the rest of the album. That interlude riff is so good!
Steely Dan is growing on me a bit. There’s a lot of classic songs that get radio play, and I never knew they were by Steely Dan. It’s got some great musicianship. I heard another Steely Dan album on this list and found it kind of boring. This is much better. Can’t complain too much. It’s a pretty quality album.
Really enjoyed this one. A really solid album with a lot of replay value. Feels like a good mix with a bunch of different genres. Favorite track(s) Dirty Work Only A Fool Would Say That Fire In The Hole
Do it again Dirty work Reelin in the years
This felt like lounge music, poor lounge music. Just no bite or interest in any of their tunes, even with the well known pair of songs on here or wasn't elevated to anything beyond "meh". Sparing it from one star because at least it wasn't turgid.
I never really got into Steely Dan and I don't think I ever will. Outside of the big hits, the sound is too safe, too meticulous, too far in the background for me. This isn't to say this album is entirely bad, it's just that I would naturally only be attracted to the bigger songs on this, and there are quite a few of them on this. The music itself is quite technically correct and surprisingly elaborate as well, so I'll give the Dan some credit there, as I will to some of the more obscure lyrical references (what is "Kings" really about...?) That said I don't really understand why there's so much Steely Dan representation when, in my opnion, just including Aja would have been fine enough. Maybe it's the boomer-era critics' legacy hyping this band up as they incorporated a lot of Latin influences, which is very apparent on the songs here. Quite a bit of Latin jazz and mambo-type sounds to be found here, which I suppose lends an "exotic" quality to these cocktail bar anthems. Key Tracks: Do It Again, Reelin' in the Years, Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)
It just feels samey. The sitar intro at the start rips but then it just slows down into that same art rock slump. Please I beg for a new artist/ new genre
It's got good lyrics, and in a different mood I might be convinced it's special. But my mood is foul, so it suffers to be average.
5 stars and it’s not even their best album. Cool, sophisticated, catchy, intelligent. What a debut.
Masterpiece. Also, it’s fun!