Aqualung

This was a cool mix of genres to me. Some sick flute playing

Good guitar

I love this album before I relisten. The flute makes it something otherworldly or ritualistic. -------------------------- If you can listen to the Steve Wilson stereo remix it's definitely worth it. I have nothing negative to say about this album. It's masterful prog/hard rock with bluesy undertones and that iconic flute led folkiness. It's really heavy at times too - quite Sabbath like. 5*

Progressive rock aren't typically in my heavy rotation, making Aqualung an album that I just stumbled over. That said, there is plenty to admire here. The album's central concept—tackling themes of religion, society, and marginalized figures—gives the lyrics real substance, and Ian Anderson's character-driven storytelling brings those narrative threads to life effectively. Musically, this album delivers some standout guitar solos that cut through the arrangements with great grit and energy, balancing out the intricate acoustic passages and flute work. However, despite the strong craftsmanship, the style just doesn't hit my personal sweet spot. It works well as a cohesive, theatrical piece, but the overall sound lacks the casual replay value to make me want to put it on repeat. It's a solid, impressive effort for what it is, just not something I’ll be returning to often.

Enjoyably witchy

Album started with what sounded like it was going to be a good hard rock song and slowly transitioned into more of a soft rock song. Wasn't bad but it unfortunately set the tone for the rest of the album to be rather boring. The mix of piano and flute into this album was a surprise and fit well. I would say the album was a solid 6/10 as it was a decent listen but there was nothing to draw me into wanting more. It gets 3 stars from me.

Fuck it, this is getting a 5. It’s just deliciously weird and odd, but maintains an amazing groove. I don’t think it’s perfect, but it’s such a great example of the creativity that makes the late 60’s and early 70’s so fun to listen to. You’ll never hear anything even remotely similar to this.

A half formed concept of an album.

Not anything I will ever listen to again but it was certainly interesting: folk, rock, jazz flute… the riffs were okay and it wasn’t too long. It was an interesting sound which, with some stronger riffs and melodies, could have been great… as it is, it was okay.

An odd, but worthwhile listen. A strange juxtaposition of rock riffs that almost bordered on a sabbath-esque sound, and jazz flute/recorder sounding like excerpts from the wicker man. At times this was played fairly straight, and other times tending towards prog noodling. By and large, the more straightforward tracks tended to suit it better as I found it meandered a bit too far at times when it did so.

Was it a fun rock time when I listened to it? Yes. Will I ever listen to it again? No.

Was ok

Not something I would typically listen to however it was enjoyable.

If you can get past the heinous first two lyrics of the album this is good, I had to wait a day because I was not in the headspace. Gets a star for the flute I really enjoyed that Playlist add: “Hymn 43” but “Wind It Up” is a heck of a closer

Ian Anderson famously insists that this isn’t a concept album, but it feels so cohesive and singular that I can’t help but think of it as a concept album. Later albums would go on to be far proggier, but aqualung sits in a sweet spot between prog rock and folk rock jam. I love it, one of my favorites all time.

I feel like it’s a 3.5 it’s been playing in the background while working & it’s not bad but also not blowing me away

The prog rock / folk of the 70s is one of the genres that has not aged well, and this album is definitely impacted by that. Some fun stuff here, but I think its overrated when talked about as one of the great rock albums.

It's definitely a good album. However, I find the sound of this album has not aged very well. I'm not a big fan of the flute (in general), and I don't really like how the instrument is used here. Some tracks I enjoyed: "Aqualung", "Cross-Eyed Mary", "Hymn 43", "Locomotive Breath", or "Wind-Up" (probably my favourite). For me, this is in the 3,5 star range. But, mostly due to the flute, I think 3 stars are enough.

good opening of opener immediately the songs are too long (very jammy) very musical theater in a way i'm not sure about kinda hate the flute, kinda love this is joni mitchell for old men who are obsessed with lotr all songs kinda sound the same it's fine very eager

This would be fresh and exciting is it we're released today.

I recall my Dad playing me this when I was a teen, I think it was aqualung that impressed me, but now it sounds dated. bit hippy-ish, but then they are rocking with a flute so there's a folky feel to it.

I never thought I would ever say this about a rock album, but the flute saved it for me.

This album is rock that goes two ways: psychedelic with flutes and more classic rock n' roll. Either way, it was an interesting journey. The two longest songs, "Aqualung" and "Wind Up", were wonderfully multi-layered and complex. The riffs on those were also familiar, so I must have heard those before somewhere.They didn't feel like they overstayed their welcome because the music kept changing. I found myself drawn to those two and "Mother Goose" (the opening riff there was beautiful).

Super good. Give me all of the flute solos!

