Aja

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.

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.

Slickly produced to within an inch of its life, even compared to earlier Steely Dan records, and it fits the laid back nature of the songs. The songs are mostly long and expansive, leaving room for those impeccable guitar parts, drum fills, and horns. Aja has the same hooks as earlier Dan albums, but now they're spread out over luxurious songs. "Deacon Blues" is the highlight, pairing dark lyrics with a laid-back, almost lounge atmosphere. The funk of "Black Cow" and the horns of "Peg" - the one song that sounds like a pop song and not an extended groove - are also great. The last two songs don't quite live up to the rest, but they're still pretty good. Not my favorite from the band, but I can understand why a fan would say this is their definitive album, as it makes their sound about as sleek and detailed as possible.

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.

Открыл для себя Steely Dan'а круто блин

oh hell yeah this is quality over quantity and i'm grooooooooving baby

You call me a fool You say it's a crazy scheme This one's for real I already bought the dream

If we review albums by starting at a 10 and then subtracting points from it with every misstep, Aja would be the world's best album. Good thing we don't do that. Aja is good album, but it offers little beyond its "perfection" (Deacon Blues being the one outstanding exception, possibly the best among Steely Dan's catalogue).

Aja is easily Steely Dan’s best produced album - but it’s not quite as interesting as their debut and Pretzel Logic. It’s still one heck of an album and even though this might be the 4th of their albums on this list, I wouldn’t remove a single one.

Gostei, mas não amei!

I've never delved too deep into Steely Dan but this album was an absolute delight from front to back, it's super funky and catchy and has me wanting to go back for more.

Think some of the tracks maybe go a bit long but overall I really enjoyed it. Some songs on here that I already knew, some that were new to me but I liked a lot. Fav song: Peg (I already knew this one so might just like it best because it’s familiar) also liked Big Black Cow, Deacon Blues and Home At Last Least fav: Aja

Little jazzier than I'd like sometimes and definitely jazzier on average than my favourite Steely Dan songs. But still so beautifully Steely Dan-y that I was having a lovely time listening! Favourite: Peg Least: I Got The News

Was torn between a 3 or a 4. 3 because it's pretty much smooth adult contemporary music without much to separate songs. 4 because it's just so well produced and sounds amazing. Since there's no half-ratings, a 4 it is. 4/5

Enjoyed this album.

Two great samples from this Lord Tariq and Peter guns - Deja vu De la soul - eye know

Super bien produit, chouette mélange des genres, en première écoute y'a quand même que 3 morceaux vraiment marquants nonobstant

Très variés, du funk, du rock, du jazz, et c’est stylé !

Ça groove bien. Petit côté Alan Parson sympa

Damn this has me in like 5 seconds. Really really a banger… a strong strong 4 here.

i’ve always known of this album but never listened to it, it’s really good, some songs i recognised form samples like Peg being sampled by De La Soul for Eye Know, some really good tracks tho, very good, different to some of the other Steely Dan tracks i’ve heard

Really chill, smooth jazzy 70s rock that had great production. Could be good for revising in the future. Solid 4

Smooth listen

Without the cheesy saxophone this is an easy 5 stars because everything else is pretty fantastic. 4.0/5.0: Great

well produced jazz rock album with some incredibly well done instrumentals. the songs themselves are little boring which keeps it from getting a 5

Nice, pleasant, simple.

A nice listen for a chill afternoon or morning.

“Aja” is Steely Dan’s jazziest fever dream—lush, cryptic, and immaculately produced. It’s like a Rhodes scholar fell into a groove with session gods and never came back. Sophisticated yet sly, it seduces with polish, then blindsides you with existential dread in seven impeccably smooth movements.

One of my friends loves this album and ngl when I heard some songs from this it didnt click. But when I heard the full album I was pretty surprised at how much of a vibe this soft rock album has. Pretty good with its instrumentation and its ability to move away from “conventional stuff”.

