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Aqualung
Jethro Tull
1971
Wikipedia
Reviews
Like a review? Give it a thumb up to help us display relevant reviews!I have always loved the song Aqualung, but never listened to the whole album. Simply awesome, the whole thing just rocks. Brought my speakers to life!
Came away with the impression that any groovability was a happy accident, that these silly sods were more interested in playing silly buggers with studio gewgaws, prog "innovations" (I've yet you hear a prog album where the trickery amounts to more than blue balling the listener) and getting jiggy on the flute. But jigginess cannot be ignored. Musically, they score almost half the time. The problem is mostly the lyrics (Balzac via Pete Townsend's operatic tendencies?) and the vocals (some bloke who came third place in his Fagin audition?) I imagine Tull and their fans really want you to listen, insist their are layers to the music and words, but I only found it tolerable by not paying attention.
Someone's middle school band director lied to them. Flute is not rock and roll, buddy. This album has no idea what it wants to be and it's utterly frustrating. Every track starts off really great ... and then the flute shows up and wrecks the whole rock vibe. Without the flute, this would have been a 4-star album easily. As it stands, I'm being generous with a 2-star review. Extremely generous. That damn flute...
There's a reason why Jethro Tull beat Metallica at the Grammys. It's a brilliant Album with plenty of guitar and flute solos alike. Aqualung is one of my favourite songs of all time.
Jethro Tull is the only band allowed to use the flute. Them and King Gizzard. That's it. This album still feels influential over modern music because these progressions are just so timeless. Aqualung really hit things out of the water and there are very few albums like it. All songs are highlights and should be required listening, but an abbreviation of the highlights are: 1, 4, 6, and 7.
First time listen beyond title track (which tuned down and through heavier amps would’ve been a doom metal classic) and “Locomotive Breath.” Dug “Hymn 43” and “Wind Up.” Still on the fence about the flute and all flute related breathing sounds here.
I like prog, also the early stuff. But I can't stand the flute. But besides that I like the sound and vibe.
The third CD I ever owned - first heard this album in 1988 I think. But HOLY SHIT I spun the Steven Wilson 2011 remix and good lord it sounds really, really good. hadn't heard these songs in many years.
Sikkert kjent for de fleste, men godt å bli minnet på godbiter som denne. Det er ikke lett å være hjemløs.
2 words, rock flute. Big Jethro Tull fan and this is obviously their biggest album. I'm always on the lookout it when shopping for second hand vinyl. Would love this guy in my collection.
So I accidentally listened to this on shuffle, but really really liked it. Awesome musical bits, vocals sounded cool, what lyrics I could understand were p good. 10
I love rock. I love classic rock. I love British classic rock. And yet I somehow made it to 40 years of age without hearing a Jethro Tull album. This get 4 stars for the jazz flute doubling the bass line into on Up to Me. The extra star is for everything else. I’m not saying this is the best British classic rock album ever ...but if someone else were to say that, I’d hear them out.
Going in I didn't really know what to expect, but it really surprised me. I thought that the song progression was great and that all of the instruments + voice fit together perfectly. The first song starts the album off really strong and every song after that matches that level of quality. Favorite track: Aqualung
Вот, ща балдёж будет. Ради такого надел наушники и подключил звуковуху плеера. И не зря: заглавный трек сразу сильно по эмоциям отбиватся. К слову, изначально услышал его в Guitar Hero 6 и подумал, что какое-то очередное душилово для стариков. И не для тех стариков, к которым сам отчасти принадлежу, а более ветхих. С группой начал знакомиться тогда, когда купил первый hi-fi плеер и захотелось вкусить илитарной музыки, классического прог-рока. Тогда скачал дискографии Jethro Tull, Van Der Graaf Generator, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Genesis. И вот всеми на момент прослушивания маленько проникся, но вот сейчас готов переслушать считанные альбомы. Но Jethro Tull принадлежат несколько. Раньше казалось, что лирика посвящена фантастическим сюжетам, про путешествия по дну морскому в акваланге. Вот тот мужик с обложки перед отбытием ухмыляется, мол надоели вы мне, ща шубу накину, дойду до причала, переоденусь в акваланг и прям в океян бахнусь. Ан нет, Акваланг - это всего лишь имя мужика. А жаль. При прослушивании сохраняется чувство, что слушаешь реально выдающееся классическое произведение, умную музыку. Это – тот прог-рок, который скорее арт-. В то же время нет ноток архаики, звучит вполне актуально (для прог-фолк-рока, конечно). Композиции грамотные, разнообразные, подбор инструментов оригинальный. Внятные, цепляющие мотивы в наличии. Вкрапления Хард-рока вносят приятное разнообразие и выполнены на высоком уровне. Вполне можно предположить, что при определённых условиях группа могла повторить путь Deep Purple, постепенно отойти от прогрессивных корней и добиться высоких успехов в Хард-рок мейнстриме. Хотя мы живём вроде как в лучшей вселенной, где этого не произошло. И всё же, несмотря на арт- составляющую, прог- составляющая весьма заметна. А это значит, что для неподготовленного уха звучать будет довольно душно, напряжно. Да даже для моего уха альбом настолько комплексный, что способен утомить. Особенно если слушать через динамики на фоне. Но такая музыка действительно заслушивает, чтобы сконцентрироваться на прослушивании. Сидеть, втыкать. Качество записи к семи тем боле располагает. 9/10
