Can't Buy A Thrill

Groundbreaking.

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

Great hits and great tunes throughout.

The Dan rules.

A pitch perfect debut. Tho the smooth sound can undercut the dark lyrics but isn't that the point.

I really like this. Probably one of the best albums I've heard on this list. I'll definitely be returning to this one. 5/5

I was already very familiar with this one and it’s a great album!

I've loved this album since it was first released back in 1972. This is the first Steely Dan album. For their first two albums, they were an actual band, self-contained. After Countdown to Ecstasy, they became Fagen and Becker supported by some of the best studio musicians available. This 1st album is also the only one to feature David Palmer splitting lead vocal duties with Donald Fagen. Denny Dias and future Doobie Brother Skunk Baxter shine on lead guitars. Fagen's keyboard work is very nice. The lyrics require one to actually listen to gain understanding. While the rock orientation is stronger on the first two albums, there's definitely a hint of the jazz influences that become stronger later on. Excellent album. You may not be able to buy a thrill, but you can buy a wonderful album that will please you forever.

Great album, good introduction to prog rock. Solid production, excelent flow, great songs. Recording on par with most 1970's prog rock bands. Although I felt it sounded like Yes! A lot. Still a strong 8/10

It will always amaze me that what was retrospectively a record made just so Walter Becker and Donald Fagen could fund the music they actually wanted to make, is in fact one of the greatest rock albums of all time. This basically launched yacht rock, and I’ll always be grateful to Elliott Randall for playing maybe the greatest guitar solo of all time on Reelin’ In The Years.

hmmm very good also matt get back to work buddy

Amazing album. Have heard it before, so fun. My enjoyment of Steely Dan make me feel more white than normal but it’s unapologetic in this case. Not their best album but the peaks on this album are insanely high.

Always Fantastic!!!

After just knowing the radio hits my whole life, this album was a game changer for me. Kings: banger. Midnight Cruiser: banger. Favorite tracks is probably Only A Fool Would Say That. Or Fire in the Hole. Growing up means recognizing the sonic majesty of Steely Dan.

Disclaimer: I already knew that I love this album, and its a given 5 in my book. Something I've never thought about, is the fact that these two nerds basically invented a whole new musical movement straight out of college. No, they were not the first to mix jazz with pop or rock. But there were not a lot of people implementing new elements and levels of sophistication into pop music. Whereas most people where focused on making jazz sound like progressive rock, Steely Dan starts implementing harmonies and forms that made them sound more like soul, but also a bit like country. I know people like to stamp them with jazz pop or whatever, but in reality I think they were more about stepping past genre barriers. As the yacht rock idiom developed, this album became more and more influential.

Excellent Album

Love it.

Times are hard You're afraid to pay the fee So you find yourself somebody Who can do the job for free When you need a bit of lovin' 'Cause your man is out of town That's the time you get me runnin' And you know I'll be around I'm a fool to do your dirty work Oh yeah I don't wanna do your dirty work No more I'm a fool to do your dirty work Oh yeah This is a fucking great album. 5/5

Holy shit that's an album. Anyone got some blow?

probably my second favorite from steely dan!! this or aja

Classic!!

Cant go wrong with Steely Dan

alle låter er bangers, for et album...

Excellent

a perfect album. every element of this album was made with astute craftsmanship. no crinkle left unironed. thr lyrics, melody, arrangements, the PRODUCTION!!!! NOT A SINGLE SOLITARY FLAW!!!!

I actually think this is the worst out of Steely Dan’s 7-album run from ‘72-‘80, but still a 5/5. You can listen a thousand times, but SD has so many interesting elements in any given track, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Never get tired of listening to them!

5 stars. It's the Dan.

Excelent. Add to playlist

Good Rock!

The guitarists on this album are amazing! And I love Donald Fagen's voice.

Possibly my favorite Dan record!

One of few albums where every song is very good. 4.7

Massive Dan fan, and this is one of the better records.

Classic.

Bangers all the way through

A real band's band

My favorite Dan album and an all time classic

One of the best from Steely Dan

Love this

Dad rock ftw

You don’t gotta twist my arm to get me to listen to Steely Dan.

The undisputed kings of dad rock, and quite possibly the best studio band of all time, Steely Dan proves here that sometimes technical perfection does not have to come at the cost of writing a subpar song.

The dads were right, and they still are; this shit rips.

Love great session players, and Elliot Randall is top notch. well worth a look through his wiki write up to see what a great career the guy had. Jeff Baxter is another legend here, playing through the 70's with steely dan, the doobie brothers, subsequently with everyone and their dog, and then apparently "stumbled into" a career as a self taught consultant for the us military and chair of the Civilian Advisory Board for Ballistic Missile Defense. because of course.

I don't want to do your dirty work, oh yeahhhh

Fucking class. THIS is good rock. Reelin' in the Years and Dirty Work 🔛🔝

Best of bisher

Amazing album, the vocals, instrumentals and overall tone was fantastic. 10 out of 10

I understand the appeal of Steely Dan. They are just so good, the way they make groove is just undeniable.

Awesome album. Never listened to it in full. Few new tunes I dug. Wasn’t very long. I made chili and cleaned up in one listen.

This album is so much fun. Totally accomplished what it was made to do. The solos are very simple and not super impressive. But the grooves and the tempo for each song I feel was picked really well. Maybe a few too many fade-outs but hey it’s Steely Dan.

