Aqualung

Big respect for incorporating the flute as part of their whole sound. I actually really enjoyed this and one of the diamonds in the rough. 9/10

I like the ‘folk’ aspects.

Need to revisit

There are other bands in the early 70s rock genre that I like better. Felt a bit repetitive.

I liked the flute together with their music, it adds a nice feeling. I really enjoyed the album

It’s hard to imagine this album being over 50 years old given its somewhat timeless storytelling feel. With obvious religious imagery woven throughout along with odd time signatures, unique song structure, and melodic folk rock stylings, it’s strange to think just how impactful this cerebral concept album was. And yet no matter how many times he presented himself as the codpiece wearing wild eyed court jester, Ian Anderson made the flute cool. Or did he? Hard to say. The guitar work by Martin Barre is very progressive for the time and the flute solo alone on Locomotive Breath gives the song the banger merit it deserves. But when Ron Burgundy whips out a flute in Anchorman and plays Aqualung in an impromptu moment, is that just good music direction…or further evidence that Tull were never taken seriously? Probably the latter. I actually now prefer their follow-up album Thick As a Brick more, but this album deserves its place due to influence alone.

Props for making the flute an integral piece of the album/band. I don’t mind the occasional Tull making its way on the playlist of the local classic rock station, but can’t really get into a full album. Maybe too put off by the lyrics, because obviously some good musical moments on this.

Pretty good album. Some really good parts and memorable guitar riffs. Gotta respect how wildly Aqualung is known. And of course making the flute work in rock is quite admirable. I’m between a 2-3 and decided to round up.

TIL I like Jethro Tull! Flute rock! Previously all I knew about this band was Aqualung, “Hey Aqualung!” in Anchorman, and their controversial Grammy win over Metallica (turns out I had the year and albums totally wrong, too). This shit makes me want to skip hand-in-hand with Frodo Baggins through The Shire and then deliver a swift gut punch to that bastard Bilbo while Gandolf looks on with an approving nod and knowing smile. A really pleasant surprise and I shall enjoy listening to it again!

Lots of different genres blending and a ton of experimentation on this album. The experimentation goes too far most of the time though, it feels like a studio session that ran long and they just cut the entire thing as an album. I think it would've benefited from tightening up across the board.

Thinking about this in the context of '71 and the rock preceding it, I can see how this was a big hit. But at the same time, there's a good reason why most of these songs aren't well known. It's hard not to compare to Zeppelin, and it's not a fair one at that. 2/5

Jethro Tull sur les Gibson (excellent)

This album sounds like probably influenced Led Zeppelin’s music, but it’s really slow and simple, so I didn’t enjoy it

I thought I would like this album a lot more than I did. It wasn't bad per se, but had a really hard time maintaining interest

Great album!

One of my all-time favorites! Have been listening to the music of Jethro Tull most of my adult life. Love the way the songs on this album were developed and recorded. Saw them live shortly after this album was released.

Aah, probably the ultimate Folk-Rock album. Aqualung - so uniquely brilliant. Cross-Eyed Mary - follows from Aqualung in the same way. Great use of flute. Cheap Day return - acoustic filler Mother Goose - almost pure Trad Wond'ring aloud - gentle break Up to me - so uniquely JT My God - 7'11" Brilliance Hymn 43 - almost a continuation of My God Slipstream - filler Locomotive Breath - catchy Wind-Up - mixture of everything Lick Your Fingers Clean - grungy flute n guitar Wind-Up - great guitar

A prog classic with impeccable flute and vocals from one of my top two prog-rock singers named Anderson.

An absolute classic and easily one of the finest prog albums of the 70’s. The shorter songs could have just been fillers, but Anderson’s undeniable talent for songwriting makes them stand out as some of the most emotional experiences of the entire album. “Locomotive Breath” is possibly one of the greatest blues rock recordings of all time - and if you’re Danish you will most likely recognize that Dizzy Mizz Lizzy must have listened to the guitars of “Wind-Up” when recording their debut album.

Enjoyed the album. Like the songs and flute.

I like listening to this album, have a bit of medieval inspired notes to it.

A banger. Flute rock forever

Schönes Album

Ok

I was familiar with a lot of the music on this album. Overall, this is a good album.

Ups and Downs. Sounds and feels like Old Dirty Hobo Rock. That assessment might have been influenced by the cover image and the lyrics of Aqualung, though. Not really something I enjoyed listening and would listen to again. 2.5/5

Dig the mysterious sounding opening riff of the album. Doomy ass riff. For me that's the highlight of the track. The vocals following along with the melody of the riff is cool, but the lyrics don't hit me. I vibe with the guitars, bass, piano, and drums on this track. I like the vocal style with the acoustic guitar and piano, except I don't when it gets faster paced. Oh baby, we've gone so far away from it that I forgot about that sweet sweet intro riff. That was a good transition from that light guitar to that riff. Should have done the ole "bring the riff back but slower." I would have rather had that riff without the vocals to be honest. Kinda a sloppy Outro in my opinion. Another great intro with "Cross-Eyed Mary" for totally different reasons that made the album-titled first track's intro so dope, very ethereal and soft, I love the flute. It's building towards something... boom they hit you with that nasty funk out of nowhere. I love the music, I'm not with the vocals yet. Tight guitar solo and flute solos in there. Going to start cleaning my oven and continue to listen and if I hear something that really calls my attention I'll come back and write about it. But so far production wise things seem, especially vocally, a little too jarring or something. Okay I came back to note that Cheap Day had my favorite vocals so far, haha. Cheap Day is solid. Mother Goose again didn't hate the sound of the vocals. I still haven't really connected with the lyrical content much by this point. Wond'ring Aloud, track 6, I finally can get behind the lyrics here. This will probably be the simplest song on the album. The vocals just feel more natural too me on this one. Simplest instrumentation thus far. That blistering out of nowhere guitar soloin' in Up to me is sick as fuck, just kinda comes in whenever it wants. This song, to me, has best encapsulated the varying styles of this band and put them cohesively into one song the best. I even like the vocal performance on this one, whereas I really have only liked his more mellow singing over acoustic guitar up to this point like "Wond'ring Aloud." "My God" track 7, sick riffs again, no one is surprised. Then the distorted guitar comes sheeeeeeeesh. Still I love to hate the vocalist, hahaha. Cool breakdown with the chanting and instrument layering. I'm back from cleaning the oven, "Wind-Up", straight up jam here, I like the vocal style here, especially the softer back half of the song. Looking back Locomotive Breath was pretty catchy, probably catchiest song on the album. "Lick Your Fingers Clean" has solid vocals again, I think this is my favorite vocal performance, although I really hated the gang vocals at the beginning of the song. They are good in the rest of the song though. Wind-Up solid jam all around. Top 3 track for me from this album. 2/5 for me. I don't see myself throwing this on to listen from start to finish. The only context where this music would fit in or make sense to me is a psychedelic renaissance fair. The composition of the songs creates some really interesting moments, I wouldn't say any of the songs were written to have a sing-a-long type of chorus. Sickest Riffs: Aqualung Intro, My God, Hymn 43 Dopest Moment: "Cross-Eyed Mary" - The building whimsical flute intro to that funky riff and beat. Most Interesting Song: "Up to Me" - the random punched in fuzzy guitar solos throughout is just something I can't think of another example of a song doing that. Really enjoyed it. I would put on a playlist: Up To Me, Wind-Up, Lick Your Gingers Clean, Cheap Day Return, My God (maybe not cause of the chanting, not a huge fan)

