Reviews (page 13 of 14)
It was good? It was good, it just... didn't speak to me.
I like it when they get heavy but not so much when they get folky. I think it'd be more compelling to listen to this with the track order reversed. As is they sort of blow their load too early on the first two songs.
I liked it more than I thought I would. Aqualung (the title track) is probably the best, and I dug the overall folk-rock slant. I've kind of dismissed Jethro Tull in the past I think I have a new appreciation.
I liked this a lot!
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.
Bad.
I’ve heard of Jethro Tull before this, but never actually got around to listening to them. I liked the album. I haven’t heard a lot of older folky/rock music with flute in it, and I actually like it a lot. The flute solo followed by guitar solo in Cross-Eyed Mary was awesome! Aqualung, Cross-Eyed Mary, and Locomotive Breath are some of my favorites from this one.
AQUALUNG! Honestly, I dont really care for the rest of the album.
Couple good songs. Classic aqualung
Good bit of folky-rock. Smells like hay bales and cider and cigarettes.
I feel people just talk about how crazy Jethro Tull is but never listen to them. "Yeah! They're a super group with all kinds of talent" "Oh yeah? What's your favorite album?" "Uhhhhhh, you got me!"
A milestone, a historic piece.
good
Pretty good album, not a massive fan of classic rock but it was entertaining nonetheless 6.5/10
It sounds really dated. Though if you can listen past that, there are a couple of really good songs on it, I could not keep my attention to the full album however.
Eddie
An enjoyable listen
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.
Very interesting
I go nuts for a mad flute solo
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.
Haven't listened to much Jethro Tull. Definitely enjoying this album. Though honestly some of the sections sound like they could be Spinal Tap. Favorite track: Locomotive Breath 3.5/5 - Very Good. There's just a bit too much flute for my taste. I'll be jamming along with a track, then a flute solo jumps in and kills my buzz a bit. Otherwise this is probably a 4.
Not quite my jam.
I liked it. It wasn't as interesting to me as maybe it was intended to be. 3/5
Some rocking out flute that was meh
Had never heard this one before. I'd heard the singles, but not the whole album. I was a bit surprised as I had a bit of a bias against this album but it was much better than I was expecting.
Really enjoyed the three times I listened, great riffs, good singing, nice pedal measures
Folk rock, all over the place, shaggy and rambling, and I am mostly here for it. Flute/chanting bit took me by surprise though.
Solid classic rock album. Aqualung is top 10 classic songs of all time. Standouts: Aqualung, Locomotive Breath, Cross-Eyed Mary, Hymn 43. 4/5
Hobbit Rock made by actual hobbits.
some of this is really hard to listen to but that jazz flute is ON POINT
awful, really bad, plus...a fucking flute!
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.
Not bad, but I didn't love it.
Some interesting prog-rock elements.
Great
No familiarity with Tull beforehand, other than knowing the titular track Aqualung and it's instantly recognizable riff that is the epitome of "classic rock". I always considered them to be "dirtbag rock", you know, rock for dirtbags. But I'm detecting notes of "chamber music nerd" and "prog rock weirdo" throughout this album. There's also a heady amount of Jazz Flute peppered throughout. I'm not a convert or anything, but I had some good times with this one. Guess that makes me a bit of a dirtbag after all.
This album slaps. Instrumental portions sound somewhat similar to Rush.
I was actually surprised by 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!
Fantastic album. A fun ride and a great concept. Loved discovering this one.
Yeah not bad. Liked the famous flute bits and pretty happy with it overall apart from that.
Great riffs bogged down by by boring prog ideas. This is Black Sabbath if they thought they were smart.
I always struggle with prog rock. This was no different.
I didn't love this. It seemed dated to me.
This is fire ! Somehow it reminds me of Toto
Aqualung is probably the first full album I heard from Jethro Tull which was not a compliation album. Aqualung is a good representation of how I feel about Jethro Tull's music in general. I have heard a lot, and there are many elements that I enjoy, I'm just not sure what to do with the music any more. It's interesting how melodic the music and Ian Anderson's voice can be ("Cheap Day Return", "Wond'ring Aloud"). Then there are tracks that seem to fit right in with some of the hard rock of its time ("My God", "Cross-Eyed Mary"). While the flutes in "Mother Goose" makes me think of something from a renaissance fair. Ever since my first listen, I've listened to Aqualung several times trying to figure out why the album just leaves me feeling a little creeped out. Although the music is interesting and has definite hooks and interesting elements, the lyrics have been a barrier to keeping many tracks from Jethro Tull (e.g. "Locomotive Breath") in the rotation of what I currently listen to.