Iconic sound and voice. Truly the sound of the 70s leading combining rock and jazz.

Classic Rock at its best. I feel there's some jazz guitar and dash of country vibes. Definitely an album I'll suggest

A magnificent, uber-musical album that just told the world from the get go that these two blokes had their own jazzy kooky twisted take on things. The songs! The lyrics!! The solos!!!

This album has banger after banger. It's a near perfect album that isn't long, and still manages to lure you in for 41 mins and you come out not even realizing how much time has passed. Every song on this album is a hit. 5/5

Way better than I expected or remembered. Surprisingly diverse sound, too

I’ve never listened to this album all the way through before. It came out the year I was born!

Nice, enjoyed listening to this one 🥰

Just absolutely love this band. Could not be more down my alley if they tried. Instrumentation, overall vibe, lyrics, writing style...just all perfect for me. Favorite track: Reelin' in the Years

Great - really relaxing and perfect for calming down at the end of a (Work)day.

An album for eating burgers with your older relatives. No one will be upset if this record is on.

Love this album

Fire in the hole! Listened on the drive home after the last day of school before Christmas break. Will be revisiting.

Steely Dan feels separated from the gamut of American popular music while showcasing multiple genres that are deeply rooted in American music history.

Franchement bien cool à écouter

This album is a pure relax and joy!

Fuck man, if this is dad rock, then put a baby in me I guess. No Aja, but still no less worthy of a 5

10/10

Great album

It's Steely Dan. It's just quality music that is almost universally acclaimed. Not every song is a classic, but there are a few here on their debut album that are just a harbinger of the brilliant tunes that would come. I enjoy their album Aja more, but this is still worth remaining in regular rotation in your playlist for this genre.

MASTERPIECE

Do it again, Dirty Work, and Reelin in the Years are the classics.

Always an absolute banger and made me hate my job a little less today.

Hm I left for a week I come back and the best album I missed was steely Dan. I wish I could say I was surprised!!!!

If I saw this in a record store, I'd probly buy it

5: Feels wrong to listen to this without a cold beer in hand. Instantly fell in the love with this record - it’s going on heavy rotation. I found myself singing along to the hooks by the 2nd chorus, and humming melodies long after the album was over.

Do it Again fell out of the radio in the corner of the kitchen when I was a teenager. After that I had to buy this album, I've still got my original pressing. A great album out of the box, a gateway record to Dan addiction. Beyond Do it Again and Reelin' in the Years the ear worms on this album hook you-Dirty Work, Midnite Cruiser, Change of the Guard, the whole album-obscure lyrics in abundance, shit hot guitar solos, weird chord changes, plastic organ solos, music by jazz freaks for rock freaks. 4 out of 5 on the journey to the polished steel precision greatness which is Aja.

This album is so good I might have to buy a back up in case I wear out my current one. Great front to back. Plus, it always comes back to Steely Dan.

Great harmonies, great recording, great everything.

Great album!

Best Steely Dan record

Classic

A perfect album

Fantastic

Classic stuff

Peak dad rock

Geweldig album, steely dan in hun prime

11/13/23. Nearly flawless album for me! Not sure why, but every song stands out on its own, but at the same time flow together very well. This will stand the test of time.

Bangers only

One of my favorites

Absolute bangers

A great mix of styles and some classic songs. Really good album

Classic

Listened to the LP, hope it’s not the only Steely Dan on the list.

Glad I finally listened through the whole album. Only A Fool Would Say That is still probably my favorite Steely Dan track. Found a few others that I liked that I hadn't heard before, including Midnite Cruiser, Fire In The Hole, and Turn That Heartbeat Over Again).

Awesome lyrics, sounds cool as hell

Album was really good from the get go had me hooked in! Can’t fault it

Vibes and music are all immaculate, what more could you need

I really like this one. Very my vibe in music.

I already knew three songs off this album, all three of which I really love. And then, to my surprise, the rest of the album was JUST AS GOOD. Perfection. Chef's kiss.

Surprisingly good. Best album so far

THIS ALBUM FUCKING SLAPS IT'S SO GROOVY AND JAZZY AND FUNKY.

So many bangers in this one. Its just a tight groovy record and I cant really fault it for anything. Appreciated even more on a second or third listen too.

An amazing first album - Big time Steely Dan Fan, and Donald Fagen's still relevant today (RIP Mr. Becker)/ So much artistry and unique style. Do yourself a favor and listen 2x if this is a new album to you. Finally , a second 5 rated album!

Every track is fantastic. 'Do It Again' sets a strong tone, and the rest of the album keeps up the energy.

This is fookin great

Best one so far

Do it again is a top notch song didn’t know steely dan wrote it.

Classic. Great stuff.

LETS GO I LOVE STEELY DAN

- Had Countdown to Ecstasy on this before but haven't listened to any other Steely Dan - Can really see why people like this so much - Really, really good album from start to finish - Definitely need to listen to more of their stuff - Fav songs: Do It Again, Dirty Work, Reelin' in the Years

Loved this album and Steely Dan! 5/5

Some great classic songs on this album. Loved it

awesome!

What a great album. Lyrics like “A race of angels bound with one another”, “unhand that gun begone, there’s no one to fire upon,” and other lyrics. No silly refrains. I wish I had appreciated Steely Dan when I was younger.