meh. i like the song Aqualung but it couldn't really sustain me for the whole album.

Is Aqualung the weirdest popular song that's ever been mainlined on rock radio? What a weird song and WEIRDO album to be so popular! It's wild. Jethro Tull is kind of corny but also classic! I am loving every prog album we're getting. This one doesn't stand out to me as particularly brilliant, just more of a summation of everything in the water at the time. And the recorders seal the deal for me. Any album featuring heavy use of the recorder is at least a 4. Some pure innocent fun mixed with sadomasochism, what more do you want? 4/5

3 stars because the instruments were decent. lyrics were out and overall sound, i wouldnt want to pull my hair out listening to, but i wouldnt never actively search out this album again

Not my cup of tea. I like prog rock, I like folk, I don’t even mind a flute in my music, but this all just kinda sounded like brown noise. When Aqualung, a six minute song about a nonce, is your best tune, it’s not very promising.

This ren faire fucks. 5-2-3

For always knowing who Jethro Tull were but never hearing their music before, this album was a pleasant surprise. It felt like an album I could listen to while camping or out on a dock somewhere in the summer. Not bad, but wont be a favourite of mine.

Bomb.com

Loved it

Old classic.

this was kinda fun, wouldn't necessarily listen to it in my free time

Moody Blues/Pink Floyd influencer.

Wondering aloud

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!

This album is so good I don't even listen to it anymore. Really great to reunite tonight.

This was interesting - there were sounds I didn’t expect to hear. This wasn’t my taste though.

i actually mostly enjoyed this! Haven’t listened to it since middle school when I was going through my mom’s records trying to find cool stuff. First of these I’ve added to library.

Geniestreich!

I liked this a lot. Cool instrumentation esp the guitar. I bet if I had listened to the lyrics more closely I'd be saying they were pretty whacky but they mostly just floated on by as I enjoyed listening to it. I always find the pseudo-medieval thing from the 70s so curious… I wonder how that became part of pop/rock music? Also because of the 'rock flute' I (and another in my listening group) tend to confuse Jethro Tull and King Crimson. Anyway I’m def hearing the Spinal Tap influence here - wish I was paying closer attention to the lyrics as I bet they are simultaneously super interesting and also hilarious. Enjoying the overall vibe a lot though

Track 1: I like the opening riff a lot and the tone of the guitar. The switch into the piano section is cool. Track 2: like the riffs in this too. Like the singers voice in this too. Fun flute in this. Track 3: I like this sweet and short acoustic song with the different instruments in the back. Track 4: I liked the difference between singing and flute in this and it was a nice song. Track 5: I really like the acoustic guitar in this and the strings and piano behind it. Track 6: I like the acoustic riffage on this and the random instruments and sounds you can hear. Track 7: I really dig the flute solo and the vibe in the beginning. Kinda seeing a theme in what songs are about with this. But I like the chorus in this too. Track 8: a lot of blues can be heard in this. Track 9: another little acoustic song that’s nice. Track 10: I like the piano beginning and hearing the blues riffs in this. Track 11: follows the theme of the album. Overall: 8.3/10 I think this is a solid listen and one that I really enjoyed. I love the riffs and the differences between the bluesy guitar and the acoustic flute parts.

First song is musically good (kind of Black Sabbathy) but lyrically creepy. Flute solo at the beginning of track 2 makes me physically uncomfortable. Next several songs are fine. Locomotive Breath is good but too much of a flute solo.

Un álbum realmente extraordinario con el toque único del Jethro Tull.

Sounded a lot like The Who.

Great album this is the first recommendation of the album generator and it was something I was already very familiar with, but it is an album, my love that I think it is in fact outstanding.

Did not touch me

Epic prog rock. I don't like giving points for influence but you can see why people in Maiden, Guardian or Dream Theater liked this stuff. Feels like a complete album.

Good!!

This rocked so much more than I expected it to. I need another listen to pick a favorite song, but this was a great listen.

A classic

Already spent a lot of time with this album

Old school classic rock. Kinda like Led Zeppelin only not as good.

I enjoyed the radio songs that I already knew, The rest sounded like Merlin's Monocle tribute band.

Interesting super fluty music! Very talented musicians and songwriting. Heard some of songs influencing Tenacious D is style and form. I had heard Aqualung but that’s the only Tull song I am familiar with. I’d say it’s a 3ish album.

Wife asked me to turn it off, which kind of sums it up.

Paar vette nummers, maar ook wel een beetje een rommel

Expected this to not be for me, but enjoyed it more than expected. Still not my favorite but I get the appeal

Nothing like a little hard, progressive, folk rock with flute. And the riff from the title track never leaves your brain. Never. Jethro Tull is unmistakable for anyone else. A very worthy entry.

I think that I have listened to this album before, but I don’t recall most of it. I really like, though.

This album means a lot to me as it is one of the few that my husband and I agree about. When I think of this album, along with the title track obviously, I think mainly of Mother Goose and Wond'ring Aloud, which I find heart-achingly beautiful. But it's got so many other great ones like Cross-Eyed Mary, Up To Me, Hymn 43, and Locomotive Breath, all beautiful in their own ugly way. Lots of stuff to love on this one.