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
Solid album. I might revisit it in the future. Really had no idea if I'd ever listened to Jethro Tull before today until the opening notes of Aqualung: iconic. It's a cut above most classic rock, but doesn't immediately grab me like some other prog rock masterpieces. I may need a deeper, more thoughtful listen to get it.
Some good songs
Honestly the behind the scenes interview at the end of the special edition was more interesting than most of the music. The music itself was good and I felt like I should have been paying more attention to the lyrics the whole time (playing it mostly in the background) but I can’t be bothered to ever relisten to this album
Weirdly unique enjoyed first couple tracks
Dark and then you add some flute.
cool medieval metal sounding album, with multiple songs spanning the same tale, definitely a great unique sound
pretty nice
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
Jethro Tull is another band that I have heard of but know very little about. I'm excited to check this album out. Not quite what I was expecting, but enjoyable nonetheless. I don't know if its something that I would listen to regularly, but I'm glad that I have at least once. The flute solos are actually kind of cool and makes their sound unique.
You know what, I think we need more flutes in rock music
Sitting on a park bench Feeling like a dead duck Spitting out pieces of his broken luck 5*s
Tooty flooty
I like the harder rocking songs more than the pastoral folk sections. In general, I found the music impressive but it didn’t grab me and move me the way my favorite rock bands do. Part of the reason for that is the heady lyrics. I didn’t emotionally connect with these songs. One moment that stood out to me: that flute solo that comes in halfway through “My God.” You can hear his breathing and his voice while he plays. It’s a cool effect and ups the drama for me.
I think this is Jethro Tull's most well known album. I love aqualung (the song), and locomotive breath, but the rest of the tracks don't ever really come too close to those two for me. Still a solid release. It's a great classic rock sound with some impressive genre blending and I think probably the best implementation ever of flutes in rock music.
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".
Classic
tri
2 stars but wind Up is a banger so 3.
Anybody who complains about the flute knows what they can do with said instrument. This is a classic from start to finish.
A mixture of pretty, head grooving, and meh. The flute was actually a refreshing element which doesn't come across rock often with a few notable exceptions like Genesis. I was not a fan of the title track's main riff though, as whenever that song popped on in the past on Spotify, I would immediately skip. It does did have a good middle and solo though. I did end up liking a handful of tracks though. Locomotive Breath had some great guitar and vocals, Wond'ring Aloud and Slipstream were some lovely acoustic ditties, and Cross-eyed Mary had an interesting riff. Everything else was pleasant but not memorable.
Great vocals, killer guitar, and even flute.... What's not to love?
imagining a guy who’s favorite band is jethro tull
These were my childhood lullabies. My father and mommy would play this album during trips and holidays.
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! —- But my minds changed so I had to re review—— Firstly I said it’s a 5 but I’m not sure. But I never re-listen to this thing honestly I don’t listen to much prog in my spare time and some songs on here are a bit boring. Here are the highlights: Aqualung especially for its intro and coda is really cool, the middle bit is cool too even if it does go on. Cross eyed Mary might be the best use of that all powerful Jethro Tull flute. Seriously for it’s time my god is a super bold song, it’s got this doomsday factor to it as if the great plagues are being summoned as the song plays. Hymn 43 is very danceable for its time a genuinely very cool, I like this comes after my god for the religious theming. But then you have the little ones cheap day return, wondering around, slipstream, these drag more than the multiple long tracks on here. I have sentimental value because my grandad who died two years ago really liked the band but I can’t give it a 5. It’s a 4
Fantastic
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.
Great to revisit this album.
A nerd rock classic that still holds up
Meh. Not terrible. Weird flute solos. Not for me.
A fun album with some classic songs
Jethro Tull at one of their peaks of creativity.
This didn't make much impression on me. Far too much flute is my main thought
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
3/5
The prog with flute kings rise to the top. An SCC prog album with room to build upon.
nice and good album
Concept rock
Amazing album. I just imagine Ron Burgundy rocking out with his Jazz Flute to this.
