Reviews (page 6 of 15)
Nice
Why are there so many bongos in the 70s? I'm getting a little tired of the bongos. I don't love this genre. I can appreciate the album, I don't think is bad, just not up my alley.
It's a 3
Their other albums on the list are so perfect it's boring. This sounds the most human. They have too many albums on the list, but this one definitely belongs on it. Especially Reelin' in the Years is a great song.
The boys do it again! Solid listen front to back. Lyrics not quite as obtuse as Donald Fagen likes to get, but there's still some odd words. Musicians are tight, and the tracks themselves are a little more digestible and radio friendly, than the more jazzy odd time signatures of later music.
like the production and the whole vibe of the song its classy and sounds timeless, excellent album
alr had listened its very good. 10/10 album
I thoroughly enjoyed this one, only ever casually listened but will defo be revisiting, not hugely interesting but pleasant.
8/10 good for journeys and when making dinner
No
Easy rock, 70s nostalgia, good album beyond the hits. Would give 3.5.
Can tell I’ve entered dad mode although I had this album on vinyl anyway. Hard to believe this is a debut - some yacht rock bangers on here.
Only steely Dan can have the first lyric of a song be felonious and it still be a banger
Everything steely Dan does is gold
Absolutely stunning of an album. I found myself being interested in re-listening to it! Just fun cool Dad vibes through and through. The music and the singing flowed from song to song and I recognized a lot of these songs from growing up and listening to the radio and from playing Rock Band and Guitar Hero. I could see myself putting it on in the background while cooking or during a BBQ.
Liked it lots
So far probably my favorite album I’ve listened to during this project. A very unique blend of soft melodies with wild lyrics. Very soothing and fun, definitely a record I will look to relisten at some point, but so far it’s been the best suggestion and the most surprising as well.
ok
I've been listening to this album as long as I can remember, starting with hearing it on 8 track in the 70s. A stone classic. Do It Again, Reelin', and Dirty Work all bang. Starts strong but feels same-y and starts to drag after Fire in the Hole. Closer to 4.5.
Classic soft rock from Steely Dan. I wasn't hugely into it, but it's not bad. Except the cover art; that *is* bad. Highlight: "Reelin' In The Years."
8/10
Wow
Solid and consistently good album, back to back. Nice solos. Quite enjoyable.
I got this one almost exactly 2 years ago. Here is my review: “ I had it in my head that I didn't like Steely Dan, but this album slaps! Super creative, unique, and honestly fun to listen to. Love the genre bending of blues, rock and jazz. “
Good
Cholón!
A good blend between soft rock and Jazz. But sometimes I wish it was just a bit more because it feels like it gets a little bit to soft
Easy listening and I knew more songs than I expected !
Love this album already!
Classic rock&roll, some blues and funk as well... but mainly traditional rock&roll.
8/10
A couple of standout tracks but otherwise Meh
A massive thanks to this website for making me aware of Steely Dan
fun mais pas mon style, très (trop) rétro
yes
Mm no me gusto tanto, de hecho me aburrió. 6/10 quizas? Después de este me puse a escuchar "Aja" de este mismo artista también, y me parece superador
DIOS el primer tema lo conocía pero nunca supe cómo se llamaba Y ME ENCANTA estoy saltando de la alegría. conocía de nombre a la banda pero nunca la había escuchado. a lo largo del álbum me fueron gustando varias canciones pero en general bastante promedio, es como que no me generaban mucho. en términos generales igual está bueno, 3 estrellas
Every moustachioed recovering sports fan in a major city near you just erupted into a spontaneous earth-shattering orgasm at the mere mention of Steely Dan. I wouldn't want any of them to ruin their copy of the man book of the week that they are pretending to read at the walkable shawarma/record store in uptown midtown. Those beanies are high for a reason. Not only are they a metaphor for the rent going up and up and up at the first showing of male ears and moustaches, but the toques are raised for easier ear access for the Steely one. Performative yacht rock enjoyment is as central to the ideas of gentrifiers as stick and poke tattoos. It's a pillar of identity. With all that said (with as much contempt as I can muster, might I add) this thing unfortunately rips. My eyes and ears have seen the (ring) light. Hand me my 35 dollar tote bag. I'm going thriftin' and then? I'm goin' podcastin' about thriftin' and then? I'll be callin'... my daddy to uhhh refill the account. AI can't generate oat milk. Yet... 3-3.5 HIGHLIGHTS: Do It Again, Only a Fool Would Say That
do it again - is that a theremin? synth? in the 70s? - cool soundscape - theme of being in a vicious cycle dirty work - the theremin/synth continues - continues the theme of continuing to do something even though it hurts and you should probably stop - being in love with someone who does not love you back - i like this one kings - i can really hear the bass in this one - critiques the idea of remembering a person who has done bad deeds as good after their life has ended ("and though we sung his fame / we all went hungry just the same") - changing a terrible leader for another midnite cruiser - nice chords and bass sound. - past glory and current loser. - this is gonna sound crazy but follows the medieval topic of ubi sunt. ("where is your bounty of fortune and fame? i am another gentleman loser") only a fool would say that - nice bass. really liking the sound on this album - the complete loss of hope and that anyone who has it is a fool or a grifter - i like this one reelin' in the years - i think i've heard this one before - nice guitar and bass - a relationship where they both hated each other but still stayed together. fire in the hole - nice piano - the moment of realisation that everything is shit, actually ("fire in the hole / and nothing left to burn") but there's nothing that can be done ("i'd love to run out now / there's nowhere left to turn") - emotional turning point of the album? brooklyn (owes the charmer under me) - i like the sound - apparently about their downstairs neighbour that felt the world owed him something - checks out with the general theme about frustration change of the guard - again, i like the bass - the REAL turning point of the album. hope is back. turn that heartbeat over again - even though the last track was hopeful, the closing track is back to continue the vicious cycle - talks about drug addiction ("i'll keep my promise when you turn that heartbeat over again") - the vocals pan from side to side in an interesting way - the crystal/bell sounds from the first song are back
Um ótimo discos com composições inspiradas e arranjos elaborados.
Just don’t get Steely Dan at all
Pretty good. the initial riff really got me into what i like to call the dan zone that causes people to buy 50k floor speakers but then settled into cozy yacht rock. some of the lyrics are pretty corny.
