Aqualung

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

The fame of this one doesn't match my experience. I thought it was good, but I don't get it.

ohhhhh boy. this is rough. the struggle was real to get through it. I did. but, why did I do it to myself. I did not enjoy any of it.

A fun and enjoyable listen.

I wanted to like this more than I did. Still some solid songs on there, but this stuff is sometimes tedious to listen to for some reason. Rock that flute! 3.33

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

There were a few songs I knew on this album. The rest were to the same standard This album didnt blow my mind but it wasn't too boring. I'll round it up to a 4 - it doesnt deserve a 3 4 ⭐️

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

Pretty bad

Some great songs in here, others I could take or leave. Decent enough. Highlights: Aqualung, Locomotive Breath

I’m surprised to learn I don’t think I’ve actually heard Jethro Tull before. This album has big religious themes, which I don’t usually enjoy, but I really enjoyed this Fav songs: My God, Locomotive Breath, Wind-up

I enjoyed this, sort of classic rock but with some creative touches thrown in. I think the flutes really add something here and while I wouldn’t say it was a masterpiece it had enough going on to make it interesting. I did lose a bit of interest by the end but that’s not unusual.

Didnt take long to have an appreciation for this album. Lots of great musicality, interesting lyrics and even some unusually amazing piping going on! I liked the intricate guitair work too where someone was twanging his strings to perfection. Fingerpicking I beleive is the technical term so google tells me as I have no idea what it was called. I feel I have underpowered the score here but I might need this to grow on me to fully appreciate it. I think I will come back to this as I think it deserves it.

I listened to the Steven Wilson mix and I thought the production quality was really good. A detailed and well balanced mix. Generally I thought the album was very listenable. I liked the mix of acoustic and electric sounds and the folk vocals. I didn't feel a deep connection to the music beyond "Interesting British 70's Folk Rock Album" though.

Prog Rock at its finest.

This shit rocked hard as fuck hell yeah, i don't know why I doubted it was good. I have a very soft spot for Locomotive Breath, because it was the final song that I played during my last session of the original The Crew game before Ubisoft killed the servers. It was a great send-off. Fuck you Ubisoft.

I came into this as a not-a-big Jethro Tull fan. I think the song Aqualung is kind of cool. A bit too long, but the guitar riff is pretty sweet. *Beavis and Butthead head banging here* The entire album is decent. I don't think I could rate this higher than 3. The flute stuff is neat at times, but I like how other bands have utilized a flute in rock music. *shrugs* Sorry, not an essential album in my eyes. 2.75/3

Can see where stoner metal comes from. It’s weird, I feel like I should like it more than I do - I think there's too many tempo changes and hippie asides that pull away from the main groove for me. Also was a period of time where stuff felt… medieval? Like I could see some of these in hobbitton.

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

Another ultra-classic addition to the monster of a year that was 1971. Sounds like a softer version of Black Sabbath, particularly with the singing. The title/opening track is a solid prog-folk number, featuring plenty of different instruments played near-flawlessly. Great riff, though it really only appears at the start and end. The piano and bass are highlights, and the latter really stands out during the guitar solo at the song's halfway point. Drum fills in the outro are solid too. The percussion sound throughout the album is very reminiscent of its time (or even late 60s), rather than the crash-heavy stadium drum sound that would come to define the 70s. It's such a feelgood atmosphere that you can't help but vibe along, even if it's not really "dancing"/radio music. (Not yet, anyway.) Cross-Eyed Mary has an excellent riff and a biting, groovy feel. Interesting combo with the flute but I think it works. And even though I'm not one for lyrics, it's hard to miss references to the previous track. This is a religion-based concept album whether you like it or not. I like it. By the time we get to the song Mother Goose, it's clear they're committing to this folk-tale-rock feel that I loved so much back in King Crimson's debut record. There are a few interlude tracks mixed in with the 5-plus minute ones, and while they're not perfect, they're (musically) leagues ahead of any hip-hop interlude you could dream of. My God is a solid start to side 2, though I feel there should be more than just the one somewhat undeveloped riff carrying us through the whole 7 minutes, as nifty and spy-movie-esque it is. The following song, though... man, it's so good. Hymn 43 is just about perfection when placed after My God, with its brisk pace, variety of guitar lick hooks, a prominent and skilful piano part, a groovy, bluesy feel... It's probably the most radio-friendly track on here. And of course it manages to sneak in Jethro Tull's signature flute. The last two songs are just as solid, the final one having a similar progressive rock feel to the opener. All in all, a very human, passionate take on folk/prog rock. These guys are pretty good. 5/5 Key tracks: Cross-Eyed Mary, Up to Me, Hymn 43

Flute

I don’t like

Not as good as a real flutist like Lizzo but I can see where he's getting at

I think high 3? Maybe low 4. Regardless some cool stuff

Spotify only has special edition with Ian's interview, which only increased my love for this LP.

It's been forever since I heard a Jethro Tull song, probably since someone once sent me one of theirs songs (can't recall which). On a full listen, yeah I think it's pretty good! A lot more varied and rockier than really *proggy* but it's theatrical eccentricies is partly why it makes it stand out against other prog that is lengthy and cheesy without much of an identity (*Cof* Emerson, Lake and Palmer *cof*)

Jethro Tull's seminal album- so many hits on this one! They really have a unique sound and style- blending together a lot of genres into a progressive rock collaborative. While the hits were definitely hits, I did find some of the B sides to be unremarkable. Overall- a very good album. Probably in the 3.5-4 range

I came into this as a not-a-big Jethro Tull fan. I think the song Aqualung is kind of cool. A bit too long, but the guitar riff is pretty sweet. *Beavis and Butthead head banging here* The entire album is decent. I don't think I could rate this higher than 3. The flute stuff is neat at times, but I like how other bands have utilized a flute in rock music. *shrugs* Sorry, not an essential album in my eyes. 2.75/3

I loved this album. I had only heard Aqualung and Locomotive Breath by Jethro Tull, but there is so much more to this band

A deep and bumpy journey in the early seventies.It ist the first time that i hear this album and it feels a little bit like i visit my grandparents. A warm Welcome and a stressfull conversation. Favorit Song for me: Mother goose

Not my cup of tea although there were some catchy and easy listening tracks.

I imagine this is what rock and folk sound like to people who hate rock and folk.

Not an album I'd listen to againn but it was quite fun.

love me some Tull

There really isn't another band like Jethro Tull. I like the softer music with heavy metal grooves. The flute is always a plus. This was a decent album, but I can't go over 3 on it.

