Aja

Bust out the nautical themed pashmina afghan cuz we yacht rockin' today

I know I love you better

So many meanings.

Rating: 9/10 Fuck it's actually really good. Listening to Aja in full there is not a single weak song and the album as a whole package is just really well made, basically to perfection. Really good musicianship all around and peak studio production. Even though Donald Fagen's vocals are one of the weaker parts, the lyrics are interesting and his synth playing is great. The weakest track is Home At Last, and I otherwise enjoyed every song. Favorites are probably Aja and Josie. Surprised by this one, am I in denial that it's just a solid 5?

Brilliant album. All the best musicians on the scene at the time. I guess you've made it when Wayne Shorter guests on your album. The production is the best I've ever heard.

felt like they were losing the plot a little bit at this point

High quality songs! Some take time to get used to but i like this experimental stuff!

Not their all time great but groovy as hell

RATING: 8/10 HIGHLIGHT: Aja LOWLIGHT: Black Cow

Yo this album is really good. I was concerned because all the Steely Dan songs I knew prior to this were from their first album, but my expectations were exceeded. Jazzy rock albums from the 70s are so my vibe.

Favorite Songs: Black Cow, Deacons Blues, Aja, Peg

Love me some yacht rock in the morning

8/10 Steely Dan had, by the time of this record, essentially become a studio duo of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, rather than the traditional full band of their earlier years. As a result, there was a huge amount of focus on the production of their music and, to that end, this album is a triumph. It sounds incredible, with everything so crisp, clear and coherent. It feels like that studio nerdiness paid of in spades when it comes to the sound of this record, but I do wonder if that precision resulted in it losing a tiny bit of soul that a jazz-funk record needs to sit at the top of the pile. If asked to categorise this record, I’d probably label it as nerd-funk. It’s well written, the grooves are solid and everything is handled with such precision that it’s hard not to get sucked into the flow, but it also has patches where it lacks a little bit of bite and hook that would elevate it to the next level. There are some clear moments when things do step up a notch; The drum and sax section from Steve Gadd and Wayne Shorter in Aja is superb, Black Cow is great, and Peg is probably the overall standout on the record. If they’d managed to get a bit more of the grit that Shorter added, or the hookiness that they conjured on Peg, this could have been a near perfect album. But unfortunately there are ocassions when things become a little too self-indulgent or long-winded and that focus and precision doesn’t allow it the room to breathe and let the slight dirt and grit of the best funk/jazz fusion to emerge. A lot of that sounds critical, but there is a vast amount to enjoy about this, and I did really get into it, but the fact that it comes so close to being an all time great, yet doesn’t quite manage to pull everything together over the whole runtime is just a little bit of a disappointment. Perhaps its one that will sit with me for longer and grow, but regardless of that this was a thoroughly enjoyable album, but I was just left with a niggling sensation that it could have been something even better. Black Cow - This is a cool, soft funk groove. There’s a nice simplicity to each of the lines, but they’re super in-pocket and deftly delivered The “big black cow” triplet stabs they use are delicious, and the rhodes solo has drifting swagger to it. And good god, does it sound good. It’s so crisp, clean and clear. It’s funny, because there’s not anything overtly exciting about this, but hardly matters because it’s so buttery smooth and satisfying. Aja - The counterpoint across the different instruments here is really nice and they use some slightly unexpected interval changes that add an air of mystery to the sound. There’s a nice slow groove to this again and the pulse of it is really pleasing to the ear. It’s definitely fairly self-indulgent in places, but there are moments when things get together so brilliantly that it’s forgivable, particularly when they get to the sax and drum section, which is brilliant and reminds me a lot of Weather Report. I’ve actually just looked it up, and the sax solo is played by Wayne Shorter of Weather report, so well done to my ears. This one’s a tiny bit of a mixed bag and meanders a tad in places, but when it peaks, boy does it peak. Deacon Blues - This is delightfully chilled, but has enough of a sultry groove to it to keep it driving along. The bed of sounds from the range of instruments here is so full and rich, but each have little moments where they pop out from the mix with touches of flair and nuance. The interplay between the lead and backing vocals is so, so tasty. There are some really lovely rhythmic punches they throw in here and there too that give it just a little dash of extra excitement. The only complaint I could have this is that it perhaps drags on a little too long, but it sounds so good. Peg - It’s funny, because I know this more from the sample used by De La Soul on Eye Know. Either way, it’s bloody glorious. That groove is so tasty, and the popping and rolling bass line against the sharp staccato guitar and drums is so funky. There are some great hooks and so much depth to the harmonic structure too. Everything about this is delightful and again, it sounds exquisite. Home At Last - There’s a bit more swagger to this. It’s not got the hookiness and punch of Peg, but there are still some really great moments and the tonal mix is still incredibly solid. The rhythms are compelling and the vocal harmonies are really excellent. Top quality soloing again, as you’d expect and some well balanced and perfectly placed horn work too. In fact, the more I listened to this, the further it dragged me in. It really is quite nice. I Got The News - This leans a bit more towards jazz, particularly from the piano, but persists with the snappy beats and insistent groove of the bass. As with the last track, there are some really excellent vocal blends. It’s a track that doesn’t really deal in hooks, but the vibe is really high quality. The solo work is really nice, and the guitar tone on that solo is so, so smooth. Josie - A nice, strolling funk-soul number with great swagger. The vibe is smooth, but has the odd moment of bite, but it’s also lacking the hooky moments of the record’s choicest cuts. The soloing is cool, everything is super-clean and crisp and I think it’s decent enough, but it just feels a little too clinical and slightly lacking in the soul and edge that would help it stand out.