Il mio voto è influenzato dal fatto che conosco bene e sono molto legato a questo piccolo gioiello del prog. Ho cercato di avere un approccio critico, ovviamente non è un album perfetto, forse un po' prolisso (c'è di peggio nel panorama progressive rock), ma io quest'album non mi stancherò mai di ascoltarlo (e puntualmente a ogni ascolto penserò di dover comprare un flauto traverso).
I have only really heard the song 'Aqualung' from Jethro Tull. I should have listened to more. This album is superb. It is driving and lyrically interesting with its explorations of religion, god, and the human condition. Ian Anderson's vocals are superb and the flute playing is not a mere novelty; it is phenomenal. Jethro Tull's dedication to traditional British folk music shows through the prog rock in a way that feels natural. I will definitely look for this album in vinyl
First time exploring this legendary group. Wow! Flute and electric guitar? These guys make everything work and combine all kinds of genres and break down any rules about what can and can’t be done. Amazing musicianship. While closer to world music and jazz, rather than rock from 2021 eyes, it is a remarkable musical experience.
Classic. I remember some of the samples from RJD2s breezeblock coming from this album.
First listen: "this album is so weird, eww" Second listen: "this album is so weird, I love it" One of the very few albums on this list where I got to the end and immediately listened to it a second time. It is truly a bizarre prog-rock folk album where every song seems to have a flute solo, and I love it for it.
First time listening to Jethro Tull, Loved it, Great combination of Rock, Folks and Prog
Think I'm gonna put this whole project on pause and go binge Jethro Tull's entire discography because this was FUCKING AMAZING.
One of my favorite album of all time. I'm a huge Jethro Tull fan. Ian Anderson is such a talented artist. Nothing else to say : Masterpiece!
Whoever said they don't like this bc it sounds like a fairytale theater run by deadheads......THAT'S WHY IT'S SO GOOD. Btw, any instrument can be rock - that's what's great about music.
I've heard this album a million times and love it, but I just discovered the remix from about a decade ago, and I'm hearing drums and things that I've never noticed in the original before. Sounds amazing.
easily gets 6 stars out of 5 I’m a slut for prog rock like holy shit dude this album is so good, I’ve been listening to this on loop for the past 6 hours, every song gets better every time I hear it I wanna hear their other stuff but from what I’ve seen, this album is as good as it gets, still check this album out, iconic as fuck
I’m not sure how, but I’m familiar with every song on here. I must’ve had the cassette. Jethro Tull has such depth and combinations of genres. Really good stuff. Me likey
My grandad is always on and on about this band ( so I hope it’s good)… The album starts off with the title track, a fairly cool 6 minute multi parter, It starts with this fairly heavy bit where it kinda reminds me of black sabbath, then theres the slow section which is alright but not brilliant only to explode into this great pop track the kinda song I thought this band would make theres an instrumental that reverts into the slow second which while isn’t my favourite kinda glues all the songs sections. It ends full circle on the awesome black sabbath-y part. Amazing! Cross eyed Mary starts with a brilliant flute based intro really showing what this band can do, the main song itself is a great slow rocker with great lyrics. Cheap day return is a short and sweet interlude-y track providing a nice breather before… Mother goose is a very folk based track it’s not my favourite but it’s still good especially with the songs flute workings in it. Wond’ring Aloud is another short track not an interlude as such as it’s a bit too dynamic for that but it’s still good especially with the string work. Theres some laughing which brings on up to me it’s a decent track with a great groove to to it and good lyrics just slightly going under the quality of the first two songs. Side two starts off with the 7 minute long my god it’s intro is a great piece of acoustic picking which Segway’s into a great verse. The song fights with the original riff until it turns into quite a heavy track that eventually blends all of the sounds from this band the most interesting part is the flute solo backed with the ( na na na na na’s). Then the heaviness comes back for the last minute great! Then is the album’s first ( of two) singles hymn 43, despite its name it’s probably one of the heaviest songs on here acting as a true grand centrepiece to the whole album. Slipstream is another break-y interlude thing it’s good just not special. Then is the other single and penultimate track of the album, locomotive breath a piano led track at the start but then takes a complete left turn once the song hits and proves itself as a true rocker very entertaining! The album’s goodbye is in the form of wind up it starts off as a really beautiful acoustic track that slowly builds up what a closer. Wow really good… thanks grandad!
