Reviews (page 3 of 9)
# Album Name: Nightfly # Artist: Donald Fagen # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: Banging album. Love the feel and rhythm on this thing. # Top Tunes: nightfly / NF / IGY / Green flower street # Would I listen to it again? Yes
Very, very vibey and upbeat. I liked the music a lot and might come back to it more often.
Fun album! It was very vibey with a lot of catchy tunes. You can hear that this guy was in Steely Dan lol.
A Steely Dan-adjacent solo project, this is Fagen’s debut album. Like most things Steely Dan, this was good; it also helped that most of the recording musicians had worked on Steely Dan projects before. It’s a little more jazz-heavy than I expected, but the grooves are good and there isn’t a bad song in the bunch. I’m torn between a 3 and a 4, I liked it but there isn’t really a standout song. I’m feeling generous today, so I’ll give it the bump to a low 4/5
80's, jazzy, funky. not my thing - too light
It was good vibe
A decent steely fan album.
This is a really awesome album. Chill, groovy, insanely easy to listen to. Donald Fagen is of course one of the masterminds behind Steely Dan and you can tell. Really lovely bass on every track. Nice production. Lots going on but it all works. Some absolute world class musicians contribute to the various tracks. "I.G.Y." is probably the biggest standout for me.
Funky and cool vibe
The jazz vocal harmonics are tough to listen to. The lyrics are surprisingly engaging -- especially for words written by Donald Fagan. I like the themes.
Fav song: I.G.Y
Very middle of the road late 70s early 80s yacht rock “safe” sound for me. A nice listen on the morning commute to work today that takes me back to being in the car with my dad (when he had control of the radio). 3⭐️
Mittwoch, der 22.04.2026 ~ nachmittags, nachts, vormittags ~ In der Vekehrsschule am Wassertorplatz - beim Abräumen der Fahrräder, in diversen Bussen auf dem Weg nachhause, in der Ringbahn auf dem Weg zur Uni.
Samstag 25.04.2026 Im Cafe Tirree draußen auf den Bierbänken in der Sonne, beim kochen abends in der Küche während Apfelpfannkuchen gemacht werden
muy bueno me re gustó
Didn't get it, kinda boring.
hall n oates style easy listening. sort of american city pop. a pleasant vibe-fest, really catchy stuff. favorite song is probably I.G.Y.
Rating: 3/10 Feels inoffensive and also mildly insufferable at the same time to me. Technically well made but I will never remember I listened to this
Almost interesting album that was fine to listen through once. Decent vocals + backing band combo, but nothing that sparked joy 5.0/10
In the case I’m building called “Donald Fagen (and the rest of Steely Dan except Michael McDonald) Has Never Been Laid," this album is Exhibit A. This is what the opposite of sex appeal sounds like.
Jeez, this is pure 1982. Feels like these sounds were widely emulated in movies and television. It was everywhere. The influence this had was significant. Even if it skews a bit too modern jazz for my taste, the work is clear. I don’t hate this, but I don’t particularly like a lot of it. Kind of wish some of this was just instrumental. IGY is still really good, though. 3/5
Best Song: Ruby Baby "You know what is missing in this world, 1980s smooth jazz and pop music," said no one ever. This is over produced and obnoxious. I only gave it a 2/5 because it isn't musically bad, just the concept and production are terrible. 2/5.
Ah, I thought it sounded familiar but didn’t realise Don was part of Steely Dan until I read his bio. Not terrible for its time but not going to be added to my regular rotation
What a horrible record this is. Yacht Rock - as its called these days - in the most inane vapid way.I imagine this is played post lobotomy so as not to excite anyone.
Look more into him
Прослушал и забыл. Это было похоже на рок?
very soothing jazz? idk what genre this album falls under, but it was very calming and easy to multitask with.
Den var bra
I've not heard this before but found it very enjoyable.
GOOD
Enjoyable but this hasn't aged well.
Me: "This sounds like Steely Dan" Eslo: "He was in Steely Dan" Me: "oh" (reads wikipedia)
Good stuff.
I have listened to this multiple times now, but every time I find it hard to focus. I feel like this may be a feature, not a bug. It's kind of lovely.