One of the best-sounding records ever made. Even if lush 70s jazz-rock is not your thing (although it is mine) you can marvel at the playing and production. 4⭐️

Ik wil dit album leuker vinden dan dat ik het daadwerkelijk vind. Het is zo gladgestreken in de studio. Tegelijkertijd staan er wel erg lekkere nummertjes op.

Would be a 3, except that Peg is amazing.

Sind glaub 2-3 doom samples drin. Und eimal de la soul

Would I listen again: yes This was niiiice. I didn’t know what to expect from steely dan but this was lovely, jazzy and very easy to listen to. Singing definitely reminded me of Billy Joel in parts. Love black cow!!

Steely Dan are unquestionably the most controversial group of the classic rock era; one half find them insufferable, unbearable elevator muzak that spits in the face of all that is exciting and good about rock and roll, the other half find them geniuses, sarcastic parodists of an entire decade (The 70s—in all their horror and glory—are represented best by Steely Dan) who accomplished their work by hiding it in the catchiest, most professionally performed and recorded songs known to man. I tend toward the second view. Steely Dan cannot be understood unless one pays close attention to the obvious disjunction between their lyrics—bitter, sarcastic, literate, at times horrifying—and their music—smooth, placid, immaculately performed. This particular album leans a bit too hard to the “placid, overproduced” side for me—I don’t care much If a guitar riff is “tasty” or not—but only a bit. Best track: “Aja”

Never listened to a steely Dan album but this was far out! Strong jazz influences was not what I was expecting and a lovely interesting surprise. Still don't love the singers voice but have a new appreciation for the band

4 instead of 5 cause Peg sucks

Forse il loro miglior disco, molto bello

Steely

Steely Dan has such an established sound. Good stuff

Another solid album from Steely Dan. Not as immediate as “Can’t Buy a Thrill” but the jams are smooth and the sound is pristine.

I love steely dan but had ironically never heard this album outside of one or two songs. Pleasant jazzy feel in all the right ways

In Steely Dan we trust. 🫡

probably an album that annoys most people for its jazziness. it really sounds more like an actual jazz album to me than a pop or rock album. but it works great here. the 15 minutes of "aja" into "deacon blues" is pure bliss for me.

Fantastic album, great production.

It's a fine album, but I prefer their debut more. 7/10

Before: ngl I haven't heard of this before I'm scared. Kinda scared cos 1977 idk if it's gonna be cheesy or boring but idk Bowie proved me wrong with old music I liked his album. Black cow: I'm scared. Is this cheesy. Wait no I'm dancing. Actually I'm liking this! I wouldn't have chosen to listen to this before this but I actually like it so I'm glad! Is this jazz? I'm going into these albums blind so I'm usually surprised. Idk what I was expecting I think I was scared it was gonna be metal or smth. ANYWAY I enjoyed that song. Aja: I'm scared this is 8 mins am I gonna be bored or entranced? I like the intro. Oh I just looked up who steely dan are and I got the ick I need to remember to not let that affect me. Also I found out they are white?? Wow I enjoyed that instrumental! Deacon blues: this is quite laid-back. I like the bass moments they're giving After Midnight by Chappell Roan I think? Ew "make love to these women, languid and bittersweet" actually gonna throw up. I can't get the image of white hippies out of my mind and I need to cos I need to be objective 😔. I think my favourite parts of these songs are the instrumentals I rlly like them! Peg: I'm sorry my mind has been corrupted to the word peg... I can't tell when a song is cheesy like this is very twangy. I like the guitar in my left ear. Love the bass. Home at last: I'm liking this intro with the jazzy piano and drums. Ooo brass and sax! His voice gave me the ick again. I rlly like these instrumentals. I got the news: help when this started I didn't know if it was an ad. I like the funky guitar in my right ear. I love the way they put different stuff in each ear! Yayy brass! Maybe I should listen to more jazz because of my love of these instrumentals. Josie: ok I like this intro it's unique! Omg bass!! Woah I liked that there was a bit of silence and then drums. Now guitar solo! I liked that album. The instrumentals were amazing but the vocals were lacking, some lyrics made me cringe but I didn't process most of them so maybe they were out of context! Ranking: Aja Josie Black cow Home at last I got the news Deacon blues

# Album Name: Aja # Artist: Steely Dan # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: Not their best but a good album. # Top Tunes: D blues / peg / homeat last / Josie # Would I listen to it again? Yes

So slick, commercial and of high production value it’s hard to hear this as not simply a product. But it’s good.

Someone once told me that Yacht Rock is just Funk for white people (maybe it was on the YouTube classic show 'Yacht Rock'? I highly recommend the show) and I can't unhear it. As far as Bland funk goes, I have to give props to the smoothness of the groove. 4 stars.