I like it, different sound, but the vocals remind me of the smiths/morrissey.
ganska kul
Nice flute!
Wind-up é famosa
Good Album. Didn't love every song but it it wasn't horrible.
British rock band Jethro Tull's fourth and best-selling album is this one - "Aqualung". It has sold over 7 million copies. The album's songs encompass a motley of genres, including folk, blues, psychedelica, and hard rock. This album is regarded as a concept album by fans - with themes about religion and the effects of social constructs on people - however the band disputes this, saying it's just a regular album. "Aqualung" is seen as a classic album in the hard rock and progressive rock genres. However, in my opinion it's just another hard rock album trying to differentiate itself with a unique and novel theme.
Not bad, enjoyed it all The only band that can pull off playing rock with a Flute. For some reason. More really should try. It's kinda funny though 3
I've never been a fan of Jethro Tull but this album was half decent. Some songs were quite good, but I just can't get over the flute. It's like Bob Dylan's harmonica all over again, after a while it just grows tiresome.
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.
Foda
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
Good jams, like the flute.
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.
While it makes no sense that they won an award for metal, this is a pretty rocking album.
Yep, good one, I liked it!
Unlistenable. Punchable. Terrible.
Þessi er alls ekki allra. Ég ólst upp við þetta og fíla vel.
Thematic composition. Reality vs. Religion
I kinda dig it
A bonus star for being unique, but overall not for me.
Good music, but too anti-religious for my taste.
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.
Quite nice
Only the 70s could give us rock flute. And because its the 70s, it works. 4/5.
This was a surprise, I thought I hated these guys but it turns out I was wrong.
This wasn't a bad album. It's just not something I would listen to frequently. I am not a huge fan of flute work in rock music - at least not to the extent here. Musically, I understand why this album is notable. It just isn't my thing.
Flutes in rock music is an issue of controversy, and the flute did not go unnoticed throughout the first tracks, but the song "Up to Me" features some exceptional talent by their flute player in where they are making use of the flutter tongue technique. Appreciation of that skill aside, flutes remain controversial in a rock band, but this is also the 70s, and where would rock be if not for what this decade produced? Title track is instantly recognizable, a quick perusal of the lyrics suggest that the song is dark and weird. One should do with that as they will. "My God" is a scathing critique of religion (featuring much of that flutter tongue flute, including an aggressive flute solo) and its role in bad history. This song in particular really demonstrates Jethro Tull's fusion of rock and jazz, perhaps even being their best presentation of it. Progressing through the album, it has become clear that the flute is heavily featured on several songs, and while that remains controversial to this reviewer, it needs be noted that Jethro Tull's expertise with the instrument may in fact be their differentiating factor versus other bands where the flute is intentionally included as part of the band's musical identity. Overall, this album earned so much respect in spite of the preconceived bias against flutes in a rock band. Take the flute away, you have a solid 70s rock band putting out groovy melodies, and weird lyrics, but then you'd be left with a cookie-cutter band of this era.
This has long been one of my favorites.
Just couldn’t get into it.
Cool one
a calda do bolo
O álbum é bão mas a capa é melhor
eles querem tanto ser o bruno maia 😭😭😭
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.
Nowt spesh
Muy, muy variado. Muchos instrumentos y estilos aunque también muy extraño. Cambios de ritmo y exceso de sonidos me hicieron no poder conectar con el sonido de la primera mitad aunque para la segunda parte suena más simple pero me gustó más. Sólido 3. Songs: Locomotive Breath, Wind Up
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.
Listened all weekend.
interesting way of rocking, not bad album
Fucking shithouse. How do people listen to this shit. Sounds like the creators of South Park are singing this. Genuine torture. Just take a moment to listen to the lyrics here. Fucking hell. 1 star but would give less if I could.
A true masterpiece, nothing less
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!
One of Jethro Tull's finest work. Many tracks are instant classics.
Far from timeless. Guess it didn't start a wind instrument jn rock craze. Loved it back then. Enjoyed listening again.
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.
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!
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.
yeah thats an album
I've always been familiar with the band Jethro Tull and how it had lots of flute and how it is one of the prog rock bands. Beyond that I've never actually listened to any of it. Now that I have, it was 100% exactly what I think of when I imagined the term prog rock. I should enjoy this more than I thought but it was just okay. Maybe if I were younger I'd dig it more. No other rock bands feature the flute so heavily -- for somewhat obvious reasons -- and it definitely is something different from the sound everyone else had. I will always applaud bands who try something different, but in the end it's not for me.
