Aqualung

This is getting 5 stars rather than the 4 I had planned due to all the wankers that complained about flutes or gave it 1 star.. Piss off

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.

There's a subsection of prog rock that I like to call "goblin summoning music". Music that would summon whimsical fairy-tale beings if you played it in a forested mountain valley. This definitely falls under that. Like yeah, go off on that flute dude. That's what I come here for. You know what modern music needs more of? Flutes. We used to play them for 43,000 years and now cast them aside in favor of demonic shit like "synthesizers" and "guitars"? Get real. What are they gonna make up next? A device that magically tunes your pitch? No way. Get real. Great album. Also the holder of the world record speedrun for pedo lyrics, at an astounding 0:12 seconds into the album before the first mention of wanting to fuck little girls. It's cool though because the song is about evil people (the homeless). Four outta five!

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.

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

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.

Classic ron burgundy solo. Didnt know he sang locomotive breath

Great riffs bogged down by by boring prog ideas. This is Black Sabbath if they thought they were smart.

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.

One of my favourite albums since I was a kid. Rock solid through and through, there's an amazing mix of folky acoustic and crunchy electric riffs, all interspersed with Anderson's legendary flute playing. The lyrics and imagery are also very vivid, with each song painting a compelling picture. Additionally all of the songs compliment each other nicely and the album has a great flow. To me this is a prime example of how to put an album together. Fav Tracks: Aqualung, Cross-Eyed Mary, Locomotive Breath

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.

An amazing album that showcases all the best of Jethro Tull

Not enough rock albums have flute

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.

Lizzo could never

It’s a fucking banger.

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

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

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.

A true classic combining rock and folk.

One of best rock albums of the decade

Nr. 105/1001 Aqualung 4/5 (3x) Cross-Eyed Mary 4/5 (2x) Cheap Day Return 4/5 Mother Goose 4/5 (2x) Wond'ring Aloud 4/5 Up to Me 4/5 (2x) My God 4/5 (3x) Hymn 43 4/5 (2x) Slipstream 4/5 Locomotive Breath 4/5 (2x) Wind-Up 4/5 (3x) Average: 4,0 Just consitently good songs.

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

I mean they rock the shit out of that flute….

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

Never gets old, always nice to revisit this classic album

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

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.

Bought this on vinyl from a yard sale a few months ago really only knowing Aqualung and am very glad I did. Thought this was just hard rock, so a nice surprise to see folk and psych elements on this. Second half of the album had me drooling like the old dude at the [REDACTED] Already Saved: Aqualung Saved After Listening: Mother Goose, My God, Hymn 43, Locomotive Breath, Wind-Up*

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

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

Another prog rock masterpiece, but with flute.

Approved by my dad!

Good prog rock that I've listened to before. Not the best but very good.

I didn't have high expectations, particularly as it was partially classified as prog rock, though i think ultimately the album is pretty solid and varied... albeit with more flute. Locomotive Breath stands out for me, but overall it is an enjoyable album.

I am writing this review knowing that my good friend David Lewis is going to read this moments after I post it. And he _loves_ Jethro Tull and has been hanging out for a Tull record on this list... But I just never got Tull. I have tried many times, but I don't get it. Ian Anderson just knows he is sooooo clever, and he wants you to know it too. And 'clever' is, to my mind, the anthesis of rock and roll. This album comes across like Christopher Hitchens fronting Led Zeppelin. 2.5 stars rounding up for not being ridiculously proggy.

Punk rock was created in direct response to musical flatulence just like this.

God I really disliked this. I know it's of its time and I can see the quality of the playing and everything is great. But it just felt like it was taking the piss. All I could hear was a jack black cover band who play a set in a film that's set in a renaissance fair with mid 2010's stoner actors who fuck around and not much happens. It's just so ridiculous and pompous and easily parodied.

