Reviews (page 9 of 14)
Reading about this album after a listen, it is obvious that compared to their other works that this album was designed to be more commercially viable/accessible. While it certainly worked, this album spawned their most successful single and arguably the group's most popular song. Unfortunately, I don't think that Steely Dan as a group shines their brightest when catering to what sells. Side A is clearly stronger with the first three tracks being the standouts of the album, Barrytown is decent and East St. Louis Toodle-Oo is a novel, funky and off-kilter tune. The only thing that really sticks with me about Side B is the refrain of With A Gun. Even though I consider this a weaker Dan album, everything here is performed and arranged to an extremely high standard without sounding clinical. It has all the hallmarks of Dan album, especially the lyricism. If any other band released this, it would be a great album. But when the band that did Aja and Gaucho release this, it's just good. Highlights: Rikki Don't Lose That Number, Any Major Dude Will Tell You
I can imagine a middle-aged suburban father named Dan Steele listening to this on a Sunday afternoon after church. It's okay, but what is it about this band that deserves this kind of love? Favorite Track: "Rikki Don't Lose That Number".
Didn't know the album. Probably I expected to much since I am not so convinced. There are some really nice songs on here ("Rikki ...", Barrytown, ...) but some don't convince me at all.
Superb
I love Steeley Dan but this album is not their best work. Sonically it's a little disjointed and the smooth production that you get on Aja and Can't Buy a Thrill is missing. Rikki Do t Lose That Number still slaps though.
It's a smooth ride with some catchy tunes, but it doesn’t fully grab me. The jazzy vibes and clever lyrics are nice, but it feels a bit too laid-back for my taste.
easy listening, i liked the lil instrumental interlude. some songs felt like they repeated for a bit too long
A nice easy-listening band from my youth with one hit on an average album. But not exactly setting the world on fire. I’d give it 2 only, except that there so much other dross on this list that, by comparison, its at least a 3.
Pretty darn cool
Inte min favorit Steely dan, men inte alls dålig heller. Stark 3
Some great music but not a lot of songs i connect to on this one, 3.5
Rikki var nice men inget speicellt
Hört om detta band flera gånger men visste inte hur det skulle låta. Visste inte ens om det var ett band eller en person. Men lät bra!
Super 70s tight musicianship, complex white guy blues/R&B/jazz so perfect it must have taken a whole gang of cocaine to get it all together. I don't love Steely Dan, but there are a few really good, interesting, sonically rich songs on this one, as well as a few mid throwaway wank jobs.
Very funny to go from yesterday’s album to Steely Dan, but it gave me a new appreciation for them.
Good easy listen
Unmistakably unique, Steely Dan brings it again.
The musicianship is undeniable. East St. Louis Toodle-Oo is a charming tune that shows off their chops. The overall sound is great, but there’s something about the vibe that bothers me. This feels like music for bros. I guess I liked it better than I thought I would.
Listened a lot to aja last month an am over steely danned atm. Aja is probably better, and this seems okay, but again not the moment to listen to more steely dan.
I like how well they fuse so many styles together and the blend often works extremely well (especially the more jazz sections and guitair solo). I was surprised I knew some of the songs on this album. Sounded slightly dated at times and routed in 80s. Lots of promise on this album but the bangers were only occassionally but as something to listen too while cooking or something I would definately come back to it.
Might grow on me next time round
These guys get better the more I listen. This one made me feel like I should give the others another go. Great opener with Rikki and the others created good vibes.
It was ok. Not really my thing
J - 3/5 Best Track - "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" F - 2/5
Weird but why not, easy to listen to
Kinda fun bunch of weirdos I guess.
3.5. ADD HALF STARS PLS
I like it more than I thought I would, but I wouldn't rush to listen to this on repeat. I like the music a lot more than the lyrics/vocals.
Can't quite make up my mind, good sound, weird narrative, perhaps I may have become obsessed if it had entered my orbit in the mid 70s. But it didn't, and for that I am thankful really.
Forgettable dad rock (no offence dad).
Steely Dan. Fint, men forglemmelig.
This album brings back a lot of classic memories and the first half is really good. Wide variety of sounds and instruments, the right mix of jazz and pop, got me loving some yacht rock these days. The second half is not as strong but still decent enough. However, I prefer a few songs of Steely Dan sprinkled throughout a playlist rather than in full album format. This was a lot of Steel Dany. 3.20 for pretzels.
Steely Dan brings the 1920s flapper swag with Pretzel Logic. Feel like I should be sipping an old fashion at a speakeasy listening to "East t. Louis Toodle-Oo." Other than "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" though, there are not any other real hits but it's still a decent listen. Does this album deserve a spot on the must listen list? Not so sure but the record cover boosts it a bit to a 2.59. I'll take a hot pretzel at 15 cents for sure.
love me some steely dan but this isn’t their best imo
high 3, almost a 4.
I’m not sure I’ve listened to much Steely Dan before, so Pretzel Logic was a fresh experience for me. I gave it a couple of spins today and found it to be an easy, enjoyable listen with a few standout tracks. The album has a lively energy and smooth production, making it accessible and pleasant. That said, nothing on it really gripped me or compelled me to hit repeat right away. It’s solid, but not particularly groundbreaking on first impression. Favourite songs: “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” is a clear highlight—catchy, confident, and effortlessly cool. “Night by Night” also stood out with its groove and punch. Least favourite: Honestly, nothing felt skippable. Every track was worth a listen. Album artwork: I love the cover—simple and iconic. And yes, lots of pretzels!
