Pretzel Logic

Really enjoyed this one

5/10

3.5

Pretty alright album! Definitely not better than 'Can't Buy A Thrill', but still a good listen. The first track and title track were my two favourites.

I really really like this album it reminded me of David Bowie and had super cool guitar my favorite song was pretzel logic kinda sounded like Led Zeppelin. Such an amazing album!!!

Easy enough to listen to. Not enough standouts to get a 4.

Cool kid's Dad rock

Eff this website, screw them

DNF. not my thing. Not as good as 10CC

Smooth. Sounds impeccable. Musicianship is superb. Regardless, they’re just not my thing. Not a bad listen, though.

It's okay, not as strong as the other albums.

Steely Dan has some excellent music but I really didn't think this was that great an record, especially the back half. It starts out strong with it's first 3 songs, no doubt. I had never heard Night by Night before, but I really dug that track. That's bookended by a couple of songs we've all heard before in Ricky Don't Lose That Number and Every Major Dude Would Tell You, the former of which is superior to the latter, mainly because of the harmonies and offbeat vocal choices that really work. That said, after that it steadily goes downhill. There are some poor tracks on here, especially With a Gun and the title track. Rare to name a record after a song which is clearly inferior to some of the others, but Steely Dan always have been different. Just an average album.

3.5! again this is opinion not like critiquing

Classic. One of my favorites.

Apart from the East Louise toodle....instrumental. This is a flawless album. Really like Charlie Freak and the arrangements involved.

It's good

I quite liked this album

There's a lot to like in this record. It's short and sweet, and there are a couple of standout tracks too. Favourite Track(s): Barrytown, Easy St. Louis Toodle-Oo Least Favourite Track(s): Any Major Dude Will Tell You

Pretty run of the mill

Maybe I’m messed up by listening to aja before this, maybe just not the time for me right now but I’m just not feeling this. Will have to revisit sometime later.

Just not my style

Pretty good easy listening. Very good. But nothing really catches me

Definitely a classic, but a little dated at times

This album is lively and a pleasant enough listen, but it leaves little impression on me and feels slightly bland for my taste. There’s no doubting the album’s “maturity”, and the sprinkle of jazz influence on the soft-rock base is nice to listen to, but it still falls flat and I can’t imagine I’ll remember much of the album in days to come - other than perhaps “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number”.

- Ist mal wieder ein gutes klassisches Rockalbum - Würde ich wahrscheinlich nochmal hören aber fast eher im Hintergrund - Ich kannte sogar einen Song welcher auch der Topsong des Albums für mich ist Topsong: Rikki don’t lose that number

This was another good album from Steely Dan and I know the main single but I hadn't heard anything else from this album and I quite enjoyed it!

Solid 70s guitar.

Better than aja, that’s for sure. Forgettable. THREE!

dosta dobro, između trojke i četvorke, mislio sam da će mi se više svidjeti. naginje ipak trojci

There’s plenty of speculation kicking about at the moment regarding artificial intelligence. The race to be the first to crack artificial general intelligence – and with it, the right to dictate what the future of humanity looks like, I suppose – is on. Consultants and commentators swarm: “will the workforce be ready?”, “should AGI be free for all?”, “what’s the future of the future of ecommerce look like?”. Anyway, if you’re reading this – and you will be – then listen up. We made this. Well, I didn’t, but don’t be obtuse. Steely Fuckin’ Dan, man. Prodigious postmodernist pop perfection fuckin’ Dan. They weave, duck and dive. They make the most ridiculous choices and then hammer them home with such conviction that you sort of just totally forget how lame you thought it was going to be seconds earlier. They start songs as if they’re already halfway through them, putting you on the back foot in a way that ultimately becomes rewarding somehow. They’re fucking jerks, obviously, god can you imagine? But they’re Dan. They’re only human. Anyway, if it’s peace out to all soul owners then this shall exist only to show pixel posterity that I tried. But if it goes like I hope it will, then AGI’s going to go deep and come back up grinning. Success will write “Any major dude will tell you” across the sky.

Great album. Love it. My favorite Steely Dan, but not their best. Has some "meh" songs (Garrytown, and Through with Buzz). Not their finest work

Classic 5/5

3.5 stars

It’s Steely Dan. I’m a middle aged man. It’s fine.

I’ve always had an irrational hatred for Steely Dan; it’s bad lounge rock. This album did nothing to change my mind. There aren’t enough Harvey Wallbangers in the world to make me like this.

I’ve never been a real fan of Steely Dan and listening to this album did nothing to improve that. I kept thinking these songs sounded like ithey were created on Christmas morning with a kids newly unwrapped 32-key Casio keyboard. If this album had been 11 tracks of Rikki Don’t Lose That Number I might have been able to give it a better score, but mediocrity begets mediocrity.

The compositions and instrumentals are amazing. But these guys can’t write lyrics or sing. They are band geeks who never got past that. Care to disagree? “East St. Louis Toodle-Oo”. Now, shut the fuck up. Hey Steely Dan, me and Geddy Lee, Thomas Dolby, Ben Folds and the guys from Weezer are gonna steal a case of Miller Lites from Cumberland Farms and go to the football game later. Wanna skip band practice and come? Nah, I didn’t think so.