I’d call this whimsical rock music. Flutes, chanting, a bit culty. Some songs/interludes give JCS energy. Trouble keeping my attention (maybe because it was so long), but I bet these are very weird and cool guys.

Never really listened to them beyond Aqualung. Some decent tunes and while it seems to be divisive, I dig the flute. Masterpiece - no, but some good music to get down to.

Title track is baller, the rest of the album is alright

Eh. Music and vocals didnt exactly match. Some combo of hard rock, metal, and fairy folklore music and pseudo angry/emotional vocalizing. Odd. Not the worst, but not sure I believe I must hear this before I croak.

Just not really for me. Kind of sad about it, because I’d heard good things and thought it would be my kind of music. Objectively not bad

Love this one. Makes me need to go shower now.

***An ok, easy listening album

Not really a fan of Jethro Tull

Classic Tull, always a great listen

I liked this album but the titular song is the main draw here.

I mean, is what it is. Somewhat iconic and influential, but just not that great, honestly. I'll generously give it a 3 just due to the use of alternative elements (a rock flute!) and it's longevity in the mainstream.

This is such a great album! Solid from start to finish.

Solid rock with flute album

👎🏿

The most classic rock of all classic rock albums.

I’ve always been aware of jethro Tull and the song, Aqualung, but I’ve never really given them a real listen til now. Short answer: this band rocks! Such unique vocals and the occasional flute solo are my highlights.

Wow, I have a lot to say about this one. When I was very young, unaware and (religiously)fearful, the song Aqualung creeped me out, yet it was hypnotic, mysterious and cool, esp w/the flute. I now fully appreciate Ian Anderson calling out religious and societal hypocrisy. Still as relevant as ever! As a sidenote, this extended remix was perfect for gardening with the Shokz! 4.5 stars

Interesting mix of rock, sometimes in the "hard rock" territory, mixing with folk elements and flute! I'm going to give this one some more listening time in the future.

4.5

Gotta love a little prog to start your day The title track is far and away the best thing about this album, and absolutely brings it up a point or two. I love the guitar rift and how it slowly shifts to become something completely different. The next couple songs are good too, not quite as good but they keep the energy going. Vocals are solid, instrumental talent is great I do think this one falls off pretty hard towards the second half. It’s far from bad but nothing comes even close to Aqualung, it’s just a bit aimless and there really isn’t anything that wows me. I’m pretty sure this would be like a high 3 without the title track, but man that’s a good one. Will absolutely listen to it again to see if I change my mind on the remaining content since it can take a couple tries sometimes for this genre

fuckin banger I know Aqualung is a song about a pedo but at the end of the day it is such a well written song. That tough in-your-face riff with no rhythm to accompany it, only to blend into that soft acoustic. Man, this is why I love prog so much. The album is dynamic and exciting. It's a rocker, it's got variety, it's got energy. What else could you want?

When discussing classic prog-rock, Jethro Tull is one of the first bands that automatically springs to mind. It is all the more interesting, then, that their most popular album bears only a tenuous connection to prog; instead, it is essentially blues-tinged, heavier folk-rock featuring vocalist Ian Anderson’s signature flute solos. At the same time, the music leans slightly toward the classical: while the traditional verse-chorus structure remains, the rhythm and composition can shift multiple times within a single track. Yet, the album avoids the primary pitfall of art rock — the songs are genuinely memorable. Foremost among them, of course, are the opener about the vagrant nicknamed Aqualung and the reflections of a down-and-out soul in "Locomotive Breath." This was the band's last album with a truly accessible entry point. What followed was avant-garde material and folk music worthy of a hobbit tavern.

I'm a big fan of less common instruments being thrown in the mix with your more typical rock band, and the flautist on this album absolutely cooked. Overall quite a fun prog rock record - the guitar solo on the title track is another standout

Pretttyyy coool

What on earth is this?

Every song is excellent.

Reminds me of a rough around the edges Freddie Mercury style of cadence with art rock touches. Despite its standing as a 1971 prog rock milestone, the contrast between Ian Anderson's acoustic flute passages and heavy guitar riffs doesn't quite pull it together. The songs themselves seem more like demos than fully completed songs, meaning the album ends up being distinctly average rather than fully polished. Needed a bit more oomph. 5/10

N.B. only the Steven Wilson mix is available to stream. The first song was decent hard rock of the period, but I couldn't stand the rest. I'm going to have to listen more carefully next time, because I want to know what I'm missing.

