Can't Buy A Thrill

I just don't get Steely Dan. So bland, so lounge, so jazz light so lacking joy / energy/ so clinical.

Is it catchy pop or annoying bland rock? Do It Again falls in the former, Dirty Work and Reelin' in the Years leans that way, the rest is the latter. Actually, Reelin in the Years is too annoying a pretentious earworm to be on the positive side. What does that make the album overall? Is it ok to cheekily sing along to some Steely Dan songs? It's Steely Dan after all, they are soft rock 70s nastiness supermarket music, but there's a couple of catchy tunes on an album of 10 songs. Argh, so much time wasted mulling over Steely Dan. Nope, it's pish. Final decision.

Dit is top!

Lindo, es alegre

This is a really good album. Practically a greatest hits album for Steely Dan. I’m not a huge Steely Dan fan (I find them to veer into unintentional self-parody at times), but I can’t deny the quality of this record. Great songwriting, great playing, great arrangements. The sax work on “Dirty Work” is perfect.

Fav song: Dirty Work

Always has been a hit an miss album with me because of the amount of times I've listened to this. While I have gotten used to the filler stuff on here, I still don't think they're great. There's still many hits on here that are great but I agree with people who put this lower on their Steely Dan album lists.

Not for me, would not listen again. I can appreciate what some might feel for the album/band, but that appreciation did not grow on me. Pretty bland sonically and lyrically. "Feel good" music I suppose. Getting through it was like watching paint dry, thankfully the album was only 10 tracks. Dirty Work is the stand out song on the album.

Yesss steely Dan

Ryan likes [[Steely Dan]]. This was quite nice and chill. It has Reelin' in the Years.

Love this!

Well, yeah, it's REALLY good!

Great album, with some good lyrics and great instrumentals

Had no idea reeling in the years was a Steely Dan song

Absolutely zero skips

you can borrow one though!

Спокійний та веселий рок. Дуже сподобалось. Цей альбом однозначно іде в мою колекцію

Some all-time classics on this album. The rest is still very easy listening, soft rock. 4.5/5

This was okay

Classic 70s coastal rock pop music.

every song has the potential of being an ear worm guitar solo in kings went crazy bops all round

Om vrolijk van te worden

Heel leuk

LOVED

Forgettable.

Yeah this is awesome. I recognize a lot of the songs on here and even though I've heard them a million times I'm not overcome with an immediate urge to go "I've heard this too much ew" like I am with a lot of other classic rock.

I had prepared to rip this apart. I didn’t hate this as much as I expected. However, I dislike Steely Dan’s whole deal. The narrative voice is one of an asshole. Always singing with praise or malice for a brother, and criticizing a woman. Music for bros. Also, that album cover is atrocious. Not a deal breaker normally, but one more reason these guys annoy me.

Good times 4+ The vibe is perfect

We’ve covered Steely Dan before—way back at the very beginning, when I first got credit for a review. True—“Countdown to Ecstasy” was actually pretty cool—though not so much that I would have expected another Steely Dan album. In fact, their debut, “Can't Buy A Thrill,” can't really hold a candle to it. In comparison, it lacks both drive and spark—which probably makes Steely Dan the only band whose second album is better than their debut in terms of creativity and inspiration. As I see it, there are two more Steely Dan albums to come. I’m not sure if I should be looking forward to them (since the later recordings might be even better) or if that’s bad news (since “Can’t Buy A Thrill” doesn’t really whet the appetite for more). Well, okay, the latter is an exaggeration—“Can’t Buy A Thrill” is actually really good to listen to. For me, that’s 3.5 stars.

Klart högre medelnivå än på tidigare Steely!

Steely Dan har bara något härligt över sig. Do It Again är toppen!

4/5 Det härvar nice

Tredje gången gillt för Steely Dan! De två tidigare plattorna på listan var men fastnade inte. Denna hade dock vibes i toppklass!

GOD I love Steely Dan. Album speaks for itself, my words aren’t adequate enough praise for this album.

Im reelingggg!

I've been listening to this Steely Dan album longer than all of the others. I'm pretty amazed at all of the hate directed towards this band on this site. Calling them "dad rock" is as dumb as it gets. Yes, it's slick-sounding music with sometimes overblown production, but there's a reason for this. First off, let's go back in time. Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, both jazz-trained and interested in pushing the boundaries of hi-fi and rock music, were having trouble with ABC after their lovely single "Dallas" was pulled for being "unrepresentative" of their style (whatever that meant). They brought in studio wizard Roger Nichols to work on the songs together, as they were already, at this point, attempting to be a studio-only band (even though the executives wanted them to tour). To add to their disappointment, the producers insisted on David Palmer replacing Fagen on a few of the tracks to add more pop appeal. So, a lot of what they wanted to do was still at the mercy of the producers, which they would slowly get away from over time. The results are mixed, but it also makes for their most approachable, pop-friendly album. From the mysterious, psychedelic organ-driven track "Do It Again" to their cynical pop fantasy "Reelin' in the Years", the non-hits are pretty exceptional as well. I'm not a huge fan of Palmer's singing, but "Dirty Work" is a hilarious song about a liaison with a rich person, "Kings" and "Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)" are poppy and rocking, with lots of layered backing vocals and arrangements, and even when it gets cheesy (like with "Midnite Cruiser"), it's still actively pleasant and fun. A lot of their crass humor is here as well. It's an enjoyable album, but it doesn't represent at all what they'd produce later. Almost a perfect album—but I'd tip that score to *Aja* today. 4.5 stars.