It's usually going to be interesting if a rock band includes a flute. I remember playing Aqualung in highschool marching band as a sousaphone player and thinking it was a really odd sounding song. Fun to play though. Album was just ok for me

im rly curious about earlier tull records, ive heard some of the songs and theyre rly good, more than that tho theyre v Different from this record in a way that suggests that jethro tull hadnt quite found their full idiosyncrasies yet as a borderline Contrarian prog band (they would after this make the semi-parodic thick as a brick). for better or for worse imo...i rly rly like this record, and musically i have no complaints, but as someone who rly loves prog in all its flashy fantastical Everything, its clearly not For Me in some ways. but the upside is that this rly is just a v distinct and memorable record...harder edged than most stuff in the genre while also deploying those acoustic and flute sounds, aiding in this sketch of a world that is physical and gritty and fucked up and extremely un-escapist by prog standards. ian anderson snarls out judgemental character studies and religious traumadumping with one of the most acidic, malignant voices ull hear on classic rock radio. its all very fun all things considered...it rocks Hard, and while sharp turns and reversals usually are not my thing in prog they add to the uniquely jagged quality here...dig the way the flute introduction crashes into the banger main riff on cross-eyed mary, or any number of other relationships between instrumental breaks and "song" parts. a nice familiar listen on this, the last day of my First Year doing this project thing. not a lot of space for reflection here lol ill just say that i havent missed a day and ive not Once felt the compulsion to stop! i can do anything!!

Excelente álbum. Ya había escuchado Aqualing varias veces antes de encontrarlo en esta lista. Me encanta la cantidad de ambientes que genera, y a pesar de ser un rock progresivo en el que varias canciones tienen muchas partes, nunca se hace tedioso de escuchar. El estilo folk medieval y el uso de la flauta están integrados perfectamente al del rock. Las cortas baladas melancólicas que se intercalan entre los temas más rockeros son preciosas y hacen a una mejor y más variada experiencia de escucha. Un álbum icónico e históricamente relevante por parte de Jethro Tull

Parece musica que escucharia un peasant medieval mezclada con rock, tiene un aura muy chula

A classic, well listened to before so no surprises.

Feeling like a dead duck

Somehow despite knowing of this album and that it’s considered a classic I’ve never actually listened to it. Turns out I like this album a lot. I don’t know why everyone in the reviews is bitching about the flute, seemed good to me!

was ok 80/100

Eh. Not sure I’m a new fan. It’s ok.

Didn't think I'd ever say this, but the flute went surprisingly hard on this record. I wanted to hate it, but I couldn't bring myself to. I didn't love it, I couldn't bring myself to.

(Insert Aqualung Guitar Riff Here). This album is awesome! Probably Jethro Tull’s most remembered album besides their even Proggier Thick As A Brick, this album really is a staple of Prog Rock. The songs on this album all feel very cohesive, like they were all meant to be on the album, and it doesn’t feel like you could remove any of them. Ian Anderson is definitely one of the great prog rock singer, and it shows on this album. He can go from soft and melodic to grizzled and percussive with the flip of a switch. He’s also regarded as one of, if not the only, greatest rock flute player of all time. His flute parts in songs like My God is an impressive feat, and his acoustic guitar playing on songs like Wond’ring Aloud is also great. Martin Barre is also another stand out musician on the album, from his iconic riff on the song Aqualung, to his acoustic solo on My God, he really brings the power behind a lot of the album. Jeff Hammond, John Evan, and Clive Bunker round out the band on bass, piano, and drums respectively, and all of their parts on the album are a great foundation for the band to work off of. Throw on some amazing lyrics ranging from schoolgirl prostitutes to the manipulation of religion, and you have the recipe for a classic progressive rock album.

fine

How do I even start. Aqualung is such an important album to me personally. One of my grandfather's favorite albums, I heard this all the time in the background growing up. It wasn't until I was closer to 18 that I actually sat down and listened through more than just the title track. It blew me away the first time, and continues to with each listen. Despite the opener being driven by distorted electric guitar, the majority of this album utilizes acoustic guitar over a Les Paul. A lot of the tracks, like Wond'ring Aloud and Slipstream, are quiet and reflective interludes that last but a minute or two. To fill in the cracks an acoustic typically leaves, there's piano and an orchestral accompaniment to most tracks; along with the trademark Jethro Tull flute runs. That isn't to say the album is bereft of rocking songs. Up To Me and Locomotive Breath are both driving songs; but in my mind, nothing compares to the side 2 opener, My God. A 7 minute long epic building from a simple acoustic into to an electric explosion, leading to a choral and flute driven middle section that releases a guitar solo for the ages, and a responding flute solo to finish out the track. The overarching lyrical theme specifically of the separation of God and religion is a big reason to why I love this album so much. A lesson I think all humans, throughout history, ought to learn. It's so formative to me as a person, but I think it merits a listening from every person, much like people say about Dark Side of the Moon.

Reminds me of my teenage years!

it was fine, don't feel strongly about it. good, solid rock album. Aqualung is a banger.

Probably rewards relistens.

3.5

I liked a lot of the non-hits, like 'Up to Me'

More prog rock. It’s fine

I'd always heard this was incredible, but can't say it clicked with me. Flute generally annoys me, even when played well, it had no bite, and just seemed very dated and... dull? Slightly cross with myself as I know this is a beloved album! I'll round up to a 3 as there was nothing wrong with it.

One of the best albums from the 70s, incredible guitar passages, great composition, and pan flute!

some nice, standard prog rock. I have never had any idea as to what a "jethro tull" is and at this point I kinda don't want to find out at all. but it wouldn't be prog rock without some really cool musical ideas, and I love the combination of harder guitars with flutes in "up to me" in particular favorite song: "locomotive breath" overall: 8/10

♪ Ba ba ba ba ba ba ♪ ♪ sitting on a park bench ♪ ♪ neer neer neer ♪ ♪ I don't know the words except park bench ♪

Groupe connu. J'ai découvert cet album dans les années 80, mais je n'avais pas accroché à l'époque. Qu'en est il 40 ans après ? Et bien j'ai plutôt apprécié le début ! L'harmonie est originale, en particulier celle d'Aqualung (+++). J'ai apprécié aussi le chorus de guitare. Et la flute et le chorus de guitare dans 'Cross-eyed Mary' (+). Par contre j'ai trouvé les morceaux acoustiques moins intéressants. Et malheureusement ils sont majoritaires. Je ne suis donc pas sur d'avoir envie de l'écouter de nouveau ... =>2/5

Like the rock vibes of the album, it remind me of Pink Floyd 3/5

That flute solo are freaking kidding so rad

Is there such a genre as "hard folk"? It sounds like a contradiction in terms, or parody of itself. Yet it's the unironically the best description I can think of here. It's interesting that Jethro Tull were so adamant that "Aqualung" is not a concept album given that it's united by a handful of ideas (the homeless people of the Thames River Bank and God) as well as a recurring character and chapter titles. Whether intended or not, the central themes definitely work. For yesterday's album, I was reflecting just how.much I dislike the use of flutes in rock music. After hearing "Aqualung", I take it all back!

This didnt do it for me

The range. The piccolo. This has been one of my favorite albums since the moment I heard it when I was 12.