This was cool, I knew the song Aqualung, but nothing else. This was pretty cool to listen to fully

Aqualung is solid '70s rock.

gosto bastante do aqualung prog maluquinho na vibe terra média é sempre muito bem vindo

pior que esse eh classico memo né, ouvi a primeira música e lembrei que já ouvi ela sim, mas o album inteiro não. e eh bacana, até. a flautinha dá um toque de ROCK PARA HOBBITS, que é coisa boa. dá pra ver que os manos brasileiros do rock rural pegaram umas coisinhas daqui. no mais, é bem divertido e bão!!

One of the most well-known and greatest progressive rock albums! It combines Folk and Hard Rock with flute playing to get the signature Jethro Tull sound. One of the greatest albums ever!

Una de las obras más ambiciosas, teatrales y perdurables de la era dorada del rock que ha envejecido bien como una cumbre indiscutible de articulación compositiva e inventiva conceptual. En el plano de diseño formal, la producción alcanza un entretejido que destaca por su claridad: logra resolver con pulcritud técnica los abruptos choques dinámicos entre la furia del hard rock eléctrico y los pasajes acústicos renacentistas, permitiendo que la respiración de la flauta traversa, las cuerdas de acero, el piano y el virtuosismo melódico de la guitarra de Martin Barre convivan con una definición espacial impecable. La interpretación de Ian Anderson y su ensamble desborda una autenticidad frontal, dotando a la banda de una autoridad superior al prescindir de artificios pomposos para abrazar una aspereza vocal y corporal genuina. Obras capitales como el dramatismo dinámico del tema homónimo "Aqualung", la marcha implacable de "Locomotive Breath", la ternura acústica de "Wond'ring Aloud" y la confrontación visceral de "My God" dan forma a un documento conmovedor, crudo y real que opera como un penetrante y sutil llamado a la conciencia sobre la marginación de los desposeídos, la hipocresía del dogma institucionalizado y la búsqueda de una espiritualidad personal honesta. Por su versatilidad entre estallidos rítmicos de alta tensión y remansos de sosiego lírico, el álbum ofrece múltiples usos, resultando idóneo tanto para el ejercicio físico y la conducción despierta como para una concentrada y profunda reflexión solitaria.

Good musicianship, but nothing really engaged nor maintained interest for long.

Take me back, probably their only good album.

This shit kinda rocked. I didn’t think I liked jethro tull but I’m glad that I gave them another chance. Love me some woodwinds - the solo in my god was sick. Worth a full star by itself

go' fløjte

Fløjten er *chef's kiss* Hvis ikke 5, så er den godt nok tæt på. Skal lige sove på'en.

*89 En slags prog Led Zeppelin men med fløjte. Fuck det er sejt. De må være dunedain. Jeg kan ikke helt få mig op på de 5 stjerner, men det er nok en af dem jeg kommer til høre mange gange igen.

Ret fedt, men jeg har til tider også svært ved at tage den meget aggressive fløjte seriøst. Den ligger i den høje ende, men jeg var ikke så blæst bagover som andre her i huset tilsyneladende var :)

Det er så crazy, det her album. Jeg vil næsten gå så vidt at sige, at riffet på Cross-Eyed Mary er et top 10 riff. Hvis I gør jer selv tjenesten at genlytte albummet senere, så prøv at nappe Steven Wilson-mixet - én af vor (og i virkeligheden alle) tiders største magikere i studiet. En vaskeægte troldmand, og findes der et bedre match mellem en troldmand og det her middelalderlige, tværfløjte-, warlock-, Robin Hood-agtige prog-rock? Gabestok-rock? Bøddelblok-rock? Lansestok-rock? Skammestok-rock? Det kan nok kaldes en masse forskelligt, men det er fandme fed 4.1

Den del der lyder som Led Zeppelin er ret fed, men så kommer den satans fløjte og ødelægger det hele. Og det er ikke engang kun fordi, jeg ikke kan fordrage fløjte, men det giver pladen et eller andet skær af noget useriøst, tenderende til det latterlige, som jeg har svært ved at komme ud over.

Controversies aside, this is a heavy album.

Het voelde als generieke rock, zal vast prachtig zijn in het genre, maar ik vind het genre op zich zelf al mid. 0 bangers

was cute but nothing from beyond

A singular band for sure and this is one of their best albums.

++: Aqualung, Cheap Day Return, Wond'ring Aloud, Up to Me, Hymn 43, Slipstream, Locomotive Breath +: Cross-Eyed Mary, My God +-: Mother Goose, Wind-Up 7,9/10

Omg bangerrrrr!!! Something about hearing a flute in a rock album just really tickles my brain, absolutely delightful.