Positivt överraskad. Jag trodde inte att jag skulle gilla detta men det var faktiskt helt ok. Bäst var I.G.Y och The Nightfly.
okay... had some catchy melodies, but not my overall vibe preference
Funky cool nothing crazy
Disgustingly slick. This is why perfectionism is bad kids.
Enjoyable listen with pleasing jazz-pop-rock evocative of both earlier and later styles
po nekoj logici stvari trebalo bi mi se sviđati, al nije toliko. počelo jako i krenulo slabjeti. u principu steely dan al uronjen u osamdesete. na kraju završi a da se čovjek baš i ne sjeća šta je točno slušao, premda načelno jest pristojno, solidno. nevezano za glazbu: odličan omot
It's over produced and bland throughout. It sounds pleasant enough, but there's nothing which really speaks to me on any level. The last track did actually annoy me though, on a fundamental level.
Doesn't quite reach the heights of his Steely Dan stuff but still some solid jazz-rock. Still waiting on that 90 minute flight from NYC to Paris to happen.
Very 1980 time capsule
Bland
Solid, optimistic
Dynamic 80s American pop that appeals primarily to psychopaths I think. The bouncy inoffensive sound just feels a bit fake and sinister. Really wants to be known as jazz pop but there aren't any interesting ideas here. Does sound like the sort of thing the guy from Steely Dan would think is a bold solo record.
I was trying to work out why I liked it - the bloke was Steely Dan. Bops along nicely, IGY and Maxine were the standouts but I had it on repeat for a while. Inoffensive, but enjoyable. Lots of disco noises, bit of synth, but quite a lot of soul. Definitely for me this.
This is fine I suppose, plods along, nothing outright bad about it, just really not very exciting. Shan't remember it. 2.5
Boring. People who like this probably think mayo is spicy.
Not for me.
This was some pretty nice jazzy easy listening. None of the songs stood out that I need to add to my playlist but I generally liked everything I heard.
3 - I didn't realize that this was the guy from Steely Dan. I really enjoyed the music, background vocals, and general vibes. I don't love the lead vocals.
OK
Hogwash.
I could swear that New Frontier is the opening credits music to a network sitcom about a quirky family who grapple with the complexity of modern life while trying to love each other and I’m here for it. IGY doesn’t hold up as well. Rest of the album is a bit dull but I like it better than Steely Dan.
Best so far
I enjoyed the smooth jazz and r&b in this album, and particularly enjoyed Ruby Baby, Green Flower Street, and Maxine! Funny enough, I think I prefer Donald Fagen’s solo work to the music of Steely Dan!
I respect donald fagan but I cannot stand this hyperglossy and overproduced type of 70s and 80s whatever it is. Ive already had 3 other steely dan records. Whats the point of this. We get it.
I can see why so many people love Donald Fagen's music (and that of Steely Dan), but it just doesn't move me. Very well written, produced, and performed, but just not for me.
I think I just gave this album the Goodbye Look!
Everything I don’t like in one album. It’s not you it’s me.
Tylsää, mutta harmittoman kevyttä hissimusiikkia. Ei tämä varsinaisesti huono ollut, mutta en minä saanut tästä yhtään mitään irti.
Excellent album. Highlights: I.G.Y., Green Flower Street, Ruby Baby, New Frontier, The Nightfly and The Goodbye Look. 4.7
Great stuff from one of the Steely Dan fellas. 4.5/5
Straight from the speakers in a grocery store, in an affluent neighborhood, that sells expensive whiskies, and craft syrup, honey, and candles.
I am not quite as scruffy as I used to be, but this sound is still too squeaky clean for me
Actually really enjoyed this. Different, shinier, jazzier vibe from Steely Dan but still has the signature Fagen songwriting, with his chord voicings and layered vocal harmonies. IGY is a great song - the chorus and horn part in particular stuck in my head for days. New Frontier is I think the other "hit" from this album and is also just totally 80s synth fun. Also learned this was one of the first if not the first album to be total digital recording, which is a fun fact. Apparently took them forever to record due to that as well as Fagen's demands for studio perfectionism. This one got some repeat spins for me and I was sort of surprised by that!