Sonically this one sounded really great but lyrically there was a bit to be desired. It was a quick fun listen overalls
Good vibe but a lot of boring shi
Decent tunes. I am not sure if it's for me or if I would listen again.
Hard to argue with the musicianship on this one. No particularly memorable songs on this album though. Check out 'Eleven Long Years' by Us3 for an excellent sample from 'Rikki Don't Lose That Number".
Not bad a little slow in places easy listening
This album has a good infusion of jazz sensibilities to Steely Dan's pop/rock sound. The best song on the album is Rikki Don't Lose That Number. Some of the other tracks are a bit forgettable, but overall the album is fine. The sound is very good.
This was more enjoyable than expected, and could very well make it's way to a possible roadtrip playlist as a repeat listen. This will be receiving a 3.5, however it will be demoted to 3 a three as it does not quite hit the overall heights of a complete 4.
Strong start with "Ricky Don't Lose That Number". Nothing stood out after. Won't revisit, I don't hate it, just doesn't float my boat. 2.5/5 raising to 3.
Bang average
It's always been an uphill battle to get myself to listen to a Steely Dan album for whatever reason. I have no reason to be Steely Dan averse, they've done nothing to me, and I even like a lot of their bigger songs, but frankly, I'd rather just think about the insane origins of their name than actually listen to them (look it up if you're curious). Anyways, sometimes the generator wills it, and here I am. Honestly, this wasn't bad, there are some really great highlights like Rikki Don't Lose That Number, Night By Night, and Charlie Freak, but as a whole I just kinda think this was pretty good. This isn't to say that I think Steely Dan sounds generic, they definitely have their thing going on, I just that I can't see what makes this essential listening in the wide world of '70s rock. Anyways, its a matter of time before the generator conjures more Steely Dan, so we'll meet again someday.
This album was one of those in heavy rotation in my older brother's vinyl collection so it seeped into me by osmosis: love "Ricki ""Any Major Dude," and the title track but a lot of songs don't stand out. Still, amazing studio work (as always) and songwriting. Love me some Dan.
Any major dude will tell you that this is a pretty solid, entertaining, and musically impressive 70s rock record. Kudos to the hell of a gong player (gongist?) on "East St Louis Toodle-Oo"
liked songs: Through With Buzz Good 3
my first steely dan album. not sure how I feel about it yet. is it bland and boring? without a doubt. but not offensively so. I'm perfectly happy to leave it on in the background and float away in its fuzzy sound. not a single song is even slightly memorable, but it's not awful. slightly toasted white bread of music.
Nice little indie vibe. Reminded me of the velvet underground
5/5/2025: solid, just not quite my vibe.
Good album!
Appreciate it, but do not vibe with it
I listened to it but forgot to come back to review. Then I realised most of it wasn't memorable except for the single "Ricky Don't Lose That Number". Maybe because looking back it sounds like generic 70s pop.
Sympa sans plus. Plus calme
Enjoyed the album. Nothing special that I could point out. This particular sound I have heard before. Plus I didn't have enough time like I usually do to breath with the album to think over it carefully. But from my one listen, the album is nice and gets your going. It's moving in the sense that it lifts my spirits. The final rating based on my current music taste: 6/10 21 April 2025
Don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t that. It was kind of all over the place and you never knew where it was going to next. Weird album. but not bad weird.
OK. Middle of the road
Not their best
Gentle rock and roll. A few good tunes, enjoyable
3.5
Feel like I need to give this one a few more listens. The three “hits” are super groovy. But some of the songs sound a little kitschy to me on first listen, which I know is sacreligious to say about the Dan. I’d never cut it off, but might not grab for it either.
not my favourite of their albums ( i'd go for goucho or can't buy a thrill) , slightly too many clunkers amongst the gold. 3.5
My only knowledge of steely dan was that there was an insufferably annoying person I knew in college who made steely dan their entire identity. They were always like 'duuuude you have to listen to him it will change your life' and I never did because they were annoying. Honestly after listening I can kinda see where they're coming from, some pretty catchy stuff in the beginning but the last 5 songs got super boring. idk if he ran out of ideas or if his ideas just weren't gripping enough to maintain an entire album. Either way, my life remains pretty unchanged.
Overall, I enjoyed this, it was easy-listening soft rock. There were some interesting instrumentals here, like the intro flapamba in "Rikki" and the cover of Duke Ellington's "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo", relying on guitar wah-wahs instead of a brass section. Perhaps most of the tracks were a little too soft-rock/clean, everything was a nice mainstream neat package.
Getting started. Song 1: a little too poppy and smooth. Vapid? Maybe. We'll let 'em cook. Alright, getting better on this second track. This album feels super uneven. Half the time it's the most boring radio-friendly rock, but then its got these wonderful interludes like East St. Louis Toodle-Oo. Basically, any time they're singing, it's worse, but intrumentals are solid. Bizarrely, all the most popular tracks are the worst ones (thought Night by Night is good and pretzel logic is okay). 3.5 Rounding down
this was a fun album. some of the songs were surprisingly complex, other songs I didn't even notice while they were playing.
quite good for bg, but nothing stood out, only 2 songs saved
Nice
I listened to this driving down a 2 lane road at sunset, surrounded by Joshua Trees, pink sky, orange hills. The vibes were right. Some interesting and unique arrangements. I like the country rock more than the jam band stuff.
There a couple of tracks on this album that I really like, but most of it is a bit too vanilla for me. I don't think I would seek the album out again, but certainly wouldn't mind if somebody twisted my arm to give it another listen.
