Reviews (page 9 of 14)
old sChOOL rock with flute, which is not terrible as some reviewers pointed
more 70s prog rock BUT there's flute. which is admittedly cool.
Wasn’t a fan. Idk
Coollll
Aqualung was actually a really great album. This generally felt like a super cool and original album for the time. The guitars were great and had some very inventive and cool sounding riffs that rival stuff like Jeff Beck's riffs and the flute sections were also great too as they could also be really creative with how that instrument was used throughout the tracks especially the hard stop which felt like it could replicate a drum. I do think this album occasionally suffers from the issue of making songs end to early as to where they can't really sink in but that was a rare issue and does not stop this album from being as great as it is. Best Song: Cross-Eyed Mary Worst Song: Slipstream
Wow that flute. Great earlier classic rock album.
God, the 70s were such a golden era for dirtbag jean jacket music, but this is like all of the nerd bits of Zeppelin without the parts that actually rock
Not my vibe but well played
Surprised how much I enjoyed!! Especially Locomotive breath
Concept prog-rock for 1970's Uni students. Not absolutely terrible and the flute isnt as bad as other reviewers might think. Lindisfarne meets Pink Floyd maybe? Not an "important" album and probably deserves its place
A personal favorite and an album that has value far beyond the title track.
Aqualung, Hymn 43, and Locomotive Breath are all great. Everything else is just good. I feel like the pacing of this album could have been a little better. All of the boring acoustic songs are all back to back in the middle. I feel like I would have enjoyed them more if they were spread out. High 4.
Very somid
Hell yea! I know these guys. Never really heard a lot of their tunes, just the stuff on the radio. A little too folk/rock for me. Aqualung the only song I attach to.
4.9 - My god I loved this. What a great album I had no idea about. Echoes of Zeppelin and fairport convention, with a stupendous flute solo running throughout. It might be a little dad rocky, but it did not bother me one bit So good
Aqualung is such a bizarre unique song, I love it. The title character evokes disgust and empathy in equal measure and the music swings from jagged and jolty to slow and pondersome to racey and anthemic as it pleases. The rest of the album backs it up well. I was surprised to read after listening that they didn't actually plan it as a concept album and there's just some loose themes. I think I'd like it even more with some intentional overarching concept. Fave Tracks: Aqualung, Cross-Eyed Mary, Locomotive Breath, Wind-Up 4.4/5
Not familiar with this band. Nice folksy rock. I can appreciate it. ‘Wind-Up’ is a nice, stand out track.
Few bands captured the style and flair of Jethro Tull. Even removed from Ian Anderson's quick-witted humor, the band spins a vivid image for each of the songs on Aqualung. Setting themselves apart from other UK prog rock bands of the '70s, Jethro Tull felt like they were in a league of their own with a deep folk appreciation, tempered dynamics, and wild melodies that seem to take on a life of their own. When a song on Aqualung really takes off it's like a stallion dashing through an open field, strong and free. Rarely a dull moment, this album embraces storytelling as much as songwriting. Can't be beat.
Enjoyed this, added a few songs to a playlist
Some of my favourite songs are on this album, I also enjoyed the songs I didn’t know but didn’t particularly stand out. But love this album
Good stuff
the flute IS rock and roll. fuck you.
Hymn 43 gets this to a 5 alone. Does it have a unifying theme or "concept" as an album? Doesn't really matter I guess. So is the whole album about Aqualung and his journey away from forced religion or something?
Heel Nice. Lekker beetje trippend. Nog een keer luisteren om beter naar de tekst te luisteren
Nice classic rock album, excellent flauting, would listen again.
There is a flute. It is wonderful. The rest of the music is pretty good as well.
A very enjoyable prog/folk album. Felt like it was transported to a fantasy world. Flute playing was killer. Some of the longer heavier songs like Aqualung and My God are top-tier prog songs.
It's perfectly okay. I like parts of Jethro Tull's sound, but there's usually too much going on, and the lyrics are usually kinda middle-of-the-road.
another LP I have, love it - prog/folk concept album - flute & guitar !
I know my Dad is a fan and his classic rock taste is generally superb. So I'm not sure why I always gave Jethro Tull a miss. I knew there was flute involved but while I don't mind the flute in itself, I assumed it would feel like a bit of an anachronism in rock music. Well, my own loss as this album is great. The melodies and chord progressions got easily stuck in my head and I'll definitely be coming back to it. And the flute works just fine, as it turns out.
It’s a good album and I do approve that hobbit comment
Reminiscent of “JCS” to me.
I'd never listened to the entire album even though I used to own it and am a full album listener typically. It was always the title track that would get the most play, then everyone mentioning the flute. Having not heard the track in a long time, it was a nice revisit and was rocking out. I liked giving it a more mature ear than when I was a teenager/college kid and picking out the pieces differently. Hell, I didn't even know what prog was back then, but am very familiar and love listening to this with that new knowledge now at 47.
Really enjoyed this.
shite, like a poor mans spinal tap
I put this on because there was a loud meeting going on next to me. I think I'd have rather listened to the meeting
fucking flute? mystic sounding stories lots of acoustic and fuzzy hard ripping riffage
Not much of anything
Yes
It's not good. It's not bad. It's just a thing. There's some stuff where they rock like a proto-stoner rock thing, just for a tiny bit. I was going to say that of all the flute-incorporating projects on this list, this was the one that managed to actually blend the sound. But then there was one near the end that was pretty bad. Almost went up to 3, but remembered my max 2 for no songs I'll listen to on purpose principle & decided I should get meaner. music: hated. (⌐■_■)
It progs, it progs in a way I find marginally better than most of the other prog we’ve heard so far. A 3 here is generous, but it represents that marginal betterness, because I think most of the other prog has been a 2.