I found this album quite a hot-and-cold one/on-and-off with quality. Some songs just really nailed a vibe like "Reelin' in the Years" and "Fire In The Hole" while most other songs such as "Change of the Guard" were just so 'meh' and underwhelming. Though I could see clear that Steely Dan really had this album all thought out and was very meticulous with it, which is something. Wouldn't say I'm a fan of this one, but it's not really 'bad' either, it's just something that I can't comprehend enough right now to come to a firm opinion. Highlight Song/s: "Fire In The Hole"

good

you can buy a thrill but it'll be expensive

Very interesting mix of sounds, it def might grow on me, my fav song so far is Kings.

Dirty Work is a favorite! A fun album all the way through

great album. cohesive, good songs, some bangers in there. wonderful experience overall.

you're joking this is on this list don't even need to listen again. 5/5. but twist my nipple i guess I'll listen to it again so, fire in the hole is actually the monsters inc song, sick. favorite song: reelin in the years

Another gem I've discovered for the first time. So firstly ... what's not to love about a band who named themselves after a steam-powered dildo in a William S Burroughs novel? Ascerbic and multi-layered songwriting. Terrific musicianship. An unusual collection of chords and key progressions. The most incredible guitar solos I've ever heard. Would highly recommend to the uninitiated!

I love it.

Favorite Track: Dirty Work

I enjoyed it, but then again, I am a dad.

niepodobasa - ustalone wspólnie po 30min odebrali - termin do ortopedy za pół roku

Gonna try to be unbiased on about this as I love Steely Dan. This was never my favorite of there, I likely scoffed at it due to it being one of their more "main stream" albums (aka it has the most radio hits on it). But man it's hard to deny just how much fun this album is. It grooves so hard, the licks are sticky as hell, and it's nice to hear the Dan sound so loose. Doesn't quite hold up to their later album, and some of the songs are a little schlocky, but the highs are high and the lows still sound like a good time. Dirty work might just be their best work and I hate to admit that I like hearing someone other than Fagen on vocal (Palmer, you sweet Angel...). It's cool if you don't like em I know we'll get along just fine.

9/10, groovy, at times very sonically complex, but never difficult to enjoy.

A surprisingly good album with some songs i knew and some that were new. I would say about half of them were saves.

It flows so smoothly, but still perfer Aja

Reminds me of Trump’s Oval Office - lots of shiny things that look impressive but serve no purpose. What few musical ideas that exist are covered up in layer upon layer of instrumentation. No but Add Donald Fagen’s annoying voice and you get musical braggadocio that I now believe punk was rebelling against Steely Dan, not prog rock.

Goodddd

Not really my thing.

the ultimate dad music, like some of the later stuff more but this owns

Salsa vibe

It’s fun!

I think to describe this as dad rock is an understatement. Its a solid album with very mellow tones. Favorite songs: Dirty Work and Midnight Cruiser

Apparently Steely Dan is an American rock band (founded by a duo that hires other musicians). More of a studio project than a band—Becker & Fagen didn’t seem to set out to be a traditional ‘rock’ band. Do it again - such a vibe, really cool production Dirty Work - I’ve heard this before (either in a movie or on TikTok). Reminds me of Lana’s NFR; it’s possible she took inspo. Good song! Kings, Fire in the Hole, and Turn That Heartbeat Over Again were also memorable!

Can’t believe this exercise is turning me into a Steely Dan fan. Loved this. Recognised much more than I expected and will play again for sure.

I like this. Lots of bluegrass and country elements in the background. Nobody plays the piano like Steely Dan

Before moving towards a more stripped down sound, Steely Dan was still one of the most polished rock bands of the junction between 70s rock and polished jazz sound. The sound is exceptionally polished, and its both compliments and detracts from the album. It's very pleasant, but a lot of the tracks lack something interesting that really stands out, and makes you stop and listen more closely.

lo mejor que escuche hasta ahora, ese estilo clásico y como mantiene esa línea todo el disco 10 de 10

Good

4.9

Great band that my mom played a lot around the house when I was a kid. So it's very nostalgic. It's not my favorite of theirs, but definitely solid. 4/5

I cannot believe this was their debut, definition of "all killer no filler" every single track rules

The songs are a little uneven, but it sounds amazing and the best of them are all-timers.

Fuck no.

My 21 year old self probably couldn't imagine giving this a 4, but my current old man self sure can.

Good stuff. My nitpick with it is that I don't like how Donald Fagen uses the upper register of his voice, like the phrase "reelin' in the years" in the chorus of that song. Dirty Work is great.

4/5 - Seems a middle-age right of passage to come to the conclusion that you like Steely Dan more than you thought you did -- or at least this album anyway. Of all the radio friendly 70s rock we've had on this list, I'd put this near the top.

This list has exposed me to so much Steely Dan and I couldnt be happier. Easy 5, great songwriting all around. True classic rock.

Oh fuck yeah bud! This album is a delight from top to bottom. The guitar on Do It Again RIPS. The rest of the songs are all unique and interesting in their own way. Change of the Guard stood out this time to me but I’ve been fucking with this album for years. The perfect entry point for Steely Dan

Chill album, nice intro

me gustó, me da a un album tranqui veraniego

Not for me which disappoints as for first time hearing an album by Steely Dan which are held in high regards by some. Liked the opening track which is a big tune from then, but sorry, the on, it was very middle of the road and beige. Struggled to get through it. 1/5.

Ideal para caminar en día lluvioso o queriendo sentirte en una película vieja como al protagonista al que está por tener su cambio verdadero y enfrenta sus miedos. O cuando está aventurado y tiene un viaje por carretera adolescente. Guitarra y piano bien presentes (característicos de las épocas), ritmos envolventes, esencia a nostalgia Es para un final de película, rememorando los ‘70… 10/10.