So good I love the classics
Love steely dan
I'm not sure why I always thought these guys were late 70s when this album came out in 72. They are one of those bands I've heard singles from before but never really paid them much mind as a band, or ever listened to an album. This one starts off with a hit, "Do it Again," which is a pretty good song on a closer listen, and holds up very well. "Reelin in the Years" is also a classic I've heard a bunch. I think my only issue with these guys in general is they sounded like a lot of acts in the 70s, but since this was 72, maybe it's a bit more original? Anyway, high 3, only drawback is I'm not sure how memorable this album is other than hits.
Pure soft rock vibe!
Nice album! Tive um bom momento escutando
I can’t believe that this is Steely Dan‘s first album. It sounds like a greatest hits collection. I am,of course, way too familiar with these songs so I don’t welcome so much the ones I don’t know. However, I was pleasantly reacquainted with midnight cruiser, which I had forgotten about. I recommend “reeling in the years” for a great 40th birthday party theme.:)
Album’s so nice I listened twice! Nostalgia! Reminds me of riding around in my dad’s car when I was a kid. They have such a distinct sound. Impossible not to bop your head along to these songs.
The songs I knew, I liked hearing. It definitely evokes the 70s
More Steely Dan. It’s hard to argue against their talent. However, their songs sound so antiseptic as to feel like they’ve had all of the life drained out of them.
not my cup of tea but good nontheless
Steely Dan can do no wrong
Fairly nice I guess - nothing particularly interesting to say about it.
Yes yes yes yeah!!!!
Me gustó la rememoracion, recuerdos, buena musica
One of the most Steely Dan albums of all time
Ah the album they made right after they met that genie who gave them their musical ability. This joins the list of "unreasonably good for a debut album". Great playing, interesting soundwork. It's truly weird to review these guys since they are so mellow despite being very solid. I'm still convinced the only way to be that combination is if your skill came from a genie versus hardwork.
I was excited to see that this is the debut album after already listening to a few. I figured this is what got them in the door. This has a couple of songs that I recognize. A handful of the songs fade to the background on first listen. I imagine with time this one could grow.
psychedelic, groovy skate times, faves: midnit cruiser, reeling in the years
First listen in a long time. The opening song feels like a rebuttal to Horse With No Name. Second side is not redeemed by Reeling in the Years. There are better Steely Dan albums. Never really looked at the cover before. Ugly!
Meh
# Album Name: Cant buy a thrill # Artist: Steely Dan # Rating: 5/5 # Comments: Its Dan the man! What a fucking banger. three massive tunes surrounded by a very good album. This is why i love the genny. Discovering new shit! # Top Tunes: Do it again / dirty work / reelin in the years. plus more. # Would I listen to it again? Yes
Dad album. 37 year old dad of 2 here. So, guess what? I like it. Cracker for a debut.
Some really catching and rewarding songs here, but a little too much derivative soft rock keeps it from being great. Favorite track: Dirty Work
I have to take back what I said about Yes yesterday: they can have the best British nerd rock title. Steely's the best American nerd rock. Reelin in the years: one of the best guitar solos ever.
I haven't heard this many hits on a 70s debut album since Boston! I hope that Steely Dan will continue to have evolving layers of relevance in our shared pop culture tissue.
8/10 A very fine debut, with some great tunes. It's all a bit too polished, maybe - makes me think of Keen Bruce and Radio 2, but a lot to enjoy
prima voor op de achtergrond, verder niet heel interessant
Very nice and chill rock album.
Generally solid album, with no bad songs really. A couple big hits, but not perfect either. Very easy listening
Not my style, a bit soft. But not bad, I liked Dirty Work.
Meh
Lots of popular songs on here, didn't realize this was so packed. I do like this, and have some of these saved.
Great album, I could totally see picking this up
the kind of music that kinda blends into the background like i’m at a nice coffee shop. Dirty Work is such a fun song though
I'm throwing fives this week. Steely Dan is the Champagne of Dad Rock.
Love it. Essential.
I can't lie, I had a great time listening to this one!
man this is gonna be a bold fuckin take (or maybe not? idk whatever), but this is my favorite american album of the 70s full fucking stop. better than dylan, zeppelin, neil young, fleetwood mac; i know there's stiff competition here, but steely dan absolutely cannot be beat. every song here is unique and there are no skips. this album is one of the many reasons this band has the reputation it does for instrumentation: this shit is sophisticated, complex, groovy, and accessible all at the same time, and this is a feat few other groups *literally ever* can claim to have pulled off. five years later when they released aja, they'd really cement themselves as the melodic workhorses of the 70s, but it's *this* album that registered them, for me, as an all-time certified hood classic. this shit fuckin rules. like brandon from our kendrick album recently, i remember where i was when i found and listened to this album for the first time (as an adult). my dad played a few popular tracks in the car as a kid, and i'm sure 92.1 THE BULL!!! played their stuff when i was paying attention, but i found this CD in a library in a "discard" pile like a decade ago and asked if i could have it. they said yes. i sat in my car and listened to it all the way through before even leaving the parking lot. they were going to fucking discard this shit? why? cd worked perfectly. whatever. as an aside, i almost named my one-man musical project "gentleman loser" because of "Midnite Cruiser". you find me another album that offers precise and articulated homage to jazz, rock, blues, folk, all while being actual fucking poetry, and i'll give you one quarter and concede that there must be some other college band from the early 70s that wrote some of the best music to ever come from an american band ever. you fucking can't. fuck you. steely dan rules. six stars our of five
i can't say anything bad about this album. steely dan feels like it was made to be the least offensive music anyone has ever heard. i can't necessarily say anything else about besides "it was pleasant" definitely some background music, but nothing i'm going to pull out for a good time.
Listening to this while cruising on a boat produces some of the greatest vibes known to mankind.
Along with the Pretenders, Steely Dan was an artist I had on my iPod and listened to all the time as a youngster. I can probably still recite all the words to "Kid Charlemagne." I think its easy to say 'The Royal Scam' or 'Aja' are better, but 'Can't Buy A Thrill' holds its own against them. To have such an iconic lead track on your debut album is unheard of. And then "Dirty Work" right after? One-two punches as good as they come.
This was a great listen!