Very close to being an all time great album, but the part between mother goose and locomotive breath just didn't interest me. Started and ended so well
I really enjoyed this and I think I'll have to give it a few more spins to fully appreciate it all. 4.5/5
Je ne comprend pas les détracteurs de flûte qui pullulent dans les reviews; c'est l'élément clé qui distingue Jethro Tull du monde du rock en rajoutant une sonorité inattendue à un album folk rock. Pour revenir sur l'album: WOW. Moins ambitieux que Thick as a Brick, je l'accorde, mais remplie de bangers: Locomotive Breath, Cross-Eyed Mary, Hymn 43, My God, et bien sûr, Aqualung sont des classiques aussi riches que passionnant à rérérérécouter une fois de plus.
Instant 5 for me. Love his album and I don't even have to listen to it to rate it.
Easy 5. I have this album memorized. Everything about this album is great, from the classic-rock station staples (Aqualung, Locomotive Breath, Cross-Eyed Mary), through the "deep tracks" (My God, Up To Me, Mother Goose, Hymn 43), to the short interludes (Wond'ring Aloud, Cheap Day Return, Slipstream).
A staple of the prog community.
Enjoyed
Not for me Jeff
unique. the flute mixed with the distorted guitar gives a very interesting vibe. overall pretty fucking banging Favorite Song: My God or Cross-Eyed Marry
Prog rock is one of the most volatile genres we've come across, with no idea what to expect. This was one of the times where it worked. From start to finish this album was easy to listen to and kept the listened engaged. You don't often get a flute in rock feature this prominently and it absolutely worked. I will definitely come back to this album and might explore the artiest further. Would probably be a 4.5 with half stars but I'm going to round up as I enjoyed the whole thing.
I didn't like it that much. Also they got a Grammy in 1989 instead of Metallica. It should have been Metallica. I will always hate this band because of that.
Classic :) mon the Anderson :)
More music needs flutes
It’s very boring. Calm songs are good, but the rest have not stood the test of time
OK but too long.
A flute in a rock and roll album? Sure, why not.
Solid 70s flute rock. 3.5
Innovative, original, and unique. Not for everyone, not for me all the time, but in the right setting, it slaps. Slaps hard. Hits hard and keeps going. Not a note out of place. Achieved what they set out to. Enjoyed the album today. 4/5
Just so much fun! Favourite track Up to Me.
Listened to the Title Track, the very first song on the album? Great. And you've heard any other classic rock songs from this era? Awesome - you've listened to the peak of this album (and admittedly it's not even a big peak, it's more like a small hill) and the rest is the same ideas you've heard a billion times on this list already. After track one, Aqualung, you can safely turn this album off and find something else, because nothing else is worth your time here.
I never really gave this album a chance in the past. Now that I’ve listened to it, there is a small part of me that feels like I was missing out, just a small part though. The album rocks. There’s amazing sabbath-like riffs through the tracks (My God is a great example), the flute is incredible throughout, and the whole thing flows really well. Not meant to be a concept album from what I understand, but it’s close. I don’t love the vocal stylings, Ian Anderson’s vocals are a bit too exaggerated for my liking, but it does fit the music. I’ve heard it called Hobbit rock many times and I think that’s a fair assessment. Will likely revisit some tracks, but doubtful I’ll listen to the full album much.
I was already familiar with a few tracks from Aqualung just from hearing them on the radio growing up, but I never really paid attention to who they were by. It’s funny because, over the past year, as I’ve been diving deep into progressive rock, Jethro Tull is a name that wasn’t really on my radar until recently. Listening to Aqualung now, I’m hearing those songs in a completely new light. The tracks I used to think of as classic hard rock now stand out as part of a pioneering progressive rock artist’s work. I’ve sampled a good number of Jethro Tull’s albums so far, and I’d say this one is probably his most commercial-sounding. He’s had albums that didn’t quite click with me and others that I really enjoyed, and Aqualung falls somewhere in the middle for me. I’m still getting more familiar with Jethro Tull’s music before I can decide if he’s really my thing or just not one of my favorites in the prog rock scene.
Það er Iron Man riff fílingur í Aqualung, og það meina ég ekki sem hrós. Cross-eyed Mary og Locomotive breath eru heldur ekki skemmtileg. Þetta þunga progg sound gerir lítið fyrir mg, en minna spiluð folk lögin eru oft ágæt, og flautan góð viðbót í rokkið, án hennar væri þetta dullville. Ekki leiðinlegt, en maður þarf þetta ekki.
A time traveling minstrel that learned how to rock.
Some pretty moments but not for me.
Serviu para lembrar que Aqualung, a música, é um grande hit de rádio, mesmo assim, toda vez que a escuto, fico surpreendido por ela ser um hit de rádio.
Always an enjoyable listen. I have this album so I threw the vinyl version in and embraced the beauty of this album.
Lizzo could never
3.5 stars. I wasn’t a huge fan of the beginning songs but the end of the album was really good. Instrumentally it was a great album just didn’t always vibe with it lyrically
Not really my cup of Tea but interesting
Good stuff, a classic.
Do I like goofy Jethro Tull? Sure. A lunatic playing a flute fronting a rock band. What's not to like. Is this an essential album? Probably not.
Great album.
Eh...
I played this CD constantly in college. I still know it front to back but it’s been a while since I listened all the way through. So this was fun.
Aqualung and that’s it
Rock opera type feel
Not good, not bad.
Not my bag baby 👎
Pleasant background listening but probably won't listen again. Nice guitar.
Très bon album, très agréable à écouter. Il faudra écouter d’autres albums de Jethro Tull, bonne découverte.
I enjoyed this album. Aqualung, while lyrically it’s disturbing and disgusting, it’s a proper rock song. Love the bass work and how prominent the bass guitar is in so many songs. Also love the jazz flute!
Fav: Wind Up Least Fav: Mother Goose The good songs I really enjoyed, but a majority of the songs I just found forgettable. I admire the usage of flutes though.
Excellent album with a lot of replayability.