Jethro Tull was, and still feels like it might be way outside of the range of my preferences. But I really didn’t know for sure why I have that feeling. This was a very interesting album. I guess it’s a sort of progressive harder rock kind of thing? There were some very interesting songs here and while this still isn’t squarely in my jurisdiction I did appreciate it and the fact that it deals in some serious subject matter. Pretty good stuff!

I like the melodic songs and the transverse flute.

Geht so Locomotive Breath kannte ich

🥱

Hey Nonny Nonny prog and I’m here for it. At times it all feels a bit Flight of the Conchords, but I like it.

There were some solid songs on the album. The first song was very good; as were some others. I found the lyric writing to be decent, not amazing, not bad. Didn’t particularly resonate with me, but I didn’t mind it

aus 1973, genial! Ich liebe es!

Super fun. The flute was really cool, and the lyrics + music is all really stellar. Not a huge prog fan, but I get the hype after listening to this.

This was a solid enough listening experience. It felt a bit like what you'd expect out of the term "progressive rock," but considering that's a pretty safe genre when it comes to my experience, that's alright. There were times I wish the songs just did that little more to stand out as much as the titular track, but I liked the choices that made it stand out, such as the flute or the blend of a hard rock sound with that Renaissance faire sound, it works nicely. Nothing mind blowing, but I don't regret my time with this album whatsoever.

I really liked it. I just couldn't love it. Aqualung as a single is perfect though.

Rock simple

Meh. Me ha gustado la parte de la flauta, pero el resto bastante palo. Me está empezando a dar alergia tanto rock en la lista.

Thoughts before listening: I own this on vinyl although I haven't listened all that much. "Aqualung" is probably Jethro Tull's best known song and its a great example of 70s proggy hard rock. "Cross-Eyed Mary" and "Locomotive Breath" are also classics that have lived on through cover versions by the jambands I love. Review: I like the combo of hard rock songs with more folky tracks that is at the core of everything Jethro Tull does. The fact that Ian Anderson is known for his flute playing means that Jethro Tull was always going to be a standout from the typical 70s hard rock bands. I also appreciate that while there are some elements of prog rock here the band tends to shy away from the over the top excesses typically associated with those bands. The anti-religion themes of the lyrics aren't something I can identify with and typically would be a turn off for me. That being said, a deeper read shows more of a questioning of the organized religion of 1960s Britain that Ian Anderson grew up in than a true attack on Christianity.

A good album, very relaxing and helped me sleep last night.

Strong

It was pretty good. It was not groundbreaking, nothing really got its hooks in.

Still fun. Locomotive Breath never gets old. Makes you want to stand on one leg!

Favorite tracks: Aqualung, Up to Me Rating: 3/5

The Who did a rock opera and AquaLung was what happened when a 4 track recorder got turned on and no-one turned it off for 5 days.

A healthy mix of rock and renaissance music

I was into these guys a little bit in high school but can’t handle them at all now. They’re the people you know whose whole personality revolves around role playing games or renaissance fairs. Nothing wrong with either of those but branch out, buddy. Also - way too may flute solos.

It was slightly interesting

Great. For sure one of the most influential records at the time and among my mostly German friends.

Super album, la présence de la flûte donne vraiment son identité et sa singularité au groupe ! Album que j'aimerais réécouter à l'avenir :)

I love jethro Tull! Haven’t listened to this one since college.

Uuuh yeaah Allgemein hend d E Gitarre d Deathnotes meeeega druff die gebed huere viel. Giti Tones sind eh nice und er singt hammer. S klavier isch immer e bericherig und bi locomotive breath machts de song eig fast elai am afang. Text sind chli religiös aber sehr nochdenklich und gfalled mer. Sie hend e gueti balance zwüsched normale rocksongs und bitz ungwöhnlichere strukture womer sehr gfallt. Die akustische Songs und Teil findi immer sehr schön. Am Ian sini stimm isch geil und mega natürlich ufgnoh ohni dopplige oder so. Aqualung isch en hammer Opener. Sehr sehr guets album, ha nöd würklich nostalgie demit verbunde und würkli kennt hani nur locomotive breath, aber es vieri sicher. Ah und d Flöte goht hert los und söttmer meh mache.

okok nostalgie pur für mich flöteliguy aber gfürchige alte mah ufem albumcover ui ui aqualung riese song, de taktwechsel um 2:00 isch so schön es 6:30 lied wo gfühlt höchstens 4 min gaht nachane einigi akustischi lieder, wo ich alli chli passiv vergesse han? hans "rockiger" im chopf gha aber au das mega schön und halt chli villsiitiger hymn 43 au en riese banger ellei de übergang vom schön ruhige, vo klavier ihgleitete und chli jazzige intro zum DÖDÖDÖDÖMMMMDÖMMDÖMMMMM vo locomotive breath isch für mich es 5 wert und die querflöte-soli, de triibend rhythmus und bass, es isch en einzige traum ok ja natürlich au us nostalgiegründ und will aqualung und locomotive breath unglaublichi lieder sind klar es 5

I’ve heard a lot about Jethro Tull from some YouTubers I watch, but never actually took the time to listen. This album wasn’t too bad. Easy to listen to, but not much stood out as particularly special. Also, I felt like a few of the songs (and album in general) went on a bit too long. Notable tracks: Aqualung, Mother Goose

The delightful....JAZZ FLUTE

Jethro Tull is a bit of a blind spot for me and im not sure why. I absolutely loved this album! I love a bit of Prog Rock and it reminded me a bit of early genesis. Who would have thought a flute would be center stage in a rock band lol!

Such a great album! I remember listening to this one with my Dad, but I haven't thought about it or listened to it in about 20 or more years! The flute would normally irritate me - but here it just really works! Folk prog rock at its best Fave track: Locomotive Breath

example listening note... 3

Yeah this isn't good, the title track and Locomotive Breath probably deserve the wider acclaim they get, but the rest of it is rubbish meandering prog that can't decide what it is or where it's going. Prog is rubbish.

It's quite a cool album, especially if you don't listen to the lyrics (the two characters they introduce in the first two songs are a homeless guy who hangs around school playgrounds and a child prostitute). The music is better in that first half, but the mood of the songs gets more thoughtful and reflective as you work through the album. Probably not one I'll revisit (aside from the title track), but worth a listen. 3/5.

