Aqualung

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!

An absolutely marvellous album. Locomotive Breath is my favourite.

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.

An amazing album that showcases all the best of Jethro Tull

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...

Hobbit Rock made by actual hobbits.

I don't care. Four listens where I stayed awake, and once more when I was nodding off, and I can't think of anything engaging to write about this album. Once I was writing articles for an ESL textbook, and I received an assignment to bash out 500 words on the Canadian Tulip Festival. I struggled to stay alive writing it, I was that bored. There is no interesting fact about the Canadian Tulip Festival. The festival stemmed from when the Dutch royal family sent Canada a load of tulips after WW2. I don't care, and neither do you. The first festival was in 1953. I can't conceive of any person who would have interest in that detail. Over 300,000 tulips are displayed at the festival every year. That's over 300,000 cases of me not giving a toss. Alanis Morissette gave her first public performance aged 12 at the 1987 festival. A far more fascinating titbit about Alanis I once heard is that, apparently, she's not adverse to a bit of backdoor action.* Is the Canadian Tulip Festival a good tulip festival? I have no clue whatsoever; I don't know at all what constitutes a tulip festival of merit, except that it probably needs a lot of tulips (although could you have a tulip festival of just one tulip? What if it were a really, really big tulip, like the size of a Jeep or a Wetherspoons?). Is Aqualung a good concept album? I don't like the concept behind the concept album. One can make a thematically and atmospherically harmonious album without stapling on a narrative about a wheelchair-bound deafmute who starts a nuclear war via his ability to receive radio waves mentally, all to show everyone the folly of monetarism (that's the concept behind an actual album, Roger Waters' Radio K.A.O.S.). Oh wait, according to Jethro Tull it's not a concept album, it just shares many traits with those of concept albums. I would say that such inane pedantry would render the album mockworthy, but I can't because that would involve me caring one jot. What does anybody want me to say about this? The leader, Ian Anderson, made Jethro Tull stand out from the other prog groups by playing the flute. In terms of gimmicks, it's hardly Rick Wakeman wearing a full suit of armour or Stacia from Hawkwind dancing with her jubblies out, is it? Jethro Tull was named after the inventor of the seed drill. Can you think of a less interesting origin for a band name? I've sat here for 15 minutes trying, and one just isn't emerging. Oh, maybe this is interesting: the first two songs introduce two characters, Aqualung and Cross-Eyed Mary. Aqualung is a homeless man with a lung condition (hence the nickname Aqualung), who spends his days masturbating in playgrounds. Cross-Eyed Mary is a schoolgirl prostitute who Aqualung ogles through the schoolyard fence. And that's it from them. So, turns out it wasn't interesting after all. The theme of the second half of the album is a sardonic dismissal of organised religion. I'm an atheist, and to me that's akin to pointing out that water is useful when you're a bit thirsty, and if you're religious, you'd probably find it smug and uninsightful. This isn't a one-star album, and that's the problem: a disaster of Hindenbergian proportions would at least be a curiosity. This is a two-star album that is so dull it's not even intriguing in its tedium: it's just dull. *The author would like to make clear that they have no knowledge whatsoever pertaining to the proclivities of Ms. Morissette, and no inference or judgement on that matter should be made regarding the statement referring to Ms. Morissette in the preceding passage.

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.

One of best rock albums of the decade

A true classic combining rock and folk.

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.

Alright, so this is incredible. Folk-prog-blues-hard-rock... Enjoyed every minute

It’s a fucking banger.

One of the greatest albums I've ever listened. The flute solos are really magical.

I dont like it. Sounds like a fairytale theater run by deadheads.

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.

Sikkert kjent for de fleste, men godt å bli minnet på godbiter som denne. Det er ikke lett å være hjemløs.

Not enough rock albums have flute

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.

Kinda nice

Approved by my dad!

Hmm

Another prog rock masterpiece, but with flute.

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

As good as it was the first time I heard it!

okay, this is good

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.

Never gets old, always nice to revisit this classic album

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.

Already know this one, great album

Creepy lyrics and nice music

Rock flute at it's best.

First time listening to Jethro Tull, Loved it, Great combination of Rock, Folks and Prog

Really liked this album, the flute surprised me. But it works well in my opinion.

Think I'm gonna put this whole project on pause and go binge Jethro Tull's entire discography because this was FUCKING AMAZING.

cool

One of Jethro Tull's finest work. Many tracks are instant classics.

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!