Hermoso disco.

no esta dentro mi top

Nice jazz album

Very very chill album

aja-is this just while my guitar gently weeps? nice album. upbeat jazzy rock. pretty smooth. i dunno, it didn't really speak to me enough to be a regular listen. i'd give a solid 4/5.

very pleasant listen. i will probably remember the choruses forever

I would not describe it as steely jsyk

For some reason, my fingers felt completely frozen while I was sitting at my desk; I took a walk to warm up and listened to this album. This album ended up being a lot lighter than the cover suggested, if not in subject matter, then at least in aesthetics. While the cover looks dark and sinister, the sound itself is more soft rock, interspersed with horn sections straight out of a lounge act. Aja sounds like a band of middle-aged dudes in the best way possible, like a mid-life crisis in sonic form. Each song is carefully constructed to move between new and interesting compositions while staying relatively reserved and relaxed. While not every song grips me, Steely Dan sound like a band doing exactly what they want to do, and I find a lovable charm in that. Highlights: Deacon Blues, Peg, Home At Last, Josie

yeah steely dan is hella cool, don't even know what to say past that. their music really scratches the itch in my brain for some reason.

I discovered ''do it again'' from this artist, which I like a lot, the vibe is great

Suenan realmente bien

Black cow, a brilliant start to a hopefully equally brilliant album. Aja, a more intimate track slowing the pace down for a more hyponymic and melodic experience, great piano and drums on this track. Deacon blues, a funky jazz-like track boasting steely dan's talents in production and song writing, a treat to listen too Peg, simply put an easy and infective listen, the most streamed for a reason. Home at last, an emotional track with great instrumentals and an easy listening beat, a culmination of the album so far. I got the news, a slower track on this album, the weakest link but still a great listen. Josie, the final track on this great album, and a great closer. great album. overall, 4/5

It was jazzy and fun MF doom sampled

Really enjoy this album, lots of jazz fusion and some absolute bangers interspersed in. Not quite the equal of Can’t Buy a Thrill but still great. Fave songs: Black Cow, Peg 4/5

high 4 Its good but a bit samey. 2 cracking singles. the more i listen the more i like it

Slow 70s woth good instrumentals. E joyed

Better than Coldplay

Not really a Steely Dan guy, but Aja is undeniable. Drum fills on the title track go nuts

This album is really excellent. To be fair I already loved Steely Dan but I had a lot of fun listening to this one. Closest thing to a 5 so far, but I dont know, just think 5 requires something above and beyond. But great album none the less.

Catchy

My favorite Hip Hop artist have sampled this album extensively - I've heard it interpolated in do many ways. Hard not to love!

Technically, great. Still sounds like clay yacht rock to me

Is it good, or is it just the kind of music I like? (That's me, total yacht-rock fanatic.) Eh, either way, it feels much better than some of what I've heard here.

Wasn’t expecting smooth jazz, new interest of mine now thanks to this album

Luscious production, impeccable musicianship, tasty… but it’s kinda much ado about nothing, as there’s no real message or emotion driving it. It becomes self indulgent to sing about how your date forgot she’d already seen a movie. Now, every drummer on the planet should listen to it as it’s a masterclass in drumming…

I've had this hyped up for me a lot and I've come around quite a bit. Pretty relaxing yet technical.

Goei funky v.i.b.e.s.!

Dit staat te boek als de ultieme dadrock maar ik heb dat nooit zo begrepen. Ik vind dit echt de pot mosterd waar Geordie Greep een flink aantal eetlepels uit gehaald heeft. In any case, it slaps

Steely Dan!! ♥️ veel kende ik nog niet maar allemaal goed swingend en relax

mislim da sam službeno bumer jer mi se ovo dosta svidjelo i bilo mi je žao kad je završilo... eh, šta ću. ako se dobro sjećam, bolje od prethodnog njihovog albuma koji sam slušo, pretzel logic

chill

What's not to like on this album. So smooth from start to finish. Perhaps missing out on those more electric tracks like "Rikki don't loose that number"

Really solid album from the dad rock legends themselves.

Yeah, yeah, yeah... It's a classic, for sure. So are HiFi bros, smoking cigars and drinking whisky. I want to give this a 3, but it really is a 4 unfortunately.

Nice

"Aja pronounced asia" alright, buddy.

exactly what youd expect it to sound like

Great album, fun to listen to. Steely Dan is a master at piano and composition

Great album, amazing recording for sure, but can sound a bit too perfect at times.

Not my usual choice of music but it's still a good album. Smooth grooving riffs all throughout.

I have listened to this album 50+ (100?) times. It is one of my dad's favorite albums. This album is really not my jam, but my endearing love for my father has informed my rating.

I love Steely Dan. A very well-constructed album with some amazing musicianship and songwriting. Favourite tracks: Deacon Blues, Peg, Josie

I expected to bounce off this pretty hard but it only just teeters on too slick and doesn't quite cross the line. There's definitely some good stuff here Fav tracks: Peg, Josie

Fantastic. Love these songs.

short n sweet

Steely Dan poniendo en la mesa pq son conocidos y son mas buenos q la shusha

Something fresh

Classic Dan. Not my fave of theirs but it’s still great, probably one of the cleanest best sounding albums ever as well

Smooth like buttah. Immaculate in production, perfect in musicianship, but somehow still kind of boring. A four for pure craft

Looking for donations from viewers, like you.