I liked this album more than I thought I would. I didn't know much about Jethro Tull coming into this except that 1) I knew Aqualung (thank you Rockband) and 2) Ian Anderson has some memorable flute poses. I don't think the band had a 27 year-old girl in 2024 in mind when they made this album, so it makes sense that I slightly cringe at the whimsy Ren Faire moments in the album. But man, there's some heavy moments that make it worth it. Favorite song: Wind-Up Least favorite song: Mother Goose Listened before? No
Not my thing
10
Not bad actually
A pretty cool album. Definitely would listen to them again, but probably wouldn’t have this full album in the cd changer. Be a sloot for the flute, and listen to Jethro Tull
“Hey aqualung!!” - Ron Burgundy while performing sick yazz flute rendition. Ehh it was ok.
Long and boring. Not my favorite but definitely not the worst album we’ve listened to.
With only knowing Aqualung from this album I had all kinds of assumptions coming in but I was pleasantly surprised to find a good variety and a great sound. Really good instrumentation and a solid listen if not a little lengthy. I also found out this is an album my dad listened to a lot when it was more popular, so that’s pretty cool, but he doesn’t know where his copy on vinyl went, so not as cool as it could be.
https://youtu.be/_ZI-lCsdiXw?si=XJ1aJUaMMqdULkqR
01) Aqualung - 7,0 02) Cross-Eyed Mary - 6,5 03) Cheap Day Return - 7,0 04) Mother Goose - 7,0 05) Wond'ring Aloud - 7,0 06) Up to Me - 7,0 07) My God - 7,0 08) Hymn 43 - 7,0 09) Slipstream - 6,5 10) Locomotive Breath - 7,5 11) Wind-Up - 7,0 TOTAL: 6,95 (70/100) Current ranking: 200/292
Pompous and clodding. Not for me at all. Maybe if I was getting dressed for a Ren Faire or something.
Heard of him.
Overall I didn’t really connect with it. I like rock, I like prog rock, the flute in rock is inspired but ultimately I just didn’t like most of it. There were some good tracks, Mother Goose, Up To Me and Locomotive Breath. Maybe it needs a few more listens as for some reason I want to like it.
It's pretty easy to listen to, but a bit weird. Feels like Zeppelin with less Muddy Waters and more Tolkien - or like the progrock side of Zep. Title track slaps but it's played out; I really liked some of the grooves like "up to me", but a lot of it just feels like Jimmy Page b-sides, and the flute never stops feeling out of place, which is weird.
I mean they rock the shit out of that flute….
Going from Aqualung to the wild flute in Cross-Eyed Mary keeps you on your toes. When I looked this up, I saw that Forbes published "Jethro Tull’s Album Jumps Nearly 29,000% In Sales." last month. It was the album Bursting Out. Maybe that's on the 1001 list.
Uh. Yeah. I just don't really get the premise of why you would make music like this. It's a good version of what it is I suppose. I'm happy I made the journey but I'll not be returning - forthwith
Tull is like your favorite familiar local restaurant. Often you go elsewhere, sometimes close by for a change of pace, sometimes venturing far afield to explore new culture, different surroundings, feel the thrill of novelty. But here you are now. Back again for the millionth time and no less disappointed for it, on the contrary, like coming home to loved ones or a familiar place that has etched a deep groove in your heart. Familiarity overwhelms objectivity. What's good about the album, what's not, none of that matters. Music you fell in love with early on is forevermore untouchable, and this is such an album. I would posit that this is objectively good, whatever that means: well executed, well recorded, solid compositionally, surprises here and there, emotionally charged performances, intelligent, interesting, and unusual subject matter presented in a pleasantly poetic fashion. It even rocks, and there are those of us out there who, and this might be hard for some to believe, actually like the flute! To add, the 2016 Steven Wilson remaster is a great addition to the canon. The drums are a bit more percussive, and the orchestral sections move forward in the mix to great effect, especially in My God and Wond'ring Aloud.
Eh, its okay. Rock n roll with flute is a hard sell for me.
Now this is a fantastic album. I love the vibe and how smoothly it all flowed together. The interview at the end of the Special Edition of the album was also a really great listen!
Man, this is wild. I can’t say that I hate it. It’s very well made, and definitely unique. But it is a trip to hear this sort of rockin’ Ren fair style. Chunky prog flute. It’s not terrible and that’s surprising. Certainly difficult to pull this off. I can see why people respond to this. Probably sounds amazing, played loud in a pickup truck, tearing down the highway. Not my thing, at all, and I probably won’t ever listen to this again. But I can’t say it’s bad. It is a lot, though.
Listened to this while playing Tainted Grail: Kings of Ruin. This album was pretty darn solid all the way through. Aqualung is instantly recognizable with that riff. I never realized how tonally weird the rest of that riff is. When I heard the start of the second track, I immediately thought The Polyphonic Spree needs to cover this song. Not a perfect 5...but still darn good.
Tolles, vielfältiges Album.
I am into it. Had no idea this was a concept album. Okay. I think I can only handle like 4 consecutive Jethro Tull songs.
If you don’t like Jethro Tull, you can get the fuck out!! Loved this album, a lot of bangers.
Owned this album 30 years ago. Still great.
Holy shit this surprised the hell out of me. Almost tempted to give it a five, this is fire. Flames from start to finish, especially track one. Title track is so good.
Some really great instrumentation combined with gripping lyrics makes this a top-notch album. Just the opening few seconds foretell that this album will be something special. Spotify has an interview with a band member at the end, I always enjoy hearing skilled artists talk about their work and this was no exception. Favorite track: "Locomotive Breath."
Listened to it three times
Pretty good but doesn't really flute my boat. 3/5
A Tune that seems strongly influenced by drug abuse and incorporates its time of production. really liked some parts of some songs and i think that cheap day Returns is overwhelmingly good. All in all i think its to messy for me but i liked parts
Great music and I love the flute, but what the fuck were the lyrics. Didn’t listen to the entire thing
Well, they go hard after their sound, ya gotta appreciate. There’s a lot of inventiveness here, and a lot of artistry, and occasionally it really rocks! Maybe not quite often enough for my taste. Not sure the lyrics are quite as clever as they would like you to think they are. Flute’s better integrated than I expected, though. Anyhow, while I don’t think I’m any more a fan of folk-rock after this listen, it’s still an enjoyable album overall.