Dreadful. Unspeakably boring, very naff and far too much (i.e. any) flute. Musically, it's just dull - the first track actually misleads you, because the opening 15 seconds or so have the potential to be something quite different. Then it just drifts. Also, and I don't want to be too pious about this, the concept of this album is romanticising homelessness, a la Streets of London, and I strongly suspect that Iain Anderson and the gang didn't spend too much time on their research. Oh, also, word of warning in case you've totally switched off by this point, the final track on Spotify is a 14 minute long interview with Iain. No ta!

This was a "new to me" discovery when I wandered through some old albums in my early 20s, definitely a favorite.

Jethro Tull’s seamless mix of hard rock, folk, and progressive rock is sublime. This album represents the most simple, but easily enjoyable side of progressive rock, in a genre that is filled with pretentious fans and pretentious music. Now granted, this isn’t simple to the point of redundancy. There is still some insane skill shared between these band members. But this isn’t complex to the length of something like Thick as a Brick [25th Anniversary Edition]. There are no super long, multi-faceted songs. Most of these songs are pretty short comparatively, but the pacing is excellent. It makes for an easier experience for someone new to this kind of thing. I could totally see this being someone’s first prog rock album. It’s appealing in the same way Rush is appealing. But do you want to know the best part about this album, and really the whole band? It’s that goddamn flute. Holy shit, can Ian Anderson play the flute. He makes that thing sound like it belongs in hard rock, as if all other bands have been doing it wrong this whole time by not having a flute. And the way he flawlessly transitions from singing to flute and back to singing is crazy. Also shoutout to the Steven Wilson remix. God bless Steven Wilson, and the work he has done for prog rock in modern times. His mix breathed new life into this album, and many others, and makes it sound brand new. Rating: 7/10

Dude wtf the flute is so cool

Surprisingly good voice.

Has both greatest hits and deep cuts. The only Tull album needed.

Bonne découverte ! Le mélange petite flute et Hard Rock : take my money.

That guitar tone is so sweet

Another decent album, few good songs and the rest average to me. Enjoyed it but wasn’t amazing.

classic

I’m thinking that ‘70s prog rock just ain’t it for me. I’ve never really liked any of this. The musicianship is fine, yes even the weird flute interludes. For me this just does absolutely nothing. Put it in the shelf with Rush as older prog that I just don’t like.

Any time I’m doing something that can be described in six syllables I like to announce it to the tune of “Aqualung.” “Going to the Starbucks.” “Picking up the groceries.” People really love it. Proto-metal here. I’ve listened to this album enough to know it’s not my thing. But I couldn’t help moving my head along to songs like “Cross-Eyed Mary.” In spite of its renaissance-faire stylings, still enough to like here.

Playing Catch Up on the Weekend #3 The best rock band to use a flute? I knew of Aqualung, but never knew it was by Jethro Tull. I enjoyed Wondr'n Aloud, which I had never heard. Great album but gets a little preachy at times.

Приятный альбом. Мне нравится, как здесь здорово гитара звучит и хорошо с флейтой сочетается. К сожалению, не так зацепил, как хотелось, но есть хорошие композиции.

Not bad but will not purchase.

Prog really doesn't do it for me so most of this was boring. Loved the flute, though.

Blind album, know the artist by name. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed this whole listen though. I thought the flute was super cool and the style complimented well together.

I never am quite sure if Jethro Tull is a band or a dude who blows flutes. Perplexed

An old classic, I know, but something I've never really wished to explore, I put it in the Stairway to Heaven hobbit music category. Anyway it was good enough, my Mum heard it in the car and said it was an album she bought when it was released.

great album, good jazz flute

Sounds like a Christian rock band trying to cover metal? F‐

Un disco impresicindible de principio a fin. Clásico indiscutible.

Prog rock with flute. Honestly I thought I was going to hate it but it kinda rocks.

Don't like the singers voice and none of the songs really grabbed me. Won't listen again

Great album

Nope.

was never a big fan, but Dan Judy LOVES them so i’ve had quite the earfull over the years…

I wasn´t expecting an album with flutes and with such great instrumentation. Very good.

Just not my jam, entertaining though.

a classic of my youth. not as great as I thought it was when i was 13.

There's something so unique about this, and it isn't just the flute. This was refreshing and enjoyable, even a day after another intense prog album.

I recognized the opening guitar riff, but after that I was taken on an unexpected amazing adventure! A mix of rock and folk music, there is any a boring event on this musical theatre experience. High 3

Another surprise find. The hits were great, there's a few hidden gems as well. Only added one, but there's another two or three I might after a relisten sometime. 4/5

Iconic Jethro, great dad music

Some of the tracks on here are kind of forgettable, but Aqualung, My God, and Locomotive Breath alone earn this fucker 5 stars

I liked it. Different from what I’m used to, but I liked the unique sound. Really liked the use of the flute throughout the album, and how it worked with the rest of the instruments.

Klassiek wel mooi

Definitely felt like a very cohesive concept album. This is both a plus and a minus - there were a couple parts that gave me "Tommy" PTSD. Unlike that album though, the occasional monotony isn't suffocating, and I could definitely see returning to this. Unfortunately, I feel like the cohesion took precedence over making an album with a varied palette.

Lots of ballad style rock. And flute. Eh.

Over rated in my opinion.

Sounds very 70's art-prog-folk-rock. Quite dated and not very interesting vocal melodies. The flute solos on a couple songs are fun, and squeezing everything out of a flute that exists. But idk, use a sax or a clarinet. Suffers from weak 70's production.

Aqualung by Jethro Tull is a landmark album that has been praised for its depth, power, and intensity. The album has sold over 7 million copies worldwide and is regarded as a turning point in the band's career, making them a major radio and touring act. The album features a variety of musical genres, including folk, blues, psychedelia, and hard rock, with elements of acoustic material. The lyrics are clearer and stronger than on any other Tull album, and the musicianship of Ian Anderson, Martin Barre, John Evan, and Clive Bunker is extraordinary. The album's lead character, Aqualung, is a homeless man with poor hygiene, and the album's central theme is the distinction between religion and God. The title track, "Aqualung," is a song about the unfortunate and misunderstood, and it does not celebrate a real molester. The song has been misunderstood forever, but it is absolutely one of the best rock and roll songs of all time. The album has been praised for its killer riffs, great melodies, superb dynamic shifts, and exceptional arrangements. The album's impact and influence have been significant, and it has been cited as one of the albums that changed music. Pros: Compelling lyrics and themes that explore the distinction between religion and God Musicianship is extraordinary, with a variety of musical genres and elements of acoustic material The album has been praised for its killer riffs, great melodies, superb dynamic shifts, and exceptional arrangements The album's impact and influence have been significant, and it has been cited as one of the albums that changed music Cons: The song "Aqualung" has been misunderstood and criticized for its depiction of a homeless man with poor hygiene Some of the songs on the album are not as strong as others

Hella whimsical.