These were my childhood lullabies. My father and mommy would play this album during trips and holidays.
3/26 Great, interesting rock album, lot of flute instrumentation mixed in and really well done. Standout Tracks: Aqualung, Cheap Day Return, Mother Goose, My God, Slipstream
The flute addition really gives this music such a unique vibe. The guitar work and musicianship is commendable, and I'm a big fan of Ian Anderson's voice. I'm between 4 and 5 stars right now.
This is a 4.5 star album. Genuine classic rock, some really good stuff. I can't believe I hadn't ever heard of Jethro Tull before. The Title song on this album I had heard but barely, and I didn't have any context. Want to re-listen interview at the end of this album too since I didn't catch much while at work
Very interesting and unique concept album. Versatile, well-written, and fully realized. Glad I found this!
Nice warm classic rock, some cool bass and guitar licks. Production reminds me a lot of early Sabbath/Bowie. Little bit hippy and whimsical of the time. Road trippin music.
Hmm, Aqualung. Sort of an anthology about an individual, Aqualung, even though he isn't mentioned more than 1 or 2 times past the title track. I have this album on vinyl purely for the single, but I guess there's a little more for me there too.
where else can you hear enchanting flute solos and sweet guitar solos in the same song?
So some of these songs surprise me. There’s a harder sound, and then suddenly there’s something that sounds almost folky.
Notable song and enjoyable listening separately. All together I struggle with the voice itself.
When i was 10 yrs old I heard the opening lines.. Sitting on a park bench Eyeing little girls with bad intent Snot's running down his nose Greasy fingers smearing shabby clothes.... and then with all those tempo changes and crazy instruments, I mean a flute??!!! I knew this was something special. This gets 4 stars because of four iconic songs, Aqualung, Cross eyed Mary and Locomotive Breath
Played the crap out of this during my first year of college. Some interesting songwriting undermined by flat production values. Title track, 'Mother Goose' and 'Locomotive Breath' the standouts.
Of course the title track is a prog classic. I like the combination of longer grandiose pieces with the acoustic buck & change connectors. The thematic lyrics connect it all nicely. Very ambitious.
Tough one. I'll give it a four just to separate it from some of the threes but probably not as good as some of the fours!
Enjoyed this a lot more than I expected. Initially thought, another folk rock/progressive rock album for us to listen to, but it was really different.
Can see why these guys are one of the originators of 🤘 It's a lot more acoustic than I was expecting although a few good heavy riffs here and there. Not totally my vibe, but influenced a lot of important bands that followed them. 7.5/10
Enjoyed this a lot by the end of it. Lots of fun bits in there, especially the Ron Burgandy style jazz flutes.
Much like Faces yesterday, this is a favourite of my dads. Personally I’m fonder of this than the Faces, the song Aqualung is rightfully a classic and everything else on here is a decent standard without getting close to that level.
Very solid album, I'm surprised I haven't heard of the band before. I especially appreciate the flute, solid 4
Hadn't ever listened to this album despite knowing several tracks on it like the back of my hand. Was surprised at how overall high quality it was and really enjoyed it.
Dommage qu'ils soient moins bon que Bruce Springsteen et son tatouage tribal, un 4/5 bien mérité
I actually really really enjoyed this. Had heard of Jethro Tull but never listened to their music. This album was a real pleasant surprise
Great stuff, hadn’t heard this before and really enjoyed it, Locomotive Breath & Wind-Up were favourites but great riffs all over the shop, will investigate further.
