The Nightfly

Over produced, yacht rock that appeals to a very generic, "beige" set of people

Occasionally, I am reminded of how much a product of my environment I am; that teenage years really are more formative than you realize. You can try to distance yourself from them, but that seed is always there, lying dormant and ready for the right glimpse of sunlight in order to bloom again. I was a teenager in the early 90’s. Alternative rock was at peak popularity. Our guitars were fuzzy, aggressive and screaming out the arrival of a new way forward. There was a new world order and what had been the status quo a few years earlier had become painfully uncool. High atop the Mountain of Uncool was soft rock, the kind of stuff you’d hear at JC Penny while shopping with your mom. Intolerable blandness, so inoffensive that you could play it almost anywhere, with the exception of maybe a convent, and not get the side-eye from anyone. As kids, we used to laugh at the Time-Life infomercials schilling 2 and 3 CD collections of “Soft Rock Super Hits of the 70’s”: These collections typically featured bands like Air Supply, The Doobie Brothers, Bread, Steely Dan…and many more! All yours for the low price of $19.99! I always thought Steely Dan was lame. 30 years on, that hasn’t changed. They’ve never been for me and god help me if they ever are. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve tried: I know plenty of people who love them, I’ve got younger friends and co-workers who extol their virtues. My own brother is a fan. But the second a Steely Dan track comes on, I’m transported back to 1993 and the aforementioned seed begins to sprout: this is everything that was wrong with music; perfection for the sake of perfection, emotionless music masquerading as having soul. Even though the Alternative-era of the early 90’s soon gave way to a similar by-the-numbers alt-rock soullessness and awful nu-metal, there were at least a few years where the sky was the limit. The formula had been broken and it didn’t matter how weird you were, you could get radio play and/or a major label deal: bands like sonic youth, pavement, the butthole surfers and ween had radio and MTV playing their songs. These bands would be less likely to find “mainstream” success today, but for a brief window of time, the rules no longer applied. Maybe I’ve been looking at the music of Steely Dan (and their ilk) from the wrong perspective this whole time. If wasn’t for their rigid, schlocky compositions, there wouldn’t have been a backlash towards authenticity and uniqueness that lead me to the music that I love… Newton’s third law and all that.

Very middle of the road for me. A nice morning listen. The cover is definitely better than the album.

May induce a face-palming epidemic among first-timers in the present day. I get that. It incorporates most of the "oh, that's so 80s" sounds received wisdom says we should avoid: a faux fur bed of cool swing, shamelessly smoothed-out jazz, criminally toothsome hooks, synthesisers, conga(!) But I say this face-palmers: seriously, are those bad things? Especially when they accompany satire so arch you can walk under it without noticing (consider Fagen's sincerity on the opener - "The future looks bright" - or how the line "Ruby Baby, how I want you / Like a ghost I'm gonna haunt you" flips that one into an artlessly creepy song that ends oddly with a super fun coda and fake jazz-club applause). And technical virtuosity that's not only impressive for what it does (like play every modulation known to man) but how accessibly it does it. And the crystalline rhythms that playfully evolve from start to finish without letting a speck of dust settle. And stories about lonely disc jockeys, using your dad's nuclear bunker as a sex den and being ominously stuck in Cuba in guessing). And also remember that received wisdom calls Meatloaf a camp hack but Springsteen a butch genius, immortalises Radiohead and Pink Floyd and celebrates everything that's "oh, so 80s" about Prince.

I'm not sure how to describe this album. Like there's nothing technically wrong with it, but it still sucks and I hate it. The combination of smooth jazz and standard pop music just grates on me in the weirdest way. Like it's made to be as inoffensive as possible, and that fact just offends me deeply.

A well crafted album with lots of Donald Fagan charms, with his dry, witty, intelligent lyrics and expressive voice. Some nostalgic value for me too - this album slowly became a family favorite starting sometime in my teenage years.