Highlights: "Up to Me," "Slipstream" Strong performances from the entire group of a good variety of moods and styles marred by some bizarre and repellent lyrical choices. This is early enough in prog history to compete with Yes, Crimson, and Gentle Giant for claims of influence. But it stands out for being the most unpleasant sheerly from its unrepentant edgelord attitude, from clocking in three songs sympathetic to pedophilia to the closing arc in that British tradition of congratulating yourself as a prophetic revolutionary for dunking on the church. Maybe the biggest thing Tull imparted to future prog acts like Rush, Tool, etc is the undying attitude of preening libertarian faux-intellectualism. You know, the thing everyone hates most about prog.

I like prog, also the early stuff. But I can't stand the flute. But besides that I like the sound and vibe.

;)

Iconic rock album.

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

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.

need me that weird little flute https://youtu.be/d64K_QJkLbk?si=j1BQ4K9MXjOxXv4t

Obviously a classic but weirdly I never fancied them

Quintessentially English in both sound and writing. Dickensian. Jethro Tull is certainly eccentric. Who else could write a 7 minute + epic about a creepy old pedophile, by the end of which we are dared to sympathize with the man? In musicianship, they sit at a precipice- they are too prog-ish for mass consumption, but they are no Yes or King Crimson- they know how to rock. They have a flute player. Why? Why not is a better question. It works, adding a unique texture. Cross Eyed Mary is about a elementary aged prostitute. That’s two songs in a row about pedophilia. I don’t want to know about these guy’s personal lives. Or maybe they made outragous songs just for the fun of it, like the Rolling Stones, but more bookish. The drums sound very close, but not very loud. Pretty nice. Excellent acoustic work. I’ve heard this album many years before. We’ll get to that. Did I mention the acoustic guitar? Incredible. Mother Goose. Wondering Aloud and Cheap Day Return are excellent song fragments, but they aren’t complete. For wondering aloud that’s a real shame, because it really is a beautiful song. What is Up to Me about? The lyrics seem to be an enigma. Not even Dylan could be this enigmatic. My best guess is it’s about a guy who beats his wife. I have no clue really. My God. I listened to this album obsessively for a few weeks in 2019 when I was in 9th grade and at that time, I was an atheist. Most of the songs on side two take a heavy anti-christian angle, which I loved at the time and now look on with disgust. I can at least say that on My God, the lyrics are a masterwork, no matter if I disagree with the lyrics. It gave me quite the chill. And it’s wonderful music. Why the choir section though? That self indulgent section puts a big dent in what would otherwise be the standout track on the album. When I first heard the song, I pictured as this atheistic anthem, but upon further listening, it is really quite a comedic song. Hymn 43 is not an anti Christian song as much as it is an anti christian song- it is directed against the personal failings of christians to uphold His example. But you could make that song about any religion. Regardless, it’s a good hard rocking tune, with some pretty good guitar riffing. Slipstream is another beautiful acoustic fragment. If you tied all those fragments together you’d have a pretty good song. What on earth is that string section. Even stupider than the choir section on My God. Locomotive Breath. A commentary on “overpopulation.” Quite frankly to me it takes on eugenic overtones. But on the other hand it sounds quite relevant to today, just in the sense that it seems like we’re all on a crazy runaway train to nowhere. Is that buzzing sound intentional? It’s awful. Wind Up is the kind of song that only really works as a finale, but it does its job well. Another anti-christian drag. I can get some of the sentiments, and I used to embrace the whole thing, but I’ve grown up. I’ve moved on. If watching the world for the last 8 years has taught me anything it is that the worst kind of world is one in which everybody interprets reality through their own lens, instead of all agreeing on one objective truth. In no other world could Donald Trump become president. I think there is a good side of rigid dogmatism that Ian Anderson failed to get. Nice to relive some old memories. Excellent album all things considered.