Welp. My mid-life crisis must be coming soon, because I really liked this. I nearly let out an audible “Hell yeah” when Reeling in the Years started, plus Dirty Work is an all-timer. A great listen.

Steely Dan back at it again

buen album para chillear

Not bad but other than the first track it is just okay and very same-y

Basically I just enjoyed "Do it again". I don't see why anyone would find listening to this album a valuable way of spending their time. This can be said of any other shit prominently labelled as "soft rock"...

Обязательно переслушать!

I like Steely Dan, but Reelin' in the Years is the only notable song on this. It's a good song, and none of the other songs are bad... but they aren't notable.

A lot of bangers on this one. The sound of a generation I just missed out on.

am i old??? i actually really liked this, although i like most kinds of soft rock so maybe i'm just easily pleased

I'm So Sorry, but this is my least favorite Steely Dan album. They are a band that I love a whole lot but I find this one to feel a lot like a debut and also it's fairly inconsistent to me. But this is all kinda stupid because it's all good and totally pleasant anyway. There are three other albums by them and the book and I handily prefer each of them and can't wait to get em.

Bit dull

There was a horrible moment about half way through the first track when I thought I might actually be beginning to like Steely Dan. Thankfully, I kept on listening and am pleased to report that this was an error and they are still just as shit as ever.

Me gustó muchoo el álbum

Me encantó

Laadukasta ja helppoa

Olipahan kiva! Voiko olla huono tollasilla hammondeilla, rhodeseilla ja torvilla?

i just listened to all the music thats ever been. my favorite was a song a little girl sang to her cat in greece in 1286. my second favorite was from a ceremonial performance in modern day ethiopia, from 22000 bc. i also liked STEELY DAN.

Classic Dan, love 'em, own 'em.

There are a couple of really good tunes on here (Reelin’ In The Years and Do It Again), but most of the rest of it is smoothed out so much, it’s completely frictionless and leaves absolutely no impression. Which is a shame, as they are obviously talented musicians, and can write a song, but I’m just left hanging out for some distortion, edge or just anything I can grab hold of. The very definition of a 3-star album for me.

Already rated their debut as 4.5 on my RYM so not sure, could go either way today. Also my hangover turned into fever and I'm afraid my mental capabilities are not up to speed yet today.

"Can't Buy A Thrill" is a nice, pleasant soft rock album with a couple of big hits in the ten tracks. Sonically it sounds great and is expertly produced by Gary Katz. The vocals and harmonies are a stand-out, and on the whole the album sounds effortless and laid back. Four-stars. Side one 1 "Do It Again" (5/5) 2 "Dirty Work" (3/5) 3 "Kings" (3/5) 4 "Midnite Cruiser" (3/5) 5 "Only a Fool Would Say That" (4/5) Side two 6 "Reelin' In the Years" (5/5) 7 "Fire in the Hole" (3/5) 8 "Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)" (3/5) 9 "Change of the Guard" (4/5) 10 "Turn That Heartbeat Over Again" (4/5) Total - 37 Average - 3.7 292/1001 155/292 albums reviewed were new to me

Decent dad rock, 2 bangers

Yacht rock founder (don't tell him I said that)

Would

Dammit I love this.

Songs to roll down my car window and aura farm to

My father-in-law is a musician. He is insanely gifted. We were listening to Steely Dan together years ago and I asked him why no one makes music like that anymore. I will never forget his answer... "We can't, we don't know how to do it."

these dans are steely. good good good.

Nope honestly two songs are worth listening to and then the rest is painful and boring

me gustó, muy alegre. me da buenas vibras y lo volvería a escuchar

C'est ok mais je vais pas réécouter

Gear: Hifiman HE6se v2 SE Artwork: 🫦🍬🍌 Production: 🎧😘🤌 Music: 🧁🫥☁️ Rating: 👟👟👟/5

Ya lo había escuchadooo. Gran álbum gran banda 💛

Mejor canción: Do it again o dirty work Canción que menos me gustó: Las últimas del álbum Puntaje: 8/10 Notas: Hay un solo de citar en la primera canción? God

Classic Rock, Dad Rock, Yacht Rock? Not sure which one to file this under… Overall had good song writing and a couple of hot licks. I mean who doesn’t love to singalong with Dirty Work? That said, this isn’t something I would return too, I’ll leave that as a surprise on classic rock radio.

not bad, not fantastic either but a solid album ig

No conocía la banda ni ninguna canción; se me hizo muy fácil de escuchar, me gustó mucho.

Surprised at how good it is.

Making its way to my all time albums list…

First half or so pretty good but second half or so not as much. Now that I’m 43 I guess I have to like this now (I do go the most part).

I think the presence of 4 Steely Dan albums on this list is one of the strongest indicators that it could use some editing. HAVING SAID THAT, this is better than the first 2 I’ve gotten from this list.