This has been one of my favorite albums since it was new and I.G.Y. was on the radio and the video for "New Frontier" was on MTV. Although I was a young teen at the time, I still really connected with the nostalgic themes and optimism for the future. This is an album that shines best as the whole album, as each song is a vignette that continues the theme. This is one of the few in this project that I've listened to so many times over the past 40 years that I can play it in my head (well, the line, "Won't you pour me a Cuban breeze, Gretchen?" is one that I hadn't remembered but love love love.) This is smooth and jazzy and wonderful. One of the best.

Smooth and jazzy - like being on a monorail to the future.

Fell in love with this album when I got it back in 1982. I loved the sound of the song, IGY and quickly the rest of this album became a classic to me. I am grateful that the extended version contains True Companion from Heavy Metal (Soundtrack) and Century's End from the Bright Lights, Big City Soundtrack were included. I really think these two songs complete the album quite well. This is a rare 5/5 from me.

I love Steely Dan, but had never listened to any of Donald Fagen's solo work without Walter Becker. Can I describe it as "too smooth" or "too upbeat"? I must miss the more biting aspect to the lyrics and music that were Beckers influence. Maybe 3.4/5? Then I listened to it some more, and its really growing on me due to the jazzy music. Solid 4.

I really dug this, it sounds amazing and the songs have just the right amount of cheese to balance out how smooth they are

You can listen to this endless times and it never gets boring

It was initially nice to hear the light rock 80s sound of Steely Dan's Fagen because just about any music from that era takes me back to fuzzy places. However, I quickly realized that the only thing I like about The Nightfly was the album cover.

A masterpiece fusion of pop, R&B, jazz, and rock, this album is smooth ride through the threat of nuclear Armageddon. Each instrument is a masterclass in taste, pushing out of the mix for ad-libs and solos, then pulling back to blend seamlessly with the track. Fagen’s lyrics and melodies inspire visions of mid-century optimism and Cold War nihilism, all backed by an absolutely airtight band. This album can be enjoyed by a casual listen or hyper-analyzed by the nerdiest music freak. Stand out tracks include “I.G.Y.”, “Green Flower Street”, “The Nightfly”, and “The Goodbye Look”.

One of my favorites. 5/5 I love every song. The extended version has a couple of extras that were included on soundtrack albums (Heavy Metal and Bright Lights Big City).

Oh yeah. Funky, smooth, slick...great rhythm, great piano. This is my jam.

Opening notes - I knew it was going to be great. Smooth, melodic, lyrically wonderful from end-to-end.

I absolutely LOVE this album. It's Steely Dan-esque with a kinda Frank Zappa vibe?

Five Stars Standouts: IGY, The Nightfly, New Frontier, Maxine, Green Flower Street

Real gem this one. Never listened to any Steely Dan, but this solo album was smooth, catchy, full of jazzy tunes and beautiful Rhodes sounds. Really loved it.

Beautiful sound. Upbeat yet mellow jazzy sound.

The style...the musicianship...the vocals...immaculate. Wondering why this is not on my iPod already.

Amazing album, love the vibes

The Nightfly and I go a long way together! I remember it from when it was first introduced in Ad Pop by Ehud Manor as a new album. Love it, and regularly listen to it.

Love this!

So chill! Great lyrics! 9/10 for the vibes, would want to relisten for a better appreciation

10. Considered a 9, because Donald Fagen really is only half the man Steely Dan is

What did you expect? 10

10

It's music

So cool so fresh so unnötig - 2

This album gave me both diabetes and high blood pressure.

Perfect mood, can always listen to this.

Una locura este disco. LOCURA.

5/5 - Reminds me of a pre-Sting/The Police

Great little jam

Me ha encantado!!

this is a really great album, theres a couple tracks i don't like as much that make it 9/10

Had me from the hop! Jazzy, poppy, post steely dan yacht rocky. Good vibes all around.

Brilliant, love this album. Better without Becker IMO. Such a cool retro/futuristic vibe to it

First time I’ve listened to a solo from either one of the Dan’s. Solid stuff

Another one from my Dad's record collection with a memorable front cover - this time redolent of a Twilight Zone episode. Who knew, it sounds just like Steely Dan?! I like it quite a bit better than Aja, although it's still over-polished yacht silliness, perhaps taking itself less seriously here - like a self-aware Barry Manilow record. The more I listened to it, the more I liked it but 4* is too much, so..