Oogh Steel Daniel

Great album with details to listen to everywhere. Guitar heavy and reminiscent of some Zappa stuff musically

Already a Steely Dan fan so this was a good time for me.

Brilliant! 11 stars!

Super strong album, every song is pretty unique and super enjoyable to listen to. Biased since I've listened to Steely Dan a lot before but never an album front to back. Was nodding along to almost every song.

good

Once again impressed with Steely Dan. Perfect length and that’s just a bonus. I absolutely love this band- I love their songs, I love the music, everything.

I don’t think I’m a Steely Dan Fan, but this album is great. I remember being bored by Katy Lied and Pretzel Logic as a child, I enjoyed The Nightfly - not sure I was aware of the connection back then. Their debut seems to have hit the perfect note for me between interesting and catchy. Maybe as they moved on they got more intricate and less “poppy”. Whatever happened, this one is full of brilliant songs that I could listen to all day.

Looveee this album, very happy and nice variation. 4,8

My namesake absolutely smash it here

Fünf Sterne

Hatch rock at its finest!

Can't find fault with innovation in such a distinct sound.

If the Grateful Dead are the chaotic improvisational side of jazz/rock, Steely Dan have planted their flag on the structured and planned side of the same coin. “Kings” and “Fire in the Hole” were my two favorites, but the classics like “Do It Again” and “Dirty Work” are great too.

And speaking of Beatnik-inspired musicians! Named after a sex toy from Burroughs’s Naked Lunch, Steely Dan is next to Lynyrd Skynyrd at the top of the list for rock bands and their bizarre etymology. From the funky instrumentals to Donald Fagen’s iconic voice, the band ranks among rock royalty for many other reasons too, and Can’t Buy A Thrill is a case in point. Steely Dan’s debut album kicks off with two of their finest songs, each offering its own sinful story, in the unrelenting “Do It Again” and the sorrowful “Dirty Work.” These tracks contrast to each other in many ways but each demonstrates the complexity of their music, which makes it all the more impressive that this record is their first. Part of me thinks the finale of side one sounds a bit like elevator music, but only a fool would say that. “Reelin In The Years” may be regarded as the group’s best song, and for good reason. Especially given the slower pace of most of their songs, Fagen sounds near out of breath at the end of each verse, and there’s something satisfying to that. While not their most famous tune, the intro to “Fire In The Hole” might just be the group’s most catchy jingle of all. Steely Dan doesn’t hit much on politics in this album (or in any of their albums, for that matter), but I have to think “Change Of The Guard” has at least some sort of political inspiration. Once the album turns over from the final track, I’m left thinking one thing: Back, Jack, do it again.

This album shows me that I'm wayyyy too eager to be a 45 year old dad drinking a bud light on my deck listening to Steely Dan.

Love the Dan. Another great album. 4.5/5

Loved all the songs here.

Hot take: Their best album. Easily their best album. Perhaps they were better off with an additional singer. There isn't one shippable song here. It'd be their best album if it only contained the three classic hits (Do It Again, Dirty Work and Reeling In The Years). As great as the Dan would continue to be, one wonders how much greater they would have become had vocalist David Palmer remained in the mix. Maybe they wouldn't be as polished, and ultimately Yacht Rock. Naysayers be damned. This is the Dan's finest hour, and one of my personal all-time favorite albums from any artist.

One of my favourites, incredible album

I've sung the praises of Steely Dan before, and they continue to be one of my favorite bands of the 70s if not all time. This introductory album set a very high standard. The Latin beat of "Do It Again" will always make it the perfect song for me.

I quite enjoyed this album...the tracks I knew and the ones that I did not.

Huh. I'd forgotten about Dirty Work. This album is great.

Two amazing songs I knew and a bunch of other jazzy, cool tunes did not disappoint! I loved it.

One of my favorite albums

I enjoyed it more than the last time I tried to listen to it. I think Steeley Dan is an acquired taste as the music is complex. It has definitely clicked with me and I would listen to this again. Some of the lyrics are a bit odd.

I missed this when it was released in 1972. My introduction to the Dan was their 3rd album, Pretzel Logic(1974). But I remember that I read a Rolling Stone interview with Jimmy Page, who was asked what guitarists he was taken with at the time & his reply was Elliott Randall’s fuzz-toned lead guitar on Steely Dan’s Reeling In The Years. So I was compelled to find out what that was all about. I was surprised that it was on an album that took it’s name from a Dylan lyric. But I guess I wasn’t surprised by its quality. From the latin feel of the opening Do It Again, they don’t miss a beat. I was already in love with Dirty Work from an Ian Matthews’ album I had. It was covered a lot in the 70’s. It’s one of a few vocals on the album not taken by Donald Fagen. It’s sung by David Palmer, who I later saw fronting Wha-Koo at a free Rocktober Concert on the Opera House Steps(1978). He also sings lead on the soulful Brooklyn(Owes The Charmer Under Me), memorable for Skunk Baxter’s pedal steel. Drummer Jim Hodder sings lead on Midnite Cruiser, which opens with a reference to Fagen’s idol, Thelonious Monk. In fact, Becker & Fagen’s jazz chops (one of the main things that brought them together) are all over this record. Fire In The Hole includes a great piano solo from Fagen, with just drums & bass behind him. Only A Fool Would Say That resurrects Do It Again’s latin feel with its congas. Great record to kick off a career.