I don't know why this reminds me of Godspell / Jesus Christ Superstar?? Piano, flute, electric guitar, early '70s vibes, religious content...
JAZZ FLUTE
I was already familiar with a few tracks from Aqualung just from hearing them on the radio growing up, but I never really paid attention to who they were by. It’s funny because, over the past year, as I’ve been diving deep into progressive rock, Jethro Tull is a name that wasn’t really on my radar until recently. Listening to Aqualung now, I’m hearing those songs in a completely new light. The tracks I used to think of as classic hard rock now stand out as part of a pioneering progressive rock artist’s work. I’ve sampled a good number of Jethro Tull’s albums so far, and I’d say this one is probably his most commercial-sounding. He’s had albums that didn’t quite click with me and others that I really enjoyed, and Aqualung falls somewhere in the middle for me. I’m still getting more familiar with Jethro Tull’s music before I can decide if he’s really my thing or just not one of my favorites in the prog rock scene.
That flute goes crazy!
Almost perfect! Sometimes a bit to proggy for me but still a huge album.
Knew the name, never listened. Cool.
E Gitarre mit Flöte. Ganz gut.
No doubt a classic, but overall just not the perfect style for my taste. High 3.
You would not believe how many climbing routes are named after this album.
I have the same reaction to this as to Deep Purple. There is NO WAY I should love this goofy, utterly-ridiculous music as much as I do. But do any of us really CHOOSE who we love?
Aqualung completely makes sense to be on the list but is such a strange album to give a star rating for. The instrumentals are great, vocals are good, concept is a bit all over the place. I enjoy listening to it and think everyone should give it a shot at least once. Go on flute, go get it.
Well put together. Solid compositions. Something about it always made me drift off, but I have no complaints really. I would put it on again and do stuff. Everyone seems to talk about the flute with these guys. The flute is fine, it does it's job.
Very relaxing
Never heard the album before. I think Jethro Tull is high risk / high reward. There distinctive sound due to the vocals, flute, and rock/folk arrangements has created some all-time classic songs. But when it doesn't work it seems a bit pointless. This album has a couple of classics, but the rest of it I didn't need to hear before I die. "Salvation a la mode and a cup of tea"
I just didn't really enjoy this album. And it's a pity, because clearly others did...
First time listening to this album. This is the type of record I anticipated from this challenge. Unexpectedly good, and deserves a deep listen. Feels like a good book set to music. Also, the flute is enchanting and adds nice texture to the rock. 4.5 - rounded up so as to please the hubby.
This one is already on my playlists.
On the fence between 3 and 4, but will upgrade to 4 with so many classic songs on the same album. That damn flute gets annoying though...
Canny this. My French teacher at school loved these, but I was always led to believe they were some weird folk / prog rock crossover. Quite surprised to hear classic rock. 18 year old me wouldve loved this. I loved classic rock for a period and this wouldve been right up my street. It’s a good record, but can’t say I’d be back. Glad I finally heard’em
Never listened to Jethro Tull but pretty sure my parents were keen. Very inventive classic rock but the old English themes are very close to spinal tap in places, and the flute brings it even more into parody. They are clearly talented but I'm not sure I can take it seriously.
Pleasantly surprised by this - I confused them with the Cornish comedian Jethro, so always presumed they were a bit of a blue band and never gave them a listen. I was going to dock a point for the spotify album including a 15 minute interview, but this didn't appear on the original release so they're off the hook. Speaking of, some very cool and slick hooks, funky instrumentation, and I don't mind Ian Anderson's voice and woodwind skills. An easy 4. Best songs: Aqualung, Wond'ring Aloud, and Locomotive Breath.
Had a mate that liked Jethro Tull, remember him carving Jethro Tull into a tree, about 20 years too late. Pretty sure I hadn't heard Jethro Tull then, although I do think I know the Jethro Tull had something to with a tool for planting seeds? Or was it a drill bit?? Regardless, this was great. We haven't had some proper British rock like this for a while. Definitely be back. Can't quite give it a 5, bit too meandering in parts, but some great tracks. Highlights: Aqualung Cross eyed Mary Cheap day return Wondering around Hymn 43 Locomotive breath Wind up 4.5....
Somewhat more riff oriented than other albums but a fine example of combing electric, acoustic, and flute with strong lyrics. A fine album.
Their most well known album. Fantastic Throughout
Lyttede til dette album fra varde til Karlsgårde, og det var fedt! Et helt album ala "Hokus pokus - Focus." rent fløjte'n roll.
Jeg vidste at Jethro Tull havde en forsanger der spillede fløjte, for tilbage i 90erne var jeg stagehand under en koncert hvor selvsamme fløjte knækkede. Dengang bed jeg ikke mærke i musikken. Det gør jeg i dag. Det jeg ikke vidste var at Jethro Tull har tung tung guitar der giver mindelser om Black Sabbath. Og det fungerer super fint sammen med fløjten. Der er en dynamik i den kæmpe kontrast mellem metal riffs og den luftige fine fløjte.
I'll level with you, this possibly deserves a better mark but I listened while commuting and I'm not sure I gave it the level of attention it deserves. Sounds good, missed some nuance
Sweet classic rock. With a flute nonetheless
Красивый инструментал, музыка не для русского слушателя, очень уж близка к барам англии. Приятные баллады сменяют протест против общества и его устоев. При прослушивании музыки представляется сразу мир гномов, эльфов и викингов. Рок выдуманной вселенной.
I thought I hated jethro till but it’s really just the song ‘aqualung’ that sucks. Hymn 43 rocks and I was surprised that I liked some of the other deep cuts. They remind me of an English folkloric version of Rush. Very technically skilled and musically eclectic but also kind of soulless and overly cerebral, with dumb/ pretentious lyrics.
Side 2 was a nice ride for me. I didnt realize how religiously connected this album is. Hymn 43 (sounded like a Joe Cocker song) and locomotive breath were awesome tracks.