I like Steely Dan. Smooth jazz mixed with prog rock, very enjoyable. They are the kind of band I never really liked well enough to delve into the catolouge, but always enjoyed on the radio. For that reason I was happy to give this album a listen. Strong start Rikki Don't Lose That Number, great song, and the only song on the album I'd heard before. Night by Night, I liked alot, feels like I'm in for a banger of an album. Then it drops off into the realm of "meh". Very talented players, but feels like they are trying too hard to be hip and cool. Part of that is their white guy groove, they try so hard to sneak a funky groove into their songs, but they are so damn white. It's fine, doesn't ruin the songs, but gives them a musak feel. Only other songs on the album worth note are the title track Pretzel Logic, which is very good, and East St Louis Toodle which is awful. Sounds like something they had fun with in the studio and decided to share with the world, should have stayed on the cutting room floor. Overall the album was dissappointing but not bad. This is a very strong 2.

Love the complexity of this album. They slide between jazz, wah guitar solos, gongs, strings and 80s pop rock. I think what I like about Steely Dan is just the absurdity of what they do but somehow wrapping up into a package that's super accessible to a huge range of people. When I eventually get a boat and spend my sunny Sundays cruising the coast and drinking red wine it will be Steely Dan I listen to.

I realized while listening to this album that if CSNY played jazz rock instead of folk rock, they'd sound a lot like Steely Dan. To make a more modern comparison, some of the singing and composition on this album remind me of Geordie Greep on the New Sound (which better be on the user list by the time I make it there!). Anyways, as a suburban dad in his 30s, I approve.

Not as good as Ajr, but def a solid rock album with jazz influence. It makes me happy when bands push the boundaries in instrument use.

Talented musicians, good jazz influences and chill music. How could you possibly not make the greatest album of all time, yet it steps into mediocrity. Aja is objectively better, but I'm always disappointed with Steely Dan. Like, they have the potential to be great, but never did act on it.

Interesting mix of rock and blues, always soft and light. Catchy hooks.

I always liked Steely Dan. Music you can put on for chilling by the pool

Easy listening Top tier production. Nothing really stands out as spectacular but definitely not disappointed at any point. 3.5 outta 5

The better end of stuff from “classic rock” radio stations. Very consistent in quality, and enjoyed the jazzy instrumental. Solid but not nothing that stands out too much.

15 cent pretzels? That's a deal and a half

Boring and repetitive every song sounds exactly the same and the dude is annoying

No

i didnt think id like it but its actually pretty good. jeff porcaro gives these tracks a lot of energy and really pushes through.

Didn’t mind this one while it was on but nothing very memorable

Started off good but then just got boring

Alright, this is going to be a fun challenge - afraid that I agree with the turbo-paedo Steve Albini about Steely Dan being dull studio wank, so actually listening to a whole album could hopefully be a voyage of discovery! ---- It's very clean. It really can't shake that "manufactured" feeling, and the end result is an impeccably-produced splodge of tightly white jazz/funk rock. It's all the self-knowing Yankee bollocks that I don't like from Zappa, but with little of his balls to redeem it - there are a few decent tunes, and they're the most "natural" sounding! Better than I feared, worse than I hoped. Favourite tracks: Night By Night, Barrytown, With A Gun

Too intellectual.

The harmonies- the organ- the chill, jammy guitar solos. the HITS. Cheers to Steely Dan!

The best thing about this album was that it was only 33 minutes long although it felt a lot longer. Tedious, middle-of-the-road dad rock. The penultimate track, Charlie Freak, was the only one worth listening to. My second Steely Dan album in the first 55 days. Can't Buy A Thrill was bad - this was even worse.

Positively surprised, the album sounds very nice, touches of blues, wind music, it sounds so 70s. It deserves another listen.

Good but unremarkable in my opinion.

Pas trop mon style J'en ai quand même liké quelques unes Ça ressemble à Supertramp en moins bien

Fine

1st track is a classic but it's downhill fast from there.

Super soft 10-ply. Nah man, I can lose this number

Different styles that are nice to listen to.

Decent album with one song that's for the ages.

It’s just a great rock album. More bluesy and soft than anything to be honest, but fantastic song craft throughout. A great entry and exit song in this album too. Said it before and I’ll say it again, but it’s one of the things that makes a great album. Maybe I’m biased but this album is just a great listen. Doesn’t have enough hits to justify a perfect score, but a great listen nonetheless

Love this album. gives billy joel vibes

okay, but not great. A bit too cool for me.

The more I listen to Steely Dan the more I just get it. This stuff just rules. It's such a great vibe, the perfect blend of funky rock and jazzy blues. Favorite tracks were East St. Louis Toodle-Oo, Any Major Dude Will Tell You, and Charlie Freak. 8/10, 4 stars.

Essential Steely Dan. Brilliant album with a wide palette of musical ideas executed flawlessly.

Dad rock incarnate. Great album nonetheless.

Omg first rock and roll album i heard, love the sound

Good vibes, a bit dated.

3.5

My second attempt at getting into Steely Dan. The musicianship is flawless, and the production is pristine but the songs feel like they’re stuck in neutral. It’s technically impressive yet completely devoid of energy. How something this well-played can sound this dull is kind of fascinating in itself.