Love Jethro Tull. It must be something about standing on one leg and sticking your tongue out, because I also love Loudon Wainright III. Locomotive Breath is just brilliant and very easy to play (badly). Sam likes this album, having discovered it for himself.
I had listened to Aqualung (the track) prior to this full Aqualung the LP listen and had wrote off Anderson’s vocal as being painfully theatrical. I must’ve been still reeling from Rush 💀. This is an easy listen for prog beginners, it’s filled with hard rocking groves throughout. It’s like medieval-ish without the pomp and pageantry of the Canterbury scene.
So many classics within - I've never been a Tull "fan" per se, but it's hard to argue with this album. Ranging from straight rock to progressive with dashes of english folk in-between, enough interesting variety to make this a true classic album. Highlights include the epic title track of course, the heavy metal of "Cross Eyed Mary" (Iron Maiden did a cool cover of this in the 80s), and the bitter "Hymn 43" - even as one who doesn't always pay attention to the lyrics, I do love the cynicism and iconoclastic imagery throughout the album. Statement: we need more flute in modern music, dammit.
Very interesting album. Had always heard of it but never got around to listening to it
Title-track and Locomotive Breath are instant bangers. The albums works better in vinyl or cassette with each side representing either Aqualung or God lyrical themes respectively. They can rock hard and while the flute might annoy some, it is extremely well played by Mr. Anderson and remains a trademark of Jethro Tull.
Wow this is a really good album. I'm familiar with the title track, Cross Eyed Mary and Locomotive Breath but I thought the whole album was really good. 4 🌟
в последний раз слушал, наверное, лет в 17. тогда мне показался и лучше и хуже одновременно. лучше - потому что считал заглавную тему этаким качем, ну и типа риффак легендарный. хуже - потому что особо ничего с тех пор не запомнил. а вот сейчас, переслушав, ясно осознал, что первая тема вообще-то муть какая-то душная. по крайне мере первая часть и последняя части, в середине довольно приятный и мелодичный кусок. а вот вся эта хуйня с резкими сменами ритма и, будем честны, не особо-то интересным риффом, мне вообще разонравилась. вот уж реально выебон для выебона. плюс вокал очень паршиво обработан, при том что там в принципе вокалист середняковый такой. короче выписано из топов а вот в чем я был не прав - так это насчёт остальных песен, ибо они процентов на 70% - очень даже годнота. особенно зашли Cross-eyed Mary и Up to Me. ну и My God в зависимости от настроения может считаться либо самой гениальной либо самой смешной вещью, что я слышал. и то и другое в целом - хорошо. конечно, песни 2-3 из альбома стоило бы выкинуть - больно уж он длинный и однообразный, особенно под конец. но в целом все равно ровная тема, хован вроде одобряет. 8/10
Aqualung is the fourth studio album by the British rock band Jethro Tull. Aqualung has widely been regarded as a concept album, featuring a central theme of "the distinction between religion and God".[4] The album's "dour musings on faith and religion" have marked it as "one of the most cerebral albums ever to reach millions of rock listeners".[5] Academic discussions of the nature of concept albums have frequently listed Aqualung amongst their number. The initial idea for the album was sparked by some photographs that Anderson's wife Jennie took of homeless people on the Thames Embankment. The appearance of one man in particular caught the interest of the couple, who together wrote the title song "Aqualung".[17] The first side of the LP, titled Aqualung, contains several character sketches, including the eponymous character of the title track, and the schoolgirl prostitute Cross-Eyed Mary, as well as two autobiographical tracks, including "Cheap Day Return", written by Anderson after a visit to his critically ill father.[18] The second side, titled My God, contains three tracks—"My God," "Hymn 43" and "Wind-Up"—that address religion in an introspective, and sometimes irreverent, manner.
I'm likely biased since I learned bass on these songs, but man is this album one of balance. It knows when to go for the proggy narrative lyricism but also when to let the rippers fly, when to dial it down to acoustics but also when to crank the dynamics to 10. The fact it maintans a sense of cohesion throughout is just the cherry on top
Classic prog, but not too Genesis or Yes! Good riffs, voice and flute. I'm going to give it 4 because it is easily listenable.
A surprusingly good full album. Had heard aqualung many times but the rest of the album carries it on well
Nice album, enjoyed the uniqueness of the flute, combined with some "old sounding progressive/psycholedic" tunes. Also liked the singing voice of Ian
Hi- Cross-Eyed Mary, My God, Locomotive Breath Raise your flutes to the sky! Jethro Tull has a story to tell (Actually 12 of them), so gather 'round for some prog-rock goodness with a heavy dose of flute-rock. The songwriting in every track is great, but the standouts are superb. Great album.