One of my favourite albums. If you want to test out sound quality Black Cow is a go to

Pleasant jazz rock

Came to appreciate Steely Dan late and glad I finally did. Even saw them live before Becker passed away. Strong lyrics and music I missed the first time and now no more.

Steely Dan have no bad songs. This album isn’t as life changing as their others but it’s still bloody good

It’s Steely Dan!

Enjoyed it!

8.25/10. The standard for jazz rock. I can tell how specifically orchestrated every arrangement is here. Such a relaxing album. Deacon Blues is one of my favourite discoveries of the year.

Inoffensive, without sharp edges or any real payoff. That said; it's impeccably performed, the songs breeze by, a very easy listen. I ended up enjoying this listen, when 30 years ago I wouldn't have wasted a second on their yachtrock/popfusion. Progress I guess, but I will never truly love this one. 4/5

Maybe one of the best recorded albums I’ve ever heard.

This album being served up by the generator was timely as I recently watched, Yacht Rock A Documentary. The documentary definitely gave me a new appreciation for the genre and Steely Dan by association. This album perfectly encapsulates what the documentary was trying to convey, it focussed heavily on what makes a Yacht Rock band great and that’s how absolutely professional the band is and how fucking tight they are. That is absolutely on display here on Aja. The vocals and vibes are great but the band is breathing as one and that was fantastic. Hilarious how much Fagan hates the term Yacht Rock considering how chill the genre is. 4 stars

I did like this album more than I was expecting

Learn To Work The Saxophone 1001 Albums Generator 33 (05/19/2025) Steely Dan was on a fucking tear in the 1970's. Between 1972 and 1980, they released 7 albums, all of which have seen critical acclaim, and they were (and still are) the most recognizable figures of the so-called yacht rock movement that they helped lay the groundwork for in the early 70's. Steely Dan's brand of yacht rock, while sticking to the West Coast, soft rock vibe that defines the genre, is undeniably jazzy, which is both due to the general composition techniques used here as well as the prominence of the saxophone, jazziest of all instruments. Aja, pronounced Ay-czah but mispronounced by me for years as ah-jah, is the most highly acclaimed of the seven acclaimed albums by Steely Dan, but it surprisingly does not feature any of their three most popular songs (all of which appear instead on Steely Dan's debut Can't Buy A Thrill). This is because Aja is a stylistically tight piece of work that is made to be listened to as a whole rather than in parts. When someone thinks of yacht rock, this is likely the first album to come to mind. The title track is perhaps my favorite song here. It has some of the finest soloing on the whole project, with clavinet and guitar solos and the legendary fusion saxophonist Wayne Shorter doing what he does best. Steve Gadd's drums in the last minute with the pad synths in the background is an all-time moment in music history. Following this song is Deacon Blues, which is one of the jazziest compositions here, with Donald Fagen's voice sounding strangely similar to Dave Lawson's from Greenslade. The sound, especially with its synth-heavy layering and smooth sax solos, often reminds me of some chill Japanese jazz fusion that I've heard, namely Masayoshi Takanaka's Seychelles and Himiko Kikuchi's Flying Beagle. Black Cow and Josie, the opener and closer respectively, are both extremely funky. This is one aspect of this album that I don't associate with it nearly as much as I should. These boys can really groove. Deriders of this band often state that the production is too pristine and that resulting tunes sound like elevator music. D Riders say "that's like the point man". I tend to align with the D riders, at least in this case, as I think this album's status as an audiophile's wet dream is not overstated. That is to say, the production is fantastic, and yeah, that is the point. I will say when it comes to Peg, there's something about this song that I just don't love. It's not bad, but if there is any song here that lends some credence to the "Steely Dan is elevator music" crowd, it's this one. Penultimate track I Got The News, out of all songs here, sounds the most empty in production in contrast, and I am not a huge fan of the verses. Aja (which I am still saying wrong in my head as I type it out) is one of the albums on here that is a classic for a reason. It is every bit as smooth, jazzy, pristine, and perfectly played as its haters claim it to be, and that's why I love it. 4.5/5 that I will round down to a 4 since there are a few slight problems here and there. Favs: Aja Deacon Blues Josie Least Fav: I Got The News