Ok so I think this album is kind of mediocre, but a consistent theme is how he hated living in the suburbs and was desperate to move to New York. Respect honestly, I can get behind that. Fagen's Wikipedia page says this: "When he was ten years old, he moved with his parents and younger sister to Kendall Park, a newly constructed suburban section of South Brunswick, New Jersey. The transition upset him. He detested living in the suburbs. He later recalled that it "was like a prison. I think I lost faith in [my parents'] judgment... It was probably the first time I realized I had my own view of life." His life in Kendall Park, including his teenage love of late-night radio, inspired his later album The Nightfly. "New Frontier" has the line "Well I can't wait till I move to the city". He isn't beating around the bush here. While I respect that part, I really was kind of meh on this overall. This was Fagen's first solo album after he split with Walter Becker in Steely Dan, but it's more of the same vibe. If you're into jazz-rock the Steely Dan crew are your guys. I can see the appeal, but it just always ends up sounding a bit boring to me (though nice enough overall). Beyond the subtle urbanism, the lyrics are ok. It's autobiographical in nature, so lots of general nostalgia about 50s and 60s suburbia, unimportant romances and whatnot. A love for late night radio. Again, fine but a little uninspiring. This is just ok. I had a brief moment where I was tempted to give it a 2, but it's not bad, just fine enough to slide in at a 3. Falls below Can't Buy a Thrill and Aja for me in the broader Steely Dan discography though. I also learned that "wingding" means "a lively event or party". That was a new one for me. Favorite song: I.G.V. Other: Maxine, New Frontier, The Nightfly 7/6/24

It’s still very Steely Dan sounding. Pretty good background music but no one track was particularly ear-catching to me. Deserving of its place slightly above centre score.

I like how the top review refers to this as over produced beige yacht rock, like that’s a bad thing!

Like listening to paint dry. So full. 80s Soft jazz rock? I’m alright thanks. 2/5 as it’s inoffensive to listen to but so, so boring.

Can you imagine going to a dinner party hosted by Donald Fagen? “ I remember a line of women all in white The laughter and the steel bands at night” “Christ Donald, we’ve heard this one before, move on munch munch munch glug glug.” This is clearly exactly what it wants to be, a digitally-recorded Faberge egg, curiosity flat and toy-like in sound, curious but of debatable utility. “Maxine” is music for rich people with horrific taste to make out to.

Id had 4 hours sleep and was in pieces when I put this on, but it just sounded like a terrible Sting tribute act. I'm sure it's not but I couldn't stomach it.

I like some Steely Dan songs, but this is Steely Dan but worse. It's got no bite, it's too yacht rock.

I don't like Steely Dan, therefore I don't like The Nightfly. It does nothing for me, it isn't horrible and we've had considerably worse, we've just had many, many, many better. A quick and forgettable 2, although I will say Ruby Baby was decent enough until he started singing.

If this was 1001 albums to listen to drinking champagne on a yacht and checking your stock portfolio then this would be 5 stars all the way. It's slick, well played, tightly produced but I'm left cold by it. Chilled even.

Just utterly pointless. If this guy wasn’t in Steely Dan no one would care about this.

Fuck me, this is shite. I mean, Steely Dan are wick but this is another level.

This is one of those rare albums, where the music is so bland that I would rather eat the CD than listen to it again. I'm sure the plastic crunching between my teeth will sound better too. I give this the only possible score it can get, one slice of plain white bread out of 5. 🍞

I can’t stand music like this. The harmony and arrangements are so convoluted just for the sake of dick-swinging and maybe to mask the shitty songwriting. It tries to be “funky” but without an ounce of soul or feeling. The vocals and lyrics are horrible. Every song was worse than the last. I hope I never have to hear this again.

Shit 80s muzak.