Whips sack

- All musicians excell at their instruments, esp. flute parts are fantastic - Listened to Steven Wilson Mix and Master version, perfect production and mix

Har aldri vore kjempefan altså. Men ikkje verst dette. 7/10

Someone called Aqualung music for Hobbits, and to me it's like RenFaire music. Yeah, I can totally imagine listening to this album in the Shire. No one plays the flute like Ian Anderson, and I can't think of any other group's music that sounds like Jethro Tull. Like taking a trip to a far-off land. Five stars.

3.5

Wonderful folk prog. Locomotive breath one of the few songs that says “Gideon.” I enjoyed it a lot great stuff JT

Flute rips. Low key on first listen I think I liked this concept album of the 70s more than Tommy by the who… if it’s worth making the comparison… I think I’ll give it a 4.5 but like maybe I’m being too harsh

This is really cool. Enjoyed it way more than expected. Flute a bit much at times!

this was boring and too long

When I was in high school, I tried to get into Jethro Tull. I bought the Greatest Hits and listened to it a bunch. It reminds me of Renaissance Faire drama nerds going hard. (Full disclosure: was said nerd.) not terrible, but not really my cuppa tea, either.

I always figured no one else uses rock flute because it's a crap idea. Turns out it's because it's already been perfected on this album.

Bisschen Hillibilly Rock Gefühl. Paar gute Songs bei

Not a big fan. I find it odd, alot of the early songs, alot of the lyrics I can understand seem to be about school children, was this what happened in the 70s. Alot of solos that I lose interest in. Slower songs that resist pan pipe solos are better

Very proggy, British-folk rock. The flute is amazing, I just can’t hear it without thinking of Ron Burgundy. A couple of real bangers and some nice acoustic pieces that bridge the gaps. I can see why people would get into this. Seems like it would reward repeated listenings.

Another classic from the 70s. Favorite track: hymn 43 other picks: aqualung, mother goose, my god, locomotive breadth

To jest chyba moje największe dotychczasowe zaskoczenie. Bałam się, że wszystkie 5 gwiazdek polecą do artystów, których już znam, a tu proszę. Rock grany pełną piersią z instrumentami, które są odważne i nie zamykają się w gitarze i bębnach. Wokal trochę teatralny, trochę country. Obrazowe teksty. Jakaś nostalgia i poetyckość. I flety! Wszystko co kocham w jednym. 9/10

Classic tull

Britisk hard rock, lidt folk over det, masser af fløjte og det er faktisk fedt nok

Boring and long, folky prog rock with flutes... look forward to never listening to this again

It was pleasant enough. Guy really has a thing for school aged kids though, it was a "different time" but maybe not a better time. Nice songs, creepy feeling.

Really not my cup of tea, very fathers day CD compilation from Woolworths

"I'd rather look around me, compose a better song" you don't say

I didn't mind them but they're not something I'd listen to again

First listen

Good early prog rock

good listen. 4/5

Great album. The instrumentation is so good. Maybe I should have given it a 5.

Progressive rock album that’s awesome the whole way through. Not many rock bands have a flautist, you know.

Death bluegrass for the win.

Good old school 70s rock. The only flautist I’ve ever heard in rock n roll.

I remember when this album came out. I enjoyed listening to it, although I only knew two songs on it. I thought the hymn was really pretty.

Just some early 70s proggy dad rock. The flute is good, haters stay mad. I guess it's a good album? I dunno man, I don't really like this shit, but it's only 41 minutes. Some of these songs are really great and I'm like, 'damn I guess I like Jethro Tull' and then some of the songs I'm like, 'ok this is just these dudes fucking around with their instruments.' So, y'know, it's a land of contrasts I think I gotta bump 'em up for creativity out of 1971, but I don't know if I have to ever return to this.

Pretty good classic riff-rock

prog rock

Heard some songs from them before. I've always loved the flute on Jethro Tull songs, it makes everything so much more fun 3/5

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 honestly cannot believe I haven’t heard this album yet. And who knew a flute solo could rock so hard! Such an important and gentle commentary on religion’s place in society - and more relevant today than ever. Perfect album.

Another fine example of "it's 2025 and I have no idea what this is doing here." Serviceable, unremarkable, forgettable.

Overall: 9/10 First of all, I love the amount of acoustic guitar. I love the flute. I love the vocals. I love how weird this thing is. Get this flutist on top of a mountain and watch all the little children in their lederhosen dance around in a circle. I don't know if I'm gonna listen to this all the time but I loved it. I'd only heard the title track before and loved it but never felt compelled to explore their discography further. I kind of want to check out some of their other albums now cause this was so awesome. Very proggy and strange. If you aren't religious (I'm not at all) some of the lyrical content may bother you, but it was fine for me. Fav Song: Mother Goose Least Fav Song: Hymn 43

first listen it's great

Not for me ngl. Sorry dad!

Sucks

3.0

The title track is just perfection. Nothing else on "Aqualung" comes close, except for "Locomotive Breath". All of the tracks are great. I've had 2 brilliant albums in a row. Let's get another one... 4 stars for "Aqualung".

I was a huge Jethro Tull fan when I was younger. Actually the first concert I ever saw. Cincinnati Riverfront Stadium. They were so good. I don’t think some of his stuff is aged so well. But aqualung still to me is just to stand out album.

My brother had this 8 track. It creeped me out

remove folk rock songs and this is 5/5 prog rock album. 4.09

Is this a weird and whimsical 70’s trip or a down and dirty hard rock album? Couldn’t it possibly be both?!? The lyrics are sung so beautifully but the words are scary and rough. Oh yeah, and so many flutes! Which sound so soft and friendly but are met with in your face guitar riffs.

flute solos? sign me up!

Excellent album

Weird.

Aqualung is now icky

Never realized how great this whole album was!

Another one I’m familiar with, but after another full listen I like it even better than I did before, the criticisms of organised religion and using religion as a means for committing atrocious acts is so well done as this is a recurring theme within the album, there’s also another kind of storyline focussing on the harsh realities of the world with whole aqualung storyline which is loosely carried onto the next song after the opener. No skips on this, it has such a good variation between full on rock with awesome riffs and going crazy on the flute and quieter acoustic songs to break up the pace a bit, the last song being a perfect showcase of this within just one song. Despite liking all of the songs, my personal favourites are: aqualung, hymn 43, wind up and locomotive breath, although after this listen that’s expanded to include pretty much all of the songs. Overall, a solid 9.5/10 which is not what I was expecting to give it before but it seemed to really click with me on this listen.

I’d say just under 3 stars for me. I didn’t really enjoy this one found I found it a bit boring

This was my dad's favorite album. It's not bad. They get an overly bad rap but they were pretty influential and different for their time. As all fads go, they sound so much of their time.

Starts out great, but gets unremarkable.

I have understood this, Not really for me

I like the acoustic instruments but I dint like the slow tune for both.