5.5/10 Inoffensive and not particularly exciting, but the execution is very good I suppose. Highlights Barrytown
Favourite tracks: Any Major Dude Will Tell You Barrytown Parker's Band
3.5/5. Sometimes I am simply not white nor old enough.
Prior to Steely Dan, Fagan and Becker were in a band called Leather Canary. Guess who played drums in that band? Chevy Chase. I've heard that Chevy is a dick in real life... It's a shame he wasn't in this iteration of the band that put out this album. It feels like It could use a bit of the rough. WTF is this toodle-oo bullshit?
Fine. Great cover, interesting at times, pretty unremarkable otherwise.
Now I get what yacht rock is.
Really fun album full of funky/jazzy/rock tracks that as a whole are unique, but retain trademark Steely Dan sound. First half is full of feel good(ish) tunes that make for easy listening, back half is cooler and darker with creative and cryptic lyricism and storytelling. Fav track: Rikki Don’t Lose That Number
This album has elements that I'd typically like quite a bit. 70s rock with variety in sound, pretty solid songwriting, cool instrumentation, cool guitar tones in certain songs, and some jammy elements, but I just really couldn't get into it. I've never been against Steely Dan, but I just haven't really been able to connect with it.
This was fun. Cool fusions of sounds. Jazz, psych, soul, rock. I enjoyed this!
Don't lose that number ... ganz nett sonst
Rating: 3/5 | Favorite Track: Night By Night --- Eh, it’s fine. None of the tracks really stood out to me with the sole of exception of the funk rock of Night By Night. I just get quite bored by this safe sounding jazz rock and blues rock.
3.5
7/10 Enjoyed the first couple songs, got a little repetitive
The definition of a pleasant listen. Nothing all that special but it has a nice vibe to it.
Listened behind the desk at work, fun tunes but not so memorable
Un mix folk/jazz/rock pas inintéressant du tout. -1 pour la voix reloue du chanteur.
Fun album and funky
Good rock album, but I can't really say anything more. There's nothing that was outstanding for me, just some old regular rock songs
Bro why are all steely Dan albums ever made on this fucking list, they’re all the same
Kinda looses it's way half way through. Maybe more of a 3.5.
"Pretzel Logic" is a return to a more structured, concise, and intricate song structure, contrasting with the extended instrumental jam-like pieces that characterized their previous album, "Countdown to Ecstasy." The tracks on this album are skillfully blended with jazz elements and catchy pop hooks, while maintaining a sense of cohesion throughout the album. The lyrics are a a blend of darkness, humor, and irony, while the band's signature perfectionism and meticulous attention to detail remain evident. In addition to hit track "Rikki Don't Lose That Number," notable songs include "Any Major Dude Will Tell You" and "Barrytown." "Pretzel Logic" is arguably Steely Dan's best album and appears to be a turning point for the direction of future albums. Overall, the album feels like a fun Late night FM radio experience. (Not quite a 4 star, sitting closer to a 3+)
Passa una cosa amb aquest àlbum: està en aquella franja estètica dels 70 on estaven a punt de parir el so dels 80 i tot plegat és francament horripilant. Vist en perspectiva sembla paròdic, i no ho és, però alhora és injust jutjar-ho per això. Seria valorar-ne la qualitat amb un presentisme poc honest. Deixem-ho en que destila talent, originalitat, diversió i cursileria. Hi falta la força que sí hi ha en títols més depurats de Steely Dan.
Not the biggest Steely Dan but I’ve listened to their full 1970’s catalog over the years. In my opinion, this album is not better than Royal Scam, Aja or Cant Buy This Thrill - those are all 4-Stars for me. I do appreciate the Beckett/Fagan contribution to music. They write interesting music combining some cool Jazz, R&B, Funk and Rock elements. Lyrical compositions are very solid. I have to be in the right mood to listen to Steely Dan - they are not a band I can listen to over and over.
ik denk toch wel dat dit album het meest tot zn recht komt als mn vader het aanzet op de platenspeler en gaat dansen
would vote 3.5. It's very good, maybe just not as much to my taste
Pleasantly surprised! again, it’s not something I’ll return to often but the album has a great sound and it was a fun listen
i like pretzels
They're very good at their instruments I just don't like the genre they like to play But I didn't think i would ever give a Steely Dan or Steely Dan-adjacent album more than a two, and here it is at three?
Luv Steely Dan. Simple as. 'Night by night' and 'Pretzel logic' are highlights even if it doesn't reach the heights of Can't buy a thrill and Aja
Other Steely Dan albums didn't click with me until a few listens, perhaps this will end up the same. The highs of Aja and the Royal Scam aren't reached here. "Rikki don't lose that number" might be one of their biggest hits, but it's dishwater dull.
It’s okay. I don’t actively dislike Steely Dan, but I’m never really moved by their music, either. Charlie Freak 2.5
Good. Down home-y vibes
You can definitely feel them starting to head in the funky direction - and i say that in the best way possible. Rikki is a classic, any major dude is of course a crowd favorite. But the self-titled track is probably my favorite on here. So blues and groovy. Can't buy a thrill is still probably my favorite, AJA a very close second. Then Pretzel Logic. Such a great band - always so so so tight. Idk how people don't like SD - it makes no sense to me
Actually acceptable and not as bad as Aja which made me want to not have ears.
Here I am, 42 years old, listening to Steely Dan. The conversion to midlife is complete.
"Rikki Don't Lose That Number". Classic. Skipped through the rest of the album. 3 stars.