Real “green eggs and ham” moment for me, this. Never liked steely Dan, still don’t but there’s some vibes here.
This one is all about the solos! In the multiverse of infinite possible Steely Dans, we live in the one where they nailed every damn solo perfectly. Each note is intentional and exactly where it should be -- whether it's a sitar, sax, organ, or guitar. This didn't happen spontaneously, these fellas would bring in an a bunch of session musicians to record the solo of a single track, and wouldn't stop until they got the player and take that resonated. This is why the solos on Can't Buy A Thrill are equal parts technical excellence and full of life. This was the first Lossless quality streaming experience that really had me in awe. Steely Dan is the champagne of '70s music because they sound like champagne tastes: fucking crisp. The snares and hi-hats sizzle, pianos twinkle, and overdriven guitars bite.
Two famous songs plus a lot of elevator music. Boomers love this sh*t.
One of the classic artists of the Yacht Rock era. There's a special place for Steely Dan in my heart since my dad is a big fan. Lots of good stuff on this album and it opens with an absolute gem in 'Do It Again'. Light and airy throughout with great and catchy melodies. Favorite Track: Do It Again Least Favorite Track: Change of the Guard
One I wasn't expecting to like. That is some chilled out vibes right there.
It's alright. I feel I write this a lot but it is what it is.
Liked first half of songs on the album
6/10
Can't believe I'd never listened to this as an album before. Three big FM radio staples that are still not tiresome despite having been fed them via various media for literally my entire life (this record was in production and came out pretty much simultaneously with me, in August 1972, albeit with a lot more planning)... and the less familiar tracks are also highly enjoyable. Also can't believe I didn't realize "Dirty Work" was a Dan tune until I saw the movie "American Hustle" (which features it perfectly) and happened to stay and read the credits. Great album, looking forward to checking out the other SD albums I'm not so familiar with. I've played the vinyl of "Pretzel Logic" and "Aja" many times, and found "FM" to be a most agreeable jukebox record, but the second and third albums are on my list of things to explore... maybe today while painting my kitchen in the Ono style. It must be said, though... the cover art for this one is pretty hideous. Did I ignore it for decades because it looked like a low-budget cash grab by a borderline-bootleg label, and not a genuine masterpiece of popular music? This is one book that ought not be judged by its cover.
Not quite at the level of Aja I think, but still really excellent Steely Dan. Dirty Work and Reelin in The Years are such bops and marry the funk and fun of the band with songs that actually make you feel something (occasionally something they can't quite do). It flies along really nicely as a record, and although it never hits the highest height, it's very consistently good.
My second one from Steely Dan and another belter. First listen I was sitting on a high four stars but the second go around it really clicked with me. Great songs throughout and I really love the vocals. I think I have at least two more of theirs to go and I will be looking forward to them. Top Track - Fire In The Hole
So boring. Just generic and bleh. 1/5 stars.
3.5
INCREIBLE
Thought this was probably going to be boring but ended up really enjoying it - yes the hits but the album tracks too. Made me wanna go for a long drive with the windows down.
Me alegró mucho ver este album en la lista, el cual contiene una de mis canciones favoritas "Do It Again", no puedo describir el buen animo que me pone esta cancion, pero hay que ser honestos y el resto del album, quitando dos o tres, es bastante normalito.
Not a 5, but a stellar album. Changes styles while remaining thematically intact. Lots of great standalone tracks. Excellent muaicianship. Just shy of hitting 5-star status.
Steely Dan two days in a row? From what I have gotten the first 200+ days doing this, I could do a lot worse. I have always loved Do It Again. Really listened to Dirty Work, like it even more now. Smooth rhythms and nice horns. I might have to go back jack, and listen again. 4.00
I just don’t like yacht rock. This is great album of good songwriting and musicianship. The style is just not for me.
I half-knew this album. Do It Again and (especially) Reeling in the Years are classic songs and it was good to hear them again. As to the rest of it, I liked its general vibe/groove but mainly I found it a bit too middle-of-the-road for me. As a side-note, one of my favourite artists of the last 5-10 years is St Vincent, and she’s a huge Steely Dan fan; she name-checked them a lot when launching her brilliant album Daddy’s Home a few years ago. It was interesting to hear bits on this album that translated into her work nearly half a century later.
I was introduced to Steely Dan by a friend at Uni 47 years ago and have listened to them regularly over the years since, so that's clearly a vote in their favour. The album's music is a mixture of rock styles, not heavy, more soft and mellow. I think of the style as being Californian, but that's more of a personal distinction than anything formal. The lyrics are complex and cryptic in places so difficult to analyse a meaning from them. That doesn't detract from the music though. The lyrics fit the music which is what's important. Overall, an album I've listened to before and will listen to again.
10/10/10/10/10
not my cup of tea
good classic album, very short
Just like other Stelly Dan albums I've reviewed, I don't find anything here particularly enjoyable. It's just not my thing. Not terrible and completely listenable.
Very familiar and refreshing. A nice listen
Steely Dan my beloved.... man these group of tracks are awesome, i love how unapologetically groovy these guys can be, the instruments they use always seem so right to activate something within yourself, my highlight has to be Reelin' In The Years, that guitar plus the smug confidence the vocals are delivered in, this was pretty good 9/10
Very enjoyable listen in my opinion. The mostly upbeat and happy songs work really well, in particular the two hit songs from this album. But with the other songs this trend is continued as well. The album is remarkably devoid of weak points. I never expected it, but this album definitely deserves the full marks. 5/5
endlich DAN. der stählerne. find dass das album drin isch und zb the royal scam nöd chli seltsam. aber i guess do it again isch ihren hit gsi und so. aber nöd e würklich gueti choice. ah und reelin' in the years halt au hä. anyway. do it again isch s erste woni vo ihne ghört han, uf somene best of und s isch sooo geil aso vorallem da wo de denny spielt. die weird sitar-gitarre, de groove wo nöd ufhört. meega lang au? mega langi soli. ich lieb dass de "b-teil" mit you go back jack irgendwie immer soöter chunt alsmer denkt. s machts spannend. dirty work isch de erst song vo ihne womer nohgloffe isch. sauuguet, super schön gspielt d gitarreparts (oh mein gott de rechts) und d harmonies im refrain sind suuuper. guets churzes sax solo. ICH LIEB KINGS SO FEST. de fagen singt soo viel cooler. die weeeirde zwüscheteeeil. WHERE ARE YOU RUUUUNNIN. gad fast im avec midnite cruiser migrölt. scho s album wo sie die meiste popsongs druf hend. sooo en guete song, wieder crazy geili giti parts und d drums sind sooo groovy und guet ufgnoh. ich lieb only a fool would say that. glaub min fave vo dem album? s isch so andersch. so en ohrewurm so nööch alles akustisch. de SCHLUUUUSSTEIL vorem zweite solo aaah. only a foooooool. ICH LIEB FIRE IN THE HOLE S KLAVIER ISCH SO GEIL. es sch PHonky!! brooklyn owes the charmer isch soooo schön d pedalsteel aaaah. a tower room at EEEEDEN ROCK. Fuoick ich lieb das album. d bgvs ouuu. change of the guard liebi au de CHORD wo inechunt. turn that heartbeat hani mit abstand am wenigste glost. aber isch chli en vorbote zu dem wo spöter chunt. jazzy chords ind so. und de oh michael oh jesus funny hahah. FÖFI FÖFI FÖFI LIEBS SO FEST.