Loved the jazz vibes

B+

I like it!

nice solos, funny texts, loved listening, fun and jazzy vibes

Awesome

Polished

Great jazzy rock songs

8.5/10

Got me through a rainy day feeling like the sun is shining

It’s very smooth. So smooth there’s not much grip or flavor. But so smooth

Yeah it's good

Yes, I am a Steely Dan enjoyer.

Love this album. Steely Dan has some of the instrumental arrangements and some of the best production I've heard. It's not an album I immediately want to throw on repeat, but I'm never sad to hear it. 8.5/10

I love steely dan and why this was fun, funky, jazzy and just amazing - it wasn't as good as the album I know and already adore - 'Can't buy a thrill'. I'd recommend listening to it if you liked this, it similar but more upbeat and has better songs similar to 'Peg"

I love a saxophone in music - immediately elevates it. I really love the funky pop vibes, I think he gets it just right. This is a bite sized crossover of different genres done right. May even upgrade to a 5 when I relisten

First impression: I like this, it's refreshing after hard punk. Jazzy, R&By, chill. Se puede dejar de fondo para el coito, o chupando con amiwis o fumando con amiwis pero no consumas sustancias SOLO escuchando esto porfa.

Cool fusion sounds, very eclectic.

The most iconic Steely Dan album. It sounds so polished and groovy. Definitely a worthy inclusion to this list. 9/10 [KEEP]

This is easy to listen to. I couldn’t quite latch onto the narratives in this album, but the style and quality of music is good.

4

Elegant, polished, professional, cilean...very good album. Josie, although "less experimental" than other tracks, is probably my favourite track (today)

steely dan

This goes against most of my other ratings in the genre, but this slaps. Yacht Rock for life.

I liked this album's vibe.

Unmistakably Steely Dan! I think I have this album on vinyl so that probably gives a clue about whether I like it. Very nicely composed, smooth played jazz rock and very easy listening. I particularly enjoy Deacon Blues and Peg, possibly because they were two of the singles that get played more. All the tracks are good though.

hell yeah

Great album

Black Cow Aja Deacon Blues Peg Home At Last I Got The News Josie

Classic

OOOOOH THATS GOOD groovy and nice

Fun, funky, suave and sophisticated. Great musicians.

Never actually played any steely Dan before. Funky, jazz and very chill. Thoroughly enjoyed it. ✌️

This is the kinda album that makes me want to drink scotch whiskey all night long and die behind the wheeeel Great album can’t go wrong listening to the Dan

I mean its okay

Listens: 3 or 4 Standout Tracks: Black Cow, Deacon Blues, Josie Out of the four or five Steely Dan albums that I've listened to so far, from the List, this is the one I've enjoyed the most, by far. It feels relatable. Familiar. Good grooves. Great bass lines. Plus, Black Cow got sampled by MF Doom's Gas Drawls, so that also helped me get into the album. I would definitely listen to this again and it's getting added to my library.

This album to me is the ultimate yacht rock album. It has everything you want in yacht rock - smooth beats, polished sound, interesting composition, etc. I read that they used almost 40 session musicians on this album and you can definitely tell - the instrumentation is fantastic and the album sounds so polished and professional. Not an album that is going to necessarily take you anywhere emotionally, but extremely well put together.

Bring back songs that fade out at the end

Loved it.added them to dad rock 🤘 playlist

Superb

This is really good. More of a jazz album than anything else, but impeccably played and recorded.

it brings out the same sensory response in me as that pandemic-era hand sanitizer that vaguely smelled like bad tequila. It's cleansing and got me drunk, name something else that can do that

Play that funky music white boy

Do ya like jazz? Yk what I actually really vibed with this, I feel like a lot of jazz albums are too drawn out but this one was really well composed.

Good

pretty good some songs i really liked i'd like to explore their catalog more.

Great band. Amazing drums (musicianship in general) and songwriting. Perfect to have it as background music while you drink some fancy cocktail responsibly.

Hell yeah, yacht rock. I was first exposed to this album as a sample in Gas Draws from MF DOOM. That was a song that I played when I was going home drunk from the bar. I suspect DOOM might have done the same. I'm listening to this during the winter, which is a shame, as Black Cow is a summer song.

This was a very good album. I would give it 4.5 stars. However, it's missing a little something to really bump it up to 5 for me. I can't put my finger on it, but it's getting quite close to that edge, but never pushing it beyond. Still, very good album.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but this was a great listen! Some songs I felt dragged a little, but not too much. Great energy overall.

Prefer Can’t Buy a Thrill to listen to but this one has great tracks, with there were just a couple more.

This is good

Feel like this band is onto something. I am expecting great things from them

I’ve heard this one before! I like it all right but not one I return to.