A true masterpiece, nothing less

a calda do bolo

This has long been one of my favorites.

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.

Good jams, like the flute.

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

Foda

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

Jethro Tull at one of their peaks of creativity.

Fantastic

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.

Great vocals, killer guitar, and even flute.... What's not to love?

Anybody who complains about the flute knows what they can do with said instrument. This is a classic from start to finish.

Classic

Sitting on a park bench Feeling like a dead duck Spitting out pieces of his broken luck 5*s

Some good songs

This is fire ! Somehow it reminds me of Toto

Fantastic album. A fun ride and a great concept. Loved discovering this one.

I was a little skeptical at first - I was familiar with the beginning of Aqualung (the track) but had never heard the whole song. But this album ended up being SO MUCH FUN to listen to!! When I realized it was a concept album and started to see it through the lens as an obvious big influence for some of my favorite artists like The Decemberists and Sufjan Stevens, I felt like I understood it better and was able to enjoy it thoroughly. I was a little skeptical at first - I was familiar with the beginning of Aqualung (the track) but had never heard the whole song. But this album ended up being SO MUCH FUN to listen to!! When I realized it was a concept album and started to see it through the lens as an obvious big influence for some of my favorite artists like The Decemberists and Sufjan Stevens, I felt like I understood it better and was able to enjoy it thoroughly. I loved all the different instruments and styles throughout the whole album. It kept me interested and engaged and excited to explore the rest of the Jethro Tull discography!

This album slaps. Instrumental portions sound somewhat similar to Rush.

I go nuts for a mad flute solo

A milestone, a historic piece.

I liked this a lot!

Love this one

Aqualung non ha bisogno di presentazioni. Adoro quest’album.

Super Album! 5/5 stars! It's a classic progressive rock album with a great sound ***** Mighty riffs and grooves; it's kicking most of the time ***** Rocking flute played in a well-balanced band; it's intelligent and unique ***** It is an essential reference point for its genre. I advise everyone to listen!

Wow. THIS is exactly what I was looking for when I first started going through this list. This album was pure awesome and undeniably a classic. It feels like it has a little something for every type of rock fan while still feeling very cohesive/unique. I had heard of Jethro Tull and have seen this album cover many times in record stores. I was aware of the title track, but I had never shown it much appreciation; after focusing in on it and realizing how intricate and detailed it was, I was locked in to the rest of the album. Thankfully, everything that proceeded lived up to that first song as each song was very tight and eccentric. 'Cross-Eyed Mary' had some amazing jazz flute that ended up being present through most of the album; while I wouldn't have assumed this would work, it added so much to every track it was in. It ended up adding fairy tale/medieval vibes to the record (almost LOTR like) which helped boost the overall power of the songs on here. Even the songs that didn't have it as prominently were great: 'Cheap Day Return' was short, but I added it to my Starred list immediately based on the guitar work alone. I also loved the piano work on 'Wond'ring Aloud', and the chanting in 'My God' backing the flute was such a cool moment, especially for 1971. It just overall felt like music that was different but familiar at the same time. It reminded me of the Moody Blues at points, but definitely more rock-focused with its loud guitar and vocalist. It also reminded me of Queen's 'A Night at the Opera' (one of my all time favorite albums) in terms of album structure/theming. Not sure if it had any influence on that record, but I wouldn't be surprised. In short, this one rocked from beginning to end, and I would recommend it to anyone who appreciates music. 5/5; the first perfect score I've given to an album I've never heard before.

This is in my top ten rock albums of all time.

This is in my top 10 favorite albums of all time. Can't wait to give this one a spin on the player when I get a chance to later ✌🏻

Almost every song is a banger, people that hate on the flute should check themselves

This album is so great. Greatest blend of hard rock and folk ever realized (besides their even more folky albums like TAAB and Songs from the Wood). These old rockers have such a clever, witty take on rock music. They are very down to earth, self-aware, silly, and unpretentious compared to other prog rock bands, while still having the talent and complexity that prog is known for. Anyone who thinks there is too much flute here should give this album another listen after they've pulled the flute out of their anal cavity

A Masterpiece

This album was surprisingly great. I loved it a lot and will be listening again.

A 3 star album saved by the title track to 4 stars. Iconic guitar lick.

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

Surprised, pretty interesting concept album

Interesting

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.

good album, i like their style!

Prog Rockin

This album is good

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

Classic ron burgundy solo. Didnt know he sang locomotive breath

Classic

Classic!