I rate Aqualung 3.5/5 because the beat is good. And the instrument were cool were good.

One of the biggest—and unfair—criticisms from mass listeners is about the flute in Jethro Tull. But let’s remember that most people are ignorant on music and only groove on some of the most basic rhythms, instrument, and harmonies. And I feel bad for them—but detest those who act like they love music but only love some vanilla ass shit when there’s so much flavor out there. This album is a wonderful fusion of jazz inspired flute lines and proto metal. Sorry haters your musical tastes are the equivalent of gruel.

Love the flute!

Not typically a huge fan of prog rock but this was pretty good. 7/10

Not for me

Jehtro Tjall

Pæsse clæssisk.

With my taste in music, this 2 is a very strong 2. I can see why someone would like this a lot, I think it's an enjoyable listen, but I wouldn't buy this on CD.

Fuck me, this is a really good album. I had no idea what to expect. I generally find prog rock to be completely up it's own arse. However, this album is not like that at all. At it's heart it really is rock, the guitars and drums are superb, the bass-playing is excellent. There's a lot more though, there's definitely some jazz influences in there, some folk and soul/funk too. I only listened to the 11 original tracks on the vinyl LP, and I have to say there was not one weak track among them. An easy 5 stars!

3 because I only liked a few songs

Great musicians, and some real moments of rocking out. I appreciate the point of difference with instrumentation, people complaining about flutes need to be a little bit more open minded... It's a bit too prog in parts for me, but that's just a taste thing. I'd give it 3.5 if we could, so rounded down to 3.

I seem to be getting a lot of 70s art rock and prog rock lately that need multiple listens just to get an idea of what to rate them. Aqualung has a couple of great tracks, a couple of clunkers, and a lot that is just good. It's about a 3.5, but I'll round up because the flute somehow fits in well.

Ok I suppose. Sloppy but not in a fun way. Interview at the end of the album is straight out of Spinal Tap.

My God is wizard music Aqualung and Locomotive Breath slap Up To Me Rips

My dad loves Jethro Tull (he says they were his first concert), so I recently listened to Aqualung to celebrate his retirement. Strange I got it on the generator so soon after! The flute is a choice for a prog band, but JT went hard at it. Also, the lyrics on the tracks about the homeless- what the hell were they thinking? How odd! ‘Hey pedo-masterbating crippled hobo, don’t worry, it’s just me!’ Still, overall a pretty great listen, especially on the later tracks. It’s like the English folk/heavy metal bridge.

Love Jethro. Aqualung is a classic song/album.

this album felt like unseasoned scrambled eggs

Step back flute haters! I enjoyed this album. It's well executed but there's little pull me back for further listens.

This list is making me realize that it's impossible to be completely unbiased about music. Whether I find an album good or bad depends not only on the music but also on my personal circumstances and state of mind I guess. Before listening to this, I binged through a shit ton of music that I already love, which sound completely different from this one. Maybe that's why this fell flat in comparison. Most of the time I was just tuning out. The flute was really cool though, that much I could tell. Would I revisit this album in future: sure, yes. I think I have to, lol. Favourite track: Locomotive Breath

prog tends to be a bit snooty and verbose in an overly silly way for me, but i'm not a disliker of this nor Thick as a Brick. while the coherence of the latter isn't as strong on this album, it still has its moments and the edgy atheist side B is fun enough deserves to be one of the 1001? yea

Niet echt gekuisted

It's almost stupid to write a review of Aqualung. It is one of the most iconic, recognizable, and emblematic albums of all time. Even if you don't know the album, even if you don't know the song most associated with Jethro Tull, you have to know the opening riff to Aqualung. It is that well known. If you don't - for example, if you've been living in a cave all of your life - go listen to this album. If you've never listened to rock music ever (EVER!) then this should be one of your first five albums. Aqualung is rock and roll.

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

This album fuckin rocks. Great riffs, great vocals, flute is on point.

A cool mix of blues riffs, and filk music and quite a lot of flute playing. Very "old" sounding music. I'd almsot say it sounds like it could have been played in the Witcher tv series.

Strange metal music. Different but not my cup of tea.

I quite liked this old school rock however it left me a little empty. It had all the ingredients but just didn't resonate

Renassaince fair rock

Jethro Tull have never been my thing. They always "do it like this" and often they "do it like this" to the extent it gets predictable and doesn't serve the song they've written. Saw a gig once and got very bored. This isn't bad though, some decent songs.

This is the album whose gross overestimation by critics gave Iain Anderson his monstrous ego and inability to accurately assess his own output. Did we need a concept album about a predatory pedophile? Clearly not. Is there any redeeming feature to this album? Not really. Writing deliberately ugly lyrics and setting them to deliberately ugly music is not offset by virtuosity; if anything it makes it harder to forgive. It’s not that disturbing stories and subjects are off limits. It’s that they deserve to be treated seriously and this album is uptime trivial. One star because I’m not able to give it none.

Cool, went to see them live, don´t remember a single song. Still, cool.

3/10

Unfortunately not my vibe

Jak dla mnie zbyt progresywny.JT to nie moja bajka.

Dated. Not horrible but very dated.

Folksy, flute-y, hard rock meets The Shire..? Interesting album for sure, just not my standard fare. Gave the feeling of Irish pub songs at times, always with an epic tale being sung.

Ok. Some muddled "freakazoid" and "anti-religion" lyrical messages, accompanied by progressive but tuneless prog-rock meandering. The flute isn't as bad as it could be. Steven Wilson's remaster is really good.

A little too frenetic and disconnected for me. Sort of irritating in general. I couldn't finish this album.

While I recognize the musicianship, this album was not for me. I did warm to few of the tracks, particularly Mother Goose, but ultimately could not finish listening to the album.

A couple all time songs, a unique sound, but halfway thu every song just came and went nothing stood out after the hits. Bummer too, when I was in college I ran sound for a Jethro Tull tribute band once and it was such a fun show. Another album I expected to like more than I did.

Defos judged it by the cover and thought I wouldn’t like it before being pleasantly surprised. The flute solos were an unexpected treat and the songs themselves were solid. It’s not my go to genre but could see myself listening again if in a particular mood. Can also see how it influenced other music at the time which was cool!

never really sat down and listened to jethro tull. not entirely my vibe but a rock n' roll flute? fuck yeah why not? let's do it!

Love a good flute solo but bogged down by boring prog rock riffs

dnf

Classic album that taught the world that a flute can be a very metal instrument.

Incredible. Best to listen from start to finish

It’s good, a lot of parts are really good. But there’s too much of it that kind of meanders which makes the listening experience more like hearing background noise than actively engaging me. It still doesn’t sound bad, it’s just not super exciting. I think I’d go 3.5 if it were possible but since it isn’t I’ll be generous and go for a 4

I get that they have skills and make interesting music. That music is just not for me, and that’s ok.