A classic! Likely the first Jethro Tull album I listened to, but I wouldn't say it's my favorite, maybe number 3 behind Thick As A Brick and Heavy Horses. I may have listened for the first time late in high school, but more likely it was early on in the college years, as that's when I was really having my 70's progressive rock awakening. I enjoy the folky influence here, but there is still a lot of great guitar riffs and of course the legendary flute playing of Ian Anderson, adding up to an unmistakably Jethro Tull sound. It's a pretty varied album overall as the sound weaves back and forth between previously mentioned textures, and overall does it with great success and plenty of replay-ability. Not quite a 5 star album for me, but a solid 4 stars, and a well deserved place as an all time classic album, particularly for 70s rock/prog rock. Also reminds me, I'm WAY overdue on a Jethro Tull deep dive! I believe I've at least covered all albums up through the 70's, but much more to listen to beyond that.

This was pretty fantastic. The guitar tones and riffs were awesome. APPARENTLY this is an unpopular opinion, but I loved the flute. I had heard "Aqualung" (the song) before and kinda hated it, but I have had a change of heart now. It is soooo good. This album is pretty consistent and great. Also, their vocalist is fantastic. I love the more laid back "acoustic" songs. This album is so versatile. Actual...4.5 Liked Songs: "Aqualung" , "Cross-Eyed Mary" , "Cheap Day Return" , "Mother Goose" , "Wond'ring Aloud" , "Up to Me" , "My God" , "Hymn 43" , "Wind-Up" , "Lick Your Fingers Clean"

Этот альбом очень внезапно понравился. Звучит как смесь Black Sabbath времён Дио (или просто как Rainbow) и Paper Mache Dream Balloon, за счёт очень круто вписанной в саунд флейты. Вообще протодум с флейтой штука очень необычная. Я всем рекомендую заценить, особенно если вы металлорокер, как я. Да и помимо флейты альбом очень приятно звучит.

Psychedelic flute rock, love mother goose and Cross eyed mary

Sehr cool. Insbesondere die Querflöte.

I enjoyed this. I understand why some people didn't like the flute (though I don't know why they were so angry about it) but I personally like music that mixes genres and instruments in an interesting and unusual way.

Hey Simon, let’s play “I have never”! Let me give you a head start: “I have never conflated Jethro Tull and Hawkwind for decades, maybe because I assumed Hawkwind had to involve flutes”. <Downs a flagon of jizzy English cider> Devil’s teeth, prog! So many units to a song! Happily, most units rock. This is fun, and the lyrics have pungent imagery and vocal kick, offsetting the dangerously bucolic interludes. Martin Barre’s amp slays faces. “Hyme 43” sounds like a correct version of Southern Rock. No complaints here!

Much better than the widespread scorn from '90s music press would suggest. Beats Metallica any day and inspired me to check out their other work. Some of this is a bit pervy, and it's not clear if it's pro- or anti-pervert, but hey, '70s lyrics.. [EDIT - 2nd time and still great! Hope you enjoyed it too, Mark. Entertainingly bonkers, and slaps hard]

It's pretty easy to listen to, but a bit weird. Feels like Zeppelin with less Muddy Waters and more Tolkien - or like the progrock side of Zep. Title track slaps but it's played out; I really liked some of the grooves like "up to me", but a lot of it just feels like Jimmy Page b-sides, and the flute never stops feeling out of place, which is weird.

Man, this game was scary af. Can’t believe there’s gonna be a movie about it with Markiplier

This record is as weird as endearing. The title track and "Cross-Eyed Mary" set the for quite an original ride for sure, but beyond any "concept-album" pretensions, they're just good pieces of seventies music. The rest of the first side is OK, with a lot of acoustic tracks also evocating a vague narrative displaying different characters' voices. And just when you think that things get a little drowsy come the big guns--best represented by Ian Anderson's flute, oddly enough (what an incredible way to make this instrument shine in a rock act!). "Up To Me", "My God" and its crazy vocal bridge, "Hymn 43" and its infectious groove, "Locomotive Breath" and its heavier riifs, "Wind Up" and its guitar solos... At this point, I do not necessary need to follow the somewhat muddle narrative or wonder what the "difference between God and religion" really means (the supposed "theme" of that second side). The music is good enough. I don't know any other Jethro Tull album, and I'm not a *huge* fan of Prog Rock. But I understand why *Aqualung* was liked by so many people in 1971 and later. 4/5. Number of albums left to review: 540 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 222 (including this one). Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 107 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 133

Un album qui a, à mon grand dam, consolidé les liens qui préexistaient entre eltrapeze et mon propre père, le père de robvipère.