First time listening to this album, but the third one from Steely Dan that i'm listening to. It was quite good. Think i prefer both "Aja" and "Can't Buy A Thrill" over this one though.
3.5
I think this lackluster score more so reflects my lack of appreciation and understanding of this era of music. I hope to one day be able to appreciate this album. Though there was quite a wide range and diverse sounds explored.
Ihan passelia musisointia, paria kappaletta voisi kuunnella enemmänkin. Ok.
Easy flowing and lovely music. Always had a special place in my heart for Steely Dan mainly because my favorite artist, MF Doom sampled them so much. This record is sequenced and mastered so beautifully, it’s so easy on the ears. Nice one.
Heard a different Steely Dan album before. With this one I'm conflicted. On the one hand no songs really stood out to me. On the other I kinda liked the album? Something intriguing about it 3/5
Album cover is so hard and the album doesn’t quite reach its level. But the music is still good enough for an enjoyable album!
Fun and groovy, nothing much else
I feel like I rate a lot of albums here 2 or 3 since must don't leave a big impression on me. Same goes for this one, it wasn't bad at all it was actually quite enjoyable, however it is nothing special really. I will give it a weak 3 star rating.
003.Pretzel Logic; Steely Dan -not much has changed in society's attitudes since this was made, unfortunately. -Timely.
"Rikki" is a pretty solid groove if you wish Wings was meaner. "Night by Night" is for people who wish Wings wasn't so funky. "Any Major Dude" is the about the eighth best Wings song ever. The rest of the album is on par with Wings' Venus and Mars. If comparing Steely Dan to Wings doesn't reduce your Dannist adversary to a stutter, substitute Styx in there.
Spent the listen clocking samples pulled for other songs and Michael McDonald's backing vocals. [This is fine]
Wait... do... do I maybe LIKE Steely Dan? Am I unhip? I'd only ever heard about Steely Dan as a) the butt of a joke or b) that noodly band that only uncool dads like. I was surprisingly into this and I don't know what to make of that.
I'm a 50+ year old dad. Of course I have this album. I think we all get the Steely Dan discography when we turn 50. Sort of like getting your first AARPA invitation. I assume this is on the list mainly because the author was also a 50+ dad. 3 stars = 1 for being Steely Dan, 1 for being a passable album cover (something Steely Dan seems to have struggled with) and 1 for me being over 50.
Listening to this album was like having someone in “The Friend Zone.” You really like this person and quite enjoy their company. But there’s just something you can’t quite put your finger on that you don’t want to bang them. Same with this album. Just couldn’t quite say I loved it, but has potential with a re-listen.
Not as good as Aja, but still a solid listen. 3.5
Boring
Nice jams
It's fine. 2.5
Third Steely Dan album I’ve had. Already had Aja which I guess is their most famous. First thing which came into my head when I began listening was the long hot summers in the UK mid 1970’s. Then checked my notes of the first two SD albums I reviewed and saw that I said the same thing about them. So that’s final then. Steely Dan records are meant to be played on long hot summer afternoons with tequila cocktail in hand. In my book that’s a win. 3/5 31/1/25
#484. After the first it gets a bit uninteresting. 3/5: grandma rock
3.5
Rock with hints of jazz and fun guitar licks. Would recommend giving a listen.
High school days staple, overplayed tho
Solid musicianship if not the most exciting ever
Almost the very definition of mid. Not sure about including 4 SD albums on this list although the snippets I heard from other albums suggests something a little better May lie ahead. Expecting more from a Band named after a Dildo in a Burroughs book, though...
Mid 70’s mediocrity. Opening track is the strongest and is the one everyone knows. Had promise but just turned into a sea of “meh”
3.5
Overall a pretty pleasant listen! I knew of "Ricky Don't Lose That Number" of course but I never thought I enjoyed that song. Listening to it again I thought it was catchy and enjoyed the album overall. I think I'll go with a 3.
It's alright and I agree with the general opinion that it's by no means revolutionary when listening here in 2025. But I can definitely see the unique project and a great album in the 70's. Pretty cool with the Jazz inspired piece in the middle.
почему опять....
legalzinho, fiquei com a sensação de ser um rock meio genérico daquela época; ainda assim é bom, gostoso de ouvir, teria que prestar mais atenção na letra para saber se tem algo que o torna mais especial
Some of these melodies are Beatles songs, right? Barrytown for sure … but which one…
There were elements of this album that I liked better than Aja. But those elements didn’t last long enough for me to say I enjoy Steely Dan.
Way to go for dissing East St. Louis
Not my favorite but has some gems. Fagan is a brilliant songwriter, but this album feels disjointed and doesn’t have a good flow. If you’re a fan of the band (like me) you’ll still enjoy it. Otherwise I wouldn’t tell my friends you have to listen to this album before you die.
I wasn't thrilled about this one since I've heard Aja before and I'm not the biggest fan of it, it's good but I guess the clinical smoothness can get kinda tired. This album by comparison is far more fun, it has those classic Steely Dan smooth melodies but I feel like the music is far more lively and fun here, it's jazzy instrumentals with some classic rock leanings makes for a combination that just works really well with their style. A surprise for sure!
Nice enough 3/5
Really liked rikki don't lose that number, rest of the album wasn't too my taste but appreciated the vibe
Great sound. The harmonies are killer. A great listen clockin in at just over 30 min
3.5/5. Good, easy listening. Most of the songs on here were new to me. I was not blown away by this, and I can't say I'm compelled to come back.
mother of god rikki pls i’m begging you don’t do it
Dads everywhere are lightly bobbing their heads.
le doy un 7.5, me encanta steely dan y barrytown me gustó mucho
steely dan are not yet at the height of their powers but still a good if somewhat unfocused album.