Standouts: Aqualung, Locomotive Breath, Cross-Eyed Mary, Hymn 43, My God, Others: Wind Up, Cheap Day Return, Wond'ring Around, 4.5/5

If I could effect one change in the world, it would be to divorce the foremost progressive musicians from their infatuation with medieval motifs. How ironic that borrowing from an ancient aesthetic takes away from a timeless quality that would otherwise be present in some of this music. Zep suffers from the same disease of having music that now sounds hopelessly like it's definitely of its era. I guess when you're a flautist though, you have no choice but to make music for, like, traversing glens and dales or whatever.

Jethro rocks. There are lots of corollaries to pull from this band and this album, but I don't want to type them all.

Flute-y prog twaddle. Nerds.

Great discovery. Flute goes hard. I like the singers voice. Solid album

Not my style

More albums in general should have flute solos. Favourite track: Locomotive Breath

It's great prog rock, but the flute makes me laugh every time I cannot take them seriously.

I was very pleasantly surprised by this album. I remember listening to my dad's copy when I was a kid and my memory was of silly, self-important, bloated classic rock, but it is really solid all the way through.

Ehh

Excellent album, but if I’m being honest not one I’d listen to frequently. Locomotive breath and Mother Goose are favorites

Better than I expected

Jethro tull making the flute rock n roll thanks Jethro tull

Ikke for meg

A wonderful smattering of blues, rock, jazz and prog! The musicianship on this album, like most albums produced in the 70s is top notch. The composition is thoughtful and there's a lot of interesting play between the guitar solos and flute solos. A true classic. Standout tracks: Aqualung, Cross-Eyed Mary, Locomotive Breath

Abgefuckte Lyrics, aber krass geiler Klang

Eh, not sure about this one. Thought I would enjoy but I don't seem to be. I think the album art mega puts me off as well, I know, don't judge a book by it's cover BUT I hate it ! It's very jingly and bobby. Probs wouldn’t listen again but it was ok.

Very interesting album

It's a battle of highs and lows. To call it a complete concept album stes it up for failure. To say that is sucks undermines the awesomeness that rears it's head on many of the tracks. Yes the flute belongs. Yes, some tracks sound like they are trying to be the best band in a medival tavern. No, it's not perfect. But undoubtedly this album shows a band willing to try. And even when it doesn't work out there are moments of pure rock brilliance (sometimes in the same 60 seconds - see "my god" but hey I guess that's prog for ya). I like the album. Not for it's entirety but for every moment I go back and turn the volume all the way up for. There are more than a few of those moments.

Not as good as thick as a brick but still, one of my favourite prog albums.

Easy listening prog. Side 2 stands out. 4 stars.

Weird folk rock 😂

#29. I think there's a reason nobody knows any more than two Jethro Tull songs. The flute solo shtick wears thin about one or two songs in. The music is alright I guess, but the vocals are less than ideal. This one slots in on the low end of 3 I think. 3/5: acceptable Song added to playlist: Locomotive Breath I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link

Amazing performances on this album. The flute work ranges from beautiful to beautifully erratic. Classic. *Heard Before

Lots of flute. Lots of folk. Not my jam.

Blast from the past. Nice to hear the non-greatest hits tracks. Nice prog rock.

3.5/5 I'll have to relisten

It's good. On a scale of 1 to 10, it's a 7. So on here, that would be 3.5. I feel like if I'm going based on historical value and influence, I should round up because this was advanced for its time (1971). But I'm having trouble placing this with other 4 star albums. Ultimately, I feel that I need to use both my head and (h)ear(t) and round this up, even though I don't like that sound alone enough for 4 stars. Once you include the historical aspect, this does belong on the 1001 albums list.

Rating: 8/10 Great album, nice mix of rock and folk. Really enjoyed the flute solos, sometimes it was overboard though. There's a certain cheesiness to this album that doesn't always land for me, so I can't rate it higher than this. When it works though, it's fantastic. Favorite songs: Aqualung, Crossed-Eyed Mary, Locomotive Breath. Worst song: Hymn 43, a bit lackluster compared to the other tracks.

The jazz flute is legit af

Classic!

Great album

3.5/5

My mind was a little scattered while listening, and I couldn't get through the whole thing. My fault, not the album's. I did enjoy the first half or so a good amount. The flute adds a nice bit of fantastical whimsy. Will try to listen again soon ... maybe.

Muito o que falar não, álbum legal mas não me apeteceu como eu gostaria

As faixas mais Bardcore são mais legais.

The flute needed to be used much more sparingly.

"Then the chicken-fancier came to play, with his long red beard." I knew "Aqualung" was for me when I read this line. And I found looking up terms like "Dog-end" and "Chicken-fancier" was less fun than self-interpreting. After a few songs, I guessed it must be a concept album or rock opera. Cool, I'm in... But no, this is just a normal album. The first four songs feel like Tim and Eric created music for a renaissance fair in their most serious voice. So many quotable lines. I think it could grow on me. 2.9

Rating: 6/10 Best songs: Aqualung

Helt sig selv: folk, prog-rock med heav riffs. Og fløjte. Fortjener nogle genlyt. Måske LP potentiale?

Jethro Tull is cooler than I give them credit for. It's a little bit like Rocky Horror Picture Show, Tenacious D, Black Sabbath, and some other stuff all stirred together. Definitely a unique sound. Also, both songs I knew by them were on this album, so I'll assume it was their best one.

I enjoyed this far more than I thought I would upon initial listen. Full of character and soul, great flute solos, lyrics were good as well.

much better than I remember, several great songs with edgy guitar sound.

This was quite fun, I love a concept album. Never really listened to Jethro Tull before and didn't know much about them before, did a little bit of reading because I enjoyed this album... colour me interested!

I have found this hard to place, and feel I know very little of Jethro Tull, despite knowing that they're one of the classics. Some of the songs resonated with me more than others and overall I found it enjoyable. I think I need to listen again to form a stronger opinion

I love this album. I love the tracks about different characters. I always found the Aqualung character himself compelling and the album artwork is really cool. Also, rock flute is always nice.

Fun songs, and while it seems like the album is known for questioning christianity, the songs doing so were not my favourite.