I see a lot of people saying there’s too much flute. I felt the opposite. I didn’t really think they’re was that much flute. It was only very noticeable in a few songs and when it was used, it was tasteful. If that’s too much flute then I don’t know what to tell you. I like this album a lot more than I thought I would. Good melodies and highlights. Aqualung was a great way to start off the album. It was a solid album.
This flute rocks hard! What a banger - folk tinged, retro sounding, full throated, hugely enjoyable. I love the lyrics alluding to some Victorian past. So much fun.
Another banger for the week! I have a different Jethro Tull album on vinyl, not sure why I wouldn't have this one. It's funny that Jethro Tull is known for the flute contributions, and yet what's most memorable about any given song are the epic guitar riffs. Like the title track, when I think of "Aqualung" I hear that six-note riff. The flute is just an exquisite touch that elevates this a little bit above classic rock fare. Lots to love on this album, I think it's great. Favorite tracks: Aqualung, My God, Cross-Eyed Mary, Mother Goose, Locomotive Breath. Album art: Absolutely iconic. The evil hobo, looking like a fairy-tale troll rendition of Charles Manson. I've always enjoyed this one, I like to think he's about to pull a flute out of his coat and go nuts with it. 4/5
Great album growing up as a young teenager…. My cousin played it all the time. Aqualung & Locomotive Breath my favorites.
Jethro Tull are in full possession of their powers here, contrasts made sharper by Wilson's remastering work. Flute against distortion, folk song against the cynical humanism. Even the cover captures the muddiness of the temptation to misanthropy. I'm partial to the band's weirder output, but here they demonstrate the potential of short-but-full songs. Radio-ready, somehow: The best intro album to Jethro Tull.
I actually really love the mix of 70's rock and sort of old-english folkyness that the band brings here. Was expecting to just enjoy the hits and the novelty of the flute, but I'd say it's all good stuff. A strong 4.5!
One of my college roommates used to repeatedly tell the “story/history” of the song Locomotive Breath every time it came across our listening plane (which was often enough in 1985). He would say… “This song was written by a young/autistic/mentally-challenged/ street-person/asylum resident… who carried around a rag soaked in whatever bodily fluids he ‘happened to have coughed up’ that date. Use your imagination there. Reallly, it’s true!” Sorry Randy, not true, but you sure told a helluva a story. Good album with strong tracks and two all time classics. I Was leaning towards a five here, but rounding down out of respect for my old friends bullshit.
Far from timeless. Guess it didn't start a wind instrument jn rock craze. Loved it back then. Enjoyed listening again.
Le había entrado a Jethro Tull hace muchos muchos años, cuando mi tío me dejó tomar prestados CDs y LPs de su colección y me puse a explorar que otras cosas tenía. En aquel entonces me gustaron muchas cosas: el tema de agregar flauta y piano "clásico" a rolas de rock, la voz de Ian y el sonido completo y "choncho" de las canciones con todas las partes que uno espera en una banda setentera. Ahora también me gustó aunque quizá una rayita menos. La voz ya no me sorprende tanto, la flauta la siento un poco como gimmick y las temáticas religiosas del disco ya me dieron flojera. Sin embargo, sigo sintiendo que tiene un gran sonido de banda setentera y que siguen teniendo grandes guitarras.
Non male. Li avevo già sentiti in passato, non mi erano dispiaciuti ma non mi avevano mai preso troppo. Però lo stile mi piace molto.
While it makes no sense that they won an award for metal, this is a pretty rocking album.
Enjoyed the experience of the album overall, however I did find my interest waning after the first couple of songs, however from mid-album found it picking up again. Some pretty sick flute solos scattered throughout, not something I've found in rock albums I've listened to in the past. It's a pretty good full-album experience, although I'm not sure if I'd find myself going back to listen to individual songs as a once-off in my regular music rotation.
holy shit this album kicks ass. i seriously had no idea. the title track & most famous song might be the one of the worst ones on the album which is maybe why i've never listened to it. 'locomotive breath' made me google black sabbath's 'paranoid' album to see who was ripping off who (which really says something given this song features a bluesy piano solo and jazzy flute solo), but those albums came out within months of each other so probably no foul play there. looking forward to jason doing 'cross-eyed mary' at karaoke.