I freaking love Steely Dan. Absolute bomb debut, love all the songs. Never fails to put me in a good mood. I always laugh at the "oh Michael, oh Jesus" part.

I usually dont like pop but this I did like. Excellent album.

STill in frequent rotation.

just recently found out this is not a greatest hits album

It’s hard to believe this is 1972. In a sea of what seemed to be CCR and CSNY this is the lighthouse to the 80s.

Absolutely brilliant, like comfort food for the ears. A few classic rock staples, and a bunch of other great songs. I loved it

Surprised how much fun I had listening, Geoff is really on to something here

One of only two chances to hear Steely Dan as an actual band and not just the brainchild of Becker/Fagen, and this one makes you wonder how they’d have carried on as a real unit. Not a big Do It Again fan but the rest of the album has amazing musicianship and vocal performances to back unique songwriting. Brooklyn was my top song on 2022’s Spotify Wrapped I think, and for good reason. I wish they’d have kept David Palmer to sing some of their later hits. Steely Dan doesn’t have a bad album. Katy Lied is my favorite, but they have many worthy of a 5 star consideration.

Really loved it, the vocals are clean the instrumentals are great and the overall vibe of the album is amazing.

The best Steely Dan album. I've got a scratched up copy on vinyl that plays super well, and it's gotten a lot of use. Fantastically smooth soft rock. Music I could see myself listening to while sunbathing on the beach. Honestly, I cant believe this is their debut album. It's too good. Amazing.

Incredible record. My favorite album from Steely Dan with not a single bad track, incredible instrumentation, and catchy songs. A rare 5 to give out.

A great album that doesn’t disappoint

A day in the life of a Hi-Fi Audiophile: 1) Plead with my wife to come back home 2) Crank that sweet, sweet Steely Dan

De la bonne vibe condensé en conserve

I am an unabashed fan of Steely Dan, and I love listening to this album to hear their sound as they started what I consider to be a truly epic journey of rock music creation, recording, and production. Even at this early stage, I can hear that they thought in layers and textures, and weaved in influences from rock, jazz, pop, R&B, soul, and other styles. They began here, too, their practice in this album of bringing in some of the most creative and interesting -- and incredibly skilled -- musicians to contribute to their studio efforts. Just superb stuff, and a stellar launch into a rich history of musical creation and innovation.

I just really enjoyed it

Own on Vinyl

Am I being too generous with my 5’s? Probably.

First time listening to Steely Dan. Super fun and groovy. Loving the jazz elements Favourites : Dirty Work, Midnight Cruiser, Only A Fool Would Say That, Fire In The Hole

Great album. Reminded me of the eagles. Soft rock super listenable I will definitely listen to it again. The sound of this album aged super well.

Truly didn’t expect to like this so much. The composition is just fucking tight so much for yacht rock this things a speed boat!

This is a great album. I've only really come to appreciate Steely Dan in recent years. Before, I would have enjoyed their singles but had them consigned as some sort of Dad Rock trope. However, now that I've delved into a few of their albums I really appreciate their musicianship, songwriting, and above all, production skills. This album is definitely one of their best, and the production here is fantastic. Even the few songs that don't resonate with me lyrically sound amazing. I'm not sure why they often get lumped in with Prog, to me they seem quite unique and stand somewhat alone in the early 70s rock scene.

Oh, so now they tell me this band was good actually???

LOVE Steely Dan.

Great classic! From known singalongs trough the smooth guitar solos of Jeff Baxter. Poppy with an attitude

I LOVE STEELY DAN!!!

I've never listened to a Steely Dan record so I'm excited for this one. So far I really like it, I know Dirty Work is pretty popular but I feel like for good reason. Reelin' In The Years was really good too.

Right, how have I never heard this record before? This is cool as fuck, simple as that. Really soft production, great melodies, lovely harmonies.

Lower 5 but still really good

Not on streaming services

One of the great debut albums of the 70s, Steely Dan skillfully walk the tightrope between polished pop and avant-garde experimentation. Not a single truly weak song in the bunch.

Great album

Was für ein Debut Album. Auch heute 30 Jahre später klingt die Musik noch Topaktuell. Schade dass Steely Dan nicht wie die Rolling Stones überdauert haben. Die Band hätte es verdient gehabt. Grossartige Musik, Gitarren betont, aber nicht alleine rockig. Viele Elemente aus verschiedentlichen Richtungen. Einfach grossartig.

LOVE ME SOME STEELY DAN 5/5

The feeling I get when I get a steely Dan album is exactly the opposite of how I feel when I get a who album where I feel actually excited instead of filled with dread. This album was jam packed with the bands biggest and best hits, with dirty work being especially important for my first political job. Definitely the best steely Dan album I’ve gotten so far and that was a pretty high bar to start.

9/10 - Really chill and great album, will listen again

Dirty work and reelin in the years are serious bangers but also popular. Hidden gem: Only a fool would say that

This album isn't my typical type, but I really love it. It's just a fun listen.

5/5

Loved - dirty work a cult classic

I've always considered this one of my favorite albums. Of course it has three absolute bangers, but does it hold up as a whole? This album has a lot of personal history with me, so my heart rates it a 5. It's not nearly the best Steely Dan album though. The meat of the album is not mind blowing, but it's still really good. If I didn't have a connection to this music, it would be a 4 for me. But it's not, so it's a real soft 5 here.