Eeee I need to try this again lol. Listened to on the way home from a job interview; probably not giving the album its best shot. I think I like what jethro tull do, I’m new to them and still getting a grasp on their music. My initial reaction to this project was not as positive as “Thick as a Brick” 2.5/5

Renassaince fair rock

I knew more songs from this album than I thought - just didn’t know the song titles. Good listen.

Not for me Jeff

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.

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.

5/5

Probably my 100th listen. Every song is fantastic- even the interludes! Ian Anderson remains one of my favorite musicians of all time and this is my favorite project of his.

Ould be one of those rare albums with every song being good.

There IS a Jethro Tull. And this is among the very best. And it’s either this or Queen II that is the greatest album of the rock era. Anderson eviscerates British society, religion, schooling, theology. He tells folk stories and little personal anecdotes. All in front one of the best bands of the rock era. Martin Barre, on guitar knows exactly what to play. So does geoffrey Hammond on bass. Held down on drums by Clive bunker and Rod Evans on the keys. Hymn 43, the title track, and the glory that is locomotive breath rock like a pivoting rock on a pivoting rock balanced on a rock that is pivoting. Sensitive songs like Wondering aloud and cheap day return show an everyday side to Anderson. One a love song, the other a little vignette on visiting his father in hospital. My God and Wind up stick it to the establishment in a mature and considered way. The treatment of poor aqualung - at least the salvation army gives him a cup of tea. A much better book would have been listen to this 1001 times. Or maybe 500 times and Queen Ii 500’times. Deducted half a star for not having mandolin. 55000000444000003030003003030300999.5 stars

lol, fucking flute rock. Honestly, I'm listening to Jethro Tull for the first time in my life, and I'm so glad this project pointed me to Aqualung. This record is goofy as hell, and I can't stop giggling. It sounds like a bunch of renaissance faire musicians playing at a LARP convention, and occasionally somebody drops some tasty guitar licks into the mix, all while Tumnus the Fawn dances around the whole thing with his pan flute. I'm actually pretty sure this record was a reference point for all of Tenacious D's work. Be that as it may, Aqualung is a joy to listen to. It seems like Jethro Tull was having fun on this one. I really wasn't expecting much out of this record, but I'm so happy to be wrong. 5/5

I've had this album in my collection for a long time, and I love it, so no notes are necessary.

The flute is rad as hell. Between Aqualung, Up To Me, My God, Hymn 43 and Locomotive Breath, this album is full of bangers.

Been listening to this one for what feels like forever

I've mostly listened to Thick as a Brick and A Passion Play over the last decade, but this was the album that I used to play a lot my Senior Year of High School, and I'm sitting here wondering why it's been so long since I've really played it. "My God" and "Hymn 43" are amazing still... maybe even better than I remember them.

This is one of the best albums ever created!! So original both musically and lyrical content. Ian Anderson is a genius and in his eccentrically bizarre stories makes a social statement for the ages. His flute playing is iconic and inventive. This is a must LP for your rock collection. Is it prog rock or is it so original it belongs on a shelf of it's own.

This album alone should have this band in the R&R Hall of Fame.

I'd never heard Jethro Tull before but this is fantastic! It's catchy, it rocks, there's lots of emotion, it's interesting to listen to and most of all it's fun. The songs have complex structures and sound very theatrical. The flute parts match really well with the acoustic guitar too. The title track is 10/10, and I also really enjoyed the simple but extremely catchy Mother Goose. Just about every track is great though.