okok zumindest uf spotify ihres beliebtiste album? sooo stählerner daniel nach atari teenage riot isch das soo schön ruhige musig hahaha do it again uf spotify grösste song! UHH HOTS SOLO de rest cheggi wiso s guet ahchunnt aber het jz nöd sooo vill mit mier gmacht AHH nöd cheggt, dass es s debutalbum isch uppsi ich stosse wieder chli ufs gliche problem wie scho bi countdown to ecstasy: mega schön und smooth, sanfti stimmt aber chli z wenig dreck? MIDNITW CRUIIISER only a fool would say that het so es insane hots solo wowi leider findi d perkussion ener langwilig aber jo hmm jaa fühlmi ähnlich wie bi ecstasy, au wennmer jz can't buy a thrill chli weniger guet gfalle het. chan aber schlecht es 3 geh? will es ISCH guet?
Specifično poređenje, kao kad bi obrade na naxi cafe radiju bili lijep rock fazon. Lijepo vozi, stvoreno za finu pozadinsku buku, prijatno i univerzalno dopadljivo. Živ bio ko god je napisao Alan Partridge review.
The Wikipedia article calls it Rock, but that's a stretch. This album ventures deep into Easy Listening territory, with that typical 70s sound. Not bad by any means, I'm just not in the mood today. 2.5/5
Noch nie was von gehört, irgendwie aber total geile Atmosphäre. Hat mich sehr abgeholt.
Ähnlich zum Album von gestern, allerdings etwas abwechslungsreicher und interessanter.
Kleiner Dip in der Mitte, aber ne starke 4 kann man hier schon zücken. Gerade der Einstieg ist schon ne Bombe.
War groovy, ist aber auch dahingeplätschert. Weiß nicht, ob ich zu unkonzentriert war.
Ne sehr starke 4.
Steely Dan klingen nicht wie die Bluegrass Band die man beim Namen Steely Dan erwartet und der mich bislang trotz Legendenstatus davon abgehalten hat reinzuhören. Ein Glück klingen sie nicht so!
started like "oh that might be good" but then got boring
Godtgodtgodt!!!
3.5/5, solidt!! God vibe :) men mangler lidt originalitet :)
Es la portada más fea del mundo. La música es amanerada a ratos, pero tienen buenas canciones y el disco merece la pena. Pero en serio, ¿quién cojones diseñó esa portada?
I like it. Pretty chill. Would definitely listen to more Steely Dan.
This album is great. Hadn't really listened to their early albums. Maybe not as great as Aja, but still belongs on this list.
Oh, I beg to differ. Ask our ladies of the night.
Nja
I feel like despite this being at times amazing it also has a couple duds that seem maybe worse given the greatness of the standouts. Fire in the Hole was the one new song for me that I want to listen to again a nice piano part in that song.
Fav song: do it again https://youtu.be/7SM_eJKVlzs?si=qm-Qpya5HXrwKfvE
Nice
Recht schön, Soft Rock
Geht gut rein
Not bad. The Dan spent 100 hours on the drum sound and ended up not bad. Should have spent a fraction of that time on the cover. It looks like a Pickwick lp in the Woolies bargain bin.
Ok so I know WAY more of these tunes that I want to admit. Like I have to have an intervention for the Dad rock I think. I didn't even realize I knew this much Steely Dan. Dad rock aside isn't a pretty good album. Musically and lyrically it's solid, if a bit dated. It has a nice flow to the album and was great to, yes I'm serious, grill dinner to. I bet it would be a great album to mow the lawn to as well. Maybe put it on the speaker and wash the car. Decent album. God I feel old.
Better than what I was expecting. Not really a fan of Steely Dan but this was a good album.
Cool, liked the music, liked dirty work, solid album.
This is an excellent album - front to back. Dirty Work is my favourite SD jam. I should give it a five but there’s no heart in my appreciation for it.
This is not the best SD but it does feature Jimmy Page's favourite guitar solo in Reeling In The Years...
bom álbum, muito instrumentos de jazz, sonoridade boa, melhor do album: Only a Foll Would Say That
Such a pleasant listen
It has some pretty good songs, but I've got to admit that it can be kinda repetitive, specially because the instrumentals feel the same throughout the album. Best track: "Do it again". Worst track: "Change of the guard"
after “reelin in the years “ it drags a little but whatever
Amazing
Steely Dan is always a strange listen for me but this had more than enough good songs to keep my interest, making this an excellent album. First, I’ve always loved Do It Again. It’s far and away my favorite SD song. Like many, I had heard Reelin’ In The Years and Dirty Work before, though the former is much preferred to the latter. Both are good tunes though. What surprised me is how much more I would like on here. Of the songs I hadn’t heard before, Midnight Cruiser was definitely my favorite, but Kings and Change of the Guard were also good. They are an offbeat band, I almost think of them in the same way as I do Weezer from the 90s / early 2000s. Talented band, some interesting song writing, but neither are my favorite. Regardless, this was fun to go back to listen to. 4 stars.