This is definitely my favorite album I've listened to so far. Every song is an absolute bop and I don't think there's a single bad song on this album. Steely Dan is definitely my favorite band I've found through this website. Wish I knew about them earlier. Favorite song: Do It Again (it's so hard to pick a favorite song from this album, they're all so good) Worst song: N/A

Great musicianship, great songwriting. Outstanding album.

Great album

One of my favorite classic rock albums. The instrumentals are so crispy here. Very impressive.

Stainless Steel

Pretty sick

Still a distance from the sleek studio sound Steely Dan would develop in a short time by the end of the decade, this diverse debut album features strong little songs, mostly rather tuneful ditties with vocals shared across three singers. The multi-layered last track takes things to another level with its tasteful yet ambitious arrangement and mysterious no-good lyric; it is this type of song that sets Steely Dan above 'em all. Favorite track: 'Fire In The Hole' or 'Turn That Heartbeat Over Again' Least favorite track: Do It Again

-S Tier- Do It Again Dirty Work Midnight Cruiser Only a Fool Would Say That Fire in the Hole Turn That Heartbeat Over Again -A Tier- Kings Reelin’ in the Years Brooklyn -B Tier- Change of the Guard AVG SCORE: 4.5 / 5 - - - One of the greatest freshman albums of all time.

I love this album! I made a song by song commentary, but it didn’t save lol. It’s just so damn groovy and catchy. All the chords are so luscious. It’s so fun to play on piano too. I already had 6/10 of these songs liked on Spotify lol. Now it’s 10/10 and I can’t give this album anything other than that. Beautiful and masterful

Fajne

Never listened to much Steely Dan. Only an occasional song. I mainly associated them with easy listening softer rock music so this album surpised me. From start to finish, the album was great. Every song is ear candy and I really think there is something for everyone in the track list. They have a distinct sound and it's masterfully produced. It's going to sound a bit dated in some places but take that with a grain of salt because most of it still sounds very fresh. I'm wondering now if I've simply gotten older and soft rock sounds better now or this is simply that good. Either way, glad I listened to this cause some these tracks are going into the rotation.

Great album. Major hits, and I was singing along with most of the album even though this was my first time listening to it all the way through. Still not quite as good as Aja in my mind, but that doesn't take away from it being an excellent album.

Thought this was cringe as first but then realized I was cringe and this is class.

I honestly didn’t expect to like this as much as I did. The whole album slaps

Great record!

Awesome, do it again dirty work.

You've probably heard every track on this album, and rightly so. Every song is a hit. Not my favorite Steely Dan album (that goes to Aja), but definitely worth your time.

- I already know Dirty Work and I’m excited to hear the rest of the album! - Do It Again got a little catchiness to it okayyy purr

Just smooth. When you need that perfect backdrop for a good dinner.

The Dan bear such repeated listening because at their heart is mystery - is this a tune or just noodling? What do the lyrics really mean? And each time one has to unravel it all again. However, here they would never be so pop in their melodies and straightforward in their lyurics. Aja it ain't, but still five stars.

A classic and a personal favorite. It has Steely Dan’s two biggest hits — “Do It Again” and “Reelin’ in the Years” — songs I never get sick of hearing. There’s also a ton of other great songs — “Dirty Work” is incredible and “Kings” is a favorite of mine. This was back when Steely Dan was a full rock band (later it would be just Donald Fagen and Walter Becker writing songs and playing with studio musicians). I tend to think of this album as their most straightforward rock album but there’s still a bunch of awesome jazzy solos and complex songwriting. (“Fire in the Hole” has a great jazzy strut to it.) It’s always fun to hear other singers take lead vocals on a few songs on this album. They definitely have ‘prettier’ voices than Donald Fagen but I’m glad he stayed the lead singer after this album. His singing is so unique. He’s capable of adding a strange drama and theatricality to the songs (and there’s something kind of sleazy about his voice too). I’m totally at risk of giving 100 albums a ‘top 20’ designation but I’m gonna do it again (no pun intended). This is a very much a contender for my top 20 or top 30 rock albums. It’s solid front-to-back, no filler. Such a great album cover too. It’s tacky and gaudy and vulgar but I think it’s very funny and pleasing to look at.

"Do It Again" "Dirty Work" "Reelin' In The Years" --> are all A+ 10/10 rock songs. Jeez. I didn't know they were all on the same album! What a great album cover too. Obviously surreal and even with the title "Can't Buy A Thrill", I find it hard to understand all of the elements and why they are there. Easy 5 out of 5 for me. This album Slaps with a capital S.

I love Steely Dan! Iconic album. Reelin' in the Years, Turn that Heartbeat Over Again, Dirty Work, all music that's still popular today, but I fell in love with Midnight Cruiser on a full listen. I'm amazed this was their first studio album, because the music is so utterly listenable and so well put-together. Great stuff!

Really good !!