Ernsthaft? Dann lieber ne Stunde Helge Schneider Pink Panther Variationen

Comenzó bien y como al segundo 40 ya todo se fue al carajo con el jazz. Es aburrido y tal vez por lo que comenta Vic está en la lista pero fuera de ahí no me aporta nada

It’s basically another Steely Dan album, which is all I could ask for.

Light disco

Groovy. Every part of this music is given love and atention it deserves. Rarely listening to this albums i'm thinking about word perfection but this one made it happen.

5/5

Hadn’t heard this before but it’s as good as a Steely Dan album.

Totally loved!!

Wonderful surprise.

I did not know that Donald Fagan was in Steely Dan. I enjoyed this album.

Great Groove!!

The smoothest polish A jazzy suave atmosphere Unexpected cool

I already knew I.G.Y, New Frontier and The Nightfly. They are great. Most of the rest is great too!

Just wonderful, peaceful, great cooking music.

Absolutely loved this album. Great choral harmonies and island vibes.

This is what I want! Worthy number of songs (no clear filler), good duration and amazing playing. The production is top-notch. The session players are just awesome! Some of these grooves by Ed and Jeff are just amazing. I prefer some Steely Dan albums but this is great! Highlights: “I.G.Y.”, “New Frontier & “The Nightfly”. 4.5 stars.

One of the most immaculately produced albums of all time and also a complete lyrical masterclass. Just a really wry, astute but also loving send up of growing up in 50s surburbia set to the smoothest of 80s sonic landscapes. IGY is one of the most perfect and uplifting yet sharply ironic songs of all time and Walk Between The Raindrops a fabulous and bittersweetly emotional send-off. Title song also another incredible, hook-laden individual highlight. Even if the music is potentially too slick at times, the wonderfully observed themes, lyrics and overarching album concept makes this a record that keeps giving and giving.

This album was awesome. I didn't know that Donald Fagen did solo stuff. I like Steely Dan, but have not ever been a super fan. From the very beginning of this album it was just a groove. I didn't always love the sounds, like the really electric piano etc...but I did love the grooves.

I’m at a 4.5 that I’m going to bump up to a 5 because I just really, really enjoyed this. I have to be honest to myself with these ratings – I really thought about going for a 4 because “well, some of the outros are a little long, and it’s a little cheesy” but I quickly realized that for my listening experience, I didn’t really care about them in the moment that much. I cared enough to notice them, sure, but they didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the album while I was listening to it. This is just a delight for me – I think I enjoyed it as much as I did because it’s kind of unabashedly cheesy. This is early 80s production at a sort of plateau between the direction of the late 70s and the growing use of synthesizers that would really come to define the mid-80s. This album really tows the line between jazzy soundscapes and some great synth work without overdoing either one. The mixing on this album is as good as audiophiles make it out to be – this is CRISP for 1982, and I guess it’s a testament that the album has never really had to be remastered like that, you know? Those soundscapes are supplemented really well by his vocals – I know Donald Fagen was one of the members of Steely Dan, but I’ve never heard a Steely Dan album. I have to imagine one will come up, because I want to hear more stuff like this. I think I.G.Y. is a fantastic opener, and a great tonesetter for an album that never really loses steam, save for the occasional long outro, or extended periods where the soundscape doesn’t shift as much as it could. This isn’t a flawless album, but I don’t think there’s too much I would tweak here. The variety of styles here is super cool, from the moodier & jazzier stuff that comprises the first few tracks, to the arguably city pop-esque “The Goodbye Look,” and the almost Sinatra-esque “Walk Between Raindrops” – slow that track down a bit and you can hear him crooning out those lyrics. It was just a really fun album for me, I dunno. I could totally see someone getting entirely bored of this and giving it a 2 or a 3, though. It’s gonna be a mixed bag for some people, but it hits on everything I like. Sometimes, when you enjoy an album this much, it’s hard not to go with a 5, and I just feel like I’ve got to give it one. Certainly no less than a 4 for me.