I know that it's a Duke Ellington arrangement. They way they did it was wrong but I can't explain why. It's good music... but the stuff that it's about is so alien to me. It's all bougie bohemian problems.
first half of this carries... likely not a podium Dan album for me but it was the first of theirs i bought & has a couple favorite tracks. lacks the same refinement as the records that would follow it, but maintains its own identity in their discog with a heavier lean on bop phrasing. Rikki is an alltimer & Barrytown is one of my favorite underrated tracks of theirs is horace silver gonna show up on this list too
Not my favorite
Some fabled Steely Dan, at last. Never listened to one of their albums before. I can understand why this is so highly regarded by many, but I don't think my life has gotten richer today.
Aight
not gunna lie i was expecting more from this. it started out strong but i had lost interest by about the half way point. some nice full sounds but overall not as grand as i was hoping.
Steely Dan is kind of like straight glucose syrup. It’s objectionable good. REALLY good. But it looses its luster as we scoop it into our mouths. This is the last album with the “original lineup” and these guys can play. The instrumentation and arrangements are flawless. These are the players’ players all together to make objectionably amazing music. But by halfway through the under 40-minute album I was tapped out. There are a couple songs that really caught my attention, but other than that it was a lot of just “damn these guys are good.” I think other releases (Can’t Buy A Thrill and Aja) are better as full album statements. Saved songs: - Any Major Dude Will Tell You - Pretzel Logic
This is the first repeat album for me because I got about 10 albums in before I restarted with my current group. I’m glad I listened to second time I will say. It’s chill, I added a couple songs to playlists last time and added a couple more this time too. Really enjoyed East St. Louis Toodle-Oo! I always enjoy and appreciate Stanley Dean.
A few really good songs, some kinda lame songs. Great production and arrangements.
Love Steely Dan
Album was OK for me, just not my thing. But I liked Barrytown and With A Gun.
Hey Rikki, lose my number
For some reason the phrase "Any major dude..." just makes me chuckle. It feels like an old person trying to be hip. Then Barrytown says how he likes things the way they were and discussing hair cuts. There is something old man shaking his fist at youngsters, but also having long hippie hair and Jesus sandals. There are some cool sounds like East St. Lousis Toodle-Oo. And Rikki Don't lose that number gets stuck in your head. But those two also don't feel like they should be on the same album. I can sing and bop along to it, but there is just something slightly weird or off if I really listen to it. I will go with a 3 because I might be turning into that old hippie...
I like the music. It's jazzy and interesting. Great instrumentation. I can appreciate it for it's musicality but the songs just don't draw me in. My favorite song by Steely Dan is "Go Back Jack and Do it Again - Wheel Turning Round and Round"... that one isn't on this album.
I read an interview once with modern rock star, Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent, stating that anybody who works for her at setting up her equipment and sound gear for her concerts must use Steely Dan records to compare to because they are so pristine in their production. This album is impeccable in sound. My issue with Steely Dan has always been that their songwriting is just so bland. There’s little in the way of a great hook to latch onto, “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” aside. I truly want to love them, and believe me, I’ve tried. They’re just one big snooze fest to me. I’m also convinced that my birth year, 1974, was one of the absolute worst years in rock music. There are very few albums I’ve heard from that year that hold up as any truly great piece of art. That makes me so sad considering all of the years surrounding have some of the best records made throughout recorded history.
easy listening but every song sounded similar to me. fav was with a gun or rikki don’t lose that number nothing topped midnite cruiser for me
I mean, I saw another review that said it was classic dad-rock for guys who wear socks with sandals, and I don't disagree. I respect the musical skill, but nothing stood out to me. Maybe I listened to too much WZLX growing up, and the hits are overblown. Ironically my favorite jam was the instrumental East St. Louis Toodle-Oo.
Was alright more easy listening
I don't really get it. I can't understand why there are so many passionate five star reviews defending this mediocre album. It was decent funky jazzy rock, but completely uninspiring. Any lyrics that stood out were just lame rhymes
Fun to listen to, I liked Barrytown.
Moody und entspannt was
Pretty generic Dad rock. Some decent tracks but some of the lyrics were genuinely dreadful.
Yeah, it's ok. Some decent tracks. But just didn't really hit any peaks for me.
Pas mal
Soft rock. Great musicians, some good tracks. A tad boring.
Ooh, yacht rock from a famously technical proficient band. A bit borderline on the honky tonk bits but the the hit song is enough to drag up to a 3 star.
Completing the Steely Dan section of 1001, and it starts off with a literal bop in "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" but then its veering off into their default mid 70s jazzy rock, horns an all. Now quite as Chicago-y as the Aja album, but the road has been laid...
WOW LOVE THIS GUY!
I have a decent appreciation for Steely Dan and that laid-back jazz fusion sound that they nail, but I didn't end up liking this album as much as I thought I would. Fav tracks: Rikki Don't Lose That Number, Any Major Dude Will Tell You, Barrytown
Not bad
I enjoyed this way more than I thought 3.75
Better than I expected. π stars out of 5.
I guess I liked it, just think it hasn't aged well.
A quality ole rock album.
Vibey
Lidt bluesy, country, god wah-guitar. Connectede bare ikke rigtigt med det. Men behageligt nok at lytte på, kan dog ikke rigtig huske nogen af sangene bagefter.
It's a pretty solid showing from Steely Dan. However, I just don't like Steely Dan's sound that much. They're fine, but they're not my favourite, and I don't think they will ever be (but I'm always willing to change).