There's too much flute on this album. I don't mean this in a stuffy "any flute is too much" kind of way, I just mean there's too. much. flute. Best track: Aqualung
I really like the guitar tone on this album. The distortion is really crisp and it's mixed well. My least favorite parts of the album seem to be the lyrics and the flute. Aqualung and Up to Me have this really creepy feel that makes the album distinct Overall the album sounds a bit dated, definitely a product of its time. It drags in places, but when its good, it's really good.
Tricky one. First impression is that I hate this folky prog rock nonsense. No time at all for pipe smoking mustachio twiddling warlock rock. But then there’s the odd blistering guitar that Hendrix would have been happy with or beat box flute that Jurassic 5 should be sampling. This gets everything from a 1 to a 5 so I guess we’ll have to go down the middle for a 3.
Only liked parts of the albums namesake track. Nothing before 2min mark though. Cross-eyed Mary is a solid track - flute is badass. Full on Anchorman jazz flute solo. Keys sound ok, but very basic for having so much presence in the mix. UK Folky, foot tapping fun - Mother Goose Locomotive Breath- keys come alive. And the crazy flute is back! Love it. Really grew on me, but no where near other similar bands of the same period (like zeppelin)
D’ya like the flute? The Tull certainly does. Is this their best record? No. Is this a good record? That is for you to determine. I liked about half of this and the other half is what I would expect from a 1970’s prog-folk band. I can’t really say I’d come back to this (try Thick as a Brick instead), but it was an enjoyable listen. The changes in time and feel on the title track are a definite highlight. Favorite track: Aqualung (I mean cmon) Least favorite track: Hymn 43
this sounds kinda medieval idk why but some of them songs were fucking weird. pretty cool if u ask me. this guy has a good voice ###
i thought this would take me right back - it didn't, but i was kind of ok with that, too. ian anderson is an interesting songwriter, for sure.
The last time I listened to whole thing, it was 1978. Actually, I liked this more than I thought I would.
No ha estado mal. Me ha recordado a la época de Pink Floyd. Este es uno de esos discos que tenía eternamente pendiente de escuchar con atención.
Hørte en gang en beskrivelse av Jethro Tull som om en britisk sjømann som er glad i whiskey skulle fått barn med en hippie i San Francisco som er veldig glad i blomster. En rar miks, men det funker jo helt greit. Favoritt Jethro-låt 'song for jeffrey' er ikke med på aqualung - trekker litt ned.
not too bad of an album but bit weird. very strong theme throughout the album and im not sure its quite my cup of tea
Jethro is wel ok. Beetje bombastisch en wat gedateerd maar ik kan die sound wel waarderen.
Anthony Perry was my best friend when I was 12 and his older sister had this album. As 12 yo brats we didn't need to hear much more than "Snot is running down his nose" and "watching as the frilly panties run" to declare this album "amazing". As I listen to the album today, I'm not sure we ever got past the title track. Anyway, the word "amazing" no longer trips off the tongue the way it did back then. At the midpoint I was starting to worry about the bad karma that comes with giving less than a "3" to a cult album. Fortunately, the album ended strong and earned its 3. I hope Perry agrees.
A little theatrical, but still pretty cool. I'd have to give it another listen I think.
This was interesting. I only knew a little bit of Jethro Tull previously and didn't think it was really my thing, but I found this pretty entertaining. I also enjoyed the interview with Ian Anderson at the end of the deluxe edition.
The production was like when you see a movie in 8k ultra HD and you can see all the people on the screen acting and reading lines. I could hear them playing instruments, not playing music. I actually like the much maligned flute, and everytime the piano came out it got into a bit of a bar room rocker. But I'm just confused about what Jethro Tull actually is, because most of the album sounds like a dance around the maypoll meeting of some Hobbits and the album never really takes off. I don't really get why half the album is the sounds of 1650. Hymn 43 was a good song. 2.51/5
Prog flute classic, good campfire background, probably worth another listen on a decent hi-fi but otherwise not really for me.
Come molti dischi del genere passo da momenti di esaltazione a temere che spunti da un momento all'altro qualche folletto o gnomo da dietro le casse. Mi piace Ian Anderson come strumentista ma non come cantante.