Not a band I would listen to, and their reputation is not inviting. Surprisingly sprightly and concise, mostly, with some excellent tunes. Solid 3, but the amount of flute will prevent more.
Bom álbum. Nada que me envolveu de verdade.
Cool record! Nice storytelling throughout the songs that connect and keep you invested. Jethro Tull have a unique sound as well which is refreshing. 6/10
cool
Great album growing up as a young teenager…. My cousin played it all the time. Aqualung & Locomotive Breath my favorites.
Hey aqualung!! A famous anchorman quote but I never went and listened to the full album. Definitely some flute action in this one and great guitar riffs. I wouldn't put this anywhere near some other rock albums but I think this is a really good one, especially with the use of other instruments than the typical rock fare.
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
OK, i've had this on the backburner for days now, listening & relistening. I still don't know whether I like, whether it is good or great, or polished or raw. I just don't know. Honestly cannot rate fairly. Real conundrum. Is that the point?
A classic from the teen years. Not so much now, but nostalgia.
Think I'm gonna put this whole project on pause and go binge Jethro Tull's entire discography because this was FUCKING AMAZING.
i think i liked it! giving 4 stars based on a strong first few trax.
decent bit of prog
I enjoyed the non-traditional instruments. I found this somewhat boring though and might appreciate it more on more listenings
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.
not for me the guitar is really mixed out of all the tracks
A classic album but not my cuppa tea.
Can see why this is on the list. But not for me, a lot of flute…
Really liked this album, the flute surprised me. But it works well in my opinion.
Un bin album de prog. 4.15
Muy buen álbum
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.
Aus einem Interview ging hervor, dass die Band bei den Aufnahmen ein Studio zugeteilt bekam, in dem sie nicht wirklich hören konnten, wie es wohl am Ende klingen wird. Ferner sei das Album besonders in Deutschland erfolgreich gewesen. Ob es einen Zusammenhang oder gar Synthese aus beiden Anekdoten gibt sei mal hingestellt. 2.4
Pretty good. A little repetitive. Like a cross between Pink Floyd, Metallica, and Bad Religion
Oh hey, Aqualung. Maybe my favorite Jethro Tull album, good albeit corny (3.5/5)
3.5/5 Aqualung Mother goose Cross eyed mary
Essential folkrock album. Aged galantly.
The second half is much better than the first, minus the title track. Highlight Tracks: 1, 7, 10
not enough rocking out. too much whittering about religion
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 listening to Jethro Tull, Loved it, Great combination of Rock, Folks and Prog
meh? it was okay. also he's australian!!
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.
Rock flute at it's best.
Creepy lyrics and nice music
Wow I DO know this. Aqualung is a classic song... love it. Cross eyed mary reminds me of Jack Black in School of Rock lol. Cheap Day Return is a softer song. Does Up to Me have a jazz flute??
Already know this one, great album
not my fav
Nice this band.
It was OK. There are some good songs on here, but quite a few that I listened to and just thought ok that was a song, with an acoustic guitar and a flute. Sorry Jethro.
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.
Far less hey-nonny-no than I had imagined.
It almost feels like a caricature of the Epic rock genre. It’s interesting but not really my jam.
Classic. I remember some of the samples from RJD2s breezeblock coming from this album.
I fully expected to hate this, but it has its moments. The title track is very good; I can hear echoes of Sabbath in that and the other heavier tracks on this record. I don’t even mind the flute that much when it’s well-incorporated into the band - though the jaunty flute solos did raise an eyebrow. The acoustic folk elements don’t do it for me, though, and neither does that generic 70s rock vocal. 2.5 stars.
Loved my god
This didn't make much of an impression on me. It was enjoyably theatrical at times, and the lyrical themes kept repeating in a way that doesn't normally happen with pop songs. And the flute - the flute! I feel like this deserves a place as a significant album in the history of music but it just isn't my thing.
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.
Good album. Has some really great tracks.
Really enjoyed it Some catchy songs I may have heard before?
Sucked.