Surprisingly good. Whimsical and kinda gay in a good way, like Billy Eichner
Really fun band. Surprised by this album - great mix of prog rock and other genres.
I actually liked this album a lot more than I thought I would. I probably wouldn't want to listen to it again though
You know what? Not bad.
Know the name Jethro Tull but don't think I actually listened to their music. This certainly different but not in a bad way. Will I listen to this again, probably not but it was interresting.
Honestly, at first I didn't like this record precisely because so many people I knew loved it. The flute thing was a gimmick, right? Eventually I decided "Thick as a Brick" was fantastic, and it ended up changing my opinion of this record. It's brilliant.
A very mid one for me. It’s kinda cool yet not very captivating.
I forget how enjoyable this is. Haven't listened in a long time.
I’ll give it props for being one of the more interesting and creative prog rock albums, as the prominent usage of the flute stood out to me. As is the case with a lot of other albums though, one track overshadows the rest of the album. The self-titled major rock hit “Aqualung” being the obvious case here. Otherwise very folksy and mostly tolerable.
I liked this more than I thought I would, I’ll give it that. This one may grow on me.
WOOO FIRST ALBUM ! wish i discovered this site sooner long list of slightly biased comments because i read some reviews (which were all very spot on lol): • definitely confused by the flute (but i kinda like it) • love a folksy rock blend • i think a remaster would do this album justice • cringe lord of the rings reddit mod vibes but im gonna embrace it • the solos / riffs are beautiful and satisfying • don't think i would listen to this again except for a few songs unless i was in a very specific mood • i definitely understand the appeal, i wish they did a pink floyd thing and made these songs twice as long with more instrumental *(edit while listening: ok there are definitely long-ish moments of some Kewl instrumentals, still wish it was longer!!!!) • im so bad at listening to lyrics. need to start.
So many bangers on this man. I honestly can't believe I haven't listen to these fellas. The flute in particular makes the tracks really distinctive and unique The medieval/LOTR feel to it also goes really well. A fantastic listen through and through. Best - Aqualung, Cross-Eyed Mary, Cheap Day Return, Mother Goose, Up To Me, My God, and many more Worse - NONE 5/5
Slightly overrated. One time listening its enough 3
+Great Arrangements +Creative Song structures +Accessible prog rock -Not as daring, or as innovative as other prog rock albums.
SITTING ON A PARK BENCH. How these guys won the first heavy metal grammy bothers and confounds me but as a band they are very solid. Almost reminds me of a rock and roll version of a minstrel/bard style band from Medieval England. The lyric choices are wild (dogend, wimpy bar are two snippets that stick out). The flute is very showy but the playing is fun and the tunes are solid. Good show Ian Anderson I have no notes.
Flautas, yum!
haven't listened to this one in ages. Still holds up for me.
Still rocks. A great album.
Love the flute. Was okay overall
Cool Album! Liked the flute. Was more innovative than most rock album especially from the uk that i had to listen to... it created a warm atmosphere
Круто звучит флейта в сочетании с электрогитарой
This is another landmark album for me. It was released during peak prog years for me. Jethro Tull were a big band but not exactly my favourite and because there was an embarrassment of prog riches my money was spent elsewhere. I had just started my career and was living in a hostel in Wakefield with other young lads many of whom shared my love of music. Aqualung always reminds me of one particular pal who was heavily into Jethro Tull and who introduced me to this album which he loved and wore a long trench coat. He would always greet you with “Aqualung, my friend”. It is a top album which I grew to love but strangely never bought the album until very recently when I saw the CD cheap in a sale. Just about everyone I knew had a copy, it was always played on the radio and more recently was readily available on streaming platforms. So there was never a dire need to own it. I do have other Tull albums, in fact most of them, and I rate some of these more highly than Aqualung. But this album means so much to me that I can only give it 5 stars. A lot of my fellow reviewers seem to be hung up on the use of flute by Ian Anderson and don’t think it very prog. My view is that they are missing the point. I do like the flute and Ian is a very proficient player but a lot of it is to do with Tull’s image. Ian stood erect on one leg playing his flute is very iconic and an image immediately associated with the band. 5/5 26/7/24
6/10
Hell yeah Aqualung! What an odd song. Now I finally know where the name Aqualung comes from. Also interesting that I've never recognized the long guitar solo in the middle of the song. Rest of the album passed without much fanfare. It's good music and feels sufficiently different from the pack.
3.5
This is one of those bands that I had heard of, but never actually listened to. This album is a folk, rock, prog mix by a British band from the early 70's that somehow doesn't sound like Led Zep. I will give them props for that alone. I really enjoyed this album although I don't think it's quite 5 star worthy.
Some tunes on here. Rounding up to a four
Interesting
Very nice
First time listening to this band. The instrumentation was something that I was able to appreciate. The flute playing whimsical
GREAT album
I respect the flute. Sure it is not inherently rock n roll, but how dissimilar is it really to a harmonica? And if that is the case this dude is Johnny Popper and is absolutely designating that wind instrument to the backing of solid guitar and drum work, with the ability to right a strong hook and create some decent tunes.
Main thought is that I absolutely love the flute on this. I mostly really enjoyed the instrumentation on this record but didn't care so much for the vocals.
I got this album early on in the project, so this is a repeat. Here is my original review: Super fun. The flute was really cool, and the lyrics + music is all really stellar. Not a huge prog fan, but I get the hype after listening to this.
Absolutely not my thing. 1.5 stars.
I'm honestly surprised I liked this as much as I did. There are some great guitar solos. Ab abundance of flute , but some great songs. The lyrics, however, are fucking maudlin. Aqualung. Fark. Makes grunge sound cheerful. I'm spitting out three broken stars for this one.
Iconic rock album.
Started off very strong. Kinda gets a little samesy after a while. Favourite songs: My God, Aqualung 2/5 = meh
Good album. A little too Rock Opera, maybe the best rock opera though.