Hatte ich noch nie so bewusst ganz gehört, Viel gutes dabei

Schöner old school prog rock 3.5-4/4

I feel that the opening does not set up this album well, the rest of the music does not sound similar to that at all. I have to say I like this album more as it went on. I don't think it's a very strong piece overall, I think there's a lot of individual tracks that work really well, but there's a lot that just doesn't really do it for me. I do like that they try with a lot of instrumentation , especially with the wood wind , i'm always a sucker for using a flute in particular , so that gets points from me. I think the lyrics are about weaker points. They definitely stood out to me as being a lackluster element. The version of the album I listened to had about a 20 minute long interview at the end of it, and I found that was more interesting than the album. It's not even that I particularly dislike the album, I just thought the story of it was better than the actual album. Fav Track: Mother Goose

"Wond'ring Aloud" is a sweet love song that paints a picture od domestic bliss. Incredible riff in "Up to Me" - love the funky flute! I actually don't really like "Aqualung" at all, but there were other good songs here. Solid three.

1971 progressive rock, reminds me of ozzy Aqualung Hymn 43 Locomotive breath

Okej je, mogu ovaj zanr slusati nekad. Progresivni rok, hard rok i folk.

Mostly forgettable but enjoyable 70s rock

Not unpleasant to the ear but i had quite a hard time giving a shit about this? Like it barely moved me at all, really. I liked some parts! Title track riff is still iconic and some of the other riffa are pretty nice. And the signature Tull flute is still pretty novel. Will definitely re-evaluate when i get to King Crimson but I’m thinking “quintessential prog” maybe mostly ain’t for me.

I’d rather not

Flute Zeppelin or maybe even Flute Zabbath, who knows. Either way a surprisingly fun album, and I can fully understand the "concept album" debacle between the band and everyone else.

Meh. Not 1 interesting song. Really poor. 1.5

Good album. 70s prog rock that feels like a concept album; good guitar riffs throughout. Best track for my money is probably the title track, but everything else is decent as well.

I appreciate Jethro Tull's ability to craft what seems like a simple motif at first and then find way more interesting variations on it than you would guess were possible.

7/10 but i'm rounding down because i'm not as nice

Liked this - have to say it was background music a lot of the time but was nicely surprised. Wasn’t brilliant but wasn’t bad either. 3.5

Achei esse álbum uma vibe tão pagã... tão Homem de Palha! Eu seria a pessoa mais feliz do mundo se descobrisse que Christopher Lee tinha uma cópia dele em casa. É o quarto álbum de estúdio da banda, mas soa como o trabalho de gente que já sabia exatamente o que queria fazer. Tem rock, tem folk, tem flauta e tem uma mistura de referências que, na teoria, nem deveriam funcionar tão bem juntas. Quando a flauta entra em algumas faixas, a sensação de estar em Homem de Palha fica ainda mais forte. Só que, em vez de ficar preocupado por ser um forasteiro prestes a ser queimado em praça pública, você começa a achar a ideia interessante e já está procurando uma flauta para participar da festa. Estou pensando até em comprar uma camiseta deles na Violeta Skate Rock.

Alright sound. The final interview I didn't understand a thing.

nah

Scrooge mccracker on thr front would never listen again

idk

The flute makes it quite different. Great playing but some of the songs wander a bit for me.

Aqualungggg Enjoyed some bits of this, really liked the flute too for a unique touch

When, in sixth form, we had a bit more freedom and a record player in the common room, people tried to interest me in the works of Jethro Tull. It never took hold. I still hasn't. It's not the flute, and I can appreciate that there were some very talented musicians in the group but there's something about a lot of it that strikes me as awkward, almost unwieldy. The opposite of what brilliant music should sound like.

A band I've heard of, but never heard. Aqualung was a great listen and I'll be digging into some of their other albums. I liked the interesting mix of prog rock, rock, hard rock and folk. Not bad for 1971.

These guys really know when not to play their instruments. I think the songwriting is the most impressive thing here, although I also really like the drums. It's cool to hear the drums adapt to the changing overall sound, especially on the title track. The vocals are pretty impressive too, for the same reason. Locomotive Breath might be my favorite. Aqualung is a close second. Some of the lyrics are... a product of their time, and probably meant to not be taken too seriously.

fuck yeah dude rock flute. favorite song is Locomotive Breath

Rating: 5/10 I'm gonna rate this one very harshly because it didn't really work for me. It's clearly a well made prog rock album but it kinda irritated me at times, even the tracks that I enjoyed more like Aqualung & Cross-Eyed Mary (which were the beginning of the album so it sort of went downhill from there). I did like how there were some shifts between harder rock and folky acoustic passages. I can't really tell if it's supposed to be some sort medieval setting concept album or story or just used for the aesthetic, either way that should theoretically interest me but I didn't get this one. Maybe it'll click more for me one day