Outdated soft rock for lame dads or sexy proto-yacht rock for sexy daddies? Well, I’m pretty hot, and I like it. Bonus star for the Pointer Sisters’ cover of Dirty Work being a high point for all music. Guess what? It didn’t need the bonus star because I already love this record.
Really pushing the boundaries to make the safest music possible
Fantastic debut
Really good. Was expecting something heavier for some reason so quite a nice surprise.
As if it came out of the Dad Music Generator. Not mad about it though.
Whilst not as strong as some of their later albums, this does play host to some of their best songs and for that it's a very almost 4 stars.
There isn't a bone in my body that could give this a negative review. I love the Dan baby.
Steely Dan is dangerous because I was moments away from cracking open a beer in the middle of the workday. Probably my third favorite album by the Dan and it’s just so damn good.
best debut album of all time
Banger
Beautiful. Jolly. Serotonin in an album Even though I was familiar with it I still very much enjoyed.
Good solid rock. Enjoyed
Plate
A classic through and through. Start to finish, this album slays.
Топ
You're out of bed a little early for a Sunday so you head upstairs, make yourself a coffee, turn on one of those fishing shows that are on TV at this hour, and listen to Dirty Work while the sun rises.
An album I've been listening to already because I wanted to beef up my Steely Dan knowledge. I'm through to Aja and enjoyed the journey of their sounds. This album ranks up there with announcing their sound from Song 1 Album 1. They open up with "Do it Again" & "Dirty Work" as their first two songs is up there. Throw in "Reelin' in the Years" with some other good tracks and it's a classic. Generational bangers, generational talent, generational creativity.
Yeah wasn't bad
Look, I don't hate it. But I don't love it. I do feel like if you handed me a joint, put me on a beach with a cover band doing Steely Dan, I'd be vibing. It's inoffensive and chill. "Reelin in the Years" feels kind of like a Bowie song. It's one of my favs from this album, along with "Dirty Work". Will I ever listen to it again? Nope. Except for "Reelin in the Years" and "Dirty Work".
Has a great opener and a lot of creativity but just as often slips into cliches. 3/5
I enjoy Steely Dan, they have some hugely classic songs and have had a giant impact on music. I have never listened to this album from top to bottom but know the key songs. Huge listen counts with 3 songs over around 300M listens each. "Do It Again", a real gem, cool groove, catchy lyrics, great instrumentation, royalty. "Dirty Work", another super catchy song, smooth groove. "Reelin' In The Years", a classic rock staple and the most popular track on the album. The guitar solo shreds! "Changing Of The Guard" was another guitar song that impressed, I think it could have been a hit too. "Midnight Cruiser" was a clunker, but 22M people enjoyed listening to it. "Only a Fool..." had nice guitar work but it was a pretty average song. Same with "Turn that Heartbeat...", that should have been excluded from the final track list. Honestly, I hadn't thought of Steely Dan as guitar driven until listening to this entire album. It's a solid album, not sure if it's T1001 worth but based on the 3 key tracks alone it has credentials. 3.5 stars.
Very good
Good tunes, the instruments are the main highlight for me. Will listen avain
Never heard of them, amazing songs
Great album!
Those harmonies! Confident piano, wailing guitar…unexpected fave from this project. I’ve been sleeping on Steely Dan for too long. I didn’t realise I knew half of these songs already. My parents were of the right era, but this wasn’t their taste. My first listen to a whole Steely Dan album.
Yacht rock
Solid enough album. Some good vibes and was a fairly nice, easy listen. Bang average 3/5
meh
Pretty good, enjoyed most of it
Oväntat bra? Solsken! Inget som helst inre sammanhang!
Knew more tracks than I realised. Some classics on here that I guess I didn't realise were Steely Dan as they've never been a band on my radar.
Fun, but bar-background music. Would probably not pick it up again.
I love the smooth rock, and there's some awesome songs on this album.
Another one in which it wasn’t bad, but just wasn’t anything that’d I really enjoyed. Tutti frutti is the first song and probably the best, which is not a good sign.
Great, heard it before
Fair play, love this album. Do It Again, Dirty Work, Only A Fool Would Say That, Reelin' In The Years - bangers.
Love this album
Steely Dan takes a lot of shit, but they're actually a great band... and this record is a really good listen.
Average yacht rock.
Ok tried like them Over years but just can't
Je ne misais pas forcément sur cet album de prime abord, et finalement j’ai beaucoup aimé!
Papa roche sur une chaloupe
Y'a une touche d'humour, un peu comme Zappa ou 10cc. 2-3 tounes un peu ordinaires mais qui ont quand même des moments intéressants musicalement. On dirait qu'ils font du classic rock en étant conscients que c'est ça qu'ils font. 3.75 étoiles
Very mid 70s soft rock. It’s only Reelin’ in the Years that keeps it above 1 star. Otherwise it’s elevator music.
Listened to this album recently as part of my 2025 resolution to listen to at least one new album per week. This started my Steely Dan obsession and this became my second most listened to album of the year with my favorite song changing upon each listen. Previously listened to 2 songs (Do It Again; Reelin' in the Years) Song I listed as my favorite twice on my spreadsheet was: Kings
I was lowkey distracted while listening to this album so I probably don’t have an accurate assessment of this. None of the songs stood out to me particularly, I prefer earworm-sounding hooks and this one wasn’t it for me.
Def some classic jams on this one
It was fine. Pleasant but forgettable
I love Steely Dan. I'm cruising in a Porsche alone a California coastline lol.