Big Steely Dan fan, so no wonder I like this album. Great stuff

Incredible - its just like another steely dan album

A really good album. Usually when artists from bands put out solo material, it sounds a bit different from their band material, but this is Steely Dan through and through. All the songs had me foot tapping along and the instrumentals were incredible. Proper album, Donald.

This is the album that introduced me to Donald Fagen and Steely Dan, and so has had a huge influence on my musical journey. And in addition to that importance to me personally, I think this is just a fantastic set of songs, all of which sound similar to Steely Dan’s but which lack the level of irony and cynicism. It’s all just great fun, and Walk Between Raindrops is one of the most romantic songs I’ve ever heard in my life

Steely Dan Singer Solo Album.

Absolutely great!

Wish I was born in the 80s

Yacht Rock, but like, REALLY good Yacht Rock

5/5

I have only heard this entire album a few years ago. Though I remember a few tracks from the radio when I was growing up. What a revelation, this whole record is fantastic. I was glad to see it come up today.

Just like Steely Dan, the production here is just next level. It's so clean and perfect. I enjoy how much jazzier this is than some other Steely Dan stuff as well. The lyrics are also a nice change of pace.

I love Steely Dan, so it's not surprise that I loved this. Only I.G.Y. was familiar to me, but the entire album stank of that wonderful Steely Dan aroma. Excellent album, listened to it twice and would again. Five stars.

Donald loses some cool points due to lack of Walter but totally redeems himself by having Larry Carlton play lead guitar on every song. I am a fan of Steely Dan but this is different, I'd say it has a little less rock and a little more yacht but it is still quality.

I remember hearing this album often when I was younger - it's like a walk down memory lane, and sounds as good as I remember. Much as it's Donald Fagen's first solo album, it absolutely sounds like Steely Dan, which is fine by me. The album just puts me in a good mood and I could listen to it on repeat for hours. Pretty much a perfect album to me. Favorite tracks: I.G.Y (one of those tracks where I see the name and go, "what's that?" and then press play and immediately go, "duh, of course I know this one"), New Frontier, The Nightly, Walk Between Raindrops (again, how can you listen to this album and not smile?).

A meticulously crafted album that strikes a perfect chord with those who appreciate the finer details in musical storytelling. Its sophisticated blend of jazz-pop elements and thoughtful lyricism resonates with my affinity for deep narratives and complex, emotionally charged arrangements. Each track is a reflective journey through Fagen's lyrical dexterity, capturing the vibrant spirit of an idealistic past with a contemporary sonic polish. The album's standout, "The Nightfly," exemplifies this blend, with its introspective exploration of night-time radio broadcasting—a theme that personally resonates due to my own passion for radio and its power to connect and communicate. The Nightfly is a testament to Fagen's artistic genius, presenting a sound that's both timeless and deeply evocative.

4/23/24. Always loved Steely Dan and their evolution, listening to this solo effort continued to expand my love for SD and both their official members. Tight production, not afraid to explore different sounds, and great progressions. Loved this one.

I loved all that clean, flawless, jazzy goodness and clever lyrics. Still great.

Solid late period Steely Dan minus Becker. Some people get turned off by the slick production of Donald Fagen's work, both solo and Steely Dan, and I did at first. But if abandon your preconceptions you will be richly rewarded with mostly excellent songs on this album that feel more personal than Fagen's work w Walter Becker as Steely Dan. Almost sounds like an autobiographical fantasy of a kid growing up in 50s NJ. The production is immaculate - the instruments sound lush richly detailed. I have probably heard this record hundreds of times and I still find it captivating.