“Rikki Don’t Lose That Number”! Great opener to the album that goes in a lot of different directions. What it lacks in cohesiveness it makes up for in songwriting. What a strange release in the heyday of rock n’ roll where money could be made off of album sales alone. I liked it but it’s a little too yacht rock for me. I feel like there’s an inherent lameness that gives me the “ick” as the kids say.

Short and sweet. Night by Night, you just feel cool listening to it. Some of the songs didn’t pull me as much. 3.5 stars (I wish these were rated out of 10 rather than 5)

Fun.

Sounds better than most things. Fun, jumpy jazz/rock thing with plenty of variance while remaining on theme. Album’s shorter than usual and this is one of those rare times where I wish there was more.

Sublime

Nothing stood out to me

Rikki don’t looose that numberrr Edit Apr 2 2026: 4 --> 3

Good, not my favorite rock music. Mastering was good but nothing jumped out at me.

Among my least favorite records by a great group.

Американская музыка, поп рок, поп джаз.

🗯 Music for people who iron their jeans and alphabetise their vinyl a bit too closely Steely Dan’s third album, and the last before Becker & Fagen locked themselves away as full-time studio scientists, is basically flawless. They take their jazz fixation and polish it into something radio-friendly without dumbing it down. ‘Rikki Don’t Lose That Number’ is the obvious entry point, but the real magic is all over: the title track’s sly piano sway, harmonies layered like a smug grin, songs so sharp they make you double-check your hi-fi setup. Fifty years on, this still sounds crisp and modern — meticulous without being sterile, nerdy without being dull. It’s like they coded grooves in Fortran but somehow made them funky. That’s the Dan paradox: dad rock that’s somehow still aspirational. Verdict: Essential (for the musos, the hipsters, and the dads ironing their Levi’s on Sunday) For fans of: Doobie Brothers, Toto, Hall & Oates, music that makes you want to buy a better turntable

Wasn't a bad listen but didn't really stand out to me at all.

Meh. They’re talented, but their music is so inert.

And a half

This would be a 3.5

It was nice but ronan said it was a solid 4.4 so I went in with high expectations. IT WAS NOT

This most definitely fucks, absolutely loved this. Never listened to a full Steely Dan album before and this has turned me into a fan. Can't wait to hear more. I ordered this on vinyl, easy 4

Funky yet not defined by the funk. A solid album of songs I have never heard before and probably won’t ever hear again. 8/10

Any major dude will tell you this is great

(4) ok this is awesome

Tonight is a Steely Dan night. Tonight is a Pretzel Logic night. This one’s sneaky—it doesn’t have the sprawling jams of Aja or the polish of Gaucho, but it’s absolutely loaded. “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” opens with one of their most iconic hooks, “Any Major Dude” sounds like a cosmic pep talk, and the title track is pure Dan wordplay perfection. Then there’s “Parker’s Band,” their little love letter to Charlie Parker, and “Monkey in Your Soul,” where Donald Fagen sounds like he’s trying to sweet-talk you and insult you at the same time. It’s tight, it’s weird, it’s brilliant. Basically, it’s Steely Dan. Tonight’s pretzel is twisted just right.

I'm not sure how Steely Dan has 4 albums on this list. Don't get me wrong, I like them but to say they are iconic to a point where they have about as much albums on this list as Pink Floyd is a bit of a stretch. That being said, this album is pretty meh in my opinion. It's just the same formula that they've used their entire run so I can't say it really stuck out to me. Yeah, I just think it is really bland, not horrible but not great at the same time. Favorite Songs: Rikki Don't Lose That Number, Any Major Dude Will Tell You Rating: 3/5

Two Steely Dan's in just over a week. This is my least favorite of those I've heard in full so far, but it's still solid. A number of shorter tracks which I'm not used to from them.

Enjoyable but not something I'm likely to revisit

Pretty good.

CINQUE MILLE UN MILIONE

il 5 più 5 che ho dato fino ad ora. il modo in cui si sovrappongono i suoni mi fa impazzire lo ascolterei per ore

Bellissimo mi ha gasato un sacco bello bello bello

Steely dan grandi geni. Grande album dall’inizio alla fine, poi ricky don’t lose that number hit assoluta. 9-/10

mi è piaciuto molto

Che fatto incredibile.

Pretty fun album! Has some more variety and/or personally interesting tracks to me than Aja, while still being pretty nicely short.

Another great album from Steely Dan! We got Aja early on in this challenge, and while I don't like this as much as that one, it has been steadily rising my Dan rankings for a while now, so it entered this challenge at the perfect time. Much more grounded in earlier forms of rock than Aja, and much less influenced by jazz fusion, it still captures that breezy, self-loathing spirit of the Dan's best.

Certainly not Steely Dan’s best stuff and not my favorite, but still some good stuff in here! And nothing bad at least. The title track was incredible, and I enjoyed the guitar on Night by Night, but not much else stood out to me.

This is one of those flawed albums I can't help but love. I don't think anything here is as technically impressive as Aja, and it does hit a bit of a slump in the back half. Despite that, the high points more than make for it with how fun they are. East St. Louis Toodle-Oo stood out as a shining highlight, haters be damned -- Steely Dan is based as hell for the Duke Ellington nod there. Standouts: Night By Night • Any Major Dude Will Tell You • Barrytown • East St. Louis Toodle-Oo • Monkey In Your Soul

Was not thrilled on this on my first listen because it seemed a little meandering and pointless, but I spent more time on a second listen enjoying the piano in the background and the song structure. Willing to call this a tentative low 4 because it kept my ear interested.