Flaunt that Flautist
Pretty fun and creative. The speak singing will always be a bit funny to me. Hymn 43 is my fave so far, but I liked Wind Up quite a lot! 3.5
The opening track is a masterclass of the ominous, with that riff just grabbing your attention straight away. Unfortunately the few tracks that follow are kind of generic prog rock and it only picks up with Up to Me and My God when Anderson really leans into the band’s USP and busts out that gnarly flute playing
I thought the cover man was kinda yucky and then the song man was yuckier. Yuck. Good album though 4/5
Tasteful blend of blues/folk/psychedelia/hard rock
Not just jazz flute. This record rocks. I liked this as a collection. Great mix of folk, some parts heavy, some parts really catchy. Well done record.
A great album. I still run it on occasion.
This one was good, outside of the title track I didn't recognize most of these songs but I liked them.
Ok. Didn’t love or hate it
Das Werk ist eine beeindruckende Reise in den Sound und die Beatkeller der frühen 70er Jahre. Eine Mischung aus „Pink Floyd“ und „Led Zeppelin“. Das Album bietet eine faszinierende Mischung aus Rock, Folk und Progressive-Elementen, die den Hörer in eine andere Zeit versetzen. „Hymn 43“ ist ein kraftvoller Song, der mit seinen markanten Gitarrenriffs und einer unverwechselbarer Stimme sofort ins Ohr geht. „Locomotive Breath“ ist ein weiteres Highlight, das mit seinem treibenden Rhythmus und den eindringlichen Texten begeistert. Mein persönlicher Geheimtipp ist jedoch „Wind Up“. Dieser Song besticht durch seine tiefgründigen Lyrics und die dynamische Instrumentierung, die das Album perfekt abrundet und das Prädikat „Konzeptalbum“ durchaus rechtfertigt. Es ist ein Album, das sowohl musikalisch als auch lyrisch überzeugt.
One of my favorite albums of all time.
sItTiNg On A pArK bEnCh *DUN, DUN-DUN* I haven't listened to the title track, or any Jethro Tull, in quite some time, so I'm interested in seeing what an album by them is like 👌 not bad, some really pretty moments flit by like “Wond’rin” and “Slipstream”, but too much of it kinda blends together in my ears to be a classic. Though much of the title track sounds condescending to its subject matter, it’s still a pretty great hard rock tune HL: title track, “Mother Goose”, “Wond’ring Aloud”, “Locomotive Breath” July 14, 2024
not very impressive
I like: Wond'ring Aloud, My God, Locomotive Breath. Aqualung (the first track) is ok. I'm thinking 3/5
Interesting. Sounds like an early heavy metal meets opera sound. I like the flute.
Tull def had their own sound. I didn’t like everything they did, but they got this one right.
Where Jethro Tull stopped being a blues-rock band and became... something much stranger. It’s not actually a concept album—except it kind of is. Ian Anderson’s flute work helped set Jethro Tull apart, adding a baroque, pastoral weirdness to songs that were otherwise about God, homelessness, and nuclear anxiety.
Of course I’ve heard the title song. And some of the other hits. But I don’t think I’ve ever sat down to listen to the whole album start from finish. It exceeded my expectations, carried a consistent feel throughout while also feeling a bit timeless.
Answering the question: "what would it sound like if Charles Dickens joined a rock band, and added flute solos?"
Very nice
Wonderful album with lots of story telling and fantastical scene setting. Tull on the flute really adds a softer and more delicate element to the entire album.
Something about the jaunty flute makes me feel like I should be frolicking amongst the daisies. Big fan of daisies, but not so much flutes.
It was fine
eins der ganz grossen
Pretty decent stuff
Some cool songs might check it out again.
Of the bands from the "classic" rock era that I've felt indifferent towards, Jethro Tull is near the top of the list. I've always felt they were a tad overrated and never got into their music beyond the songs that were on the radio. Aqualung (both the album and the song) is Jethro Tull's masterpiece. I don't know anyone of a certain age that hasn't heard the song, with it's weird lyrics (how many songs mention snot?), but apart from the title track, it's fairly generic English folk-rock with flutes and flutes and flutes. I don't mind flutes, the music is beautiful at times and it works well with the mood and atmosphere of the songs, but...yeah.
not their best imho but god, it's a great great album
I’ve never heard so many flute solos. He has the market on that so that is something. I really liked it.
Let me start by saying that their best album, by far, is Too Old to Rock and Roll, Too Young to Die. With that, I must hold this album up to that one when I give it my Michelin caliber grading. So, yes, it follows the same formula as Too Young or perhaps Too Young follows the same formula as this. I should hate this type of music. The flute being so overpowering in the songs should make these guys a niche, but it doesn’t and that’s why this is good. I can’t really explain this album. The music in itself could carry it. It’s solid. I don’t find very many “bangers” as the kids say. Sometimes an album doesn’t need that. I’m sure people hate these guys but having an open mind goes a long way when listening to what I can assume every Jethro Tull album sounds like. Choice cut: Aqualung
Truly an amazing work! From those iconic intro chords of the opening title track through the growing crescendo that closes out the final Wind-Up, each track perfectly complements what precedes and follows it and gives unity to the entire album even as it twists and turns its way through Rock, Prog, Metal, Folk, Blues, Renaissance, and Medieval elements...and then they throw in that kick-ass flute to boot!
Eilen levy ei oikein toiminut, mutta tänään toimi jo ihan kohtuullisesti. Jos usein tulee valiteltua kuinka poukkoileva yksi levy voi olla, niin tässä se sama vedetään jo biisin sisällä. Välillä turhankin progea omaan makuun, vaikkakin välillä vekkulia tasapainoilua raskaamman soundin ja poikkihuilun soittelun kesken.
Makee levy. Ikoniset huilusoolot kyllä kruunaa
Disgusting prog folk. Sick. Gross.
Not one bad track on the whole album!!!
Amazing prog rock with a soul. I honestly LOVE the added touch of the flutes.
Great
JT are very unique
Well that has to be one of the most thoroughly lame albums I’ve ever heard. Jethro Tull enjoyers please keep enjoying them. I will pass. Best song: Aqualung
fussy prog rock. a grim listen.
enjoyed it much more than i thought i would!