Forgot how jazzy they can be. A treat of an album in the morning. It's odd because the music is almost made to just be played in the background of a party or something. I really liked this and each artist is amazing on it. 3-4

Excellent

Funny this was back to back with Sade’s Diamond Life. Two different takes on smooth jazz. But I like this! Maybe more of a 3.5 but I’ll round up

I've heard of Steely Dan but never actually listened to anything so I have no clue what to expect. Let's goooooo. oh okkkkkk. oh this is lovely. yeah i don't have much to say about that first track, i just really enjoyed it. quite a mood-setter. title track was maybe not as captivating, but this is still damn good. i definitely see deacon blues growing on me with more listens. right now i like it, but i see potential there. why do i like it more the longer it goes. this is lovely. Peg kind of came and went. still good and fun, just not that exciting. ooohhhh home at last is such a jam, definitely one of my favourites. i got the news was nice too, a lovely tune. i do like the way the album kind of changes moods halfway through. still the same base, but the first half seems more, I don't know, melancolic? i fucking love josie, i did not expect the most danceable song to be the last one, but what a way to go out. overall, this was a great experience. one of the most enjoyable so far. i didn't dislike any tracks, and the ones that i didn't outright love i can see myself getting there with time. i'd say it's like an 8 out of 10, which translates to a very secure 4. yeyy. bye

If you’re in the mood for Steely Dan, it’s awesome. If not it’s a tough listen. Sometimes I absolutely love Steely Dan.

Jätte fint album men blir o sakna lite mera umfff

How perfect! I've been in a Steely Dan mood recently and have been wanting to relisten to Aja. Once again this is a classic for a reason. Hard to say if this is my favorite Steely album but I can see why it is their most popular. Very jazzy. Favorite track: Peg

Rich creamery butter

Crazy production quality for a 50 year old album. Such a smooth sound but can get a lil boring at times.

I dont think its *their* best album, but another fantastic album from them

Nice and groovy tunes 4/5

I'm still a Steely Fan, but I prefer their Can't Buy a Thrill era stuff.

Nice album. I really connect with some Steely Dan songs. Also, "Peg" was sampled for De La Soul's song "Eye Know" from the album "Three Feet High and Rising".

++: Black Cow, Aja, Peg, Home at Last, I Got the News, Josie +: Deacon Blues 9,0/10

ANTOHER JOJO REFERENCE ? Ecouté sur le vélo donc peut-être biaisé ?

Personally I prefer Can't Buy A Thrill but I like all of Steely Dan's work. A super fine album!

This is one of those that always comes up on lists like "best produced album ever" or "best one to listen to when testing out new speakers/headphones" and it is in fact impressively produced and performed. I've never gotten super into Steely Dan, something about their music never connected with me on a personal level, but I can respect the skill on display here.

Enjoyed the album broadly. Need to listen with headphones. Music and instrumentation was pretty remarkable. Singing left me a bit lacking. Will relisten and did enjoy

I liked it a lot! I grew up listening to stuff with this vibe (my parents both love yacht rock) so even though I’ve never listened to this album before it had a nostalgic feel to it. Overall really enjoyed.

UMM hello?? i did not know that mr. steely dan was this jazzy 🙏 i am such a fan now and will continue to listen to this wonderful album! i do think my favorite song was the first one: “Black Cow”, the funky and diverse instrumentation was entertaining and fun to listen to. it is definitely a good album to walk around the city to 🕺🏿

Good funk

Great jam overall, fantastic instrumentals and composition from Steely Dan as usual. Pretty relaxing and easy going album. All the tracks were on par quality wise, Deacon blues, Peg and Josie stood out a bit as favourites

Albums that are mediocre by Steely Dan standards are still greatest of all time listens by the standards of any other band.

It's a Dan album so of course it is great. I think I might like the others a tad bit better, but that might just be because we've had 3 Steely Dan pulls very close together.