Sitting on a park bench Eyeing little girls with bad intent Snot running down his nose Greasy fingers smearing shabby clothes i thought this was gonna be an album about SHACK. it turns out its actually about homeless people along the thames embankment. Which makes it all the more laughable that i thought it was about SHACK because homeless people along the thames embankment is the main substance that forms SHACKs diet. fuck me it goes on a bit.
Like watching a snuff movie....in a good way.
If music could smell, the tunes included here would; probably of cheap ditch weed and sweat. Hippy prog made by crusties with flutes. Best Tracks: Aqualung; Cross-Eyed Mary; Locomotive Breath
sitting on a park bench...i think more pop music should have flutes but this wasn't exactly my jam
Quite good
Lotta flute. Lil too much piano.
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.
Nice album, enjoyed the uniqueness of the flute, combined with some "old sounding progressive/psycholedic" tunes. Also liked the singing voice of Ian
Prog, Proggy, Prog, Prog. Rather enjoyed it.
HEY AQUALUNG https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZI-lCsdiXw
not for me, can see why people would like it
Definitely a lot of jazz flute. Some well known songs. Other songs are just ok. I don't think I would choose to listen to the full album again.
An absolutely marvellous album. Locomotive Breath is my favourite.
A surprusingly good full album. Had heard aqualung many times but the rest of the album carries it on well
awful, garbage.. yuck...
24. Aqualung - Jethro Tull 13 tracks. It's not my thing, but it's not awful, (but neither is it good). It seems too "busy" or "muddled" with lots going on & every bit trying to outdo every other component part. Bits reminded me of a "shit, try-hard Queen" and these were the better bits. 2/5.
some real nice tunes in here good message overall wouldn't relisten though
Actually liked it more than I thought I would.
oh god
Thick as a brick or nothing
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.
This was a lot more melodic than I expected. Quite tuneful
An amazing album that showcases all the best of Jethro Tull
Skipped after the first few songs
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*
Saved Prior: None Off Rip: Mother Goose Cutting Edge: Locomotive Breath, Wind-Up Overall Notes: "Come traveler, let me spin ye tales of days long gone as ye rest ye weary legs" ass album. I understand what they're doing with Aqualung the song. Wasn't bad. Wasn't especially good either.
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
Pretty solid. I enjoy the unique-ness of the flute in there. 2RS
Ok. A bit flat maybe
okay, this is good
As good as it was the first time I heard it!
Rocks harder than I remembered.
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 like "cross eyed mary"... the flute really had me ASCENDING on that one... actually the flute is the best part of this album all the way through.
3.5
Nice
Obviously styled as a dostoevsky esque rock opus, right down to the wretched character that haunts the album sleeve. Interesting in parts but I didn't stay engaged.
Very interesting sounds from these dudes, but im not a huge prog rock guy
Jethro Dull
I'm not sure how I feel about flutes.
It’s a fucking banger.
No thank you.
Excellent album
первый реально хороший альбом
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
I dont know what I thought Jethro Tull was, but I wasn't expecting medieval times rock. But now I at least get what jack black was doing with tenacious d, it was a Jethro Tull bit. Pretty good. But I did not like this.
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).
Premetto che i Jethro Tull sono un gruppo che ho ascoltato molto intorno ai 15/16 anni e quindi conoscevo bene Aqualung ma non lo ascoltavo da molto. Onestamente riascoltarlo dopo tanto tempo mi ha fatto un po' un'impressione strana, forse perché questo tipo di progressive rock '70 oggi è invecchiato un po' male, anche perché è stato preso, storpiato e ricomposto in tutte le salse possibili, forse anche perché mi arriva come più pretenzioso di un tempo. Comunque parliamo di un bell'album, Ian Anderson sflauteggia anche meno del solito e fa sempre ridere quando si sentono i suoi versi. L'album è considerato da tutti un concept album ma i Jethro Tull dicono che non lo è e non l'hanno mai pensato come concept e secondo me si sente molto questa cosa. Diciamo che oggi mi arriva come un album sicuramente di un certo peso artistico ma che ci prova un po' troppo. A questo punto penso di preferire Stand Up che invece era un po' meno sofisticato e ci sono grandissimi pezzi come We Used To Know. Direi un 3.45.
Come molti dischi del genere passo da momenti di esaltazione a temere che spunti da un momento all'altro qualche folletto o gnomo da dietro le casse. Mi piace Ian Anderson come strumentista ma non come cantante.