Cool, want to listen again
Of course I've heard the song Aqualung before but not the album. I didn't expect a lot out of this but it wasn't what I expected and I enjoyed it
Didnt know this band so much, but this album absolutely has its cool moments, I Will definately listen to some more from this band
I liked it... would listen again.
It’s like Crosby Stills and Nash meets Led Zepplin. I feel middle earth in the lyrics and delivery. As expected the flute is amazing in this. I especially loved “Up to Me”. It’s also clear that they influenced Metal artists like Metallica, or at the very least helped in kicking off that genre.
I hate concept albums with samey tracks. It's supposed to be a ride of different sounds imo. I love the flutes tho. It does have a place in rock.
Saved by Aqualung. It's okay, but way too much flute. I find that odd and distracting.
The three songs I knew from this (Aqualung, Cross Eyed Mary, Locomotive Breath) really undersold how nice and melodic the rest of this album is. I sincerely enjoyed the new stuff I heard on here. Hope to return to it in the future!
A+ concept album Jethro Tull you must admit is the greatest band to mix rock with flute.
One thing I'm realizing about all of these progressive albums is that they'd be much better if they didn't overstay their welcome. Here we're introduced to two unusual characters and then they're never mentioned again. Then we get a few songs rambling about religion. Musically, it is better than I expected, but lyrically it left me wanting, and no matter how you look at it it had too much filler material.
I liked the flute and guitar, though some songs sounded very similar. There is nothing that blew me away on this album but it is nice background music.
Did I agree with his lyrics all the time? -no Was I impressed with the flute? -yes Was I blown away from the album due to its amazingness? -no, not really because it was just average
I actually liked this. I know a lot of peeps did not like the flute but I thought it added a fun little line above the music that most other groups don’t have. Didn’t mind his voice, thought the guitar and bass worked well with the flute and I really liked the riffs. It sounded like a nice fusion of folky kinda stuff with rock. Pretty enjoyable.
on the positive side-overall I enjoyed the guitar and bass. not a fan of overall vocals, nor of psych rock. it's a meh
7,18
What an absolute delight! I think that I have discovered my genre: Progressive rock /Psychedelic rock! Absolute perfection! Favourite track: Aqualung
I genuinely procrastinated listening to this album because I was not prepared to slog through the heavy metal I was expecting (based on the looks of the album art and the band name). I was really, really pleasantly surprised! I even considered giving it a 5, but I don’t think I LOVE it so much as my really, really low expectations were exceeded. I also appreciate the diversity of sound throughout this album, while still sounding like a cohesive collection of songs. And God damn I fuckin love a pan flute.
i see why people like it, but not the album i needed on a suddenly cold June morning
A lot of nice songs
This just doesn’t do it for me. It might deserve a three because objectively it isn’t bad, but personally I’m at 2.5 at best.
Great. Brilliant. Really liked it. 4 star baby
I like the title track, its simple yet awesome solo makes the whole track. Im not a fan of mother goose, just doesn't do it for me, it is a bit boring. Up to me is much more enjoyable, with the guitar riffs playing.
Always enjoyable.memorable music
God I really disliked this. I know it's of its time and I can see the quality of the playing and everything is great. But it just felt like it was taking the piss. All I could hear was a jack black cover band who play a set in a film that's set in a renaissance fair with mid 2010's stoner actors who fuck around and not much happens. It's just so ridiculous and pompous and easily parodied.
Don’t get water in your lungs
Trying to be ultra-selective with my 5 star ratings, but this is clearly one!
A very unique, distinctive sound. Enjoyed it a lot
just because you can play the flute doesn't mean you have to on your album aqualung cheap day return up to me slipstream wind up
One of the greatest prog rock albums of all time.
Exciting. Not too much piping
Highlight: Hymn 43 In a nutshell: making the flute cool again. THIS is how you use a distinctive sounding instrument (in this case, a flute) on an album: sprinkle throughout like you were garnishing a meal with salt or pepper. Prog rock and folk rock with electric guitar, a little blues rock thrown in. Tracks like Mother Goose has a little baroque touch (or was that just me?). Without looking at Wikipedia et al. Jethro Tull seemed to be a band who were confident in their sound. This conviction doesn’t come off as arrogant to me. Some listeners will think this is pretentious shit, which I can understand, but you gotta give the band points ingenuity. Overall: 6/10
What a strange album, I'm not sure what to make of this exactly. It has moments of classic hard rock, and then they bust out a flute and the vibe totally shifts. It's a bit hard rock and bit folk rock at the same time. This might also get classified as a prog rock album, there seems to be some debate but it seems to tick the boxes. Naturally, I like the "folk-y" songs quite a bit more than the harder rock songs. "Wond'ring Aloud" is this incredible little love song (honestly one of my favorite songs I've heard in awhile), and "Mother Goose" is a bit odd but sounds like it could be a Simon & Garfunkel song or something. Some of the rock songs work pretty well too though, even if it's less of my thing overall. "Aqualung" and "Locomotive Breath" seem like they've become classic rock station mainstays. Lyrically, a lot of the songs are religious in nature (anti-religious I guess), "My God" is 7 minutes of him talking about God and religion. The singer claims it is definitely not a concept album, but you can see how some might disagree. I'm really on the fence between a 3 and a 4, it probably falls somewhere in between for me. I do really get the appeal, but the guitar-heavy hard rock is a good chunk of this and it's not my favorite thing, and the flute is unique but a bit jarring still. But there's some really great stuff in here too, and it definitely has a distinct sound. Favorite song: Wond'ring Aloud Other: Aqualung, Cross-Eyed Mary, Cheap Day Return, Mother Goose, Up to Me, Hymn 43, Slipstream, Locomotive Breath, Wind-Up 6/16/24
muy buen disco de Tehro en su mejor momento. Imprescindible
My top ten favorite flautists: 1. Ron Burgundy https://youtu.be/_c_ufaxeSTs?si=vlPesSHEmdGrBo3N 2. This flutin ass mother fucker from Jethro Tull 3.-10. I couldn’t name another flautist if my life depended on it and am honestly proud I even knew the term “flautist”. You can’t tell me that when that tootelly tootin starts going “tootelly toot toot toodely toot” that you aren’t feeling it! If you’re not down with “Aqualung” and “Thick as a Brick” you either take yourself too seriously, do not rock to an appropriate degree, or have some other major character flaw. Medieval folk prog featuring prominent fluting should in no way shape or form work but dammit to hell does it totally and completely work. This album rocks.