Mostly dad/yacht rock and easy listening, but there were a couple of songs where it seemed like they were playing with sound in a fun and interesting way. "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo" is kinda a bop. And "Charlie Freak" was unexpectedly fun.
better than aja but still not my vibe
I was expecting more tbh but it was still fine
Just fine. A few songs stood out to me like Rikki Don't Lose That Number and Night by Night. But the rest kinda fell flat.
Only liked a couple on this steely Dan album.
For every song I really liked, I felt like there were 2 or 3 that didn't do it for me.
Pretty good
Steely Dan is an artist I’d heard of but never listened to before this challenge. 3 albums down, I think I’m starting to get it. Music that sounds like it belongs in TV theme tunes. Technically very good music, but all very sanitised and safe, while the lyrics make little or no sense most of the time. I don’t hate it.
Not bad
I thought it would be better.
Some big hits, but the rest? Ehh… inoffensive and easily forgettable background.
I think this is the 4th Steely Dan album that I've generated. I get it, virtuoso musicians weaving pop and jazz into the most well executed yacht rock around.
better than the other one tbh
Easy listening. I've heard these songs before, and I've heard of Steely Dan, but I never knew to put the two together.
P good
Enjoyed this, 3.5
there was nothing too outstanding about this. Pretty standard rock album with nothing that caught my attention. Was it terrible? No, would i listen again, No
Ever been to a fancy burrito place that prides itself on super high quality "artisan" ingredients? They carefully craft each part of the burrito with their own special recipe, but then when they put it all together, something is missing from the completed package? That's kinda how I feel about Steely Dan. I enjoy listening closely to Steely Dan because there are so many layers of quality. Yet, when you pull it back and listen to the whole, I never find myself really loving any Steely Dan songs.
I like Steely Dan I’ve discovered, but the number of their albums on this list is absurd.
Perfectly competent and even interesting at times. Not sure if my life is that much more complete after listening through. Might be worth a revisit.
pretty good
pretty good, not the biggest steely dan fan, but they do put out some good music.
J'ai vu cet album comme un hommage et une réinterprétation rock de styles blues-jazz. S'écoute bien, mais je ne suis pas outillée pour voir l'originalité ou la virtuosité du groupe.
A decent 70s record with “Dad Rock” vibes. Favorite track: Night By Night
A bit MOR for me but I gave it a few listens and it was quite nice to listen to. Not sure I’ll be adding it to my collection but I may revisit it on my streaming service
Favourite track: Rikki Don't Lose That Number.
Cualquier disco de Steely Dan es una obra perfectamente compuesta y ejecutada. Su influencia en los 70 marcó a grupos tan importantes como Supertramp que ese mismo 74 publicaron Crime of the century, el disco que les condujo al camino del estrellato, marcado por los parámetros de Fagen y Becker. Igualmente bandas tan impresionantes como Tears for Fears o Prefab Sprout presentan una huella de Steely Dan, por no hablar de Deacon Blue que se pusieron ese nombre a partir de un tema suyo. Son una banda para oídos exigentes. A mi particularmente no terminan de gustarme, prefiero a los antes mencionados, pero eso no quita su valor. Pretzel Logic es junto con su debut el disco mas disfrutable. Lleno se canciones AOR en el buen sentido y con una gran variedad de matices y estilos pero siempre con la calidad marca de la casa. Rikki es su tema más conocido pero la titular es otra joya. El grupo suena fenomenal con buenos teclados y metales. La producción exquisita. Otros discos de 1974: Brian Eno, Neil Young, Stevie Wonder, Gram Parsons, Kraftwerk, Gene Clark, Supertramp, Genesis, Bob Marley, Big Star, Neil Young, Tangerine Dream o los imprescindibes directos de Van Morrison y Bob Dylan. También los de New York Dolls, Tom Waits, Mike Oldfield, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Steely Dan, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Minnie Riperton, Brian Eno, Roxy Music, ELO y King Crimson
Steely Dan just doesn't really do it for me. Nothing here that I hate but nothing I love either- very middle of the road. The guitar/drums are nice but I can't get into the vocals. 5.25/10 (2.625/5)
I got a noogie from an older kid when I was in 3rd grade for saying Steely Dan sucks, that was my intro to the band. They weren't KISS or Earth Wind & Fire or the BeeGee's so in my young mind they weren't worthy. Today, I know their greatest hits and all the radio songs really well from all the airplay and movies they were in. They grew on me over time. I consider the opening track, "Rikki Don't Lose That Number", to be a true classic rock radio track. The songs after that are mostly new to me. I had heard "Night By Night"I believe, and "Any Major Dude..." felt oddly familiar. It's a very accessible album with mix of rock, mellow,ness horns, jazz and pop. I didn't feel compelled to skip tracks. I can't say it would make my Top 1001 but I enjoyed listening to it and understanding where their popularity came from.
Eh not bad.
Sorry to the Deely Stans in here but I have yet to be completely moved by them.. but I think it can be done! I thought this was good but just didn’t click for me entirely. Awesome cover though
Nice vocals
Couple of classics. Not their best.
Prefer some of Dan's other work, but nothing wrong with this one.
Quite enjoyable
Blues-funk-jazz vibes. Très chouette, bonne énergie, donne un coup de boost quand je suis fatigué. J'ai malheureusement pas eu le temps de le finir. Mais sinon c'était sympa.