Holy shit, so good, I’ve heard a bit of jethro tull, but not this full album, I he flute, the prog, the rock. So good.

One of the big classics. Nothing really can't be said, which hasn't already been said.

I can’t stop thinking about Ron Burgundy. I don’t have any stand out tracks. It’s meditations don’t resonate with me but I’m sure they impacted so many others.

Better than I expected

Perfect record for when u want to take a slow drive

This is a tough album to review because I do really love progressive rock and psychedelic rock but this album is both all the good things and all the bad aspects of those two genres. First off this album has a lot to like, for instance it starts with the best track on the whole album and that’s not even debatable, it’s just objectively the best song. Plus, I liked “Cross Eyed Mary” and I liked “Up to Me”. And all three of those songs are classics, but the rest of the album is so annoying and forgettable. A couple things I have massive problems with, that flute over stays its welcome real fast. I thought it was kinda interesting at first, different sound for sure, but it got old really fast cause it’s in almost every single song. It would’ve been more effective to just pepper it into a few songs lightly but this is way way too much flute. Which kinda leads into my next major problem with this album, why did they feel the need to put the same song on the album twice, WITH NO WAY TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THEM. Like is one supposed to be a live recording? How am I supposed to remember which is the boring version and which is the silly dog barking version? Is it supposed to be a different interpretation of the song? Does this add literally anything new or interesting to the album? And sadly I only have an answer for the last question, no. That being said It is hard to review this album cause it is another case of the whole album being held up but only a few tracks. Sadly in the case for this album, I think if I’m reviewing the album as a whole, the grading tracks on this album really really pull this down a whole number from where it probably should be. So sadly, it’s gunna be a 2 for me dawg.

Kind of interesting musically. But nothing grabs me. And it sounds like there is weird pedophile-y stuff (really). Like a poorly fitted brown 70's suit with ornamental lapels.

This guy somehow made playing the flute cool.

Sorti en 1971, le 4eme album de Jethro Tull "Aqualung" est un amalgame de "Rock-Folk-Hard-Progressif" abordant des sujets sociétaux comme la marginalisation sociale, la religion organisée et l'hypocrisie sociétale. "Aqualung" est l'album le plus vendu avec sept millions d'exemplaires écoulés et propose une toile sonore complexe, mêlant la puissance du hard rock, la délicatesse du folk acoustique et les prémices d'un rock progressif en pleine affirmation. Il se dégage une confrontation entre les riffs de guitare massifs, voire telluriques, et les passages acoustiques d'une grande finesse, créant une dynamique interne qui est l'une des signatures de l'album. L'instrumentation d'Aqualung est un modèle de cohésion au service d'une vision artistique singulière. La flûte traversière en est l'élément le plus immédiatement identifiable. Loin d'être un simple ornement, elle s'impose comme un instrument soliste à part entière, insufflant une couleur folk unique et une énergie parfois surprenante, voire agressive, qui distingue Jethro Tull de toutes les autres formations rock. Face à elle, la guitare électrique déploie des trésors de puissance et de créativité. Ses riffs, reconnaissables entre mille ("Aqualung", "Cross-Eyed Mary", "Locomotive Breath"), ancrent solidement l'album dans le registre du hard rock, tandis que son solo sur la chanson-titre, empreint d'une urgence et d'une inventivité remarquables, est entré dans la légende. Les claviers (piano, orgue Hammond, Mellotron) jouent un rôle crucial en apportant une richesse harmonique et des textures variées, essentielles pour sculpter les ambiances contrastées de l'album. Enfin, la section rythmique, basse et batterie, assure une assise à la fois solide et flexible, capable de naviguer avec aisance entre les déferlements sonores les plus intenses et les moments d'accalmie les plus feutrés. L'originalité instrumentale d'Aqualung ne se limite donc pas à l'usage iconique de la flûte. Elle réside dans cette alchimie subtile où chaque instrument contribue à une palette sonore d'une richesse et d'une cohérence rares, permettant à l'album de transcender les étiquettes de genre. La flûte elle-même, souvent associée à la douceur pastorale, se métamorphose ici en un instrument capable d'une véritable véhémence rock, illustrant la capacité du groupe à détourner et à réinventer les codes instrumentaux. La première partie (face A) de l'album, intitulée "Aqualung", offre une galerie de personnages marginaux, observés avec une acuité et une franchise rares. Le personnage éponyme, Aqualung, est un sans-abri dont la description physique est crue et sans fard : « Le nez qui coule – les doigts graisseux maculant des vêtements minables ». Il est dépeint avec un mélange de dégoût initial (« lorgnant les petites filles avec de mauvaises intentions » ) et d'une pitié grandissante, voire d'une forme d'amitié paradoxale (« Aqualung mon ami – ne t'en va pas inquiet... pauvre vieux bougre, tu vois, ce n'est que moi » ). Inspirée par des photographies de Jennie Anderson, la chanson explore les thèmes du jugement social, de la misère et de la manière dont la société perçoit et traite ses exclus. "Cross-Eyed Mary" poursuit cette exploration des marges en brossant le portrait d'une jeune prostituée qui fréquente les écoliers, une autre figure de l'innocence bafouée et de la vulnérabilité sociale. D'autres titres comme "Cheap Day Return", évoquant une visite de Ian Anderson à son père gravement malade, ou "Mother Goose", avec ses observations poétiques de la vie à Hampstead Heath, complètent cette fresque. Ainsi, bien que présentant des "esquisses de personnages" distinctes , la Face A tisse un fil conducteur puissant autour de la vulnérabilité humaine face à la précarité et au regard des autres, interrogeant la responsabilité collective et la nature de notre empathie. La seconde parte (face B) de l'album, qui porte le sous-titre "My God", s'attaque de front à la religion organisée et explore ce que le groupe a appelé « la distinction entre religion et Dieu ». La chanson "My God" est une critique virulente de l'Église institutionnalisée, accusée d'avoir « enfermé Dieu dans une cage dorée » , et dénonce l'hypocrisie, le dogmatisme et l'absurdité qui peuvent en découler. "Hymn 43" poursuit cette charge sur un mode plus direct et rock, ciblant particulièrement le christianisme et ses contradictions. Enfin, "Wind-Up" conclut l'album sur cette thématique religieuse, avec une approche plus théâtrale et introspective. Cinquante ans après sa sortie, Aqualung jouit d'un statut iconique. Il est unanimement considéré comme un classique incontournable, l'un des meilleurs albums de Jethro Tull, voire le meilleur par de nombreux admirateurs et critiques. Il marque indéniablement le point de départ de la période la plus créative et la plus audacieusement progressive du groupe, une ère faste qui s'étendra sur une bonne partie des années 70. Au final ce sera un 2 sur 5 pour le meilleur album de Jethro Tull à découvrir.