Brilliant

Do it again- great song, good lyrics and groovy instrumental 👍 Dirty Work - nice bit of sax , pleasant to listen to Kings - a history reference and a political allegory? Very well put together👍 Midnite Cruiser- pretty groovy Only a fool would say that - incredibly cynical, great song and perhaps response👍 Reelin' in the years - catchy, another great instrumental👍 Fire in the hole - Vietnam song. I love the piano instrumental👍 Brooklyn - bit more of a laid back song Change of the guard - more optimistic song about positive change. Another Catchy song Turn that heartbeat over again- interesting narrative of junkie and criminal trying to justify his actions👍 Pretty much every song here is very solid, instrumental always outstanding 5/5

Mola. Agradable de escuchar

Absolute masterpiece

A classic

One of my favorite albums of all time! If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would.

probably their greatest album. Jeff Baxter is credited on the album, a guitarist that has a great resume.

yeah I’m with Heisenberg on this in terms of pure musicianship, I’d put them up against any current band you can name this is too good for the five star scale, but somehow I think I like their second and third albums even more but all of these are just beyond incredible sorry I gave Pretzel Logic a measly 9/10 when I started doing this website, every Steely Dan album I’ve ever heard is too good for this five star scale

Easy 5. Lots of good tracks of the top and then some decent songs and then reelin in the years as the middle track. Great songs and great mix of order

Warm grooves to make ya feel cool.

I've said it once already but god damn these guys are tight. A perfect album start to finish. Exceptional musicianship.

A lot of great songs. Soft rock, easy to listen. I always appreciate a good saxophone solo! I can't think of anyone who wouldn't enjoy this album.

I know some fans consider Can't Buy a Thrill to be an outlier in their catalog, and they don't especially care for it. But it's actually one of my favorites, not just from Steely Dan, but one of my favorite albums period. It's the kind of album I can put on repeat for hours. Fagen and Becker made some masterpiece albums after this one, but Can't Buy a Thrill is easily their most accessible work. There's a softness and more laid back quality to the sound here that's absent from a lot of their later work. But the band's trademark elegant arrangements and musical creativity are all here, as well as Fagen's cagey and unsentimental approach to lyricism. There are the obvious hits that everyone knows, but every track here is a home run. You can drop the needle anywhere on here and you'll land on a gem. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Kings, Only a Fool Would Say That, Reelin' In the Years, Fire in the Hole, Dirty Work, Do It Again, Midnite Cruiser, Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me), Change of the Guard, Turn That Heartbeat Over Again

Classic. Easy listening. Was not familiar with Steely Dan but recognized 3-4 songs. Loved it.

Already heard this

Wonderful musicianship. Dark lyrics obscured by jaunty tunes. Brilliant.

As a Steely Stan I wouldn't put this in their top 3 albums, but it does have some of their best tracks. Awful album cover though.

Love Steely Dan, great album.

Savage

Lov the build up in “Do it Again” Forgot how much I like this album. Very well written and executed music! Dirty Work was like listening to Chicago, playing so many instruments . Always loved Reeling In the Years- wow what great🎸strumming. well done Steely Dan. .

Great vibing

In Tha Morninnnnnn..

Do it again and Reelin' in the years are just *chef's kiss*. I feel like I should be a bit less shy about handing out 5 star reviews, and you know what, this is a very good start. This album is chill and smooth and versatile and clever and just great.

Peak easy listening

I love that Steely Dan sound. Smooth, elegant, barbs in all the right places. The whole thing polished like a disco ball. Do It Again into Dirty Work is a great one two. Reelin' In The Years is another amazing classic. What a collection of great songs on the same sonic effort.

Great leadoff album for the week. Another personal favorite

Okay take my 5 stars meme album

The Dan fucks.

Love steely Dan amazing album

5.5…one of my all time favorites….solid rock and roll…was housesitting on Maui late 70’s and these guys lived next door, came out and played volleyball with us….regular guys, good fun…..but I’ve just always loved their music

Love the blues and R&B influence on this album. Not a bad song on the album

groovy

I love Steely Dan so I'll take any excuse to listen to them. I think they have better albums than this but this is still a great album.

Insert this Steely Dan and let the pleasure take you away… This jazzy, soft rock always hits the spot… What a great fucking album! Top 15 for sure. It’s hard to find a dozen albums I’d rather hear than this one. Reelin’ In The Years and Do It Again are great songs, but Dirty Work is my favorite song on the album. In particular, I love the lyric, “like a castle in it’s corner in a medieval game…I foresee terrible trouble but I stay here just the same…” then the drums lead into the chorus…rat-tat-tat-tat…mmmmmm yeaaaaahhhhh However after listening again today, I prefer side 2 over side 1. The screaming lead guitar on Reelin’ In The Years is classic while Fagen’s piano on Fire In The Hole is outta this world. The last three tracks all have something special too. Interesting fact that I didn’t know before today is that Walter Becker and Donald Fagen were in a band with Chevy Chase before Steely Dan.

If this isn't perfect, then the definition of perfect needs updating.

4.5*. Dirty Work is a song I fell in love with.

Great set of songs, all different yet connected in terms of either sound or meaning; highly recommend.

So many under the radar hits

Literally every song is a banger. An unexpected 5

What a solid album. My dad would put this record on sometimes, and Do It Again & Dirty Work must have been his favorites because I don't remember the others as well. Amazing that this is their debut album, I think the songs exemplify what is so great about them - depth of songwriting paired with top notch musicianship.