so good but not my type

Based on my research, here is an in-depth review of Steely Dan's debut album **Can't Buy A Thrill** (1972). ## Overview Released in November 1972, *Can't Buy A Thrill* announced the arrival of one of rock's most sophisticated and sardonic duos: **Donald Fagen** and **Walter Becker**. Recorded at The Village Recorder in West Los Angeles with producer **Gary Katz**, the album arrived fully formed—blending jazz sophistication with pop accessibility, and wrapping cynical, literate lyrics in deceptively smooth musical packages . The title references a line from Bob Dylan's "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry," while the band's name came from a steam-powered dildo in William S. Burroughs' *Naked Lunch*—setting the tone for their blend of highbrow literary references and underground edge . --- ## Music & Production ### Sonic Palette The album showcases a remarkably diverse musical range for a debut. While later Steely Dan albums would lean heavily into jazz fusion, *Can't Buy A Thrill* maintains stronger rock and pop foundations while incorporating: - **Latin jazz/mambo** ("Do It Again," "Only A Fool Would Say That") - **Straight-ahead rock** ("Reelin' In The Years") - **Country-tinged balladry** ("Brooklyn (Owes The Charmer Under Me)") - **Funky R&B** ("Dirty Work") - **Complex jazz-influenced progressions** ("Fire In The Hole," "Turn That Heartbeat Over Again") ### Production Excellence Gary Katz and engineer **Roger Nichols** (referred to as "The Immortal" in the credits) crafted a sound that was simultaneously polished and organic. The production is meticulous—not a single percussive break or flugelhorn dab is out of place—yet it never feels sterile . The album features an impressive cast of session musicians and band members: - **Jeff "Skunk" Baxter**: Guitar, pedal steel - **Denny Dias**: Guitar, electric sitar (his solo on "Do It Again" is legendary) - **Elliott Randall**: Guest lead guitar on "Reelin' In The Years" and "Kings"—his solo on the former is widely considered one of rock's greatest - **Victor Feldman**: Additional percussion - **Jerome Richardson** (tenor sax) and **Snooky Young** (flugelhorn) on "Dirty Work" ### Vocal Arrangements Fagen sings lead on most tracks, but the album features three other lead vocalists—a rarity in Steely Dan's catalog: - **David Palmer**: Lead on "Dirty Work" and "Brooklyn" (his only album with the band) - **Jim Hodder**: Lead on "Midnite Cruiser" - **Walter Becker**: Co-lead on "Turn That Heartbeat Over Again" --- ## Lyrics & Themes ### Cynicism and Character Studies Fagen and Becker established themselves as rock's most literate cynics. Their lyrics depict a gallery of losers, users, and dreamers—anti-heroes elevated to high art through biting wit and precise observation . **Key thematic elements:** **Compulsion and Repetition** — "Do It Again" explores the cycle of self-destructive behavior: gambling, failed relationships, and violence, all set to an infectious Latin groove. The chorus ("You go back Jack, do it again") suggests we're doomed to repeat our mistakes . **Adultery and Power Dynamics** — "Dirty Work" presents a man trapped as the "other man" in an affair, acknowledging his exploitation ("I'm a fool to do your dirty work") but unable to break free . **Political Commentary** — "Kings" uses the death of Richard I and ascension of King John as allegory for political corruption and broken promises. "Fire In The Hole" references Vietnam draft evasion (a phrase used by soldiers), reflecting Becker and Fagen's own experiences avoiding the draft through student deferments . **Urban Disillusionment** — "Brooklyn (Owes The Charmer Under Me)" was inspired by "President Street Pete," a tenant who lived below Fagen in Park Slope. The song imagines compensation for "the indignities that they suffered living in Brooklyn, sitting on the stoop and just shooting the shit about the Mets" . **Existential Weariness** — "Midnite Cruiser" and "Turn That Heartbeat Over Again" explore resignation and the passage of time, with the latter featuring some of the album's most harmonically complex passages . ### Literary Quality The lyrics reward close reading—dense with allusion, black humor, and what Fagen described as a "natural ironic stance." Lines like "Love your mama, love your brother/Love them till they run for cover" from "Turn That Heartbeat Over Again" represent perhaps the snidest jab at the peace-and-love ethos ever recorded . --- ## Influence & Legacy ### Immediate Impact The album was both a critical and commercial success, reaching #17 on the Billboard charts and eventually achieving platinum certification. Singles "Do It Again" (Top 10) and "Reelin' In The Years" became FM radio staples that remain in heavy rotation today . ### Long-term Influence *Can't Buy A Thrill* essentially invented the template for "yacht rock"—sophisticated, studio-crafted pop that would influence: - **The Doobie Brothers** (particularly Michael McDonald era) - **Toto** - **10cc** - **Supertramp** - Countless soft rock and jazz-pop acts of the late 70s and beyond The album established the Steely Dan model: impeccably crafted songs that function as Trojan horses—catchy enough for AM radio, complex enough for progressive listeners, and cynical enough for the intelligentsia . --- ## Pros & Cons ### **Pros** 1. **Instant Classic Singles** — "Do It Again" and "Reelin' In The Years" are perfect songs that would justify the album's existence alone. "Reelin'" features Elliott Randall's guitar solo, which Jimmy Page reportedly called one of his favorites . 2. **Musical Versatility** — The album ranges from Latin jazz to country-tinged ballads to complex rock without ever feeling scattered. It showcases a band comfortable with multiple genres . 3. **Lyrical Sophistication** — Becker and Fagen's wordplay and cynical observations were unprecedented in mainstream rock. They brought literary ambition to pop music . 4. **Production Values** — Gary Katz and Roger Nichols created a benchmark for studio excellence. The sound remains crisp and engaging decades later . 5. **Deep Cuts** — Beyond the hits, tracks like "Kings," "Fire In The Hole," and "Midnite Cruiser" demonstrate the album's consistent quality . 6. **Fully Formed Debut** — Unlike most first albums, *Can't Buy A Thrill* shows a band already in command of its unique vision. As one critic noted, it sounds "only distantly related to rock'n'roll" yet completely accessible . ### **Cons** 1. **Vocal Inconsistency** — The use of multiple lead vocalists (Palmer, Hodder) creates some inconsistency. David Palmer's contributions on "Dirty Work" and "Brooklyn" are competent but lack Fagen's distinctive character . Some critics find Palmer's "Dirty Work" too close to Eagles-style country-rock, diluting the Steely Dan identity . 2. **Uneven Deep Cuts** — While the album is consistently good, not every track reaches the heights of the singles. "Change Of The Guard" and "Turn That Heartbeat Over Again," while musically interesting, lack the immediate appeal of the hits . 3. **Less Jazz Fusion** — For fans of Steely Dan's later, more jazz-oriented work (particularly *Aja* and *Gaucho*), this album may feel too rock-oriented. The jazz elements are present but not dominant . 4. **"Rough Patches"** — Compared to their later, obsessively polished albums, some tracks like "Midnite Cruiser" and "Change Of The Guard" have a slightly unrefined quality—charming to some, unfinished to others . 5. **Oblique Lyrics** — The density of the lyrics can be alienating. Listeners seeking straightforward emotional connection may find the irony and cynicism off-putting . --- ## Verdict *Can't Buy A Thrill* is one of the most impressive debut albums in rock history. It established Steely Dan as purveyors of "smart person's mellow" music—sophisticated, cynical, and impeccably crafted. While not quite reaching the jazz-fusion perfection of later albums like *Aja*, it arguably offers more variety and raw energy than their subsequent work. The album succeeds because it balances accessibility with complexity: the hooks are undeniable, the musicianship is stellar, and the lyrics reward repeated listening. It may not be the definitive Steely Dan album—that honor usually goes to *Aja* or *Pretzel Logic*—but it remains essential listening and a blueprint for intelligent, studio-crafted pop-rock. **Rating: 8.5-9/10** — A near-perfect debut that announced the arrival of rock's most cerebral hitmakers. *Can't Buy A Thrill* proved that you could sell millions of records while maintaining artistic integrity, literary ambition, and musical sophistication—a formula that would sustain Steely Dan through their classic 1970s run and beyond .