The album was interesting. Had some strong points, but not my favorite.

This album screams 70s background music.

Before starting this challenge, I had only heard A Royal Scam. The songs here are shorter and surprisingly commercial, albeit with a zany funk and jazz fusion. I imagine this could get up to four stars for me with repeated listens, but based on first impressions it's a three.

not bad, pretty groovy

4/5

Pretty cool.

Good if you're into that kind of thing

Задорный и чрезвычайно мелодичный альбом. Особенно начало понравилось, потом немножко поостыло впечатление (может ещё потому, что слушал после великолепного альбома Стиви Уандера). 7 из 10.

Solid

Clean.

Not suprised that its another really good album like pretty much all killer no filler. Not as good as other steely dan albums but still great. 8/10 Favourite: Rikki Don't Lose That Number Least Favourite: East St. Louis Toodle-Oo

Day 31 A new one for me and I was really impressed. Looking forward to listening to the other Steely Dan albums 8/10 Highlights Night by Night Pretzel Logic With a Gun

I have never met Napoleon, but I plan to find the time

Not the Dan's best, some 5/5 songs, some lacking

Pretty boring

good background music, couple of familiar hits on this album

🤙🏾

Hard to believe this album is over 50 years old. It still sounds pretty fresh today and has some beautiful melodies and harmonies. Not entirely to my taste but a pleasant listen when relaxing.

Listens: 3 Standout Tracks: East St. Louis Toodle-Oo, With A Gun Second Steely Dan album on the List. Still largely average with a few standout tracks. I like the instrumental Toodle-Oo ditty, and With A Gun. Nothing I recognize from radio play and I was not super impressed by the single Rikki Don't Lose That Number.

Rikki Don't Lose That Number and that's about it

Standout Songs: Rikki Don't Lose That Number Any Major Dude Will Tell You Barrytown Parker's Band With A Gun Charlie Freak Really solid album that was fun to listen to. Even the slower songs still had a cheerful vibe. Very pleasant

You can call it tight harmonies if you like, I guess, but to me the vocals just sound blurry. In fact, the whole sound feels like you're listening to them behind glass at a supper club. There's wood paneling on the walls and everything looks like it was filmed directly onto VHS.

One of my least favorite internet tropes is when people share a medium-hot take that is ostensibly uncontroversial and then add on ‘There, I said it’ as if they've made peace with their god about confessing the white hot rage they've kept locked away for years, morality and social norms be damned. Anyway, Steely Dan sucks. There, I said it.

I am a Dan-head, and had a blast buzzing through this record. Jazzy pop rock that is as tight as can be and chock full of hooks and grooves. They dip into some country, blues, dixieland, etc. but firmly sound like Steely Dan; unique lyrics and pristine sound.

Its good. 82/100

I’ve commented about the size of this project before and how ranking 1000 albums is going to inherently result in many mediocre choices being ranked. I’m a middle aged white guy, so I have plenty of time for Steely Dan. But this is obviously not their best work, and not even a fan’s choice of underappreciated album (I like “Coubtdown to Ecstasy” personally. It’s fine, and again as a middle aged white man, who doesn’t like to be reminded of that scene in Say Anything when John Mahoney is cruising around to “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number”?

pretty chill vibe

I know this is total dad music but I’ve always loved these guys. They’re not sweating the small stuff.

It's fine I guess.

I should have liked this more. No doubt they were influential though.

???

Never been a fan of these guys. They are obviously super talented but not my get down. And Donald Fagen’s voice is not my cup of tea.

3 out of 5 Quintessential yet background classic rock. I know their music well but would not seek it out.

Very focused album that while the production level is high and musicianship is strong the overall range of songs seems scattered.

Rikki Dont Lose that number. Marimba at the beginning? Id forgottwn about it. What is it. Like an album overture - hey everyone come in and sit down, the album is about to start. Mariba over i love the intro to this. Bam bum bum. Bam bum bum. Simple, clean, bit most of all beautiful tone then into the melody. Love the drums over all on this song. The overall groove is so laid back, deceptively casual, but the the drum fills crack and so precise. I bet they ALWAYS use a click track. Such a nice mix if constraint (guitar, drums) and passion (piano) to bring texture. Night by night. Synchopation (?) of the organ gives this such a funk feel. A few wackachicka guitars over this wouldnt be out of place. But there’s a real rock feel to the lead. Can imagine a Dread Zep cover of this. Any major dude will tell. How do they get that close your in the recording booth with them, but back of the hall feel to this? Drums different feel in this song. Very sparse on the fills, toms not as prominent in the mix. Feels less driven, more relaxed. Barrytown. These lyrics make a song whose time has come again! Can imagine this as a song in a musical. Something odd about the notes in thw guitar at the outro bit. Slightly flat maybe (almost a beep boop computer type feel) leading into a country vibe riff (which fits the song). East St Louise. Intermission? Off you go. Have a toilet break. The record will recommence shortly. Its fine an all but id like my ragtime(?new orleans jazz?) with a little less click track. A bit dirtier. Parkers band. Lovely guitar in the early part, around and playing. It gave me the bit of dirty i was missing the previous track. Through with buzz. Orchestral! Theres quite a mix of styles on this album but it remains very much a Dan sound. Pretzel Logic. Another sweet groove to this song, almost a blues groove to the bass in this. I like the Dan songs with a funk or swing or groove to them like this the best i think. I think it is the balance against the metronome feel and shows their craft well. Guitar bit at end sounded like they didnt know how to end it. With a gun. Great track. I could never sing this (yes cant sing at the beat of times, but the key changes, slides up and down - it rarely seems to rest on a note long before hitting another). Charlie Freak. Another favorite om this album. Love the kind of walking bass lines through this, the tick tock feel, the layering of violin??? Bringing in the intensity. Dark lyrics. Beautifully crafted. Monkey in your soul. The dirty bass!!! Such a good sound. Another great groove, bright horns, the guitar solo - reminds me of aomwthing but cant think what. Quick listen - as in not a drag to listen to. They dont fuck around (apart from that intro and intermission. Not much out of olace or wasted anywhere on this album.