I may be all Danned out at this point. Once again the record sounds amazing and there’s some great highlights here like Deacon Blues, Josie, Peg. Liked the groove on Home at Last a lot too. If we got this one first it would’ve been a 5, but I’m tired now. Immaculate 4/5

I can't really verbalise it but this just feels more tight and focused than Pretzel Logic. It's very immaculate and sleek feeling, not a single note feels out of place and the production is sleek. They create several layers and textures with organs and horns, but it never feels too busy. Those little flourishes remind me of city pop or Japanese jazz fusion like Casiopea, that helped endear the album to me It does maybe get a little bit samey after a while but I think that would be my only real complaint, it's not that bad 4.5 Highlights: Aja, Black Cow

Many very familiar songs. Squarely in my wheelhouse and age demographic.

Perhaps the best Steely Dan album of their catalog. Well constructed, jazzy, funky feel. The personnel alone make this worth a listen and timeless.

Funky and smooth

This being described as "jazz rock" kind of surprised me, but I don't know a whole lot about Steely Dan. Good grooves. Short. Accessible. I understand how this album was the most commercially successful album by the group. Decent!

De meest populaire reviews van dit album zijn mensen die Steelt Dan niet 'getten'. Grappig, want deze plaat klikte bij mij juist meteen toen ik het voor het eerst hoorde. Was daarom ook één van de eerste LP's die ik kocht. Ook ook na deze vinyl luisterbeurt ben ik gewoon weer blij en enthousiast. Aja (spreek je blijkbaar uit als Asia) is natuurlijk Smoother en meer jazzy dan Steely Dan eerder maakte. En ik vind dat is echt een geslaagde combinatie. Het wordt helemaal niet te soft, maar dat kan ook komen omdat de teksten niet ijzersterk zijn. Is bij Steely Dan niet nodig, daar zijn de ritmes en funky tunes (met name in Josie) meer dan voldoende voor 4 sterren. 8/10 Highlights Deacon Blues Josie

Just solid

Original, tight, funny and funky as fuck. Nobody sounds quite like Steely Dan. Absolutely love their music.

Never really listened to Steely Dan. Lot more smooth jazz than I was expecting.

Not my type of music but it is interesting

It’s simply really good music

More perfect production from Steely Dan. As goes their catalog, Aja showcases jazz rock jams that don’t always hook you in, but damn, do they sound impeccable. If the songs on here were better, it would definitely be competitive with Dark Side of the Moon for one of the best albums in Rock history.

Very enjoyable, chilled and jazzy. Good for cooking to.

Funk and funk combine into chill funk

It's no Gaucho or Katy Lied, but it's Steely fucking Dan

Love this album very much...

I’ve listened to Can’t Buy A Thrill before today. I don’t remember much from it, but I think it was a fun album. Today’s album is a different one by Steely Dan, although the above description fits fine for here too. “Fun” seems to be a the overarching feeling generated by Steely Dan. Sure, the music can get a bit interesting at times, and it can be a bit genre defying here and there, but if we whittle it down to one word, it’s simply fun! There wasn’t anything that would particular make me want to come back for more, but I still enjoyed this.

Super mellow and fun. Groovy instrumentals. Def didn’t have enough blow at work for the vibe

Ultimate 70s cheese and I am here for it. It's stupid, but it works.

My office lobby plays steely dan a lot, specifically Peg- and I do have this album on my iPod so i'm pretty familiar with the group. I think I might like Pretzel logic more as an album, but there is something weirdly comforting about Steely Dan's music. It's kinda samey but in a way I enjoy. Perhaps it is more background music for me than a show stopping group, but I am hard pressed to produce something I don't like about the album/group

Pretty cool jazzy rock kinda vibe. Not sure if I am a big fan of his lyrics/singing yet, but I enjoyed it. Not sure if I'd return to many of the songs, but I'd probably let it play if it came on. It works as cool background music and the production is excellent. I think a 4/5 is necessary.