Brought back memories of when I FIRST HEARD IT. AWESOMQ

Superb stuff

Near perfect album. 2nd/3rd best Steely Dan album. 9-10/10 1. Do It Again 2. Only a Fool Would Say That 3. Kings

An incredibly fun album that has a mixture of classic soft rock hits along with deep cuts that just make you want to dance. Most song have an almost tropical vibe. A couple songs, including the opening track, Do it Again, overuse the organ. Reelin in the Years might be one of the best rock/jazz rock songs of all time. The guitar riff paired with the hook in the vocal harmony is top notch. A classic through and through.

Perfect Vietnam war era songs. One of the first albums of Steely Dan. Favs: Do it again, Dirty work, Only a fool would say that, Reelin' in the years, Turn that heartbeat over again Genre: Soft rock, folk rock, pop

Loved

This is a legitimate classic. Even though I'd never heard the entire album before, I knew I'd love it. Steely Dan is one of those groups that hits their mark 80%-90% of the time. In that 10%-20% falls pieces like "Midnight Cruiser", which sound like it was written and performed by The Partridge Family.

Amazing debut album.

I was already familiar with Do It Again and Reelin' in the Years, and to a lesser extent, Dirty Work, but this is the first time I've listened to the full album and it's a great piece of work.

Great album top to bottom, really want to get into more of their stuff

I love Steely Dan.

An absolute classic. Safe to say I'm a Steely Fan.

Great listen. Favorite tracks are Do It Again and Change of the Guard.

I love this album. I used to listen to it all the time. Haven't played it for years.

This is one of my all time favorite albums. Every track. My faves, Do It Again and Midnite Cruiser. Love those solos in the latter.

Awesome album!

Prawie 1/4 listy skonczona, a to dopiero pierwszy steely dan na liscie, wiec jeszcze 5 czeka na swoj czas, bo steely dan to jedna z tych band, ktora nie wypuszczala muzyki ktora mozna by nazwac niedorobiona, chociaz samo nazywanie steely dan banda jest niezbyt precyzyjnym okresleniem, bo jak dla mnie jest to projekt duetu Becker-Fagen, czego tak jeszcze nie widac na debiutanckim cant buy a thrill, ale jednak widoczne sa juz tego przeslanki, sama plyta ktorej dane mi bylo posluchac kolejny raz pomimo tego, ze jest teraz klasykiem rocka, brzmieniowo jest blizsza jazzowi niz folk rokowi, bo tak nieraz okreslany jest gatunek tego albumiku, co wyroznia plyte to z pewnoscia cieple brzmienie, zestawione z sardonicznym wokalem i liryka Fagena, chociaz na plycie sa 3 traki na ktroych mozna uslyszec na glownym wokalu Palmera na dirty work i brooklyn, czyli wokaliste steely danow na wystepy live oraz hoddera na midnite cruise, kolejna cecha mocno definiujaca brzmienie grupy sa influencje latino jazzowe, zderzone z poscigiem perfekcjonizmu jaki napedzal duet tegich glow duetu, upbeatowe brzmienie w polaczeniu z sarkastycznyi tekstami, ktorych bohaterami zazwyczaj sa fikcyjne persony przegranych ludzi, czy to mordujacych, zkukowanych, kukujacych, grajacych, włóczykijow, wszystkich laczy to, ze nie sa w stanie kierowac swym przeznaczeniem, wiec idealna moodowa muzyczka, na co jeszcze warto zwrocic uwage podczas odsluchu, to perfekcjonizm jakim ocieka album od strony produkcji, jest to zasluga duetu, ktory pomagal w nagrywaniu wszystkich studyjnych albumikow steely dana, to jest Gary Katz i Roger Nichols, ktory byli w stanie spelnic wygorowane wymagania jakosci fagenowobeckerowej, ktory potrafili nagrywac po 300 tejkow danych partii zeby znalezc to cos w brzmieniu, a jesli chodzi o szukanie brzmienia to trzeba przejsc do kolejnej kwestii definiujacej zwlaszcza pozniejsze projekty danowe, czyli uzycia muzykow studyjnych, o ile na cant buy a thrill pojawia sie ich tylko czterech i trzy wokalistki robiace chorki na kings i brooklyn, to jednak ci muzycy nie tylko sa zapychaczem tam gdzie bylo potrzebny dany instrument, ale stanowia oni jedne z hajlajtow plyty tak jak gitarowe solo Elliotta Randalla na reelin in the years, unialnosc tego albumu zawiera sie w tym jak lekko sie go slucha pomimo tak ciezkiego kontentu lirycznego, ale nie jest to zdecydowanie popowa lekkosc, tylko lekkosc wynikajaca z tego jak wypoliszowane sa te kompozycje, na plejce juz mam dwa traki najbardziej popularne wedlug spotifaja, wiec wrzuce dwa troche bardziej niszowe, bedzie to dirty work z wokalem palmera, ktory nie posiada tego sardonicznego vibe jak u fagena, a brzmi raczej jak cos z niebieskookiego soulu, co idealnie komponuje sie z motywem przewodniem traczka, czyli byciu pionkiem wykorzystywanym przez babe zamezna, kolejnym pickiem bedzie fire in the hole nawiazujacym do dogowania draftu wietnamskiego, co oczywiscie bylo dosc modne wsrod owczesnych muzykantow, a cala plyta juz byla dodana na poleczke albumow must have, a jednak jak odpalilem na spoti, to wygladalo tak jakby jej tam nie bylo, wiec kolejny raz padlem ofiara spotifajowego namieszania zwiaznego z roznymi wersjami tych samych albumow, z profilu bandy jestes w stanie zobaczyc tylko jedna wersje i nie masz dostepu zobaczyc innych ktore jednak istnieja gdzies w bazie albumow i jesli masz jakies kawalki z danego wydania jestes w stanie sie do niego dostac, ale co gorsze mozesz dodac duplikaty na plejliste bez informacji o powielonych trakach, spotify welkam tu

Wow, just wow. A true classic!