Meh I forgot I listened to this tbh and had it unrated for ages. Oops That's how bland it was. Funnily enough I said something similar for another album of theirs 3 ⭐️

Frank Zappa for stuffy folks. 2/ 5

Ok. Pretty good. I liked barrytown and monkey in your soul.

Solid album, love the vibe and some songs to come back to 4.7

I've had Aja from Steely Dan already from this list, and any major dude would tell you it's nearly impossible to top Aja. This album does have a few more classic Steely Dan tracks on it, but it's not quite on Aja's level in both a production and creative level. But that just shows what a juggernaut the band truly is. This album is still very good. 4 stars Hard to pick between "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" or "Any Major Dude Will Tell You" for the playlist... I might add both, just because some albums on here have had no good songs to add.

Steely Dan is weird.

Definitely not what I expected. The mixing is superb and the harmonies sound great. A lot of variety but the sound is pretty consistent somehow. Some great guitar licks and the bass is particularly the driving force behind a lot of these tunes.

Rikki Don't Lose That Number earns this a full extra point, but ultimately this didn't impress me much.

Best Steely Dan albums are yet to come, but this too has great songs and those familiar Steely Dan chord voicings, strange arrangements and great story telling are already here. My favourite song of the album is Night by night. Donald Fagen's singing needs acquired taste.

IDK maybe this isn't their best album or I'm not in the right mood, but I just don't get this. I think the overproduction really lacks personality, and feels overcrowded, which I don't think you can really say for other production perfectionists like Brian Wilson. I don't really like the vocals either, probably preferred his solo album, pretty much everything is double tracked, so it just feels quite fake and tacky after a while. I think people call this jazz rock and I can't really see it, I think it would benefit from some heavier jazz influences, maybe that's what their other albums lean into. The blues Eagles esque guitar stuff is also really tacky imo. Favourite songs: Any major dude will tell you, Monkey in your soul. Overall around 5/10

It’s ok. Nothing here to get too excited about.

I still find them boring... But it's a bit better than the last album by then I suppose.

I feel like every day I alternate between loving and hating steely Dan. Tbh only their really popular songs usually resonate with me. My favorite on this was ESLTO which is odd considering it’s the only instrumental song, but it scratched itches that the other songs didn’t. I totally understand the appeal of steely Dan but a lot of their songs aren’t for me

Rikki Don't Lose That Number and 10 more songs you totally won't care about

Can’t go wrong with Steely Dan! The fourth on the list for me, similar to the first album I think this falls short of the 5 but still an easy 4!

I love pretzels. This album was good too.

Makes you feel like you’re in a montage about semi-corrupt cops in a 1976 Brooklyn, NY precinct… and that’s a great feeling. 10/10 recommend.

Loved the variety of instrumental styles even within a single song. Great first album to listen to! 7/10

I’m an absolute sucker for a maestro of the steel guitar. Put this guy in the turnpike troubadours. STRAIGHT GAS

Groovy and overall enjoyable

“Dad rock” before “dad rock.” Just impeccable recording. Everything sounds so clean, clear, precise, punchy. I found myself wanting to push the volume up—just enrapturing production. Musically, there’s a warmth to this record. Inviting, invigorating. Couldn’t stop listening and nodding my head. Something very nostalgic about it but not “old.” It’s been a while since a record just made my heart happy like this. Blues, jazz, rock, pop, bop—varied and inspired, every idea hits and is executed expertly. 9/10 Standouts: Night by Night -immaculate reeds Any Major Dude Will Tell You East St. Louis Toodle-Oo -just made me smile; Main Street, USA With A Gun Charlie Freak -really cool melody Really the whole record is a standout

Funky 70s grooves

Cool

grandioso faking album me gusto mucho escucharlo todo junto. No me obsesione con ninguna rola aun pero me encanto

Pretty cool to finally listen to them. I'm surprised I only knew the first song previously, the rest were decent.

I liked this back in the 70's, it dominated a portion of the radio airwaves and was certainly of higher quality than a lot that was being put out. Cool jazzy rock in a radio-friendly pop format. Mellow, brainy and sedate it was the soundtrack of every fern bar and Tupperware party.