Introduction: Released in 1982, Donald Fagen's "The Nightfly" marked a turning point. Following the dissolution of Steely Dan, the album showcased Fagen's distinct voice while retaining the duo's penchant for sonic brilliance and intricate arrangements. This review delves into the lyrical themes, musical tapestry, production mastery, and lasting influence of this critically acclaimed work. Lyrical Exploration: A departure from Steely Dan's often cryptic narratives, "The Nightfly" adopts a more personal approach. Fagen paints vivid pictures of a bygone era, drawing inspiration from his teenage years in the late 50s and early 60s. Tracks like "I.G.Y. (What a Beauty)" capture the youthful optimism and fascination with the Space Age, while "The New Frontier" reflects on Cold War anxieties and the ever-present threat of nuclear fallout. However, Fagen doesn't shy away from darker undercurrents. "Ruby Baby" hints at the allure and danger of forbidden love, while "Counterfeit" explores themes of deception and the fleeting nature of fame. This blend of nostalgia, introspection, and subtle societal commentary elevates the album beyond mere reminiscence. Musical Nuance: Fagen's signature songwriting shines through. Intricate melodies intertwine with sophisticated chord progressions, evident in tracks like "Gaucho" (a Steely Dan leftover) and "The Nightfly." The album leans heavily on jazz influences, with prominent use of horns, piano, and dynamic percussion sections. Tracks like "Walk Between the Raindrops" showcase Fagen's playful piano work, while the soulful ballad "Maxine" features a captivating saxophone solo. Production Prowess: The production on "The Nightfly" is nothing short of masterful. Longtime collaborator Gary Katz meticulously crafted a soundscape that is both pristine and warm. Lush layers of instrumentation blend seamlessly, creating a sonic world that perfectly complements the lyrical themes. Every note feels meticulously placed, a testament to Fagen and Katz's shared vision. Enduring Themes and Influence: "The Nightfly" transcends mere nostalgia. It explores universal themes of youthful dreams, societal anxieties, and the complexities of human relationships. The album's influence on various artists is undeniable. Acts like Beck, Radiohead, and even contemporary pop acts like Maroon 5 have cited Fagen's work as a source of inspiration. Strengths: Sophisticated songwriting: Fagen's masterful blend of melody, harmony, and intricate chord progressions creates a unique and engaging listening experience. Vivid lyrical imagery: The album paints a picture of a specific era while exploring timeless themes that resonate with listeners. Production excellence: The meticulous attention to detail in the sonic tapestry elevates the music to a whole new level. Weaknesses: Limited sonic palette: Compared to Steely Dan's broader soundscapes, "The Nightfly" leans more heavily on jazz influences, which might limit the appeal for some listeners. Lyrically opaque moments: While the album offers a glimpse into Fagen's personal world, some listeners might find certain lyrical passages cryptic. Conclusion: "The Nightfly" stands as a testament to Donald Fagen's exceptional songwriting and musical prowess. It seamlessly merges elements of jazz, pop, and rock, resulting in a timeless masterpiece. While minor criticisms exist regarding the sonic scope and occasional lyrical obscurity, the album's strengths far outweigh these aspects. "The Nightfly" continues to captivate listeners with its intricate musicianship, evocative lyrics, and production brilliance. It remains a landmark achievement in Fagen's solo career and a significant influence on the music landscape.

Still a great album after all these years.

Donald Fagen and Steely Dan will always get 5 stars from me. Their music is timeless and brilliant. Jazz, pop, rock all rolled into one.

The Nightfly is an album I unashamedly adore. Where do I start with it? It’s full of layers. It’s shiny, (dad) pop perfection with immaculate playing and lush production, steeped in 50’s nostalgia. It’s warm in tone, but there’s also with a coldness to it, and underneath its bright, shiny, seemingly optimistic veneer, it’s a commentary on post-war middle-class America, with lyrics and stories full of irony, sarcasm and cynicism but wrapped up in a perfect, gleaming, catchy pop album. It’s a subversive masterpiece. Did you expect anything less from one half of Steely Dan?

Nostalgic

Love it. Synth-art-pop goodness. It's amazing and fun

BL: Only knowledge of Fagen is that he was one of the members of Steely Dan, who are a group I've tried to get into a few times, and I haven't ever disliked them but still found them a little bit of a struggle to get into. I'll see how a solo venture fairs. AL: This was an incredibly good album, mixtures of city pop and traditional rock and singer/songwriter chops. A pleasure to listen to, will definitely be listening to again. FT: "I.G.Y", "Ruby Baby", "New Frontier", "The Nightfly", "Walk Between Raindrops" 5/5