початок добре менф подобаєтсі точна додам і буду їх слухат це справді краще ніж оті попередні хахааха

Listening to Aja made me stop and think: what exactly are Steely Dan? I have never got them before today, This is easily the best Steely Dan album I’ve heard. From the first moments, Aja feels well produced and crafted. “Black Cow” is a superb opener, while the title track alone justifies the album’s status. “Peg” and “Josie” are outstanding—effortlessly catchy and the kind of songs you love more with each listen. The sound throughout is immaculate. The production is pristine, the musicianship faultless, and the drumming in particular is exceptional. Favourite tracks: “Josie” and “Peg” – both are superb Least favourite track: None – everything here earns its place Album artwork: A cool, iconic cover that suits the album perfectly

Funky, fun album. Pretty solid Fav song: Peg Worst song: I Got The News Album: 7,5/10 3,8/5

Alright steely dan is kinda good

Aja was a pretty great album. I haven't really heard any of the songs from this album prior to hearing them in this listen but i do remember seeing a recommendation for the song Peg, and the person who recommended it was absolutely right because it is a great song. That's not to say that the other songs are slouches either as they all had that fun jazzy rock vibe to them. I did feel like the songs here did suffer from a bit of same face syndrome but the album itself did not have that many songs so i felt that it was bearable, it did make the songs a bit forgettable though. Other than that though, i can't really think of anything this album does wrong, it's still a very fun listen. Best Song: Peg Worst Song: Black Cow

Tuff

Been a fan since I was a kid. Great to play while getting work or other things done.

Nice rock album with some jazzy elements in there that worked really well. Well done instrumentation and well written solo sections led to a nice listen. 8/10 Favorite Song: Aja

Found a hip hop sample I didn't previously know where it came from, otherwise it was a pretty smooth listen

#2 Good will listen more

loved

A favorite

This one takes me back to my old college days…I received it as a birthday gift from my older brother who was a big Steely Dan fan. At the time, I thought it was OK, but a little too jazzy for my tastes back then. I now appreciate the album much more, and think it’s aged really well. A couple of the songs are a bit long, particularly the title track, but It is now a four star record for me…I really enjoyed listening to it again.

This is THE album that I think of when I think of Steely Dan. In all that encapsulates; good and bad. I have a hard time with Steely Dan. I used to hate them, then I gradually turned to liking them as I began to appreciate them musically, but lately I'm starting to sour on them again. Their music is complex, superbly mixed, and interesting, but good God their lyrics are drivel. It's like a bunch of super talented private school rich kids who's only ambition in life is to make music and drug women so they can sleep with them. (Which as a side note captures the late '70's private school thing really well) Great album, but flawed because of the lyrical content. This band could have been so much more.

Solid 4/5

love steely dan forever

261225 10:45 3.5 / highlights: deacon blues, aja

Best Song: Peg Worst Song: Black Cow Not the sort of album I would usually listen to, but glad I did. Quite different to the Steely Dan I am familiar with. Very smooth and seamless, and short enough at 39mins without becoming boring. I could see myself enjoying the album more with a different vocal performance although I would accept it works for the jazz-rock style. No songs are particularly remarkable, but I will be listening to the album again.

This was pretty good. 4/5

4.5

gold after gold met ... iets te veel unieke sound maar i love steely dan

So good. The whole album.

Smooth af. I like this, could be a 5, definitely a grower.

Awesome white guy music! Jazzy and fun and feel good. Shaking my lil booty to Peg for the rest of my life. I love it when white guys wile out in this particular musical manner. More of this white guy business and less Beastie Boys please 1001albumsgenerator.com gods

Incredible production. Just a super rich, thick sound which is really pleasant. Much different stylistically to Can't Buy a Thrill but still really good. Favorites: Aja, Josie

Very cool but couldn't possibly meet the hype. It's a really nice record. I just feel like I'd heard a lot about it being clearly one of the greatest of all time - I guess I need to spend a little longer with it. I'm definitely intrigued enough to want to listen to more Steely Dan

Lovely, chilled bluesy rock.

Muy bueno

Hip hop producers eating off this album

Yes, Steely Dan has always been a bit of an offbeat band, and this is a very good album, though not blow-me-away amazing. There's so many layers to these songs. I listened to it a few times and I seemed to hear different things each time, which is really a testament to what they constructed. I know audiophiles love this album and I get why. That said, none of the songs are incredible and the collection is not unbelievably great. Very good? Yeah, I'll give them that.

Overall good. Wonderful instrumentals. The sax solo in Deacon Blues, what a way to win my heart. Aja is also really enjoyable, I think it might be my favorite track and Peg is a fun energetic tune. My preference is lowered somewhat by the tone of the instrumentals. The bebopping keyboard sounds as mild as any, the vocals are muted and washed out. With different mixing and sound preferences, I might really enjoy this but it brings it down a step for me.

- hyvä levy! - kyllä mä tän mieluusti ottaisin omaan levyhyllyyn ja panisin kiireettömänä lauantaipäivänä soimaan

Sounded like steel drums

I can see why this is a big favorite for audiophiles setting up equipment; it's got all the good sounds. I liked it, I'd probably buy it for clout, it may be in my regular rotation of yacht rock/classic rock. 4/5

I really loved some of it, other parts got way too easy jazz for me.

Everytime I've heard of this band I envisioned blue grass or dad rock. Was not expecting the smooth saxophone and sounds.

Good I like it

Why is it when you turn into a father you just understand Steely Dan. Is it magic, hypnotism in the smooth saxophone? Legit though- maybe not the greatest album ever written but up there with the greatest ever mixed/produced/sounding.

Even as a certified jazz hater I think Steely Dan made some of the smoothest music ever, and Aja is their peak.