Good opener, not much after that

I’ve listened to this album once before and I think I liked it better on this listen. Very interesting sound mostly because of the flute that’s played throughout. Parts of it sound like tales recited by a bard. Very strong rock album.

top songs: locomotive breath, aqualung, lick your fingers clean, up to me starts with rather questionable lyrics and has a tacky concept but the flute makes it acceptable

Really liked this album, not listened to Jethro Tull before

Another album with nostalgia, riding in the truck with Dad putting on his collection of cassettes. I have listened to this through before, but it’s been a long time. Both heavy and gentle, nice dichotomy between flute and guitar. Enjoyable to revisit this one, 4/5

Not bad, but not really my jam.

Obviously a classic but weirdly I never fancied them

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

Couple good songs

I knew "Aqualung", but I had no relation to the band and the whole album. I'm glad that I could hear this mixing of Rock, Folk, Gitarre and Flute. I love rock, folk, gitarre and Flute and I will play this one more often.

the heavy rock that was developing in the 70s mixed with the folk flute of the 60s makes for a wild combo that's so progressive for its time and really worked for this album. Definitely an album id like to revisit in the future and listen to on headphones.

I am surprised by how much I like this!

Possibly their best

Really good. Very hit the spot actually for a music genre I was looking for.

Get your flute fingers ready. If they’re greasy, all the better to smear your clothes with. And well, I don’t have to to tell you it would be best if your clothes were shabby. It’s Aqualung. A song that I obviously know coming into this, but an album that is entirely unknown to me outside of that song. I know gluts of woodwinds are involved, and I’m sure drugs play a factor somewhere as this is rock of the progressive variety. We need “regressive” rock. I guess that’s probably like AC/DC tribute acts with conservative themes. Maybe we don’t need that. Anyway. All aboard the Locomotive (breath). It’s time to get weird. Aqualung - The opening riff is so simple, but it’s a great start. As mentioned in the intro, the opening lyrics are memorable, if not incredibly creepy. The song kind of goes everywhere and while the piano could’ve been omitted from most of it, this was a fun journey overall. Cross-Eyed Mary - I think we had a crosseyed character on the Muddy Waters album from Friday. The neurological ophthalmology community would have a field day with this list. Ear Doctors HATE these 1001 albums. I must pause in my stupid pseudo-review to say that this riff and vocal delivery is going HARD. Not to mention that rad as hell flute intro and interludes throughout. Cheap Day Return - Short, simple. Nothing to write home about. Hell, I’m barely going to write into the ether about it. Mother Goose - Tavern music. The cluck of chickens, the rattling of battle worn armor, the revelry of the villagers. Well. This feels like a pretty big departure in quality for me. Wond’ring Around - Balladry if a different sort. Less bard, more barf. Eh it’s not that bad, but this doesn’t have the fire of the opening tracks. Up to Me - Oh here we go. A perfect mix of the insane rock flute, solid electric riffing and a solid nod to medieval tavern-core, if the mead was spiked with some uppers. My God - Jethro Tull goes to hell. I think this performer might get thrown out of the tavern. Perhaps immolated at the stake for this blasphemous song. This is the best thing going so far. The fact that you can hear the flutist freaking out really adds to it for me. Genuine passion on display, and this is one of the best songs I’ve heard on or off this list in quite some time. Hymn 43 - I don’t think this guy is a big fan of organized religion. Incredibly based. Much preferred the British proto-metal trudge through hell that the previous track provided though. This was more American in sound. Slipstream - A transitional interlude. What the hell am I supposed to say? Huh? You’re all so demanding. Listen to me pretending somebody reads this. I could write a detailed confession to the zodiac murders in this thing and that case would remain unsolved. Locomotive Breath - Such a cool name. Metallica ripped it off and went with “Motor Breath,” which just doesn’t have the same appeal as a train. Make the autism diagnoses you will, but I’m right. Just picture that big ol coal locomotive choking the air with smoke as it conquers a mountain range. So cool. More flute freakouts, and I will never complain about that. Wind-Up - The last song. Well, unless I want to listen to an interview from the deluxe edition or whatever. That would be a fun review.nngwegngwnwg. Oh god I fell asleep on my keyboard after listening to it. Hope that interview appears in my Wrapped at the end of the year and plays over my increasingly broken music taste. Nothing like a Jethro Tull interview to let the instagram followers know I’m a musical savant. From trenchcoat-clad hobos, to takedowns of organized religion, Jethro Tull ran the gamut of lyrical themes in Aqualung. Well. Ugh. I guess they didn’t ok? They didn’t write about Polar Bear poker tournaments or Appalachian movie theatre liquorice, but you know what I mean. Can I get back to this? This album was schizophrenic in that it jumped between genres and sounds like an international homeless triple jump competition. From conceptual medieval ballads to disgusting, metal adjacent hard rock, this thing kept me guessing, and with intrigue being one of the main scoring factors on my scale, this vaults itself into the very very good tier. Might have to add another Ian Anderson interview to detail his elation when the news of this positive review reaches his estate. 4 HIGHLIGHTS - Aqualung, Cross-Eyed Mary, Up to Me, My God

Overrated

This fucking album STINNNKKKKKKKKSSSSSSSSSSS God it’s so lame and corny and “hehe haha we are knights of the round table”

die Lokomotive und noch mehr

Still so powerful and different, I loved it when it came out and have heard it over 100 times.

good not great

Pretty great album for its time

I've heard of them before, but I maybe only heard Locomotive Breath before. It's cool though.

love the title track, aqualung. never put it together who the artist was but i immediately recognized it when it started playing. also love the flute solos peppered throughout the album. it’s a refreshing way to rock out

Fun!

This is so fantastic, excellent grooves

I like the flute but not the heavy rock.

This album draws you in, just "out there" enough to be unique and special but still familiar sounding.

This is another one of my favourite albums from when I was a teen that I haven’t listened to in over a decade, but it absolutely kicks ass! Flute is an absolutely under appreciated instrument in rock music! Favourite tracks: Aqualung, Cross-eyed Mary, Mother Goose, Locomotive Breath

A lot of fun!

Flute dude fucking shreds, don't think I've ever noticed the keys in any of their songs. Singers voice is solid and I really dig the guitar tone. Its wild that some of these songs get fairly heavy, and then this flute comes out of nowhere. Album cover is too scary to reach for this when you're on drugs and I think that's a huge knock on this one. High 3s

I didn’t hate it but there were a lot of parts that were pretty gross. A pedophile song, a child prostitute and so much guttural fluting. But I can see the…art? I guess? I don’t know. Gonna ask my mom if she did psychedelics to this album and how scary that was.

Slogged through the whole album because I’m a big prog rock fan, and these guys really should be in my wheelhouse. Figured perhaps I just didn’t like the songs that got radio play, but Nope, I still don’t care for Jethro Tull. At all. Something about that guy’s voice just rubs me the wrong way, and they go a bit too heavy on the old flute for my tastes. Not too fond of them winning that Grammy over Metallica’s And Justice For All either 😒

Despite the title track being a classic, its riff has a dissonance that my ears find a bit obnoxious. The rest of the album is ok. I do appreciate Anderson’s generous dabbling of flute throughout.