Me gustó bastante 4/5. Mí canción fav "Reelin' in the years"

I saw steely Dan was next and dreaded having to listen. I have no idea why some people love this band. Dirty Work was ok and reminds me of being a kid listening to the radio in the back seat of the Oldsmobile. I thought I would be ok with Reeling in the years but ended up skipping half way through. The riff in the beginning is pretty decent. Maybe I’ll dine it another shot in 20 more years. Pass

too hippie for me,too much of the za

Not for me

not that bad , i already had a song added too

One of my top 25 maybe even 20 albums of all time. This was probably my 100th time listening.

I quite like this album, good harmonies and good production. I did find that the well known songs from this album while not bad I didn’t prefer to the deep cuts which is probably due to over hearing them and becoming sorta numb to them. Still good though

Very enjoyable aswell!

A fun album to listen to Favs songs - Dirty Work, Midnite Cruiser 4/5

Heard

Perfecta para conducir y tenerla de fondo

Love every song in it

Safe and clean soft rock.

My favourite album by them. Solid 4

It has many of their best tracks. It features David Palmer as vocalist on many tracks because they hadn't yet worked out that Donald Fagan's voice was a key distinguishing feature for the band. Musicianship, songwriting and production all top notch.

Steely Dan’s debut shows off their enviably smooth flow as they cycle through a roster of hits. I can’t help but feel this band is deeply underrated nowadays, or at least I’ve been sleeping on them. It’s very listenable, beautifully composed music with a very high hit rate.

Going for a high 4, the production is perfect, the songwriting is consistently substantial and catchy, the singles are immense - i really enjoy the best bits from bands like the Eagles being blended and smoothed out, but it never does quite enough for me to hit the heights of a 5, it’s at the end of the day a flavour i don’t go in for often

I have never really gotten into the Dan like some people do, but I have liked their stuff and I had no idea all these songs were on their debut album. What a start! This is fantastic.

Jazz rock, pop rock, soft rock.

With that name and cover, that's not the music I was expecting - how harmlessly competent

For a band named after a sex toy, how is the music so flaccid?

Klingt für mich altbacken, wenn auch musikalisch interessant.

I want to give this album a 5. Do it again, dirty work, reelin in the years are all time bangers. But I can’t get into the rest of the album.

70’s Rock ⭐️Do It Again

MUITO BOM

Another banger album. 'Dirty Work' is a hell of a song.

Maybe I do like steely dan

Gran álbum, me encanta las vibras que da y es muy fácil de escuchar

Great first thing to listen to in the morning and coming from work in the afternoon

Was very nostalgic for an era I was not born into but many of the songs I knew because of movies I saw growing up.

Super pleasant, easy listening but doesn’t stand out

Doesn’t deserve a 5 but I’m giving is. Peak yacht rock. What a vibe.

3/5

The bass lines are awesome

How dare this list challenge my preconceived notions about Steely Dan

very much dad rock, not my style but I can appreciate the musicality

Reminded me of War which was surprising. Super bright and fun, glad I finally went beyond Dirty Work.

I listened to it while assembling furniture, so I was partially distracted but I feel as if that's kind of the best way to listen to the album. I'm not familiar with the tracks because of it, and most of the vocals went through me, but the instrumentation was good and the vibes were immaculate.

Startede ok, men mistede kadence undervejs. Fra stor 3'er til lille 3'er.

This was a lot better than the other Steely Dan album I had to listen to. I still didn’t like it though. This gets 2 stars instead of 1 star. I knew Reelin’ in the Years, and I had heard Do It Again before.

good, better than last time, 3 songs very nice

Simply some of the best you can listen to.

fortissimo e ti mette di buon umore

Diciamo che loro sono abbastanza una garanzia e forse mi è piaciuto anche di più del precedente

"Easy" listening dad rock. Cool instrumentation. Strained vocals on occasion. "Dirty work" is a good time.