Shit! I had a whole ESSAY written about this album and my phone died three seconds before I hit ‘submit’! I’m not rewriting all that. Aja is a terrific album and Steely Dan is a great band.

Definitely easy on the ears. Appropriate that this popped up on Dad’s birthday.

3.7 I first heard these right before I started this project, and admittedly I don't think I'd have rated this as highly if I hadn't have had the time to come back to it every once in a while. It grows on you, a lovely blend of 70s rock with jazz and funk flavouring, from a band that is extremely extremely tight. There's no absolute bangers on here, but every song is a positive listening experience, Aja and Peg standing out the most. Can see the acclaim.

Smooooooooth. I don't always listen to Steely Dan. But when I'm in the mood for it, it hits just right. 4.25. So good. And oh the horns on Deacon Blues.

Really catchy, groovy melodies, loved the unexpected guitar riffs. 4/5

This felt like smart people rock and roll. Songs are crafted, not played. I enjoyed the layered instruments. Everything just feels so well blended. Nothing over powering but something always going on.

This was a great album!

On the scale of bad to great Steely Dan albums (all of which are represented on this list), I’d say this one is pretty dang good! I love the jazz influences!

For some reason I thought the song "Slowride" was by Steely Dan. I really do not like the song "Slowride". So I was not looking forward to this album. Then I started listening and thought, "this sounds nothing like Slowride! How could this be the same band?!". Steely Dan did not make "Slowride". I have been living in ignorance all these years. This album was very good.

Silly yacht rock, engineered and mixed to an extreme standard. Musically deeper than it lets on. Great afternoon music.

Really fun, really dug it. 3.5/5

Ok tunes. Heard these in hip hop samples before

Very groovy, big fan of this

nice seventies sound. Good crafted songs. Nice harmonies

Smooth and classy. Great cross between jazz and rock. Favourite Track(s): Aja, Peg, Deacon Blues, Home At Last Least Favourite Track(s): I Got The News

4 stars It’s both undeniably good and also kind of just there. I could take it or leave it. But if it’s playing there’s a lot to like. Soft dad energy jazz rock.

Really fun jazzy album. Nice instrumentals Favourites : Aja Home at Last Josie

Perfect production, perfect sound. You could say this is a highly professional piece of work. Enjoy listening to this album for relaxation

God I love Steely Dan. This was easy listening, fun and funky. Nothing extraordinary.

Very chill. Lots of sax but i guess thats to be expected. Not a 5 but a 4.

good, very funky and jazzy! probably like a 4.5/5? rounding down though because it's just a little bit too inoffensive and plain for me, but very jazzy and fun

Herlig album. For meg en sterk firer.

So solid, especially the music arrangements/performance

Groovy dad Rock. I can see this hitting on a nice summer night

My dad had this on constant rotation growing up. Big Dan isn't for everyone, but it's for me.

Loved it! I’d heard of steely Dan before but could never tell you one of their songs. Was expecting more of a rock album for some reason. Recognised the MF DOOM sample from operation doomsday straight off the bat, knew I would like it once hearing that. Obviously recognised peg too, that’s a great song. Love this genre especially from this era, could listen to it all day. Was bopping along to every song. Will definitely listen again and will explore more of their music too.

Not my favorite Steely Dan record, but there's a reason we played half of it in Bad Business. Great listen.

Definitely something to cruise along to on the road, nothing that out there on here with very consistent funky "vibes" to be so blatant about it. Similar to Yes in terms of the general mood of the instrumentals here along with of course the funkiness. May need another listen due to not seeing too much variation, but I would not be complaining if this was put on while driving down to Chicago.

Nice smooth album. Jazzy and chill, very enjoyable. Don’t like enough for 5 stars but a solid 4 for me.

Maybe it’s because I’m at Rudy’s and I’m very high, but this album is just such a vibe and so pivotal to just being a dude. If you like this, you’re chill af and we should drink scotch whiskey all night long

okay funky this album surprised me I actually liked it quite a bit nothing too crazy but all genuinely enjoyable songs to listen to 4/5 8.21/10

This album would be terrible if it weren't so good.

4/5

Whether you hate Steely Dan or adore them, you can't deny that the vibes given off by Aja are undeniably some of the chillest and most relaxing you've probably ever heard. It starts off and you slowly sink into the music until you feel like you are rocking back and forth of a shiny sailboat under the basking sunlight. It continues to whip out song after song full of bangers in terms of the production and sounds Steely Dan mixes as well as some very solid songwriting that will surely give you plenty to chew on. It is super fun and can either be taken seriously or not at all and still have the same level of enjoyment all throughout. It is Aja and you should already know what you are getting into when you press play on this project. Was it really a surprise to anyone that I like this project? I am cheesy as fuck like that.

Am interesting album, an unexpected mix of Rock and Jazz Fav songs - I Got The News, Deacon Blues 4/5

the bass is nice

Smooooooooth as silk. So smooth it's almost slippery. A band that has hined there sound and weaponized it to make an album with no fat.