Not terrible, but very boring in my opinion. If soft/yacht-esque rock is your thing you'll enjoy, otherwise pretty uninteresting outside of a couple radio hits. Felt like a very "safe" record that doesn't do anything to crazy to maximize general appeal. Top tracks: Kings, Reelin' In The Years
Some good stuff here
ME ENCANTO ESTE ALBUM, me puse triste cuando se termino ya tengo ganas de escuchármelo devuelta otra vez!!!! Perdón que últimamente no estoy en mood de hacer reviews largas complejas, es puro feeling Favs: TODAS no estoy exagerando lo que disfruté este álbum
Qué buenarda racha llevamos. Sonido impecable y atemporal, le pongo un 4.5 porque me da rabia incluso que sea tan estable todo el disco. Eso sí, cada canción es tan pero tan memorable, qué locura, he metido en likes casi todas. Las que más me gustaron: Do It Again, Kings, Midnite Cruiser, Brooklyn
Un montón de canciones en este álbum a las que nunca les había puesto ni autor ni título. Escucharlas fue una sorpresa y que me gustasen tanto, más todavía. Como con tantos otros artistas de los 70s / 80s, este es mi primer contacto con su discografía y aunque muchos exponentes de los primeros coletazos de subgéneros del rock de aquella época no me llaman, puedo decir que Steely Dan tiene algo que me atrapa, por lo menos en este álbum. Supongo que saber de antemano que muchas de estas canciones son icónicas ayuda a que les atribuya el valor que realmente tienen, pero más allá de eso, genuinamente me gustó la instrumentación, las lyrics desenfadadas y el paisaje sonoro en general que se montan en este álbum. Muy muy fan. Favs: Do It Again, Dirty Work, Reelin' in the Years, Fire in the Hole (el piano en esta va durísimo)
My ex loved Steely Dan but I don’t think we ever listened to a single song I knew. I guess they were all hiding on this album.
"Can't Buy a Thrill" is the debut studio album by American rock band Steely Dan. Wiki had a good description of the album as "one of Steely Dan's most stylistically eclectic albums encompassing sounds of jazz rock, pop rock and soft rock alongside philosophical and elliptical lyrics." The songs were written by bandmembers Walter Becker and Donald Fagan and were produced by Greg Katz. The bandmembers included Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (guitars, pedal steel guitar), Walter Becker (bass, vocals), Dennis Dias (guitar, electric sitar), Donald Fagan (vocals, pianos, organ), Jeff Hodder (drums, percussion, vocals) and David Palmer (vocals). The album was a commercial success reaching #17 on the US Billboard Top LP and Tape Chart and #37 in the UK. It also had positive reviews. "Do It Again" was the first single and opens the album with a mambo jazz beat and dreamy guitar strings. Fagan with forceful vocals as he sounds like he's talking about a friend who's s compulsive loser and has major issues with anger, sex and gambling. A song with a great groove and a searing guitar solo and an organ solo. David Palmer takes over lead vocals in "Dirty Work." Soulfully tinged with the organ. Good contrasting vocals and harmonies in another song about a "loser" dude who's in an affair with a married women and can't get out of it. Jerome Richardson steals the song with his sax solo. The third lead singer on the album, Jim Hodder, appears on "Midnite Cruiser." Melancholy with the piano and lyrics with a theme of lost opportunities. Great harmonies and a singalong chorus. Excellent guitar by Skunk. The signature fuzzy guitar riff opens side two and the other single "Reelin' in the Years." More of a rock beat. Another catchy chorus and standout guitar and drum fills. Fagan sarcastically sings about an ex-lover wasting away her life. The closing song "Turn the Heart Beat Over Again" might have the most daring and original lyrics as a man on the brink of death from an overdose pleads with Jesus and Archangel Michael for a second chance. The lyrics are backed against more subdued, soft rock music and a jazzy guitar and organ. The music style in a lot of these of songs is a fusion of rock, pop, Latin beats and jazz. There's a high degree of musical technicality and meticulous playing of instruments and placements of fills. All of this can end up in dull music but what what separates this album are the catchy melodies, singalong choruses and interesting and dark lyrics. I did find the second side to drag a bit but overall, there a number of high quality songs. A strong recommendation.
Lots of good/decent popular songs on here, but I will never be going back to this most likely. Gets an extra star for tony soprano
Fine Steely Dan. You had one album that wasn't complete crap.
This was probably the least rubbish of the steely Dan we've had to listen to. Had a couple of songs I knew on it, but it still all a whole level of boring beyond what I actually enjoy. There are probably some clever bits in it, but it feels so stale to my ears. I keep reading that steely Dan's production is amazing, but I can't imagine it capturing anyone's attention for long enough to notice.
Not their best but absolutely phenomenal
Love a bit of steely
This was new to me, obviously heard of Steely Dan but never bothered to listen before as I'd written it off. How wrong I was. I did recognise a couple of tunes I didn't realise they were them and loved this and have been back to it a few times since. Great tunes.
Some timeless hits, but not every song is a banger
Steely Dan rammer ret godt når jeg er i det rigtige humør til det
Kan ikke helt finde ud af om jeg er 100% usystematisk når jeg rater de her Steely Dan plader og det bare er baseret på mit humør! Den her var fed, virkelig lækker produktion
Another great sounding record from them. Enjoyable songs, without having any definitive bangers (imo)
One of the best debut albums of the decade. "Do It Again", "Dirty Work" and "Reelin' in the Years" are almost overly familiar to anyone who has listened to more than an hour's worth of classic rock radio. Staples for a reason. Very well played, very well produced. I still think Steely Dan's later albums are a bit stronger, as some of the album tracks are a bit weaker and just kinda soft-rock jazzily wander. Though I will point "Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)" as a highlight, a track or two before the album peters out disappointingly with "Turn That Heartbeat Over Again".
What a pleasant ride this classic rock album was. Dad rock at its best. Do it again, dirty work and reelin in the years are bangers.
Do It Again // Dirty Work // Kings // Only A Fool Would Say That // Reelin’ In The Years // 4.5/5
Great album!! Love the sound. Having listened to later SD's albums, this one has more of a soft rock sound, and less jazz vibes. Very pleasant album to listen to. Only a fool would say that has to be my favourite from this album.
7/10
Do It Again Dirty Work Reelin' in the Years
Great album
4 A feel good 70’s sounding album with somewhat heavy lyrics.
This was great! I've definitely listened to Steely Dan before but I don't think I've ever sat down and listened to the whole album. Lovely way to start my morning.
Really good
Didn't realize so many of their hits were off of one album. Really impressive production. Favorite new-to-me song: Fire In The Hole.
I liked it and would listen to some songs again but not the whole thing. Pretty funky vibe
This has some of my favorite Steely Dan songs on it. I'll never get tired of Reelin' in the Years, Do It Again, and Dirty Work. Great album, will listen to again many times I'm sure. 4.25/5
I didn't know a ton of these songs were Steely Dan. Everyone raves about Aja and I can't really get into that. This, however, is my jam. 4.25/5
Perfectly produced, well-written songs, adeptly performed. Nothing here to not like.