Sort of up and down. Started off really, really good....about 4 stars Dropped off for a couple of songs....about 2 stars Ended right in the middle. Basic math = 3 stars

honestly surprised that i recognized a few songs and that there was quite a bit of latin inspiration in the music. enjoyed a walk down memory lane as it reminded me of my grandfather.

average... I don t remember much about it, should have reviewed it sooner.

My dad once told me "Reelin in the Years" reminded him of my mom, which was pretty funny...

I think I’m more of a small doses Steely Dan listener but still a worthy classic. The playful instrumentation in the background gets me every time. Fav tracks: Do it Again, Dirty Work, Reelin' in the Years. RYM: Y (#536) Saved a song: Y

I'm really searching for something nice to say about Steely Dan. The only thing I can think of is that I disliked this album less than Pretzel Logic and that the first 2 tracks are decently good pop songs. Otherwise, listening to this felt like sitting in a dentist's chair.

Favorite songs: Do It Again, Dirty Work, Reelin’ In The Years

straight gas cmon

Incredible. Production is beautiful, the songs are impeccably played. "Do It Again" is magical.

Better than I expected. I recognized some of the songs as singles.

I don't like it except for some instrumental parts. The first track gives me a dire straits Deja vu (nobody would think so)

What’s worse than being up all night with the stomach flu? Finally giving up on sleep at 3 AM, checking my random album pick, and seeing it’s Steely Dan. This album is better than Countdown to Ecstasy, and has some classic tracks like Reelin’ In The Years. Steely Dan are undeniably skilled musicians, but there’s no depth beneath the polished harmonies and cheesy yacht rock vibes. It’s perfectly forgettable.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good

Je l'ai fait jouer 3x tellement j'ai adoré! Quels musiciens talentueux, les solos sont délirants. En bonus, ça sonne très cinématographique, j'ai l'impression que chaque toune joue dans un film.

Cover 2/5. Quel collage laid. Désolé. Mais l’album wow! Incroyable qu’elle excellents titre, tous des verres d’oreilles. Meilleur que l’autre Steely Dan.

3.4

I liked this more than I thought I would. It's fun. It's easy. Not my usual, and not something I would seek out, but it was pretty good. 4 stars

Becoming my father

It's nice. Some songs are cool, the rest is just an easy listen. I don't mind getting this artist as a daily listen but I would not choose it specifically.

Solide boomermuziek, in de beste traditie van de Eagles en aanverwanten. Een prettig warm geluid dus, onberispelijke samenzang, hier en daar een vakkundige solo, vibes van over stoffige wegen rijden in een brede, ouwe Amerikaanse bak, in de zon. En wat is daar mis mee? Helemaal niks!

Even teruglezen naar mijn eerdere opmerkingen over Steely Dan. Nauwelijks samengevat waren dat: saai en kwalitatief sterk. Ja, dat herken ik nu ook wel. Het is maar net de jaren '60 ontsnapt. Als we het over saai hebben, dan is dit zeker nog niet vergelijkbaar met hun album Aja. Ik heb ook weer geen wegzakkers gehad. Maar of ik dit nu nog eens opzet? Ik laat het denk ik bij een los nummer af en toe. 3,5 sterren.

In het kader van de Oscars van vorige week zat ik One Battle after Another te kijken. Op een gegeven moment komt er een scene met een heerlijk nummer op de achtergrond. Ik herken het ergens wel, het lijkt op muziek die ik al wel vaker heb gehoord. Maar ik moet het wel even opzoeken, ondanks het herkenbare geluid. Tik Tok Tik. Tingeling! Dirty Work van Steely Dan, de D op 12. En vervolgens krijgen we vandaag het album waar dat nummer op staat. En dat is niet het enige, ook het fijne Do It Again en Reelin in the Years vinden we terug op dit plaatje. Het is zoetgevooisde soft rock, soms ook wel yacht rock genoemd, met wat jazzy elementen erin. Ze zingen graag in harmonie net als de Eagles en strooien met solos, zonder dat overmatig te gebruiken. Het tempo blijft er continu in. Ik zet met alle genoegen nog een keer het album aan, al is het alleen al voor die eerste paar tracks. Top, 5 sterren!

Good album with 3-4 hits. Fine

Not my bag.

Bit too soft, not quite jazzy enough yet. Passable.

classic. only a couple goofy tracks

I literally love yacht rock

Not a single skip. Crazy that this is their debut.

Really had to force myself to listen to this one. Maybe it’s because it’s what I call “Venture Music” - the genre of 70’s music I was forced to listen to while working my retail job in the 90’s, or possibly because the vocals are pretty whiny. Reelin In the Years, Do It Again, and Change of the Guard aren’t bad, but the rest of this was nails on the chalkboard for me. (3)

Por la razón que sea, escuchando este disco me viene a la mente la música de Carole King. Ambas beben de las mismas influencias y se comprometen con una etiqueta de easy listening/soft rock de la cual son ambos claros exponentes. “Do It Again” es un bombazo que ha tenido decenas de versiones por razones obvias. Más allá de la placidez con la que se escucha, la banda se muestra versátil y en estado de gracia compositiva. Merecen más reconocimiento popular, sin duda.

1. dirty work 2. only a fool would say that

i love this

Dad rock (complimentary)

I'll always stop to listen to Steely Dan.

Fav song- Midnite Cruiser

Steely Dan! KTR

I already knew one of the songs thanks to a friend of a friend. So cool!