Ajaaaaa you jazz mr steely Gmüetlichi vibes chömed vum Don Dan, na nie vo dem ghört, aber has gfühl trotz sim name ischer gar nöd so e herte Siech sondern eher es ifühlsams Pfänzli. Wür gern im ne Saloon mis Bei go verrencke. Vlt dun ich mich au mol uf e Prognose risikiere und zwar chönti das s erste gmeinsame 4er album geh. Also wirded mir 4 es 4i geh? ganz zu ehre vo de offroad trucks.

püh jetzt packeds au no steely dan us vor öppe eme jahr grosse fan vo villne lieder vo ihne gsi und ab und zue slippt de eint oder ander immer wieder ih mini rotation das album trotzdem nonie in voller längi glost, leider nöd allzu fescht im mood gsi hüt defür aber musikalisch brilliant drum wiedermal en kompromisslösig will es sich für mich definitiv falsch ahfühlt am stahlige daniel weniger als 4 stern z'gäh

Not my favourite Steely Dan but still undeniably groovy

7.5/10 Am a big fan of their style here, it's something a bit different a certainly very fun and interesting. I don't there are any particular heavy hitters on this album but it was enjoyable all the way through and what more can you ask. I like the way you are kept guessing as to the direction the tracks will take but that doesn't come at the expense of the ease of listening factor

Kolejna po prostu prosta i przyjemna płyta. Nie męczy, ale nie zachodzi w pamięć. Kilka utworów, czysty głos, lekka nostalgia, ale nawet nie ma się zbytnio co rozpisywać. 7/10

Much more fun than the other Steely Dan album on the list so far. Just very smooth, it also helps that I already knew all of the hits on the album. It was also nice to listen to it in album form, because then at least you're mentally prepared for a lot of Steely Dan, something that is never the case for me when just shuffling music normally.

This is a good record. Steely Dan in general is a little weird, but this album is heralded as one of the most immaculately produced albums. It sounds great.

The album sounds amazing, the songs were not that memorable to me though

Rounded up for Steve Gadd's drum solo/interlude on the title track. Obviously immaculately produced, expertly composed, arranged and performed. But I tend to like my jazz, my rock, and my pop a little rawer and a little less polished. Also, and this is obviously a matter of taste, but I'm not sure the tunes are really there.

Amazing. But got boring at times

Can’t remember but like the rest

A really solid, jazz-infused, pleasure

Great Steely Dan album. Peg is an all time favorite

Jazz rock, nice listen but a much bigger fan of Can't Buy A Thrill. At times, this seems like it's not going anywhere. 75/100, so low 4*

Funky. Did not expect to enjoy it a lot. Ran it 3-4 times. An 8

Albumi #158, 25.02.2025 Steely Danin klassikkoalbumi vuodelta 1977. Hieno levy. Erityismaininta nimikkobiisin saksofonisoololle, joka oli Wayne Shorterin käsialaa.

THINKIN: Smooth sounds by some slick ricks. PERSONALLY: Deacon Blue is an all-timer for me. On this listen, it hit me that I have no idea why these songs are grouped together. Obviously, it's not a concept album or in need of any great unifying theory, but it still made me ponder. ALT TITLE: Chinese Music

This is pretty good. Overproduced, but still excellent.

Really quite enjoyed this 3.5-4

Chill and overall, very good jazz rock album.

Feels like waiting room music. Not the type of jazz I would opt to listen to but works well for background music.

Steely Dan has always been an enigma to me. So many people I know (namely stoners) rave about them. But I’d never heard anything of them until I had “Pretzel Logic” a while back, which I really enjoyed. I think I might’ve liked this album better. The different approach to this album is evident. Where “Pretzel Logic” felt more like a rock-funk-jazz fusion album, sometimes focusing on just one of those genres, “Aja” feels more like a straight funk album that sometimes ventures elsewhere for a minute. And I loved it. The grooves just never ended. And still present are the great harmonies, the excellent guitar work, and killer drums. Seriously, the drums kick ass on this album. Please give me more Steely Dan. Four stars. Standout Tracks: Black Cow, I Got the News, Josie

Really cool fusion of jazz and rock that I haven't really been exposed to before. I love the horns, the saxophone sounds so good. The harmonization of the voices is super smooth. Like the jazz riff in Aja Favorite: Peg - groovy catchy melody and lyrics - solo guitar so good Saw something that said it was the creation of yacht rock which I really like and feel like encapsulates the sound.