It's fine, but given the current time I'd prefer more silk in my songs

With a gun, with a gun I will blot out the sun

I just don’t think I “get” Steely Dan. Occasionally there’s a song I like. But mostly it’s just good music on a telephone call I don’t want to be on. 2.5/5

1.5/5 I didn’t think this album was great at all. I thought the lead singer‘s voice was quirky, but not fantastic. The instruments were very tame, and the riffs were very flat. I understood from his topics that he was speaking cryptically as it was the 1970s. I won’t be going back to listen to this or any song on it.

How can you compare this to so many of the other albums on the list, TOP of the HEAP! Steely Dan just blows so many other recording artists away. The song Pretzel Logic is so good: “I stand upon the platform The man gave me the news: He said you must be joking son Where did you get those shoes?” The guitar solo rocks, the organ and the piano rhythms blend so well. The horns and guitar licks near the end, are the icing on the cake This is one of my favourite Dan tracks. Charlie Freak, so well written, and Rikki is outstanding. I would have given this a 5 star, but there are a number of weaker tracks

What a great album! I've been really loving Steely Dan lately. It's funky and chill. Just great background stuff and at the same time actually worth sitting down to listen to!

Not a huge S.D. fan

I'm a white man, so this a 4 at least.

listened

I knew Rikki Don't lose that Number already. Night by Night was good. Really liked the horns there. AMDWTY kind of just sounded like every other SD song. East St. Louis has a great first 30 seconds, I like the beat. Not so much when the next phase starts. Parker's Band was good. Again just generic SD sound imo. Through with Buzz was eh Really liked Pretzel Logic (first min kinda slow, guitar was needed). With a gun was a nice change for song 9. Not an amazing song though. Charlie Freak good piano. Eh singing. Monkey in your soul mid. Good horns though.

7/10

already heard this frikin great

Possibly the best Steely Dan album I've heard. wonderful jazz, mixed with 70s adult rock. Yeah, this is a good one. 4.5/5

yeah it's good

5/5 The run of albums Steely Dan had in the 70s and early 80s was something else, full of masterpieces... and Pretzel Logic is one of them!

Yeah I thought this was pretty good. Dad rock for sure. Something to listen to in a garage while drinking a bar. Didn’t lost the momentum at any point all the way through. Would enjoy listening to again!

Finally got to listen to some Steely Dan. I liked this album, can't wait to listen more from them.

Yes the performances and production are immaculate, and the songs are well crafted. But holy fucking shit it's so god damn boring. I understand the praise this band gets, but it is not for me. I'll give it a 2 just because the production is genuinely perfect. Trying to view it objectively, I can't say that it's bad, I just strongly dislike it

Smooth, first time I heard about this band, look foward to dig deeper on their discog

I don't really want to be a steely dan kind of guy but maybe I should stop resisting and just embrace it. It's a 4/5 for me on first listen but I see the potential for 5 in here and I'm giving bonus points for the duke ellington cover.

На мій смак є суттєво кращі альбоми в дискографії. При чому що до цього, що після. Загалом приємний альбом, стиль присутній

Цікаво чому з усієї дискографії стілі ден обрали саме цей альбом. Я дуже їх люблю, і буквально будь-якому альбому який виходив після Pretzel Logic я поставив би 4 або 5.

Expected a bland rock album, and I guess that's what it was. I liked it though. Easy to listen to rock.

groovy!! wasn't blown away by aja when i listened to it a while ago but i was surprisingly in the mood for this kinda album today

2.5 but i can’t do that & this deserves to be rounded up rather than down, there’s been worse

Нет ни единой причины не любить этот альбом, как и впрочем быть в восторге от него. Он последовательный, хорошо написанный, отличный звук и смешной мужичок на обложке, есть пару хайлайтов, но в основном он просто классно ложится на фон. Возможно он вырастет на мне, но я так не думаю. 7/10 Highlights: Night by Night; Pretzel Logic

Maybe the most mid band of all time. But they kind of own it.

Started great then went straight to funk-a-licious town but then got too weird and "experimental."

I didn't realize how much I liked this album. It was good from front to back

I have a beef with this band for maybe dumb reasons but I don't fuck with them. Old fart music that makes me believe they were weird with young women back in their day. Ricky Don't Lose That Number I'd heard before. This stuff sounds dusty and uninteresting to my ears. The vocals are painful on this Monkey in Your Soul dirge. It's mercifully short but the odor of its pretentious is inescapable. Can't wait to rate this one star.

Pretz

God DAMN this is the whackest shit. I get they're virtuosos and whatever, but it's just so, so whack. RIP to Steve Albini, whose final post said it all.

Schon wieder Steely Dan ;-) Immer eine kleine Spur zu intellektuell und abgehoben, aber auf diesem Album vergleichsweise zugänglich, schon durch den großen Hit "Ricky don't lose...". Aber stark, und je älter ich werde, umso mehr funkt es zwischen uns beiden.

Love it.

I consulted ChatGPT to tell me why this sounds like music for psychopaths and it was an interesting reply - it is so perfectly cut and there is no 'unnecessary' sound anywhere - it is the antithesis of the music that I like. However, I listened to the album all the way through and appreciated - and respected - but did not enjoy and I think would not have enjoyed at any point in my life.

Had high hopes for this one given rikki and major dude but the rest of the album was a hokey flop for me. 2.5 rounded up

Very little to say about this one - that's not a bad thing, it's just an album I'd previously listened to before starting this project. Doesn't take anything away from this, though. It's a really, really good album. The jazz influences incredibly enjoyable - possibly the jazziest Steely Dan album for me?