Hmmm. Early 70s soft rock. Loved it at the time but now - a little bored.

Early 70's middle-of-the-road vanilla rock I heard nothing exceptional here, just lots of bland Not for me

Can’t Buy a Thrill is very easy to listen to, yet never simplistic. Some moments feel slightly Beatles-like, and I really love that sound. I tend to prefer the more rock-oriented tracks over the jazz-leaning ones, especially Reelin’ In the Years, Fire in the Hole, and Change of the Guard.

Enjoyable.

Cracking album

Such a nice and chill album with many memorable songs

8 - GOOD

The first thing I noticed on Steely Dan's debut album is that both core members (Donald Fagan & Walter Becker) sound like old men longing for the past- both were in their early twenties! The same can be said about the lyrics! It's a solid debut with some brilliant songs (Reelin' in the Years, Do It Again, Fire in the Hole) and a lot of songs that sound somewhere between brilliant and competent B sides. The album cover art is great and fits the music as well as any album cover ever has. It looks like what the music sounds like. Neat stuff! While far from essential I enjoyed 'Can't Buy A Thrill' is a very good debut that sounds like music from a couple of man who have being doing this stuff for decades and decades. The album cover art is great and fits the music as well as any album cover ever has. It looks like what the music sounds like. Neat stuff! While far from essential I enjoyed 'Can't Buy A Thrill' a solid debut that sounds like music from a couple of man who have being doing this stuff for decades and decades.

Not as bad as I thought it might be. Couple of half decent songs.

steely dan they could never make me hate you

Tony Soprano summer!! (I’m listening to Dirty Work whilst driving my car in a loud shirt smoking a cigar)

Vamos hoy con otro caso de banda clásica de rock pero que por clásica suele pasar desapercibida en los tiempos actuales. Hay tanta oferta que lo histórico, por ser parte del papel, suele perderse en el camino. Pienso y reflexiono. Ya apareció en éste reto el disco "Aja" pero rescato mucho más éste disco. Tiene groove, momentos tranquilos y otros más rockeros. Bueno para juntada o para trabajo en oficina. Muchas gracias y hasta mañana.

Gostei muito das guitarras

Groovy

You can see so many 70s influences here Bowie Kibks Thin Lizzy Springsteen

Not as bad as I thought it would be, but probably won't listen to it regularly. Too many fade outs at end of songs. Like...a lot.

Listening while doing unimportant things, background music, good weather, a pinch of fantasy, good mood and motivation, going on a walk :)

First five star of this album listening thing. This album was so much fun, it was the first thing I started listening to when I woke up this-morning and it put me in such a great mood. Amazing and catchy choruses, a vocal tone that didn't take itself too seriously, this album was sm fun.

Non-offensive soft rock. Personally a little too jazzy for me to really get into, but not bad. 4/5

Only a fool would rate it lower

I can see why this must be a classic but to me, this album is one from an era and culture that I just don’t know I can relate to. I’ll still give it a shot - it’s a vibe but not one that I’m overly opinionated about.

Great, just really fun and pleasant to listen to

Not my cup of tea, pero... por fin lo escuché completo y entiendo el porqué de su fama. Todo muy bien tocado e interpretado.

I’ve listened to this album plenty before and it’s one of my all time faves. Not a single skip on the record. I haven’t made it though all of Steely Dan’s discography but of what I’ve hear so far, this is the top. Fave songs: Do it Again, Dirty Work, and Midnight Cruiser 5/5

I don't get it, not my go to 70s album. But I'll give it another go.

“You guys probably aren’t ready for this. But your kids are going to sample the shit out of this.”

Beautifully recorded and mixed with great harmonies, but ultimately didn't grab me.

Probably the best Steely Dan album I’ve heard so far. Notables include Do It Again, Dirty Work, Reelin’ In The Years.

I've listened to Steely Dan before and couldn't really get into it. This album was a little better for me, but still didn't totally grip me. There are some flashy instrumentals and some nice melodies, the lyrics didn't all hit me, but some of it was good. Standout tracks were "Do It Again" and "Reeling In The Years" which, crazy enough, I found out are the singles from the album. The rest was pretty standard. All in all, a very "fine" album. Gets an average 3/5 from me.

Sounded nice but I don’t think I will listen to it any more

Steely Dan constantly oscillate between "Oh, that's quite interesting" and "this is the most boringly tasteful shit I've ever heard", often in the same song, but this had enough to show why they got successful. Do It Again and Reeling are both great pop songs with a fun twist, and there are bits and pieces that raise a smile or are atonal enough to be funky, but the rest descends into blargh. I want to give it a 2, but that feels unfair, so 3.

Mid. Sn i saved 3 songs

Sorry... fell asleep. What happened?

ABSOLUTE PERFECTION OH MY GOD

Smooth, jazzy rock with typical 70s flavor and close harmony vocals. If you can get past, or even get into, Don Fagen's unique sardonic singing style, the other thing you have to appreciate is the sophisticated song arrangements. Which isn't too hard given that the guitar work from Denny Dias and Jeff "Skunk" Baxter is intricate and melodic, and the solo on "Reelin'" by Elliott Randall is legendary. The singles Do It Again and Reelin' in the Years are 5-star but the rest is not quite as remarkable.

c'est ok

Super et tellement groovy

It was OK. Couple of familiar classic songs.

A couple of good songs, the rest can be left in the seventies.

First song is good but the album becomes a bit repetitive after. Not a bad listen at all though

5. Debut album!

A strong debut from a band that would eventually become great, but hadn’t yet. In the meantime, they really liked Eagles and Grateful Dead.