I had this on CD a long time ago, but gave it up when I got tired of my classic-rock phase. I’m not saying it’s time to start a new phase, but it was nice to hear this again after all that time.

A second listen improved the score; while I have a difficult time with folk Tull, rock Tull has a bluesy complexity that has me wanting more. “Aqualung” and “Locomotive Breath” are the standards, but this is a great album from start to finish. Slightly rounding up.

4.5

I can't, in good conscience, only give this 4*. 4.5* would be perfect, but I'm rounding up to 5*. I think what I love about Tull is they hit just the right balance of complexity for me. Not too simple to ever sound dull and not overly complicated musically such that I'm confused and uninterested. Some prog rock and jazz just leaves me feeling like I just don't get it. I'm sure some of Tull goes over my head, but I feel like I get it enough.

Mittelalterrock oder so. Besser als erwartet, aber auch nichts für jeden Tag.

Yazz flute! Ya, it's fine, if not my personal cup of tea.

I'm sure I've heard other Jethro Tull songs, but other than Aqualung I could not have named another one. They are a bit before my time, but I was interested in listening to this album. This was good to listen to. In addition to the title track, I recognized Cross-Eyed Mary, Mother Goose, Hymn 43, and Locomotive Breath. I usually prefer Rush when I want a prog rock fix, but I might come back to this one. Ian Anderson's flute playing alone makes this one a 4.

Jaime 4 estrellas. Nuria 3 estrellas

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

pedo music

I did not use a private Spotify session for this one. I have never listened to a Jethro Tull album, I just knew them as the Aqualung, progressive rock with a flute. This album confirmed that. A little different, but fun.

Carry on my wayward sun *beats wife*

I enjoyed this album. I thought I would like it a lot more. It’s still a good album, but thought it would kinda blow me away more. Stand outs: Aqualung, Mother Goose, Up to Me, My God, Locomotive Breath

My God. If it was Up To Me, I would replace all of the Mother Goose stories with this album.

This is the hundred second album I’m rating. After about two weeks I’ve finally caught up to my backlog. I was hoping I could finish this in 1089 days but I guess I’ll have to take a little longer. I’ve heard Aqualung but no other songs. Adding to my Playlist - Aqualung, Cross-Eyed Mary, Cheap Day Return, Mother Goose, Wond’ring Aloud, Up to me, My God, Hymn 43, Slipstream, Locomotive Breath, and Wind-Up. Not Adding to my Playlist - Nothing. All in all I liked 11/11 songs. Not what I was expecting but still really good.

Interesting album to start off. Was surprised some didn't like the flute. The lyrics in first two songs were a bit weird, but oh well. Three stars because it wasn't that memorable to me, it's alright.

love the flute and electric guitar combo

Amazing

Pretty alright

Self-indulgent prog garbage, although the second half is better than the first. The version of this album I listened to had a clearer recording of Wind Up at the end, which I appreciated because it let me confirm that I hadn't missed much from my half-hearted listen of the first version.

I love Locomotive Breath in particular, it's a jam. Rock with flute doesn't work for some people, but it works for me!

True definition of concept album.

Fantasia elementtejä. Hyvin menee muun toiminnan ohessa tällainen progressiivinen rock. Ihan jees kuuntelu sanoisin!

Buena Guiti, bastante mas interesante de lo que me esperaba. Las flautas son un poco de Hobbit, por lo demas agradable sorpresa.

GRatamente sorprendido, y la entrevista del final estuvo interesante

Ren faire prog rock. It's ok

Whatever

I just couldn't get into this. Some songs felt like a draft

enjoyed this. like the folky prog sound. 7/10

This was different than I expected, in a good way. I assumed butt rock, and it was more folky/prog rock. The flute was an interesting touch, yet there's probably a reason we don't hear more of it in rock n roll. I'd listen to this again, but I'm still sticking it with my 3's because it didn't knock my socks off or anything.

I had no reference for the kind of music Jethro Tull made, and was completely unfamiliar with any of it. Based on the name I expected something in the country/classic rock cannon, but I was pleasantly surprised by the level of sophistication and musicality their approach to prog rock possessed. Stylistically diverse, dense but critical lyrics, and excellent performances throughout. I am now a fan of rock flute!

Very mystical and folksy, rest of album different from title track

Some really good moments. Love the title track. Rock flute is unique, but also a bit meh.

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

liked songs: most of them Very very good. I knew I liked the song Aqualung, but the whole album is fun. This also sounds excellent for something recorded over 50 years ago. 4.5

Brilliant music. Love this album.

I don't know why the heck I had it in my head that Jethro Tull was a metal band? Anyway. They aren't. I sort of enjoyed this but nothing really stuck out to me personally other than the really good guitar. It's very Led Zeppelin meets Queen, but I feel like both of those bands did it better?

There is no song on this album I ever want to hear again. Not for me.

This album is overrated. The last few tracks where decent, but overall this wasn't great. Just kind of self important. I won't listen again.

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

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

Aqualung on kyllä loistava kappale. Tosi omanlaista prog folk rokkia, My God hyvä esimerkki. Huilusoolot mielenkiintoisia. Parhaat: Aqualung, My God, Locomotive Breath, Wind-Up (molemmat)

really makes you feel like a homeless man

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

Low-Budget Led Zepplin, but with a flute

Incredible album. One of the best Tull albums.

Before I even listen, I know this isn't a heavy metal band. Ha! This album is entirely too long for someone who does not like the music.

I quite enjoyed this album, very different to what I’m used to in terms of old folk rock, but was definitely cool listening to as I felt like I was taken on a journey.

Wasn't expecting so many flute solos. Early Simpsons dad-rock vibes, but didn't really click for me. Points for creativity, though.

An amazing classic!!

Liked the rise and fall feel with the hard and soft rock both present here.

Don’t think I’ve ever heard their music before. -I’m feeling Mother Goose 🪿 - My God: Heck yeah brother, shred that flute I like the mix of flute/folk style with classic rock. Not something I’d normally listen to, but it probably does deserve another listen at some point. - 3.5 Stars

Pretty cool raw guitar

Not really my jam. A concept album with too many lutes etc

WOOW JUST WOW

Really wish we could give half grades with this. 5 different ratings isn’t enough differentiation for my taste.

I was ready to dismiss this as "Aqualung" and 10 songs of filler but noooo, this is good shit if you can get past the flute slos

Psychedelic flute rock, love mother goose and Cross eyed mary

sick flute

When I think of Jethro Tull I think of them winning a hard rock/metal Grammy over Metallica. A flute in a metal album? It was quite the controversy in 1989. That aside, this music just seems to take itself too seriously. They have never been my thing and this is the first time I have intentionally listened to one of their songs in its entirety. Still not my thing.