Jethro has a place in my life but I kind of get lost in the album and I don't know if I love main dude's voice enough to listen to the entire thing back if it weren't assigned. Can't always have consecutive ballads for my personal taste. Still I'm glad they made the album. Wind-Up and Locomotive Breath are new ones for me and I really enjoy them. Also I appreciate the flute. But altogether

Awesome!

Kende dit niet erg solide rock album

Een van mijn favoriete albums uit mijn jeugd, een throwback naar andere tijden. Leuk om weer eens herrinerd te worden aan dit geweldige album!

Enjoyed side two the best. Favorite songs: My God, Hymn 43, Lick your Fingers Clean and Locomotive Breath

Was a monster LP when I started college, dorm life, in 1971.

Sure, it's a little pretentious, which loads of flute, but I can see this being someone's bag.

Heel goed album, ook sentiment omdat mijn ouders hier ook naar luisteren. Ook omdat vaak op de radio kwam.

Jethro Tull is great. This album will always be great. Didn't listen, though.

Muy buenas canciones! Rock variado ,y hasta experimental

Just don't like it

7/10

Loved it! Ian Anderson’s becomes grating after a while but he more than makes up for it with his song writing and mastery of the flute. The title track is still awesome 50 years later

Die Querflöten-Elemente gefallen mir besser als gedacht.

I've always liked this album. Still do

Sick flute solos

For whatever reason, I've never paid too much attention to this group, but I've always been interested in this album. It's much folkier than I thought it would be with some shorter, more compact songs and the harder elements giving off near glam rock vibes. Similar to Gentle Giant in places. Not an immediate go to for me for this type of music but this was an enjoyable listen. It's a little odd to me how Aqualung (the song) became so entwined with heavy classic rock radio rotation. It seem to get lumped in with more AOR "dad rock" material, but I think people forget just how weird it is.

- Awesome, love progressive rock, I can definitely tell these guys were pioneers love the contrast and different cultures they used to really amplify their sound

Great album with classic tracks

Helt ærligt så sagde det her album mig ikke særlig meget. Sjovt nok sidder jeg imens jeg skriver dette og hører et interview med forsangeren, hvor han tilsyneladende snakker om, at han ikke synes det er et godt mixet album, og hvor svært det var at lave, fordi studiet var så ringe. Der var en del fede rock-guitar riffs kombineret med tværfløjte, hvilket var overraskende godt. Men overall var det ikke lige mig desværre. Jeg lyttede til albummet d.16/10-23 imens jeg læste og imens jeg gik hjem fra Caroline.

3.5

Pretty good. I liked most songs

It really feels like they were making this up as they went along. There really isn't any definition to the tracks. It's just sort of rolls along song after song only being broken up by random flute solos? It's weird that years later they would be considered a metal band and beat out Metallica... I don't get it. It isn't bad. Just...

Pretty good. Not super memorable, but I liked it.

fina jethro tull

Wow, is this album ever spectacular! Love the instrumentation. The overall vibe is great too.

Wonderful album. I didn't expect to like it so much, but I enjoyed all the songs. I love how unique this band is to others that were out at the time.

Heard before: some These fucking guys. I can’t believe this disgusting title track is such a classic. It has always sounded ugly, and it has aged even worse. Then the second track is like an apology, a justification for the sleaze of the first one! Just gross in the worst way. Imagine my surprise when they turned into charming hippies for the rest of the record! I had never made it that far before. Give me Ian Anderson on one foot playing the flute in the woods, not lusting after pre-teen girls please. Top tracks: Locomotive Breath, My God, Mother Goose

It's not terrible but not great. They combine hard rock and folk. The hard rock is not very good compared to Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. The folk is just OK. Favorite song: Mother Goose.

Pretty good, loved the flute Favorite songs: Aqualung, Cross-Eyed Mary, My God, Wind-Up

Momenteel krijgt alles een 3 en zo ook dit album. Best aardig, ik kon me er niet aan storen maar tegelijkertijd ook wel vergeetbaar.

Depends on how much you luke the flute i guess. Inventive melodic folk prog rock. Very livabke

Like the music, solid 3 stars...no standouts for my taste

Very cool - my first exposure! Loved the renaissance fair vibes.

I already listened to this one...

Aqualung is a great song! Everything else was pretty samesy, but I’ll give 3 stars just for Aqualung.

Solid album, saved a few songs. Enjoyable listen 7/10

Idk how I feel about it

Not terrible but the flute is kind of a weird addition. Also kind of boring/repetitive.

Ok

Love that flute

Essential Tracks: Aqualung Up to Me My God

A great prog album

I never really got this album. I'm a huge prog rock/metal fan so I should like this nu I don't.

This record is an absolute parody of the 1970s. When I saw that this was my first recommendation via this website, I lost interest. Yuck. What's next Sargent Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club band or The Eagles Hotel California. Just awful music.

Almost like a musical. Very repetitive but very fun and progressive classic rock concept album

Love classic rock but this album mostly fell flat. Best song was locomotive breath and probably the only song I would not skip past if it was on playlist

Aqualung starts a little odd but near the three minute mark I start to really enjoy the soft rock. Cross-eyed Mary is pretty sweet sounding. The lyrics are still pretty weird and creepy but, the album is following a story and I appreciate that. Cheap day return was short and folky. Mother goose feels very folk music-esque. It is kind of an old renaissance fair kinda vibe. Wond’ring aloud was short and honestly kind of forgettable. Up to me started with a nice guitar and transitioned into a kind of funky flute thing. This is probably my favorite song of the album so far. My god starts pretty slow with singing and a quiet guitar but then transitioned into some pretty killer electric which I thought was pretty sweet. Hymn 43 was super bluesy and had a lot of strong electric guitar runs with perfect drum fills, this is one of the best songs off of this album. slipstream came and went, nothing memorable. Locomotive breathe was really cool, I loved the subtle piano in the background. Wind up started a little underwhelming but then it picked up and caught me by surprise. Lick your fingers clean was pretty cool and you could here the classic rock in this one especially. There is a second version of wind-up which is slightly different, sounds recorded from about aa mile away. finally, Ian Andersons interview (the final track) explains how the album came to be and the recording of the studio in which they shared a studio with led zeppelin. Overall this album was good but I feel like it wasn't mostly something that I would listen to on my own very frequently. 6.4/10.