Good album some popular tracks on it
На фон неплох
удовлетворителтно
Great record, a pleasure to listen to start to end. Has such a great opener track. It's not one of those records that sag after such a hit opener. Definitely one of those ones you want to listen to regularly.
80s film, new wave, refurbished.
Of the Steely Dan albums I've heard, their debut is the best because it best combines their meticulous songwriting and arrangements with pop hooks. The band gets associated a lot with dads and yachts, but that's mostly for their later albums. These songs are tighter, and feel more similar to an earlier, more laid back version of The Cars. The choruses on "Midnite Cruiser" and "Reelin' in the Years" are huge, some of the best pop hooks of the 70s. Even the more subtle songs like "Brooklyn" have hooks that worm into your brain. At the same time, the music is layered and jazzy, with a lot of small details to get lost in. "Do It Again" is a great example of this with its shuffling rhythm and guitar solo. The Dan may have gotten a bit more ambitious after this one, but if you're looking for slightly out-of-the-ordinary pop rock it's hard to beat this.
One of my favorite albums ever
Oh look, the Steely Dan songs I know!
this album made me realize that everyone who seems like they're saying steely dan rules as a bit might not be doing a bit and might be right (excluding, of course, rock n roll circus organ)
Quality dad music to cook, clean, and/or putter around to!
A summer day + this album?? Chef's kiss!!
Third Steely Dan album I've heard on this list so far and nothing's changed. Steely Dan should be right up my alley. The genre/timeframe is usually one of my favorites. There's also undoubtedly a lot of hits on this album. But I just can't get into it. It may be something with the vocals but it all sounds so sterile. I feel like I'm eating inside an Arby's. 4.75/10 (2.375/5)
Now, we all know that the name Steely Dan comes from a steam-powered strap-on sex toy that appears in the William Burroughs' novel Naked Lunch. But what you may not know is that, from 1981, William Burroughs spent his remaining years in Lawrence, Kansas. Lawrence, Kansas happens to be where I chose to go to college, at the University of Kansas. Incidentally, I was born in Leavenworth, Kansas. This may be hearsay, but apparently Leavenworth had the choice of a state university or a federal penitentiary. Sigh. Anyway, I did not know it at the time, but the internet says that Burroughs lived at 1927 Learnard Avenue, which was a mile from where I lived. So rumors of him shopping at the grocery store where I bought my ramen appear circumstantially true. I never did run into William S. Burroughs when I was buying ramen. I would not have known what Burroughs looked like had it not been for the movie Drugstore Cowboy. Burroughs plays a junky priest who is a mentor, of sorts, to Matt Dillon. And, oh my goo, I just learned this: William S. Burroughs and Kurt Cobain released a song in July, 1993 entitled "The 'Priest' They Called Him." It is a spoken word jam about a junky priest who gives his score to a sick boy and dies. Cobain provides background guitar noise. The two corresponded and collaborated remotely, but Cobain visited Burroughs in October, 1993, probably while I was buying ramen down the street. Oh, yes, Can't Buy A Thrill is pretty good. I think the songs with David Palmer singing lead are my least favorite. Even though it was not a single, I would still hear "Dirty Work" on classic rock radio. So, at some point, it did come as a surprise that Steely Dan made this song about the shame felt sexing up a coupled woman. Oh, boo hoo.
some enjoyable tunes and some solid tracks. had countdown to ecstasy beforehand and i think i like that more than their debut, but both albums land at around a 4 for me - i'd have no problem putting this on and having a good time. special shoutout to do it again as one of those special, enchanting tracks that make me wanna get up and dance. highlights - do it again, reelin' in the years, midnite cruiser
Tricky, would probably score higher as an instrumental, and I’m not particularly fond of instrumentals. Contains the real Real Slim Shady? I dunno… 3.5?
Nice sound. I should probably relisten, it might become a five stars but four for now. Resembles Santana quite a bit
i've heard a few of the popular tracks. kinda felt like i was watching a good bad romcom. every track feels like it's worth blaring on the road. even though i mistakenly listened to it on shuffle... i thoroughly enjoyed myself. bangers all around. i couldn't help but enjoy it with irony. i think Steely Dan owns up to it too. the title of the album winks at their own critique and particpation with "the system"-- The Center cannot hold, yadda yadda yadda but at least i'm drinking Coca-Cola.
Impressive that they can make such cheesy music with a straight face.
4/5
Chilled rock. Liked it.
It’s hard to parse out the noistalgia factor to adequately rate it. The band is tight but there’s no emotion there. Good dinner party music.
This album got better with listening to the songs I didn’t know already. A true classic.
I fu*k with Steely Dan. I’m a fairly new fan. Always loved the hits but just recently started listening to their albums in their entirety. Dirty Work alone makes this album a 5 star for me.
Not my fav Steely album, but good
This is just non-stop bangers, I wanna listen to this album again and again. Lyrics are simple but fun and effortlessly cool.
It’s just wall to wall bangers
Another poster child for partial stars, while this album doesn't completely fall apart, there is a clear void between some one and two
Almost from the first note this is a classic. Lyrical mastery and tuneful turns of phrase are the order of the day. Hard to pick an outstanding track when they are all exquisite. As with a lot of the steely dan albums they can be in danger of wandering up their own backside but this is just fine.
Debut album. Soft Rock. Super safe, middle of the road Rock. It's all very nice and well played but I can't get a thrill out of it. Reelin' In The Years is a good track. The rest of the album is...umm..nice, and that's all.
Can’t think of anything to say. This is pretty good but nothing all that special. I don’t even know how a pop rock album is supposed to impress me without some heavy influences (I don’t really like this genre). This album has some, but not enough to make it a cut above the rest. 7/10
The exact kind of 1970s vibe that I really like
2 out of 5 Some good well known tunes. Decent yacht rock.
great
This is Steely Dan at their most accessible, and it's great! I really enjoyed these songs, and they are much more "poppy" than some of their later work. Best Songs: Do It Again, Dirty Work, Kings, Reelin' In The Years, Fire In The Hole Worst Songs: Turn That Heartbeat Over Again
Everything about this album is wonderful! Great musicians playing timeless music with great lyrics and a suave, languid singer. Some of it angles a bit poppier than their later work, but it's still solid. Honestly, I don't think there's a bad minute on this album. It's so good I can't even point at a song or two as stand outs. Maybe the radio hits, but weren't they all really? 5 out of 5 every time!