The 2nd Steely Dan album I've had in the last two weeks and maybe my favorite from them. I remember hearing Rikki on the radio when I was still single digits. Dug it then, dig it now. I gave this album to my son when he moved out, along with some other well loved lps, Heart, Elton John, Pink Floyd etc. he's not really into this type of music but it'll remind him of me when he does get around to listening. I won't be around forever. I'm on the last day of my Covid quarantine, still feel slightly shitty but it's the best I've felt in a week. I feel like I've lost a week of my life and I'm pretty fucking salty about it. But anyway, as with all the Dan albums I feel like the songwriting and musicianship that goes into crafting these masterpieces is top notch. The guitar playing by Dias and Baxter give exactly what the songs require. I feel bad for people who dismiss this as boring. Boredom sets into the boring mind I guess. The depth, swing and feel is something I can explain to you, but I can't make you hear it.

Not my favourite Steely Dan, less memorable songs but very clear.

Classic

brilliance

Reminds me of music from the Anchorman movies and I mean that as a compliment.

Steely Dan makes music for white people who cross the street when they see a black person. This is Jimmy Buffett for people who are just a little ashamed to admit that they really like Jimmy Buffett. The best part of this album is that it's only half an hour long.

it's steely dan!!! wow!!! i'd say this is probably my least favorite album from them but that still means its really good given how great the rest of their discography is. i'll probably elaborate more on this if/when we ever get to Aja but it's really hard to argue against donald fagen and walter becker's pursuit of perfection being a bad thing for those later albums. can't really decide between 3/4 stars here so i'll just go on the upper end since i feel like i lean towards there anyways.

Good classic rock album, just vibed with it in general. No songs super stuck out to me.

I have mixed feelings about Steely Dan. Their songs are typically smooth and easy to listen to, but almost aggressively so, if that makes any sense. There's nothing NOT to like here. "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" and "Pretzel Logic" are the standouts. But there are better overall choices (just about every song on AJA, for instance) if you really find yourself needing a Steely Dan fix.

I never really cared for their minor chording

Warm sounding album. Really enjoyes.

Amazing album

Nunca los había oido. Me gusta. Ecplorare más de ellos. Musicalmente precisos, casi exactos, disciplinados pero rígidos.

This is objectively good, but soft rock/yacht rock has never been my bag. Night by Night was surprisingly more funky than I expected, though.

I was so ready for Steely dan to show up, but I was not prepared for day 2!! Last 3 songs end it on a slump.

i’ve only heard steely dan’s name in memes. first song was fun, feels like a lot of older songs i’ve heard. second song is also pleasant. sounds to me like this guy is a hippie. really thought this was going to be more rock. barrytown sounds like sugar sugar.

YESYESYESSSSS Spunky and yummy noises

Great musicianship and catchy tunes. Cant believe that it must have been a pain in the a** being part of the band. Fav: Rikki don‘t lose that number

A few jams but overall just awful. Yuppie shit at it's worst.

I’ve enjoyed every steely Dan project immensely and this one is no different .. love the fusion , and the instrumentation work . It sits slightly below Aja , which is one of my fav finds here but this is def gonna be in my rotation for some time

A very good Steely Dan album that tackles the pointlessness of nostalgia, drug overdoses, homages to jazz greats of the past and much more. The musicianship is fantastic but I’ve never warmed up to Fagan’s voice. It sure what it is that turns me off.

Favorites: Rikki Don’t Lose That Number, Barrytown.

classic rock, 70er

Proficient musicians, but I've never been able to stand their elevator music style of smooth jazz.

Positive steely Dan experience 4 stars. Idk what was up with the previous album I listened to

Pues me ha gustado. Es super groovy y es super entretenido de escuchar. Me ha sorprendido. 3/10

A band that knew what it was doing and seemed determined to enjoying the doing. One never liked "Rikki" as a kid but sees/hears the quality now. "Barrytown" and "Any Major Dude" are longtime faves, and everything else is tight, well-judged and purposeful. A wholly professional effort that offers good value throughout, if never quite reaching Aja-levels of transcendence.

The definition of dad rock and that's not a bad thing, loved this!

Better than I anticipated. Never listened to a Steely Dan album before

Not my favorite steely album but good nonetheless

Enjoyed it. Easy listening, gentle rock.

Eh wasn’t feeling it, a couple of hits but nothing I would come back to.

Surprisingly dull for a Steely Dan album, like an album full of filler tracks. Expected more from this one, but it just kind of happened and left no lasting impact like I’ve got from other records of theirs that I’ve heard. Great album cover though.

What's the number again?

One or two songs that get you going, but overall just ok. -2/5

Tuttu albumi, taattua steely dania :)

Really surprised by this album as it features different type of tunes, but it all works in one album. The songs are really well put together and it's a blast to listen.

Not for me

Pretty good, actually.

I believe real fans call them “Scully Dan”.

(82/100)

Fun listen.

Love this one!! 4/5

Yacht Rock Baby. This might be the hardest album cover of all time Best Song: Pretzel Logic Rating: 5.0/10 Stars: 3/5

3/5.

You don’t fuck with the Dan. Got some legend tracks even though it goes a bit saggy toward the middle-end. Finishes strong with “Monkey in Your Soul”.