I've heard a few of their albums and given them a reasonable try, and even if they're never going to be my favourite this is by far their best album. The Dan stew reached perfection by Aja

Es un álbum excelente, con muchísimo trabajo en la composición, el arreglo y la grabación. Evoca un estilo jazzero, pero con toques de rock, soul y funk. Hay una gran diversidad de instrumentación, dada la cantidad de músicos con los que trabajaron para la grabación. El álbum tiene tantas sutilezas y es tan variado que me sorprendí cuando terminó. Podría haber escuchado un álbum mucho más largo sin problema alguno. Dicho esto, personalmente nunca termino de conectar con Steely Dan. A pesar de que aprecio la enorme musicalidad con la que han trabajado, siento que hay algo del estilo que no es para mí. No termino de entender si es una cuestión de la atmósfera general, o las voces, o la precisión clínica con la que trabajan (en la lugar de buscar cierta crudeza que música como el jazz o el funk suelen tener). Tal vez es una cuestión de escuchar repetidas veces y adaptarse al formato. Pero esto es lo que me sucede en las dos escuchas que hice del álbum.

sweet

Groovy and fun! Some of the songs dragged a little but overall great. Peg absolutely slaps.

There’s something about Donald Fagen’s voice that I really like. Unmistakable. Not perfect. It’s like Robert Smith or Björk or Kate Bush - it just has a uniqueness that makes it special. 
 I wanted to like this album, and I did to a certain extent. But it all got too bit too ‘easy listening’. So it’s a 3½ from me, but bumped up for that voice.

I enjoyed listening to this album. Each song isn’t the same, I like the variations of instruments and it not screaming at me! Not all 1001 songs need to be punk!!

I surprisingly enjoyed this more than expected. Love all the instrumentation including sax. Lyrics seem to be a little corny at times, but easy to ignore and enoy.

Smooth as hell and wants me to leave my nonexistent wife and kids at home to go cruisin with the boys

I liked this one

Great music, album is too short. 4.5

Insane musicians, incredible feeling and it sounds incredibly well. Not my favorite from them, but hey, that's still amazing.

Good album

Like the jazz influenced rock.

Sweet jazz rock! Production is nearly flawless.

Held að maður myndi njóta hennar best sitjandi í hægindastól, með glas af góðum drykk og ekki að pæla í neinu öðru. Naut plötunnar samt ansi vel, kom mér á óvart.

Never liked

As groovy as gentrified music gets. Five stars for musicianship and arrangements. Minus one because Becker and Fagen are squares riding on the shoulders of giants like Steve Gadd and Bernard Purdie.

it WAS GOOD CALSSIC sTEELY dAN

Haven’t exactly had the greatest opinion of Steely Dan in the past but, this time, this album—as storied, hyper-aware delusional, apocalyptic yacht rock—actually made a good impression this time.

nice and groovy but a bit too long songs ★★★½

Great album really enjoyed it

Well, after getting Donald Fagen's solo debut, it was about time I got some Steely Dan. Both Fagen and co-founder Walter Becker dedicated themselves to perfecting their craft in the studio alongside a revolving door of session musicians. This habit led to a period of critical and commercial success, culminating in the release of Aja (pronounced "Asia"). For what it's worth, I consider this record to be a comfortable slice of smooth jazz rock. The warm production, clean guitar textures, soulful vocal deliveries, vibrant horn arrangements, and improvisational compositions all coalesce into this laid-back experience. I can hear how this album had a major influence on the yacht rock scene. Probably the crown jewel of this sound is "Peg", with its bumping groove, soaring guitar soloing, and multi-tracked backing vocals. Sure, the lyrics haven't aged well, and there are more challenging jazz-rock records from the likes of Miles Davis, Frank Zappa, and Mahavishnu Orchestra. But Aja is a pleasant record from start to finish, with plenty of intriguing passages to keep it engaging.

Now we’re talking! Anotherc album that makes you feel cool. Instantly cultivates a vibe. 4.6/5.0 Best Song: Deacon Blues

Super funky!

3.5

So 70s but good

Funky! I like it, even though it kinda slips in to the background. Then something catches my attention and I listen more actively for a while. Great musicianship. 4/5

This album has tremendous production quality. Lots of studio musicians and great arrangements. This is a great record. Pitchfork: 10.0 Rolling Stone: 63 Best Songs Deacon Blues Peg Josie

It swwwwwings

Good album

Not a stranger. Great album.

Classic but what a snoozer!

Aja was the only complete Steely Dan album I’d listened to before starting this project. I’ve already reviewed their other three albums on this list, and I’ve been waiting for almost 600 days to review this one. My dad loved Steely Dan when I was a kid, but I always thought they were boring. I can’t remember who told me to check out Aja, but I did several years ago, and I loved it. I don’t think I’ve gone through it all again since that first listen, but I’ve really been looking forward to the day that this would pop up for me. I really enjoyed Pretzel Logic and Countdown to Ecstasy (both five stars), and Can’t Buy a Thrill was good too (four stars). My knee-jerk reaction is that this will easily be another five star album. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy Aja as much as I was hoping I would. I remember really loving the production on it the first time I listened to it, but now that I’m trying to think back, I can’t remember what else I loved about listening to it. I still think Aja is a really good album with precise and outstanding production work, but I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Aja doesn’t have much soul or spark to it, and it feels like Steely Dan approached this album with the mindset of an architect, putting everything in its precise place. But instead of the process being about the end result, it was about checking every box on a list. Sure, the finished building is a marvel, but no one has moved into it. Musically, the bass, horns, brass, and piano give this album a fun and jazzy feeling, but not every song has an enjoyable jazz groove to it. “Peg” is easily the best song on the album, and I love the bass, clavinet, and Rhodes piano. Even though this is a softer song, the groove is incredibly fun. Those backing vocals from Michael McDonald are great too. “Deacon Blues” is really good too, with some great synthesizers and Rhodes piano. Aja is a great sounding album, but its lack of soul is really noticeable.