Yeah pretty good, nice groove. Don’t have much to say about it, 4 stars
I can appreciate and vibe with this but not my usual taste
The genesis of all that is Dan. Caustic ‘70s humour and ultra-high fidelity recording and peerless musicianship.
I'm ashamed to say I really liked this Yacht rock masterpiece.
This is Steely Dan before their identity had fully solidified into the jazz / pop fusion best exemplified by the album “Aja”. If you love that style, you might find this album a bit transitional or underdeveloped, but for me it is an interesting alternative universe where soft rock and pop take center stage and the jazz accessorizes the sound. Because of this and depending on your taste, you could make a reasonable case that this is the Dan’s best album. I will not make that case, but I do think this is a fun record because of its distinctiveness in their catalog. An early 70s Laurel Canyon style classic.
I hear the sophisticated arrangement , blending of genres and catchy hooks and feel nothing. It's so anodyne, calculated and inoffensive. A light salad of a record. Have tried to listen to this a number of times, when it comes up in album of the year things, and kind of like the softer rock of the time, but this always makes me feel the same, like I'm stuck in neutral. Which all in all is for the best as wouldn’t want to follow a band with such a limp name anyway. It does what it does well but I get nothing, a flaccid soft rocking 2 Star and by the end it's nearer to a 1.
Kjenner jeg liker det smoothe greiene her. Litt mye keyboard solo, men ikke krise. Føles klisjéete, men ikke på.en så dum måte at det blir dumt.
those melodies
less than 5 stars? only a fool would say that
Any time I listen to Steely Dan I can’t help but think of a quote I read several years ago, I think from musician Kurt Vile: “Everyone on their musical journey at some point realizes that Steely Dan is badass as shit” Or something like that. This is a killer debut, and if you look a step beyond the “yacht rock-ness” of SD you realize that there is some serious skill and complexity to their arrangements and playing. They were amazing, and Can’t Buy A Thrill is excellent. Dirty Work, Do It Again, and of course Reelin In The Years are highlights.
What a great album! I didn’t realise how many songs I (first) knew, and (second) liked! It had an excellent range of tracks and tempos and thoroughly enjoyed it! Thankyou so much!
Pretty great. Classic sound.
Classic debut from Steely Dan. Favorite track: Reelin in the years other picks: do it again, dirty work
I was literally singing Dirty Work in my head when this came up! I think because of One Battle After Another. Not a hard album to love if you like this sort of thing, and my word do I like THIS sort of thing.
Some solid tunes on this one. Feels at times like there's two different bands competing to make an album. Some real tonal shifts between songs.
I think this perfectly describes how I felt about this album “Fuck I am turning into a dad, I appreciate Steely Dan now”
Thank you for an excuse to listen to this most excellent album! I hope all of Steely Dan’s catalog is in this list, this is number 2 for me, both 5 star releases!
Just great songwriting, what can I say
Not as bad as some of the stuff on this list. A reluctant 3.
Breezy, easy rock. Totally inoffensive and easy to listen to.
Really nice, feel good 70s vibe. Great album cover
Generally, I like Steely Dan, but this one's kinda meh. Reelin' in the Years and Do It Again (and maybe Dirty Work) rightfully receive most of the airplay on classic rock stations, because the others just don't hit.
Just a proper easy listener
Massive hits, solid B side. The disparity between the sides is significant and why I. Think this album falls short of later efforts which are fully polished and balanced. Regardless, this album is a classic. The production value and talent are top. Notch.
An album and group that had passed me by at a time when I was young listening to Bowie, Slade, T Rex as examples. The album wouldn’t have been my music at the time it came out but listening at it today I can see why it has lasted being popular. All the tracks were listenable and understandable that “Do It Again” and “Reeling In The Years” were the singles from the album.
Great album
Day 4 and finally a stone cold banger. Great contrast to the REM album. Hangs together as a piece. Genius tracks. Only one or two less than stellar tracks so marked to 4 (unless I can give a half?)
I like this a lot more than Aja, because, where Aja is the apotheosis of the Steely Dan Sound (which, while technically accomplished, fucking sucks) this is more of them finding the sound so there's more stuff that's not there yet. The big hits are well known and while a bit too much, still good. So there's that. I just don't like Steely Dan, man. It's almost music to go to sleep to, but instead it's music that seems to creep in through your window from your neighbor playing it too loud while you're trying to go to sleep and it's boring as shit but also not so staid that you can actually ignore it.
I avoided Steely Dan for years because I dislike jazz-rock, but this album is great. It features 'Dirty Work,' a song that instantly reminds me of childhood family road trips. For the nostalgia alone, it gets five stars.
Catchy songs with clean harmonies. Songs just don’t with me.
This is an excellent debut from the genre bending duo of Fagan and Becker here on Can’t Buy A Thrill. Opening said debut with such a jam with, Do it Again. It’s got the psychedelic sounds of The Doors but it’s something different and it’s awesome. They follow that with another great one with Dirty Work. It’s a really great album that rocks but stays within their chill limits. Midnite Cruiser kinda sounds like a Neil Young track right? The guitar on display here is excellent too, at times making me think of the Dire Straits. While all tracks aren’t 5’s there really isn’t a dud on this album. Even the album art, weird as it is, is kinda perfect for what this is. I really enjoyed this a lot. 4 stars
Hard to believe this is their debut, it’s so polished and groovy. It’s Steely Dan, so you’re going to get clever and philosophical lyrics, guitar and piano solos, interesting chord progressions, catchy hooks and melodies that will definitely put you in a good mood. This is surely a classic debut from a fun, interesting band with a very solid discography.
Lotta absolute classics, lotta unmemorable stuff in between
Nice to listen to. Good to relax. I didn't find it particularly special but will definitely listen to it again.
I think I mostly like Steely Dan because my mate Jordan likes them. They’ve always got a great road trip vibe, or barbecues, or rambling walks around the countryside. (3.5 stars)
a few of Steely Dan's best songs, pretty stacked album. but very mid overall