I enjoyed this much more than I expected to - never heard it before, other than locomotive breath. Creative, fun and extra points for making the flute cool.

Gutes genre, crazy Flöte,aber irgendwie nicht meins

Sehr cool. Insbesondere die Querflöte.

I enjoyed the second half more than the first half. A bit heavy on the rock flute for my taste, but excellent work on the guitar.

Album got better as it went along, too much Ron Burgundy jazz flute though

Finally. I owned this album but haven't listened for over 40 years. Here goes... There's a reason I didn't listen to it very often. It's ok.

Aqualung: An absolutely captivating and riveting song. The transitions from the hard parts to the softer parts are seamless, and the amazing guitar solo is one of the best ever. It's a song I never get tired of listening to. The album was hard to rank, but putting this at 1st was pretty easy. One of my favorite songs. Cross-Eyed Mary: At this point in the ranking, I've been jumping around songs and have changed rankings multiple times. All of these songs are amazing and I feel like this one should be higher, but I'm going to keep it at 6th. It's a titular song in the album and follows the Aqualung theme very well. Great guitar work and vocals. Cheap Day Return: These last songs have decent melodies, but are too short. This one is always enjoyable and a great joint between Mother Goose and Cross-Eyed Mary. A decent 9th. Mother Goose: This is probably a more controversial opinion, but I love this song. It's a bit softer, but it has some amazing flute parts and really catchy vocals. I know it's not the best song, and others are better, I just like this one more. It's very enjoyable, and I'm putting it in 4th. Wond'ring Aloud: A soft, beautiful song that's just too short. Not much to say, a solid 10th. Up To Me: A very catchy song that I always love listening to. It's a bit short, but a solid 7th. My God: This is where it gets tough, as the 2nd place to 5th place were difficult. This one has a nice opening and great melody. I didn't realize it was 7 minutes on first listen, because it's so enjoyable. Ian Anderson's flute is one of the things that makes Jethro Tull special. The flute solo with the "chants" is very conflicting to me. I love the flute, but the chants are a bit odd lol. I still like the section, and I think it adds some character to the song. It was difficult, but I'm putting this as my 2nd place. Hymn 43: This is definitely a controversial opinion. Don't get me wrong, it's a great songa and I still love it. I just don't think it's one of the best. I always listen to it, thinking i'll be blown away, but the opening kind of kills that mood. It jumps right into the song a bit too quickly and I don't enjoy it as much. It's my 8th place. Slipstream: This is the song I don't really care for. It's a nice soft song with nothing spectacular. It's sandwiched between two amazing songs, so it's pretty forgettable. It's my 11th and last place. Locomotive Breath: I feel like a lot of the same descriptors can be used on these songs, but that doesn't mean they're repetitive. Locomotive breath combines melodic tones with rougher flute parts and great vocals to make a great song. My 5th place. Wind Up: This is a more emotional song that has beautiful vocals, melodies and a great acoustic guitar line. It's very enjoyable to listen to. Transitions from the melodic open to a rocking guitar part with rougher vocals. This is a good 3rd in my opinion. So ranking the songs was a daunting task, and I know I did a poor job. I gave it my best, but this album is so amazing that the rankings are tough. There is nothing I don't enjoy about this album. I would love song suggestions for more of these. I have some ideas, but nothing for sure. If all else fails I'll just do In the Court of the Crimson King or something like that.

Like how it’s folk music, just not my type music

kind of just boring middle of the road. there is some interest factor in the variety of sound and instruments used but at the end of the day it's just not my thing. 1/5 stars

I'm a fan of the little yap session at the end.

Thought this wouldn't really be my thing. For the most part I was right but it has a few moments here and there. 4/10

mooore fluuutteee in spite of these haters 😙😙

Weird album. Love a good rock flute though.

Ehh-thro Tull. (I don't have a problem with the flute though.)

We zijn de week wel eens beter gestart. Tenminste, dat was mijn onmiddelijke gevoel toen ik vanmorgen deze vuige hoes op mijn beeldscherm kreeg. Ik heb Jethro Tull in zo'n lijstje muzikanten staan waar ik vroeger wel warm van werd (in de tijd dat ik nog een Top 2000 wilde maken met Sven Brummelaar), maar waar ik tegenwoordig de rillingen van krijg. Alles wat ook maar een beetje sjanst met prog rock en metal wijs ik graag de deur. Maar integer als ik ben, ik heb hem toch weer helemaal uitgezeten. En eerlijk als ik ben, hij viel mee. Een groter deel dan ik had verwacht focuste zich op het UK folk-element van de band en minder op het zenuwachtige prog rock geneuzel, wat me wel beviel. En die fluithaas Ian Anderson wist het goed te doseren. En met 'Locomotive Breath' en 'Aqualung' heeft het twee klassiekers die toch altijd wel aanslaan. 6,5/10 Highlights: Aqualung Wond'ring Aloud

Ik geef het maar gelijk toe: de dwarsfluit is niet mijn favoriete muziekinstrument. Zeker niet omdat de associatie met progrock erg diep geworteld zit. En daar ben ik eigenlijk nooit een groot fan van geweest. Toch staan er twee Aqualung platen in mijn kast. Meer dan staan doen ze overigens ook niet, ze bewegen zelden. Laat staan dat ze draaien. Sneu eigenlijk, misschien tijd voor een nieuwe eigenaar. De hoes van Aqualung is vuig en nodigt niet echt uit. Maar als deze app het voorschrijft, dan doen we dat braaf. Het valt me mee overigens. Het is niet zo snoeihard en geen overmatig lange solo's. Dat is toch vaak mijn grootste progrock afknapper. De melodieën zijn wel mooi, het klinkt heel vertellend. Geen idee waar Ian over zingt, maar hij is duidelijk een oud verhaal aan het vertellen. Dat gevoel brengt hij over. Toch niet gek. 7/10 Highlights Locomotive Breath Wind-Up

Agradable. ¿Es esto un proto metal? Ni idea. Me gustó la temática y las letras. Ningún like Mmmmm 2.3

didn’t think i’d enjoy this as much as i actually did, chill stuff with some calming tones that will be added to my library

Lots of flute/pan pipes, sounds like a train. Opening track amazing. Meh the rest

Not for me

Cool album

Pretty cool!!!

Excellent album!

ok

Vojko ima jedno pet šest tullova na ploči, meni je ovaj najbolji baš odličan folk rock ali mislim da je njemu najdraži thick as a brick jer se zove thick as a brick

I think what Ian Anderson said in the interview on the special edition perfectly describes how I felt listening to the album. I thought it was a fine album with some great songs.

Nothing memorable

4, unless you get the 40th-Anniversary-Goes-On-For-25-Songs version. Then you fall asleep during the slow parts and forget to give a rating.