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...
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
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
I liked this more than I thought I would. 3.5 but I'll give it four stars.
surprised, better than expected
Alright, so this is incredible. Folk-prog-blues-hard-rock... Enjoyed every minute
floot floot
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 🌟
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
G 3.5 B 3
Prog flute classic, good campfire background, probably worth another listen on a decent hi-fi but otherwise not really for me.
2 good songs. Just not for me. Bit all over the place.
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.
Already owned
loved it
The production was like when you see a movie in 8k ultra HD and you can see all the people on the screen acting and reading lines. I could hear them playing instruments, not playing music. I actually like the much maligned flute, and everytime the piano came out it got into a bit of a bar room rocker. But I'm just confused about what Jethro Tull actually is, because most of the album sounds like a dance around the maypoll meeting of some Hobbits and the album never really takes off. I don't really get why half the album is the sounds of 1650. Hymn 43 was a good song. 2.51/5
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.
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!
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.
Very interesting album. Had always heard of it but never got around to listening to it
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.
Un album qui a, à mon grand dam, consolidé les liens qui préexistaient entre eltrapeze et mon propre père, le père de robvipère.
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.
This starts strong, and the rock flute is really somethin' else. When your brand is rock flute, you don't have a ton of competition. That said, this rolled off into the background and I only realized later that it had stopped.
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.
This was interesting. I only knew a little bit of Jethro Tull previously and didn't think it was really my thing, but I found this pretty entertaining. I also enjoyed the interview with Ian Anderson at the end of the deluxe edition.
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.
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.
Querflöte und Gitarrenrock. gute Kombi.
Strange, but it works.
How are we supposed to review these albums? If I put myself in the mindset of a 70s, long-haired rocker (say, my dad) I can bang my head along to the bouncy bits, and gaze with sparkle-eyed wonder at the flute solos; but if I’m listening to it from my own body in my own time, this sounds beyond parody. This is how prog-rock sounds in goofy comedies. Ultimately it gets an extra star because my dad likes it.
A little theatrical, but still pretty cool. I'd have to give it another listen I think.
Very Jesus-y
3rd June 2021 Listened to this in bits and pieces, watering the garden etc I don't think albums like this age very well, it's very much of it's era. Ruined forever by anchorman. Jen heard me listening to one song and said the flute sounded like pan pipes on crack.
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.
had a hard time with this one, so angry. waiting for some love songs.
Great!
I actually really really enjoyed this. Had heard of Jethro Tull but never listened to their music. This album was a real pleasant surprise
Dommage qu'ils soient moins bon que Bruce Springsteen et son tatouage tribal, un 4/5 bien mérité
Not for me
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.
Wonderful
Very solid album, I'm surprised I haven't heard of the band before. I especially appreciate the flute, solid 4
Great album! Very emotional
Not my vibe. Can see how it influenced some other sounds.
Not for me!
okay instrumentals, boring overall
Anthony Perry was my best friend when I was 12 and his older sister had this album. As 12 yo brats we didn't need to hear much more than "Snot is running down his nose" and "watching as the frilly panties run" to declare this album "amazing". As I listen to the album today, I'm not sure we ever got past the title track. Anyway, the word "amazing" no longer trips off the tongue the way it did back then. At the midpoint I was starting to worry about the bad karma that comes with giving less than a "3" to a cult album. Fortunately, the album ended strong and earned its 3. I hope Perry agrees.
i like this, but have heard some of the tunes so much I cant listen to them again!
Actually a really good one
Not as great asI was expecting ***
Good. Except the interview at the end. Liked the prog rock/pan pipes vibe.
Meh
Verschrikkelijk!
I like prog, also the early stuff. But I can't stand the flute. But besides that I like the sound and vibe.
Not my vibe
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.
Jethro is wel ok. Beetje bombastisch en wat gedateerd maar ik kan die sound wel waarderen.
Leuk die dwarsfluit.
Enjoyed this a lot by the end of it. Lots of fun bits in there, especially the Ron Burgandy style jazz flutes.
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 more than I expected. Initially thought, another folk rock/progressive rock album for us to listen to, but it was really different.
Couldn’t get into it despite a weekend of trying.
Not for me.
Classic album, need to be in the mood.