Premetto che i Jethro Tull sono un gruppo che ho ascoltato molto intorno ai 15/16 anni e quindi conoscevo bene Aqualung ma non lo ascoltavo da molto. Onestamente riascoltarlo dopo tanto tempo mi ha fatto un po' un'impressione strana, forse perché questo tipo di progressive rock '70 oggi è invecchiato un po' male, anche perché è stato preso, storpiato e ricomposto in tutte le salse possibili, forse anche perché mi arriva come più pretenzioso di un tempo. Comunque parliamo di un bell'album, Ian Anderson sflauteggia anche meno del solito e fa sempre ridere quando si sentono i suoi versi. L'album è considerato da tutti un concept album ma i Jethro Tull dicono che non lo è e non l'hanno mai pensato come concept e secondo me si sente molto questa cosa. Diciamo che oggi mi arriva come un album sicuramente di un certo peso artistico ma che ci prova un po' troppo. A questo punto penso di preferire Stand Up che invece era un po' meno sofisticato e ci sono grandissimi pezzi come We Used To Know. Direi un 3.45.
Obviously styled as a dostoevsky esque rock opus, right down to the wretched character that haunts the album sleeve. Interesting in parts but I didn't stay engaged.
i like "cross eyed mary"... the flute really had me ASCENDING on that one... actually the flute is the best part of this album all the way through.
Definitely a lot of jazz flute. Some well known songs. Other songs are just ok. I don't think I would choose to listen to the full album again.
sitting on a park bench...i think more pop music should have flutes but this wasn't exactly my jam
If music could smell, the tunes included here would; probably of cheap ditch weed and sweat. Hippy prog made by crusties with flutes. Best Tracks: Aqualung; Cross-Eyed Mary; Locomotive Breath
It almost feels like a caricature of the Epic rock genre. It’s interesting but not really my jam.
Wow I DO know this. Aqualung is a classic song... love it. Cross eyed mary reminds me of Jack Black in School of Rock lol. Cheap Day Return is a softer song. Does Up to Me have a jazz flute??
The second half is much better than the first, minus the title track. Highlight Tracks: 1, 7, 10
Pretty good. A little repetitive. Like a cross between Pink Floyd, Metallica, and Bad Religion
I enjoyed the non-traditional instruments. I found this somewhat boring though and might appreciate it more on more listenings
OK, i've had this on the backburner for days now, listening & relistening. I still don't know whether I like, whether it is good or great, or polished or raw. I just don't know. Honestly cannot rate fairly. Real conundrum. Is that the point?
Hey aqualung!! A famous anchorman quote but I never went and listened to the full album. Definitely some flute action in this one and great guitar riffs. I wouldn't put this anywhere near some other rock albums but I think this is a really good one, especially with the use of other instruments than the typical rock fare.
Cool record! Nice storytelling throughout the songs that connect and keep you invested. Jethro Tull have a unique sound as well which is refreshing. 6/10
Not a band I would listen to, and their reputation is not inviting. Surprisingly sprightly and concise, mostly, with some excellent tunes. Solid 3, but the amount of flute will prevent more.
I've always been familiar with the band Jethro Tull and how it had lots of flute and how it is one of the prog rock bands. Beyond that I've never actually listened to any of it. Now that I have, it was 100% exactly what I think of when I imagined the term prog rock. I should enjoy this more than I thought but it was just okay. Maybe if I were younger I'd dig it more. No other rock bands feature the flute so heavily -- for somewhat obvious reasons -- and it definitely is something different from the sound everyone else had. I will always applaud bands who try something different, but in the end it's not for me.
Muy, muy variado. Muchos instrumentos y estilos aunque también muy extraño. Cambios de ritmo y exceso de sonidos me hicieron no poder conectar con el sonido de la primera mitad aunque para la segunda parte suena más simple pero me gustó más. Sólido 3. Songs: Locomotive Breath, Wind Up
Flutes in rock music is an issue of controversy, and the flute did not go unnoticed throughout the first tracks, but the song "Up to Me" features some exceptional talent by their flute player in where they are making use of the flutter tongue technique. Appreciation of that skill aside, flutes remain controversial in a rock band, but this is also the 70s, and where would rock be if not for what this decade produced? Title track is instantly recognizable, a quick perusal of the lyrics suggest that the song is dark and weird. One should do with that as they will. "My God" is a scathing critique of religion (featuring much of that flutter tongue flute, including an aggressive flute solo) and its role in bad history. This song in particular really demonstrates Jethro Tull's fusion of rock and jazz, perhaps even being their best presentation of it. Progressing through the album, it has become clear that the flute is heavily featured on several songs, and while that remains controversial to this reviewer, it needs be noted that Jethro Tull's expertise with the instrument may in fact be their differentiating factor versus other bands where the flute is intentionally included as part of the band's musical identity. Overall, this album earned so much respect in spite of the preconceived bias against flutes in a rock band. Take the flute away, you have a solid 70s rock band putting out groovy melodies, and weird lyrics, but then you'd be left with a cookie-cutter band of this era.