Already knew Aqualung Love Wond'ring Along

No like

Not for me

damn near perfect, one of the faves

I was very excited for this because who doesn't love rock n roll flute. I was surprised that all of the Jethro Tull songs I love were on this album, it makes me wonder about the Greatest Hits and Best Of compilations from over the years...

I was excited to listen to this for the first time. It's a name and a cover that seemed to be etched in the back of my mind, always out of reach of enough of a memory to actually check it out. When I saw there was a recent Steven Wilson master of it, well that was just icing on the cake, and I listened to that one. My first listen was a let down. The Intro to Aqualung sounded familiar, but not the rest. “This is just noise,” I thought. But, there were a few moments that were brilliant. I went back and listened the next day, and clearly something shifted, because that was a much different experience. The instrumentation is fascinating, particularly in Mother Goose where it sounds like what, “progressive folk” music might have sounded like in the 14 Century. Also, the vocalist in it sounds like her could be a influence for Jack Black: I could hear Tenacious D playing this in my mind. Favorite tracks include this one, Cross-eyed Mary, and Up to Me, but the entire album is growing on me to the point that I've moved from a 2 to a four, because I'm certainly going to listen to this much more.

Fuck yeah! I enjoyed the hell out of this. The guitar started to get a little repetitive by the end of the album, but other than that I thought this was great.

Dirty old man, making dirty old man music. Jethro Tull seems like the band that only ate at madrigal dinners while they were following alongside a Rush tour. There is undoubtedly a time and a place for this record, and those are infrequent for me.

Well, what do you know, I liked this waaayyy more than I thought I would. So much better than ‘Piper at the Gates of Dawn’ which I had a couple of days ago. Pleasantly surprised. I don’t get everyone hating on the flute. It works well with this type of music

Just not my flavor. Stopped listening after the Mother Goose track. Sorry, not sorry.

I just can't get into this medieval sounding dreck. 2/5

Excellent album from top to bottom.

Proggy

Enjoyed more than I was expecting especially the mixture of flute and orchestral instruments

Besides the use of the flute, absolutely basic '70s rock. I wasn't really impressed by anything on it. I can't say it felt like it did anything other than calm background dad rock.

unfortunately, after the third track, I felt like I was just listening to one long endless track. The pan flute made each track sound more like a time piece from the renaissance era. I wasn’t sure if wanted to rock out or throw rocks at the band. In the end, not my cup of tea. 2

I feel very mixed about this album. It has some great moments, mainly in the guitar work. But some songs just don’t attract me at all. Not bad, but also not good

I love this cover

Giving medieval meets classic rock... I enjoyed it

This album is like the beginning of March. Those cold days. Still winter. But not quite.. Reminds me of middle school and FM rock radio

"Aqualung" by Jethro Tull is a divisive album in the world of classic rock. Released in 1971, it's often hailed as a masterpiece by some and criticized by others. The album's title track, "Aqualung," is undoubtedly iconic and showcases Ian Anderson's distinctive flute playing and lyricism. However, the album as a whole is inconsistent. It veers between folk, blues, and hard rock, which can make it feel disjointed. Some tracks lack the same impact and cohesiveness as the standout ones. Additionally, the thematic focus on religion and societal commentary can come across as heavy-handed. While "Aqualung" has its moments of brilliance, its unevenness and polarizing themes might not appeal to all listeners, making it a somewhat divisive entry in Jethro Tull's discography.

Funky!

Overall, it's just too much. Maybe self-indulgent isn't the correct term, but over an hour of this is A LOT, even if you're from Middle Earth. But there are a handful of tracks that fucking slap, mainly the "hits" classic rock radio endorsed. I'll take the best of Jethro Tull anyday. Just don't overstay your welcome in their world, or they end up sounding like watered down Zeppelin.

I understand why this record was so influential for its time. It's not often that you hear a flute in a rock song. The composition of thr album is really good and the two songs everyone is familiar with are the obvious standouts . For me though there just wasn't enough that wow'd.

It’s very Spinal Tap, but Spinal Tap is good. I was actually pleasantly surprised - i thought it was going to be a classic rock slog with a flute - but the flute was a good thing. Fun record.

Great

Cool couple of songs - more of a background album. Would be good for a long car ride

It was good, not to write home about

Mother Goose - slaps My God - epic flute solo

Didn’t like it as much as I was expecting. Rating: 3.5

I tried, not for me. I didn't really like any of it. Even though I like both rock and folk and some prog. Same reaction as I've always had hearing Tull down the years.

Have known and loved Aqualung and Locomotive Breath for years. When I heard Cross-Eyed Mary, I realized I also knew that song from the radio. It’s a very solid album but definitely propped up by about 4 songs, with Hymn 43 being the other standout song in my opinion.

I’ve floated all around contemporaries of Jethro Tull my entire life but never really gave them a shot, and now at last I hear what I’ve been missing. My loss entirely. I like the way the legendary guitar solo in the title track sneaks up on you - as if Aqualung himself is creeping out of the hedges to ask for bus fare lol. But for my money, My God is the best track here. On an album that puts so much instrumental virtuosity on display at all stations, that FLUTE SOLO (am I really typing this?) slings absolute pure lightning! Upon first pass it requires an immediate rewind/crank the volume/stop whatever it is you are doing and just soak in it. Thoughtful, meticulous, undeniable craft and musicianship on every track. It makes me wonder what needs to change in music today for a younger crowd to discover and appreciate something like this. The playing is so clean throughout. Songs have form and depth - it’s wonderful hearing an actual bridge. I’ve seen some reviews labeling the album prog rock but I disagree. The album isn’t prog the same way 2112 isn’t prog - a few related tracks doesn’t make the album prog and only encourages strained, unintended associations. Don’t believe me? Skim through songmeanings.com for a laugh. But also don’t get me wrong - I adore prog rock. Still, I’m glad this was my first foray into Jethro Tull instead of TAAB. Given what I’ve read about that album as a parody of prog, I’m not sure I could give it a serious listen.

Good overall but not something I'd go back to outside of the 4 biggest tracks

Renaissance fair rock? Flute or whatever goes hard af.