Extremely dad/yacht rock and I must admit I love it.

Such a lively album. I think I’m a steely Dan fan

the definition of not good or bad enough to warrant a re-listen.

Love Steely Dan. Love a couple songs here. That said, I think a fair case could be made for this being the weakest of their first albums. Still good, but just not great.

1/2

Feels like a flashback to high school jazz band in the best way. Fun, silly, groovy, such a good way to spend 35 mins

I didn't hate it as much as I thought and it was short. That's my positive review.

Man, this is such uninspired middle of the road dross. The mid seventies was a great time for music and loads of the people on this being session musicians some of them must have played on some great stuff around this time. They're all clearly very talented musicians, but to me it is just drab. Ah man, even the ending is disappointing. The last track just stops. No grand finale here. Meh.

Its fine.

Has that early 70’s easy listening vibe, think Eagles or Jackson Browne of the era. Chicago may be the best comparison - bigger band with horns, piano driven etc. Has some 70’s colloquial language in the lyrics that feels corny today. Honestly I think all the lyrics are pretty saccharine. I’m not sure why this album would be in the list, it doesn’t feel special to me. Ricki Don’t Lose That Number is the hit in the album. Other notables include Parker’s Band - only due to the guitar solo at the beginning.

Five Stars!

Rikki Don't Lose That Number aside, this is incredibly forgettable. Too pop to be rock, too mellow to hold an edge.

A couple of nice earworms in here.

Honestly I could not wait for this to end. Fatigued half way through. Songs added to/on playlist: 0

Wow, I do not like Steely Dan. Feels like sad Dad music. Like at the end of a night when a Dad is drinking beer alone in the garage, thinking about his life choices...

really good and smooth

Will listen to this again. Great chill album with some really great songs.

4’5

Solid and worth a listen.

5/5 - Blues roots in an eclectic mix - Smooth grooves thru a set of murky spaces - Smart pop, reflective in abstraction - "I have never met Napoleon, but I plan to find the time." - "Those days are gone forever, over a long time ago." - The Dan does it again!

Classic

Yeah... No, one good song and a lot of long bits that should have just stayed on the cutting room floor.

Dan of Steel

It's a great album. However for me it seems to lack any memorable moments. I finished the album thinking "well that was fantastic but there aren't any songs I want to go back to". I'll probably go back to this one later and revise this review accordingly.

Musicians! - jazz 1974 could be theme music to 70s TV show, piano, horns Ricki don't lose that number Any major dude Barrytown 8.4

Très très cool Rock jazz Alan parson comme la dernière fois apparemment

This is an enjoyable listen. It's smooth, clever, and full of the polished musicianship Steely Dan is known for. The songs are solid and the vibe is consistent, but it feels like it’s just shy of something truly great. It’s a good album, no doubt, but just misses the mark a bit.

The songs didn't stick with me to be memorable and the sound overall was a bit safe.

Some nice bits of guitar here and there but otherwise forgettable.

I think it would be hard for Steely Dan to make an album I hated. It’s a mix of blues on lead guitar, jazz sax and funk bass that is pretty unique to them as an act (and feels uniquely American). For me though - this isn’t as strong as Cant Buy a Thrill or Aja. The second half has some skippable tracks that are almost instantly forgotten as soon as they end. East St Louis Toodle-oo should be deleted. I can’t give this more than 3/5

Not their best, but still features some string tracks. Polished as ever.

The ridiculous fun of Rikki Don’t Lose That Number is the highlight of this LP for me. The rest is less of a genre match with my tastes and doesn’t give enough to overcome that - despite enjoyable instrumentation throughout. I enjoy when they stray into pop rock Bowie territory. They have a funny use of language as well, particularly the term “major dude.”

Pretzel Logic doesn’t do much for me but the production is great and the musicianship is impressive and carries it along nicely, solid 3 for me

Not my favorite Dan album but still good

It’s kinda giving 70s sitcom theme tune. The opening track is one of those songs that you know from somewhere but don’t realise it. I thought this album was nice and a pleasant half an hour but it didn’t make much of a lasting impact on me.

Genius. 1 Star deducted for East St. Louis Toodle-Oo.

I don’t know, man… it’s a mixture between good and cringe… I was listening while charging my electric car. At first, while waiting, it was a fun listen, just like how I was enjoying the battery going from 12% to around 70%, fast… but as time went by, it became less of a joyful experience to listen, and I wanted it to end, just like my charging session

Muy bueno. No esperaba este disco, ya que no es de los más famosos de Steely Dan, pero me va que lo pongan.

Solid but forgettable

I don’t think I’ll revisit it, but it was more pleasant than expected for my morning drive.

Sorry. I find it boring..

Just not a fan of Steely Dan

Should be 2.5 - some are really good, while others are instantly forgettable.

Quite liked this one. Really easy to listen to and quite groovy in parts with some instrumental tracks in between. Vocals were quite clear.

Any Major Dude Will Tell You that this is yet another certified Dan-Banger, baby! Suck it Dan haters.

rikki dont lose that number- 5 or 6 night by night- 5 any major dude will tell you- 5 barrytown- 5 east st louis toodleoo- 5 parkers band- 5 through with buzz- 5 pretzel logic- 5 with a gun- 5 or 6 charlie freak- 5 monkey in your soul- 5