Classic 70s rock. The flute!!!!
Iconic psychedelic flute
Heard before. Enjoy it
I don’t have a lot to say about ‘Aqualung’. It’s a pleasant enough cross of Hard Rock/Psychedelia and Folk with some Prog elements (and a bit of flute), and it’s fine while it’s on, but I just found it kind of dull and forgettable overall. 2/5 is probably a bit harsh of a score, but there’s no 2.5 option, and I wouldn’t go as high as a 3, so 2 it is.
I was more impressed with this than I thought I would be. I figured it would have a bunch of non-hut songs that were not very good. I'm not jumping to buy it, but I'll voluntarily listen to more in the future.
I only recognized the title track, which I kind of like. Mixed feelings on this one - not totally mundane, and the flute was actually a pretty cool feature - but nothing really moves me to rate it higher than a 3. I think it’s that pseudo-concept album cheesiness that holds me back.
Kinda transitional work between their early folk-rock whimsy, and their later, more commercial proto-heavy metal. I didn't realize how much of this album I was already familiar with until finally hearing it as a complete work. It's really good.
This album was one of the ones that my parents had and I listened to quite a bit. It has held up for me. When my only source of music was either my parents collection or what was on the radio, this album showed me a crunchier guitar that I would continue to love with other artists.
I can imagine a band of fiddlers and pipers in times of old processing between towns playing this and it's such such a vibe
better than I thought actually I quite enjoyed it long tho
Honestly thought it would be worse
I haven't actually listened to Jethro Tull, other than maybe in the background of a great local cafe that used to exist that was Jethro Tull themed. It was great! Led Zeppelin-ish but a bit more folky and with flute. I have discovered the flute was controversial but I loved the creativity and uniqueness of this album with a great underlying rock vibe. Fave Track: Locomotive Breath Rating: 5
I grew up listening to this record. It's great, and it's weird. I'm a little shocked that Ian Anderson made it as far as he did. I feel like he is a super music genius, and that doesn't always translate to normal listeners.
Liked this a lot more than expected.
It's half tempting to give it a 5 but I just don't enjoy it THAT much. It is a very good album though.
Not bad, Aqualung is a solid track. A bit rambling and proggy in parts. The record isn't too long which means it doesn't overstay its welcome
Cool prog rock. Never listened to them much at all before. I liked all the pauses and silences in the instruments, making the vocals or other instruments stand out. It feels more intricate and elaborate than a driving wall of sound.
Rock with lots of flute solos, super fun!
Cracking whimsical prog rock type beat
A formative prog folk rock album that deserves to be heard, but not one of my absolute favorites from the 70s. I would give it a 5 for its place in history, but I cannot. For the record, I dig the flute inclusion and enjoy exploration through wide and varied instrumentation, whatever form that takes, but after this album sold over 7 million copies and once Ian Anderson learned how painter of the album cover, Burton Silverman was ripped off, and he chose to do nothing to help the painter's cause against the record company, not even to speak out about it, which I find particularly reprehensible. So, a 4 it is then.
Moments of inspiration often let down by aimlessness. Can't say it's bad exactly, but I was definitely bored throughout, which is perhaps worse. Shoutout to the flute though, that went hard.
This didn’t really do it for me. I found his voice to be too British.
I didn’t like this. This reminds me of a movie or tv show my mom would put on and I hated. Just because I felt like this was against my will.
Better than I expected.
Bard music! Never listened to any Jethro Tull before so it was a pleasant surprise.
I've never much listened to Jethro Tull, I may listen to more after hearing this album.
po pierwszych utworach zapowiadalo sie lipnie, ale kolejne trafialy juz do playlist. calkiem ciekawy album zwlaszcza jak na angoli
I enjoyed it for the most part. But I probably won't be coming back to it in the future.
I don't love this album but it's got moments. I'll give to them that they have some cool edgey riffs on occasion and really go for it, but to that same end they can come off a bit too baroque for what they're selling, in my opinion. I don't mind the flute but it doesn't exactly fit in every arrangement. When you combine the hard rock, Renn Faire balads, literary lyricism, and flute.. things get a bit convoluted very quickly. If you're in this niche... that's cool... but how does this happen.....?
LP
Well the track is a bit of a chore, but the album thankfully opens out considerably. I've never spent any time with Jethro Tull and maybe I ought to.
Filthy, grimey, and absolutely phenomenal album. Jethro Tull was my inspiration for learning to play the flute as a kid
Very much of it’s time. My dad always referenced Jethro Tull when I played flirt in middle school. Not my favorite as I refer The Who and Lead Zeppelin. Aqualung is a classic though!
Aqualung pleasantly surprised me with its seamless blend of progressive rock and folk elements, elevated by Ian Anderson's distinctive and expressive voice. The album's rich mix of acoustic and electric sounds, coupled with thought-provoking lyrics on themes like society and personal reflection, showcases the band's versatility and musical prowess. High production quality allows each instrument to shine, creating a balanced and engaging listening experience. Overall, Aqualung is a well-crafted and dynamic album that underscores Jethro Tull's talent and Anderson's vocal strength, making it a compelling listen. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 1 STAND OUT TRACK - Hymn 43
Classic and the guitar and flute hit hard!
I remember was a was a kid and my dad told me about this dude that played flute and stood on one leg like a flamingo. Well, this is that dude and he is amazing.
3.75 Aqualung (title track) is great. Sounds so similar to Stairway to Heaven at times, which is interesting as they were recorded around the same time and both bands used the same studio at certain points