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.

Enjoyed it!

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.

Only first and last songs are worth it, but they’re REALLY good

Solid prog-folk. Mad Bingo vibes.

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.

Classic prog rock. Lotta flutes. Fun stuff.

4* got really into it by the end, but struggled at the start

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!

Lots of interesting songs on here, I could see myself listening again. 8/10

Classic album, need to be in the mood.

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.

Good. Except the interview at the end. Liked the prog rock/pan pipes vibe.

i like this, but have heard some of the tunes so much I cant listen to them again!

Very solid album, I'm surprised I haven't heard of the band before. I especially appreciate the flute, solid 4

Wonderful

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!

Querflöte und Gitarrenrock. gute Kombi.

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.

loved it

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 🌟

floot floot

surprised, better than expected

I liked this more than I thought I would. 3.5 but I'll give it four stars.

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

первый реально хороший альбом

Excellent album

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

Prog, Proggy, Prog, Prog. Rather enjoyed it.

Nice album, enjoyed the uniqueness of the flute, combined with some "old sounding progressive/psycholedic" tunes. Also liked the singing voice of Ian

Quite good

Really enjoyed it Some catchy songs I may have heard before?

Good album. Has some really great tracks.

Loved my god

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.

Muy buen álbum

Un bin album de prog. 4.15

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.

i think i liked it! giving 4 stars based on a strong first few trax.

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.

Listened all weekend.

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.

eles querem tanto ser o bruno maia 😭😭😭

O álbum é bão mas a capa é melhor

Cool one

This was a surprise, I thought I hated these guys but it turns out I was wrong.

Only the 70s could give us rock flute. And because its the 70s, it works. 4/5.

Quite nice

Þessi er alls ekki allra. Ég ólst upp við þetta og fíla vel.

Yep, good one, I liked it!

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.

Good Album. Didn't love every song but it it wasn't horrible.

Wind-up é famosa

I like it, different sound, but the vocals remind me of the smiths/morrissey.

Amazing album. I just imagine Ron Burgundy rocking out with his Jazz Flute to this.

nice and good album

The prog with flute kings rise to the top. An SCC prog album with room to build upon.

A fun album with some classic songs

Great to revisit this album.

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.

tri

This was a pretty cool album. Even the songs I didn't like all that much would get bumped up a star or so when the riff (guitar and/or flute) kicked in. Enjoyed this more than I thought I would, even knowing I would like "Aqualung" and "Locomotive Breath".

I honestly saw the album cover and was like wtf is this shit - put it on while I cleaned my home - super groovy I really liked it

pretty nice

cool medieval metal sounding album, with multiple songs spanning the same tale, definitely a great unique sound

Jethro Tull albums generally follow the CCR Format, but also reinventing Led Zepplin. The title song is a timeless classic and there might be one other really catchy jam on here. (7/10) FT: Aqualung, Locomotive Breath , Bourée

Yeah not bad. Liked the famous flute bits and pretty happy with it overall apart from that.

Great

Aqualung is of course Jethro Tull's best-known album and is generally known and loved by rock fans (The titletrack and Locomotive Breath will still be heard anywhere, and you'll find them on rocklovers lists). It is indeed the best introductory album to Jethro Tull. However, as I've been told by many of Tull fans, this is probably not their best work. That honor goes to the more progressive Thick As a Brick. Still, Aqualung has enough highlights for a successful listen. The title track is magnificent and My God also remains Jethro Tull at their top.

some of this is really hard to listen to but that jazz flute is ON POINT

Solid classic rock album. Aqualung is top 10 classic songs of all time. Standouts: Aqualung, Locomotive Breath, Cross-Eyed Mary, Hymn 43. 4/5

Folk rock, all over the place, shaggy and rambling, and I am mostly here for it. Flute/chanting bit took me by surprise though.

Really enjoyed the three times I listened, great riffs, good singing, nice pedal measures

Heard before: no Another one where my prejudices were proved wrong - all I knew about the band was: prog folk rock with flutes. This album was a blast - great tunes. Some meandered for a bit too long, but loved it overall.

Very interesting

Eddie

Good bit of folky-rock. Smells like hay bales and cider and cigarettes.

A very nice album with a couple of standout moments (an in particular the brilliant Locomotive Breath). However, some parts also feel a bit uninspired and meandering. In particular, some of the more folk pieces don't work that well for me. Still, very good, just not quite enough for 5 stars.

4/3 drowned