This album is prog rock at its finest. Each song is complex and the lyrics are dense

I got super excited when it came to listening to Jethro Tull! I have enjoyed listening to them in the past. Anyone who hates on the flute or says it isn’t rock & roll can eat my butt. I’m biased, but I think the flute elevates the music and gives it such a unique color and sound!! Flute IS rock and roll!!

Great album! Always one of my dad's favorites as well. The sound is great, there are highs and lows that transition rather nicely. The style is one of a kind and shows that Hard Rock can be super versitile.

I fucking love wood instruments

I hate myself for not listening to this earlier. Who knew that intentionally avoiding certain things just because your parents enjoy it, in some sort of act of rebellion, would deprive you of some great stuff. Really makes me want to pick up the flute again tbh. Also I made a mistake of looking at the reviews (never doing that again) - damn some people are so vehemently opposed to the idea of the flute and act like the instrument composition of rock bands was ordained as immutable, and any addition is heresy. cowards. whimsiless mfs. Easy 9/10 Favorites: Locomotive Breath, Hymn 43, Mother Goose, Wond'ring Aloud, Cross-Eyed Mary

Absolut classic

Phenomenal Flute work

Fantastic album

Yes, this album definitely had to be on the list. I don't even need to listen to it to be able to judge it. I've been listening to it over and over again since my youth. At first, it was just the song Lokomotive Breath that regularly created a good atmosphere at parties. Later, however, I also became aware of the quality of the other songs. 5/5

Mindblowing, and unmatched in its creativity

I can see why people took this and went overboard with the unnecessary stuff, but Jethro Tull strikes a perfect balance here. I can see why people hate the ren faire stuff, but frankly that is pretty minimal in this one. It still has the edge it needs. And btw, flute >> synth.

One of my all time favorites. I have fond memories of my personal discovery of them when I was younger after I had exhausted Ozzie, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Stones, and Led Zeppelin. I know Jethro Tull is a huge band, but I feel like they (and by they I mean Ian Anderson) flies under the radar a bit. I really enjoy the tempo changes, changes in composition between and within songs, and the creative lyrics.

Badass guitar work, wild lyrics that combine filth with religious imagery, and some cool flute to boot. I love this record.

More music needs flutes, I bloody loved this it's an instant 5 from me and is likely my next purchase

Very nice! Loved this album.

Very nice

So... I'm getting my morning started, look at the title of the album, and the artist. I then think "What the hell? Who the hell?". Then, the opening riff of the opening track begins, and a lightbulb goes off in my head; "I know this song! I love this song!". Then, a series of disgusting lyrics, sick guitar riffs, catchy beats, and some top-tier flute play continue. Funny song titles scroll by. 1970s Rock blazes on. Another song I knew but didn't know-"Locomotive Breath"-played. How has it taken me my entire life to know about this album that has now rocked my world? (P.S. We need more flute). Favorite Track: "Locomotive Breath".

I knew the songs Aqualung and Locomotive Breath very well. I always thought they were great, but wasn't sure if the rest of the album could hold up. Turns out I actually also knew Cross Eyed Mary and Hymn 43. Both great songs. So I already knew and liked a 1/3 of the album coming in. The other 2/3 don't have the same power, but they fit in perfectly. In total this album absolutely slays. It's got all of the top tier hard rock elements of the early 70s. Then it adds truly unique elements like the psychotic flute playing, monkey noises, and wild character development. Absolute classic.

This one's an all timer. But my objectivity is out the window, my uncle gave me and my brother this record when we were kids and I've been a Tull fan ever since. This is probably their best overall and I've listened to everything up to Heavy Horses pretty extensively. Progressive folk rock at it's finest. Every song on this is album is just exactly perfect.

This definitely isn't bias (okay, maybe a little), but this is a great album.