Wat een bijzonder album haha. Ik waan me een beetje in een middeleeuws festival, kunnen we deze muziek gaan gebruiken tijdens DnD sessies? Ik denk dat het de fluit is die daar voor zorgt, maar gewoon de muziek an sich geeft me bepaalde vibes. Ik vind de fluit heel grappig, de rest van de muziek is nou niet echt super interessant ofzoiets, maar door de fluit krijgen ze van mij een voldoende. FAVO: Mother Goose, Wind-up, Ian Anderson Interview

Jethro Tull, een naam die is wel eens voorbij hoor komen, maar waar ik geen nummer van ken. 65 minuten Psychedelische Rock kan interessant zijn, maar mijn verwachtingen zijn niet heel hoog. Ik ga tot nu toe (4 nummers), echt heel goed op het folk sfeertje van dit album. Het rijkelijk gebruik van de dwarsfluit stelt me ook zeer gelukkig Inmiddels 7 nummers diep en My God, wat dwarsfluitfestijn is dit zeg, loev it! Oh god, er zit een interview van 15 minuten aan het einde? Laat maar zitten hoor Favorieten: Cross-Eyed Mary, My God, Locomotive Breath

Had Wayne’s World sought another song (other than “Bohemian Rhapsody”), “Aqualung” would’ve been a good candidate, and largely for the same reasons (the combination of an easily mocked over-seriousness and a legitimately infectious hook). The prog rock categorization feels not wholly accurate – yes, it’s arty in conception and ambitious in instrumentation (does the flute alone make it prog?), but it feels folkier generally, and is far more understated and certainly more comprehensible than most of that long lamented genre. (Strong recommendation on Dave Weigel’s recent book). The lyrics may be novelistic, but they’re also dreary and disheartening. Anderson’s a decent singer with a memorable voice, but annoying habit of inserting a sneering and sinister little chuckle. And easily the best rock and roll flutist one can think of (okay, the only one). Overall, this feels slightly underrated and certainly better than one remembers – richer and more various textures, quite capable playing and points for originality and uniqueness – but there is some guilt-by-association with prog rock, one supposes, and with dreaded ‘70s vibesiness, too. 3.6 > 4 rounding up with not insignificant misgivings.

Flute. Finally flute and rock

Non mi piace

There are some things I can appreciate in this album. When they bring in some the more English folk styles, it can be pretty cool. However, I still find it to be a little much for me. Little too proggy.

Not great not bad

Jethro Tull cultivated a distinctive late 60's sound that they twisted to their own through emotional songwriting and unique choices. One of the few popular musical acts to be in the last 60 years to use flute at all, and probably one of the best at it. Lots of songs I already knew and enjoyed and a great few I didn't to round out the album. Great listen!

Petition for more hard rock flute

I wanted even more flute.

Didn't find anything particularly interesting about this album.

good album 💁🏻‍♀️💁🏻‍♀️💁🏻‍♀️ enjoyed listening to it it made me feel like a catholic heathen

Not quite as great as I remember it from back in the day but still a very good album.

It was good

Interesting but not my thing.

Good work

Sounds like Tenacious D.

Aqualung goes hard! The rest are ok. But I did enjoy the album.

It’s was alright prog rock,kind of annoying.Nothing mind blowing.

I could see this growing on me with time. There's some solid tracks on here, and I like the little interludes throughout the album. There's other prog albums that I would listen to before this, but it's still good. My favourite song was Aqualung.

Really like this one actually, unique writing, interesting instruments, good vocals, etc. I think I’d buy this one.

A really cool folky prog-rock album. The flute-heavy instrumentation doesn't grate on me as much as I was expecting, either. Most of the tracks that were boring for me were short interlude pieces, and they were definitely outweighed by the tracks that absolutely slap. Some great 70s rock here. Favourite: Locomotive Breath

heard this once a long time ago didnt remembered anything beside the title track. yesterday i began to listen to the title track again and heard again thick as a brick. and what do you know the next day i got this album on the project. heard this thing like 5 times today. steven wilson remix, live album, special edition everything. love the combination of prog rock and folk and man the flute is awesome. incredible lyrics just perfect album and so far my favorite from jethro tull so far ive listened to aqualung, thick as a brick, a passion play and A

Never really listened to Jethro Tull before. Great stuff

Not for me

good art... good.. Vimputtelu vämpyttelyssä jotain samaa kuin seuraavien vuosikymmenten pop musiikissa.. sitten kun kuuntelee enemmän tulee anteeksiantamattoman outoa ja kiitettävän itsevarmaa folk soitantaa.. Mutta ei koskaan liian itsevarmaa tai polulta hyppäävää.. Ei menty syvään päähän.. Näkyy arvioinnissa..

2st

"Aqualung" is the fourth studio album by British rock band Jethro Tull. The album was more acoustic than previous albums incorporating folk, blues, pyschedelia and hard rock and heck, I'd say even a bit of baroque. Some critics labeled this as a concept album with a theme of the distinction between religion and God; the band denies any intention of a concept album, and in fact, went over-the-top concept album as a response on their next album "Thick as a Brick." The album was produced by Terry Ellis and bandleader, lead singer, acoustic guitarist and flautist Ian Anderson. Commercially, the album did well hitting #4 in the UK and #7 in the US and selling over seven million copies. That heavy guitar riff and an evil laugh open the first side named "Aqualung" with a song of the same name. The song slows down with acoustic huitar and piano and then goes back hard and back and forth. One of the most classic rock guitar riffs and a guitar solo that really sounds like Southern rock. It's about and based on a photograph of a homeless man near the Thames. A flute, recorder and piano intro begin "Cross-Eyed Mary." Some more classic rock guitar riffs. Anderson at his most evil vocals. This character sketch is about a schoolgirl prostitue who prefers her lecherous men than other school kids. Aqualung makes an appearance too. The band goes more traditional folk on "Mother Goose." Acoustic guitar, flutes, recorders. A happy song after the first three fairly dark songs. The main character is just walking around London and making observations. Whereas songs on the first side are about specific characters, the second side "My God" is more "big picture" with direct or indirect religious overtones. Anderson's vocals come in strong on the second single "Hymn 43." Electric guitar and piano. Glory seekers who use God's name as an excuse for scarier things. A jazzy piano intro which picks up kicks the first single "Locomotive Breath." Some more memorable guitar riffs with one trying to sound like a train. We get both guitar and flute solos. Yes!!! A comment on population growth. And no, that train is not slowing down. I admit to not really ever giving Jethro Tull a deep listen. I guess I was expecting a more boring prog album but no, this is not that and is quite good. I didn't hear any filler and liked the mix of rock, folk and even the baroque. There are just some classic guitar riffs and well deserved classic rock staples. An album everyone should check out and I will check out more Tull.