- Well...I liked this more than Aja, but less than Countdown to Ecstasy. I have heard a lot of Steely Dan recently. - Found "Barrytown" to be a fun groove. And there was some interesting guitar in "Charlie Freak." - Get out of here with "East St. Louis Toodle-oo"...pick a lane! Are we old timey jazz or something modern?
Surprisingly cool little rock band. Nothing that special, but was a fun listen and something new to discover.
Gear: Abyss DIANA MR (vegan) Artwork: 🥨😎🌡️ Produktion: 🎧😘🤌 Musik: 🎸🎷💎...🤷♂️ Wertung: 🥨🥨🥨/5
I didn't listen to the whole album but I listened to most and feel like I got the gist of it. It's easy listening and peasant enough but not super interesting to me.
None of the songs stood out to be but a nice album overall
First song is great, the album peters out after that.
Not bad
This was my introduction to Steely Dan - a memorable album, but memorable only because I discovered them through here. I’ll give it another listen but I doubt that it will change my mind regarding the scoring.
Pretty good not my favorite steely dan
Not a fan of the Dan
Honestly, a little underwhelmed by this album overall. With Steely Dan songs I'm more familiar with, what sets them apart is their long, intricate solos and musicianship as opposed to the songwriting itself. Seeing as this record only had a 33 minute runtime, none of the songs had time to really breath, let alone go on to showcase the instrumental skills that Steely Dan are known for in my eyes. Still a terrific band, but this record didn't have a lot to write home about for me. Notable Tracks: - Rikki Don't Lose That Number 5/10
Rikki Don‘t Loose That Number - schon in der Kindheit gehört. Mir gefällt es als solide Hintergrundmusik mit viel Gitarre und einem Touch Jazz/Funk darin.
Bekannt für Eröffnunssong, kannte aber Band nicht. Solide Platte mit hörenswerten Lieder.
I really liked the opening song, but I wasn't a huge fan of a lot of the album. I think it just isn't my type of music.
Kinda funky jam tunes. Pretty boomer-y but not bad.
High 3+. Solid album.
First album I listened to on 9/25/2024.
I like Steely Dan but I'd probably only listen to a few of the songs on this album.
Love a few songs from this album, already had it saved. Don't know if I would listen to the whole album on repeat
I've never been happier to see an album is only 33 minutes long. Ended up not hating it. Poppy and upbeat. Not like the Steely Dan my dad listened to.
Classic
very fun
Ok Steely.. I dig it.
Very undecided on this one.
Not as memorable as Aja or Can’t Buy a Thrill.
# 324 : They've done a pretty decent job, good album, I like the hits of course, I wouldn't spend my hard earned money on this, but I'd listen to someone else's copy again ;-) Favourite track : Rikki...
When this popped up my reaction was “I know the name Steely Dan, but I don’t think I know any of their material”. Then ‘Rikki Don’t Lose That Number’ opened the album and I immediately knew it from the odd radio play here and there. ‘Pretzel Logic’ has every element of it that would scream “yeah, that’s up your alley”. However, I found this to be a bit underwhelming. As if the half hour just zipped on by followed by my immediate “well that’s that then” reaction. This is essentially jazz fused with rock and blues and at no point could you say any of it is particularly bad. But nothing here is lighting my musical tastes on fire. The musicianship is efficient, the vocals are fine, and the production is clean and slick. It's just that if there was ever an album that could join the pool of standard sounding dad rock from the otherwise golden age of the 70's that hasn't aged particularly well: 'Pretzel Logic' would be it. This is one of those LP's where I can appreciate it for its elements, as I didn't dislike the album. But I simply wouldn't be seeking this out when there's a plethora of similar artists who made far more interesting music. So it rounds up into the appreciative 3/5 category for me. Good, but ultimately forgettable.
Rating: 7/10 Very good, they have better albums though.
Solid record, with impossibly close harmonies and typically impeccable recording of Steely Dan's output. Overall, doesn't quite meet the scale of it's own ambitions, which seem to be to combine all popular American music forms (and a little English folk music) into a cohesive whole. The record is predictably strongest on tracks where Fagen and Becker are in their most comfortable milieu of jazz-pop synthesis. 'Ricky' is one of my least favorite of their more popular songs, but it and the album's namesake track due have more confidence than the groups forays into other genres.
I liked it, but have to admit, it hasn't dated brilliantly. Some wonderful guitar playing, piano, keyboards, trumpet, etc. But the start of track two sounded like the start of CHiPs.
It's amazing how many songs I've known forever and had no idea were by Steely Dan. I guess Rikki Don't Lose That Number is another one. This album was very strange. I thought it was going to be more yacht rock, but I was mistaken (kind of). It starts off that way, and then it kind of meanders everywhere. It's a weird mix of blues, jazz, show tunes, country-western, and whatever the hell else they felt like doing. Night by Night is a great song — goes much harder than I was expecting, with a super funky bass line and crazy guitar solos. The guitar riff on Any Major Dude is pretty sweet too. Parker's Band is a fun jam. I have no idea what's going on with most of the rest of the album. There's a bizarre foray into burlesque music on East St. Louis Toodle-oo. With a Gun is like a mix of Billy Joel, The Who, The Monkees, and Johnny Cash. Charlie Freak could be a Regina Spektor song. The musicianship on this album is ridiculous. There are tons of amazing bluesy guitar solos, fun sax riffs, and good drum and bass grooves. But it's so all over the place, and there's always a weird undercurrent of yacht/dad/lounge rock to everything. 3/5 — I guess I didn't hate it, but there aren't many songs I'd put on repeat.
It's fine. Very good in parts. It's very white.