This wasn't a bad album. It's just not something I would listen to frequently. I am not a huge fan of flute work in rock music - at least not to the extent here. Musically, I understand why this album is notable. It just isn't my thing.
Not bad, enjoyed it all The only band that can pull off playing rock with a Flute. For some reason. More really should try. It's kinda funny though 3
Appreciated the skillful guitarists, they killed it and the flutes were always a joy whenever they appeared. But I think I would need more time with it cause I didn't find a lot remarkable about Aqualung apart from its title.
I dont know why I don't like it but I don't. It seems similar to other bands I like, but I just don't like it.
3rd June 2021 Listened to this in bits and pieces, watering the garden etc I don't think albums like this age very well, it's very much of it's era. Ruined forever by anchorman. Jen heard me listening to one song and said the flute sounded like pan pipes on crack.
How are we supposed to review these albums? If I put myself in the mindset of a 70s, long-haired rocker (say, my dad) I can bang my head along to the bouncy bits, and gaze with sparkle-eyed wonder at the flute solos; but if I’m listening to it from my own body in my own time, this sounds beyond parody. This is how prog-rock sounds in goofy comedies. Ultimately it gets an extra star because my dad likes it.
I dont know what I thought Jethro Tull was, but I wasn't expecting medieval times rock. But now I at least get what jack black was doing with tenacious d, it was a Jethro Tull bit. Pretty good. But I did not like this.
24. Aqualung - Jethro Tull 13 tracks. It's not my thing, but it's not awful, (but neither is it good). It seems too "busy" or "muddled" with lots going on & every bit trying to outdo every other component part. Bits reminded me of a "shit, try-hard Queen" and these were the better bits. 2/5.
Sitting on a park bench Eyeing little girls with bad intent Snot running down his nose Greasy fingers smearing shabby clothes i thought this was gonna be an album about SHACK. it turns out its actually about homeless people along the thames embankment. Which makes it all the more laughable that i thought it was about SHACK because homeless people along the thames embankment is the main substance that forms SHACKs diet. fuck me it goes on a bit.
This didn't make much of an impression on me. It was enjoyably theatrical at times, and the lyrical themes kept repeating in a way that doesn't normally happen with pop songs. And the flute - the flute! I feel like this deserves a place as a significant album in the history of music but it just isn't my thing.
I fully expected to hate this, but it has its moments. The title track is very good; I can hear echoes of Sabbath in that and the other heavier tracks on this record. I don’t even mind the flute that much when it’s well-incorporated into the band - though the jaunty flute solos did raise an eyebrow. The acoustic folk elements don’t do it for me, though, and neither does that generic 70s rock vocal. 2.5 stars.
It was OK. There are some good songs on here, but quite a few that I listened to and just thought ok that was a song, with an acoustic guitar and a flute. Sorry Jethro.
A bit like Black Sabbath with added woodwind. Impressive musicianship, but the songs don't grab me. Some questionable themes, but it was the 1970s. 2/5.
Aus einem Interview ging hervor, dass die Band bei den Aufnahmen ein Studio zugeteilt bekam, in dem sie nicht wirklich hören konnten, wie es wohl am Ende klingen wird. Ferner sei das Album besonders in Deutschland erfolgreich gewesen. Ob es einen Zusammenhang oder gar Synthese aus beiden Anekdoten gibt sei mal hingestellt. 2.4
British rock band Jethro Tull's fourth and best-selling album is this one - "Aqualung". It has sold over 7 million copies. The album's songs encompass a motley of genres, including folk, blues, psychedelica, and hard rock. This album is regarded as a concept album by fans - with themes about religion and the effects of social constructs on people - however the band disputes this, saying it's just a regular album. "Aqualung" is seen as a classic album in the hard rock and progressive rock genres. However, in my opinion it's just another hard rock album trying to differentiate itself with a unique and novel theme.
Fucking shithouse. How do people listen to this shit. Sounds like the creators of South Park are singing this. Genuine torture. Just take a moment to listen to the lyrics here. Fucking hell. 1 star but would give less if I could.