I have a MUCH higher tolerance for music from the 70s than I did in the 70s. This used to make me feel a little ill, but now I kind of like it. I guess I could say that about numerous things.

Not really my vibe, but it was good

Steely Dan is one of my dad's favorite bands, but even though I do like a lot of music that my dad does, SD never really did it for me. This album changed my tune. I'm willing to say I probably enjoy these songs more now that I'm older. I really enjoyed the smooth jazz instrumentals throughout the album. I felt like I was in the back of a 70s jazz club just vibing to these guys. Great background music. I'm not sure I can quite give it 5 stars, but maybe like 4.5? Strong 4.

Solid Steely Dan album. 4.5 stars. Deacon Blues is a classic. Smooth and easy listening. Great while working.

This is a super enjoyable album that just stays in that 4 territory. Doesn't do enough to bump it up to a 5 for me but can't deny some of the silky smooth jams on here. Feel like I never really seek out yacht rock but I'm perfectly happy when it plays especially during the summer.

Lengthy songs but all danceable and very very talented. Enjoy very much

Super sick. I gotta hear some more of this guy!!

Jazzy! Funky!

Love me some Steely Dan

virheetön albumi.. tuotu 800 maailman parasta soittajaa, produktioon ja parhaat huumeet + huorat varmaan myös.. kaikki niin täydellistä... ja huoh... niin tylsää... seitsemän tarkkaan huolellisesti valmistettua biisinpätkää jossa tarinankerrontaa lyyrisesti ja musiikillisesti. kaikki toimii. vai toimiiko.. luovuutta löytyy myös, mutta onko vain sen verran luovuutta että kriitikot voivat sanoa että on luova, vai onko oikeasti luovuutta... en tiedä... en tiedä vastausta tuohon. industry plant possible? teollisuuskasvi mahdollinen? on tämä nautinnollista pakko sanoa mutta onko ruiskutettu päähän hormooneja? vai onko luonnollinen limbinen reaktio.. deacon

Lucked out with the first album having "Josie" on it! Ironically, probably my least favorite from the album. "Peg" is such a classic!

Its aja

So many great tracks that I hadn't realised were by Steely Dan! I really enjoyed this album. An oldie but a goodie.

Peg is a banger, men resten synes jeg er litt så som så. Forstår hvorfor det er et «must listen» album though - bare ikke helt min kopp te.

Really catchy songs and good instrumentals

Absolutely loved the title track. Overall a pretty decent album 👌

Previously rated: Pretzel Logic (4/5) Can't Buy a Thrill (5/5) ***************************** I'm liking this smooth adult contemporary Steely Dan sound more as I get older. Peg is the standout here. Deacon Blues is also good. The title track has some good drumming.

michael mcdonald human keyboard moment

Enjoyed this a lot. Sax makes everything way better. Very groovy/funky.

Odlican jazz rock s puno instrumenata, solidnim vokalima i s kul solo dionicama. Produkcija na ovom albumu je izvrsna i definitivno je highlight ovog albuma (bubnjevi na aja). Fav tracks: Aja, Deacon Blues, Home At Last, I Got The News 8/10 = 4+

I just like how this sounds it’s so nice

Yeah still not crazy about steely dan but this album was good

I like the sound but some of the songs went on for too long. I prefer their other albums

Favorite Track: Deacon Blues

What a tasty delight

Già ascoltato, di questo album ricordo Peg come un pezzo splendido ed iconico. La cura che gli Steely Dan metteno nella produzione musicale è incomparabile. Grande classico.