The album kicks off with classic Steely Dan hits, and continues with other great songs I haven’t heard before. Good album. 3.6/5.0

Really great album, with several bangers and musical excellence.

I'm 32 and ready to start admitting that I love old white man music

Mais uma vez, Steely Dan. Achei esse álbum muito mais interessante que o Pretzel Logic, mas não o bastante pra uma nota maior que a média. Potencialmente pode aumentar, porém.

Like.

It’s a good job I am a Dad as this is as Dad Rock as it gets and I really liked it. I knew a couple of the songs from the album and while the rest of the songs didn’t quite reach these in terms of hook overall I thought it was good and will definitely be listening to this again.

Good.

Este album me hace vibrar altisimo

I love Dirty Work, The album cover is extraordinary Overall very mild album

Lovely jazzy tunes Ideal length

Compared to the last Steely Dan album I reviewed, I really liked this one. I added two of its songs to my personal collection.

So this one's a tough review for me. It's all "likeable," and some of the tracks are obvious classics. I like the sound when there's some guitar licks roughening it up, but it's usually so slick that I lose attention. I had a could listens while I was doing other things, and went back looking for songs I thought I heard and couldn't find them With the exception of a few that are already in my musical-historical-cultural consciousness, nothing made impression. Except for "Turn that Heartbeat Over Again" song. That song just sucks. Highs: the singles everyone over 30 knows: "Reelin' in the Years" and probably "Do It Again." Lows: Turn that heartbeat and Brooklyn and the rest that I can't remember. This is one that as I'm listening and writing these notes, I dislike it more. It's so close to music I like, but the FM radio somebody-else-put-this-on-for-your-pleasure feeling of it is too much. 2.5 but rounding down.

I really enjoyed this album. The sound of soft rock is great allowing it to be an enjoyable, but also a great listen while working. Glad I can appreciate Steely Dan more than when I was younger.

slayed, really enjoyed. knew a few of these already, really didnt know much about this band’s sound prior, had a great time with this

I’ve suddenly got the urge to drink some beers in my garage

One of the best Steely Dan albums ever, which makes it one of the best albums ever

hits and bangers

Easiest 5 on the list so far.

Great vibes but heavily influenced by the fact it was one of the first sunny days of the year yesterday

tbh at first was ready to write it off as dad rock but somewhere around the middle of the album i changed my mind. guitar solos are just FILTHY, lyrics are tight, and the jazz elements are the icing on the cake

Very good album! Definitely has some of their classics! Perfect balance of keyboard and guitar. Absolutely amazing!

Not quite

Iconic from the first note. Groovy and easy to listen to. Keys and guitars go hard and the vocals are pretty smooth. Overall, it's a fantastic album that's only flaw is its greatest strength... it's almost too laid back!

80

Great band, great album, and of course I do.

was pleasantly surprised eh

One of the best albums of all time, genuinely have listen 100s of times. I love the funky jazzy fusion and the lyrics are excellent

Do It Again - 5/5 Dirty Work - 5/5 Kings - 5/5 Midnite Cruiser - 4/5 Only a Fool Would Say That - 5/5 Reelin' in the Years - 5/5 Fire in the Hole - 4/5 Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me) - 4/5 Change of the Guard - 4/5 Turn That Heartbeat Over Again - 4/5 Average score: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Not really my genre exactly but I can't deny the artistry and skill on display here, and it made really good background music.

Groovy, i like it, ademas tiene la canción q sale en the sopranos Grata sorpresa

Pleasantly surprised by this album definitely has potential to return Steely Dan. You might have gotten a new fan. I knew some of these songs from friends definitely a solid album.

Propper Pop Rock. "Do it again".

Incredible album. Made me realize I love Steely Dan.

Loved this album. Has some rlly good songs, heard some new ones that were good.

Muy buen álbum, mucho funk y tremendo groove

es muy bueno bro

Yo que sé, too much, muy psicodélico para mi.

I'm afraid I have been sleeping on the Dan. I sincerely apologize. Kings, Dirty Work, and Reelin' in the Years are insanely good. 8/10

I fully enjoyed this. And I knew far more of the songs than I thought I would. 4.5/5

Don't think I enjoyed it as much as the last Steely Dan album I got, but it's still pretty damn good.

Very much enjoyed. Great opening few songs in particular.

Album 117. Can't Buy A Thrill — Steely Dan (1972) If it's dad rock, then I'm a dad, okay. I'm a fooool to do your dirty work, oh yeeeeeah It's their debut and probably their best album. Greatness. I love this jazzy soft rock so much. I can't give it the highest rating. It has 4 classic bangers, but other songs are pretty weak. My favorite from the album at the moment - Only A Fool Would Say That 4/5 Liked songs: — Do It Again — Dirty Work — Only A Fool Would Say That — Reelin' In The Years

meh, just rock, nothing special for me

it's just good, fun classic rock. i've heard a little steely dan here and there, but sometimes you hear a song and you're like, yeah i've heard this before but i never knew who it was. anyway that's do it again favorite tracks: dirty work reelin' in the years 3/5

🫤 meh

I am sure one day I will grow to love Steely Dan, but today wasn't that day.

Decent Sunday album. It faded towards the end though… 2.5

Enjoyed this - nice breezy album. Very 70s but much less annoying than that CS&N albim

Not terrible, but pretty close - towards the bottom of the two stars. Tom.

Ok but by the end I was ready to listen to something else. A bit repetitive.

8.50, demasiado tranquilo para un domingo

It’s a good set of songs, but I just can’t do it with those Steely Dan resurgence.

Perfectly fine

Sonically floating slowly down a river, catching a beer someone just threw you from the shore.