The album was better then expected. First I was very skeptical but “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” is a very good song. Some songs were not as good as others but overall it wasn’t the best thing I heard but also not the worst and it’s something I would enjoy listening to again, especially the song mentioned above. I also noticed that I was a big fan of their instruments in each song, whereas the singing is kind of mid and nothing breathtaking.
Nicole vond t 1 ster. Ik vind een aantal nummers wel leuk
The song writing is very high quality at times, but the album is ultimately by the mundanity of 1/2 or more of the songs. Absent any noticeable passion, the well-constructed nature of the music is such that it begs you to listen carefully, which for me at least lacks the payoff in the songs themselves.
Not my favorite by them by a long mile, but solid enough.
Sorry Jojah. Steely Dan is boring. I’ll give this a 3 for production and a few good tracks towards the start
So I have never sat through a Steely Dan album before. In fact today was the first day I'd asked myself whether Steely Dan was one guy or an actual band. I really dug the sound on this. It sort of gave me soft rock 70s era Billy Joel vibes. I liked all the genre shifting and how creative they were with the some of the backing instrument arrangements. Some of the choruses are really big, with multi layer harmonies. Within 10 seconds of the song Night by Night I had to add it to my 'Liked' list on Spotify. It absolutely jams. It's probably my favorite on this album. Going to have to check out more of Steely Dan for sure.
Easy to listen to classic rock. I thought the two best songs were the first and last with the middle being okay. It's probably a 3.5 for me if we could give half stars
A little too jazzy for my taste but still wildly unique and interesting.
Another slice of fairly mediocre American forgettable rock. It’s just about ok and that’s it
Decent enough, but the first track is the only memorable one.
Good album, Saved 4 of the songs and would save more upon relisten.
Very good
That was good.
Unremarkable dad rock
Nice bouncy start. Great recording of "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo". That sounds like it's crossing into other genres until you look it up and find that it's a cover of Duke Ellington! Altogether, an enjoyable, poppy album. Very radio friendly.
One thing about Steely Dan is you know what you’re going to get. I don’t LOVE Steely Dan but I do enjoy the music and I look forward to listening to the album.
I love SD bit this is my least familiar album. I like it but like all the others so much more.
Fav: Barrytown Least Fav: Through With Buzz
2,5
I had only heard Rikki Don't Lose That Number going into this, and honestly wasn't expecting much. This album was certainly better than I expected. The problem is it just didn't connect with me. I really can't see myself listening to this again.
It's okay. Very shiny. Easy-listening.
really just fine on all marks.
Crazy to say, but other than a handful of singles, this is my first Steely Dan record. I've always had the impression that SD is a love-it-or-hate-it band. Which, having heard a couple full albums now (I sneaked in CBaT) I find that notion a little odd. There is something special in their blend of cool jazz and pop rock. I can imagine a different band trying to go for this sound coming out as boring. That said, I could see how this hyper clean, smooth, casual listening would have little appeal to some people. I might be one of them. The music is pleasant all around, but too safe for me to regularly listen to it. The outright hatred of SD I still don't get though. Feel like it's hard to have straight up bad time with something this chill.
Pretty solid. 3.5 if I could give it. No Aja or Reeling in the years
another 3, mot as bad as other steely dan albums on this list but i still cant stand them
Good background music
i wasn’t really sure what to make of this record. it doesn’t really seem to fit into any one genre, instead taking elements of many and combining them. there were songs i enjoyed more than others - ie rikki don’t lose that number - but for the most part, the sound didn’t hugely appeal. having said that, i would re listen to this album, because it’s interesting technically, and has some cool instrumentation.
A couple recognizable songs and overall a solid album but nothing here jumped out.
i dont hate it, but i dont get it
It's good enough but as ever I'm left wondering why they're quite so venerated
Never been in to the classic rock/dad rock scene. This album was a fine middle of the road outing that didn't overstay its welcome since it clocks in around 34 minutes.
Soft rock with some twang. Solid easy listening album. Best Song: Pretzel Logic
"Rikki don't lose that number" is decent (I hope Horace Silver was getting residuals for that intro), and musically it's pretty good, but I think I hate Donald Fagen. He just makes it so white and uncool. I'd probably like it if I listened more. 3.1
Better than I expected. I have a love/hate relationship with this band. Sometimes they are a bit too jazzy for my liking but this album has some nice funky bits that reminded me of Zappa. Also Rikki Don’t Lose That Number is such a classic that it makes up for some of the lesser tracks. Overall, a good listen!
Such a short album! I do enjoy their work but not a super high album in my head.
Pretty good, I liked it. 7/10
70's American rock. Good musically
Very fun listen. Nothing pops out but everything is streamlined perfectly. I wanna give it a 4 but I’ll give it a 3 cause it didn’t move me or whatever
Not my fav but still decent
Saw someone else say this is the soundtrack of suburban dads in socks and sandals, and they’re not wrong. They rated it 1/5, but I think there’s a little more to appreciate here than they’re giving it credit for. Some tracks are funky and fun. Some cool vocal harmonies, melodies, and guitar solos. It was on in the background and I was never once bothered by it but also rarely had any reason to listen closer. I’m sure this is someone’s favorite album, but I’m having a hard time seeing it as anything other than benign yacht rock. 3/5 Highlights: Night by Night Pretzel Logic Monkey in Your Soul
Well, it’s their best offering on here so far. Still does nothing for me though
This is a generous 3, makes me realize how much I like Katylied, Can't Buy and Countdown. Here they largely overcomplicate some basic generes and suck the fun out of them.