Terrible album cover but I really dig this record. I spin it all the time. Top tier.

Absolutely loved this album. A few songs wound up forgettable, but the whole thing was worth a double listen-through.

I like this more every time I hear it 10/10

Perhaps my favorite Steely Dan album? 10/10

10/10. You can't buy a thrill, but it would be thrilling to buy this album. I think Do It Again is one of the more overrated Steely Dan songs, but I have no right to be salty that people enjoy this more than I do, and this is still a good tune to have come on at the grocery store. Dirty work is a fairly drastic mood swing from Dirty Work, and this is pretty common for the album which I think is why I rarely listen to it through, even though I listen to all the songs a lot. Kings, then, jumps back into the more energetic, sarcastic mood of the first song. The we get to Midnite Cruiser which is one of my favorites form this album. The chorus is so catchy, and the lyrics so savory, and broken up into these delightful little bite-sized lines when sung. Next, we have Only a Fool Would Say That, which is where we first get to a Steely Dan song with pretty much nonsense lyrics. I'm not sure what "Of salads and sun" is supposed to mean, and thought for the longest time he was singing "Of Saladin's son" which also doesn't make sense. Still a pretty fun little song. Reelin' in the Years is probably what a lot of people would call the most overrated Steely Dan song, but honestly this song is just spectacular. The only reason I can see to resent it's popularity is that it has spawned multiple live versions now, and both of the one's I know of don't sound right. I love how the lyrics just seem to fall, almost jumbled, out of his mouth, as if the narrator's world is rapidly falling apart. Fire in the Hole is my least favorite from this album, but I've been told that I clearly just hate Pianists. Brooklyn still makes very little sense to me lyrically, but it is a real pretty song. Change of the Guard makes a fun change of pace, but isn't really a stand-out song in my opinion. And then Turn That Heartbeat Over Again is a very sporadic, yet extremely catchy song that sort of reflects the album as a whole with its jumps between fast and slow lyrics occurring line-to-line, but still all fitting together real nice.

Steely Dan. 10

laid-back muziek, melodieus, mooi gezongen. Ik kende het niet maar erg leuke verrassing alweer

Rating: 10/10

Groovin hooks for days.

Man I love Steely Dan. Dirty Work and Reelin' in the Years were my faves on this album.

Already love this album, good way to start

It's got so many greats from Steely Dan, who can say no?

I really like this album and everything about it. From the vocals, to the instrumental, to the production. Highlights have been Dirty Work, Kings, Reelin' In The Years (yes I know it's their most well known song but it's so good). All in all, a very solid album. 5 stars from me!

Groovy!

Marvellously varied. Super strong song writing.

Brilliant!

Ich kann mich diesen eingängigen Hits nicht entziehen, auch wenn die Latin-Klänge mich zeitweise an die voreingestellten Beats auf dem 80ies-Keyboard erinnern. Schöner Pop-Rock, Sitarklänge und smoother Gesang. Reelin in the years ist mein all time favourite. 5 Sterne Ohrwurmpotenzial für die nächste Fahrt Richtung Urlaub. Irgendwie kommt mir beim Hören Supertramp in den Sinn, auch ne tolle Band.

Great album

With the first notes, you’re fucking in. This album, like all steely Dan albums is instrumental perfection, doesn’t seem to be a misplaced note, and there is not one bad song. This album sounds full and rich, jazz, rock and a little bit of Latin vibes. Easy 5.

dirty work

THE BEST ALBUM EVER MADE

God I love this album

So great!

Great

uhh. its mf Steely Dan. 5/5

I almost gave this album a four after one listen, but I just had that feeling in my gut - the one that says "give it one more go". Thank God for it, because this is a 5/5. After that second listen, I put "Do It Again", "Midnight Cruiser", and "Reelin' in the Years" on repeat for several hours straight while scrolling through the entire history of the "Good Steely Dan Takes" Twitter account.

Phenomenal on all accounts

Maybe my favorite album since starting this. A couple old favorites and I enjoyed the songs that I have not heard before.

A classic

Why did he waste all those years in the Beano wtf this is class.

good music 9/10

Do it again Dirty work Reelin in the years

Still a fan of Steely Dan. The 'jam' parts of the tracks are my favorite bits. I know this is the third SD entry, but at least it isn't more Brit Pop.

Dirty Work / Only A Fool Would Say That / Fire in the Hole / Reelin' In The Years / Do It Again (Barely) A soft rock album with diverse sounds. The last few tracks were dull but all around great songs.

Aunque solo había escuchado una canción de Steely Dan, el álbum es bastante dinámico y juguetón, agradable al oído en una primera escucha. Lo tendría para escuchar de vez en cuando para la tranquilidad de una tarde.