Så himla väl producerat, väl arrangerat och välspelat! Stark fyra

Great but it gets a bit tedious and repetitive after a while

Great album. Killing solos, burning grooves. Josie is a smash.

After not getting on that well with Pretzel Logic, this is more like the Steely Dan I know. A great album, some real fantastic loungey grooves and some wonderful thigh-slapping licks. Just classic dad music.

Too hip for the room Appreciation came late Now I groove to it

Four stars for the rhythm section alone, this thing kicks. I dont love the song structure and choruses that Steely Dan so often go for, but the instrumentals alone make this album worthwhile

Pretty fun album. No notes.

Great musicianship. Not really my thing.

Groovy

Great debut, 84/100 Best: papercut, crawling, in the end*, a place for my head Worst: with you, by myself, cure for the itch*

Imagine the late 1970s. You’re driving a giant American car that rivals the size of small boats. It’s dusk on a summer evening. You pop this 8-track in and start bopping your head to the jazz rock fusion. You pay attention to the varying rhythms and surprising chord progressions. You appreciate the excellent production quality of the recording. It seems like the road will last forever. You keep driving. It’s sublime.

Dad's yacht rock done right!

Classic

if i ever get my hands on the uhqr vinyl i might have to bump this up to a ten

Good, but not nearly as good as Can't Buy a Thrill. Peg probably the best track.

A bit funkier and jazzier than the other Steely Dan albums I've heard on this list. Just like the others it's great but a bit safe and boring. Peg and Black Cow were probably the best two tracks.

Not my favorite Steely Dan album but arguably one of the greatest studio produced albums in the history of music.

This sound is deeply attached to my years in middle school, when the album came out. Not happy times for me, but the music is deep in my soul. I can't judge it fairly, but I have to give it a positive review. 4/5

Enjoyed this, good musicians, and would listen again. great? maybe great-ish

Really good disco stuff

i like. highlights: “aja” - holy shit, “Peg” - EYE KNOW SPOTTED.

Wooo! Black Cow so good

Strong start with the funky bass lines. Grabbed me the start. Solid album that is produced well, has good instrumentals, and great harmonies. I’m biased because I love steely dan, but this album is a solid 3.5-4 for me. It’s not the most exceptional music but it is universally digestible.

Very awesome instrumentation that’s what kept me listening. The vocals are okay but the music makes up for it I’m very suprised I liked this album as much as I did every Song has its own unique taste very good highlights: black crow, aja, Decon blues

Pretty enjoyable ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a pleasant enough and nostalgic listen. Good for warming the air on a rainy night. 3.5/5 - > 4/5

3.5

Ich fand sie lange etwas zu poliert, zu abgehoben - aber eigentlich ist das phantastisch.

This was both really enjoyable and fairly forgettable. I liked it but there’s no stand out track even if it’s really well done music. You get a 4 for being so funky.

Smooth.

Love them. Nostalgic

Really enjoyed.

Good music. One thing about Steely Dan, you KNOW a song is by Steely Dan, a lot of similar sounds in their songs.

Very pleasant album, but it's missing this magic *something*. As if there was a layer of instrumentation that's taking it from 85% to 100%. But on its own it's good enough.

loved! just chill and nice

Fantastic sounding album, especially on vinyl. I just don’t love Steely Dan.

bastante relajado pero a la vez muy animado. Se nota mucho la diferencia del otro album qeu escuche que le saca 8 años (?). Aun asi me siguen pareciendo muy largas las canciones, pero sin duda te hace mover el cuerpo y disfrutar de los ritmos

Jazzy rock album. Very nice late 70s sound.

Pet gets this to a 4. So catchy.

can’t believe this is how i find out that steely dan is actually two dudes and neither of them is even called dan. i feel betrayed.

The production is immaculate

I avoided Steely Dan partially because the album cover looks like an evil muppet. Liked it more than expected though. It’s probable a 3 star, but I’ll give it 4 because it exceeded expectations.

This makes me think of the difference between this-is-good and I-like-this. In terms of skillful execution it's a 10, easily. Meanwhile it's for-me at only around 6. So it gets an 8. But seriously, if it is for you, it's a masterpiece.

Super awesome.

Passar riktigt bra på semester i Frankrike

Perfectly made album that I enjoy immensely but it makes me feel absolutely nothing.

I love the twangy bass In the opening!! The album cover is also cool:)

Really jazzy, some songs sounded like Charlie Brown background music which is definitely a plus

Groovy

great! a bit of spice but mellow for my mood

In the right mood, this is pretty good

Pretty incredible detail. Also amazing seeing how many times it’s been sampled

Je pense que ça m'a pris 4 écoutes pour tripper solide, mais je tripper solide. Le solo de drum dans Aja est fou raide. Toute cela est vraiment vraiment pro.

Smooth music. Good for working to or just hanging out.