I blame weed induced music doc binge sessions for bumping this score to a 4 level. Part of a prodigious music team. Also, warm spring air enlisted this as its background companion.
I’m gonna like anything Steely Dan adjacent and that became abundantly clear upon the first lyric
Another questionable 80s album that sounds like the flurry of 80s albums
Also very generic 80s sounding.
I was not expecting this to be this good. Def lower than a 4, but so not a 3
suave
very cool aesthetic. Looks like the album cover. I.G.Y. is a fantastic opener
Smooth jazz-pop that was pleasant enough to listen to. My biggest issue was that for the short run time it felt long. Every track felt like it was 8 minutes long for some reason. I didn’t not enjoy it though. 3.5/5
Great cheesy vibe, unfortunately it’s not massively memorable
Didn’t click at first that this is half a Steely Dan album. Enjoyed it a lot, grooooovvyyy
Man I really hated this album. It had brief moments where I didn't absolutely hate it, but man, they were few and far between.
Donald Fagan's debut solo album carries on the gloriously sterile production from the two Steely Dan albums before it. But it abandons the drawn out songs for a set of nocturnal pop songs. As with those Dan albums everything here sounds really nice, and most of the songs are pretty catchy; the title track is the highlight in that regard. The sophisti-pop sound suits Fagan's voice well, but it doesn't always suit the production. Where the best sophisti-pop is colorful and dynamic, the clean production keeps all of the guitars and horns sounding the same gray color as the album cover. Something like the harmonica on "New Frontier" should jump out but instead just kind of blends in. Because of this the album never achieves the dingy night-time vibe I think it's going for, but despite that it's hard to resist the pop songwriting here.
Solid 7
..
Can't decide if this great or absolutely terrible
Not bad at all
Anger inducing.
Not bad
i wanted to like this so much more than i actually did. like i really wanted to like it the vibes were almost perfect. the issue is i love the beat and i really don’t like his singing on top of it. not that his singing is bad it’s just the underlying beats are exactly what im looking for in a song and his singing isn’t. i really tried so hard. i will say the album cover is amazing. it made me even sadder that i didn’t end up downloading any of the songs. one of my favorite album covers just so effortlessly attractive.
It appears Donald Fagen's solo debut goes in the same category of every Steely Dan album: I have known and kinda fucked with some of these songs for as long as I can remember but I had no idea until just now who the artist was or the name of any of the songs.
The production is mindblowing, the actual substance of the record is weak in comparison. Mid 3
liked the vibe, the context of this album being a representation of the artirst teenage years makes the lyrics of some songs have more sense but still feel a bit weird
Yacht Rock at its finest.
Not for me.
There are some nice melodies on the album, but because of the dominant 80s sound, the music doesn't really grab me. I'd much rather listen to the old Steely Dan albums.
Fagen's time in Steely Dan really shines through this album's tracks. It's the smoother, calmer, classier side of what can be easily glimpsed in Steely Dan songs. Beautiful, calm, and reminds me of walking down NYC streets at 1AM thinking about the one that got away with a slight whiskey buzz. 7/10, it's got me brooding like a burnt-out retired homicide detective.
New Frontier
3.5/5
Fun album, and I'm glad I heard it. But the songs don't feel like they have meaning, and the lyrics give creepy weirdo. I want more in this vibe/genre, but this one wasn't it. - Talk about building an atmosphere! - Holy pop! And it doesn't sound like lame-o 80s music. Loving it - Faded to background noise mid-album, giving it another listen with lyrics - Lyrics feel a bit niche so far, sound is fun but idk. I'll keep listening
Weirdly Caroline and I recognised different tracks from this, but neither of us really knew who he was. Not bad for a journey listen.
I’m a huge Steely Dan fan and I like this album, but not sure why this made the list when there’s at least 2 steely Dan albums that I e gotten so far. Still slaps tho
Not an unpleasant listen and I really enjoyed some of the tracks. However, the same sound was overplayed on the album, where in some instances it failed to deliver
Nice blues and jazzy, funky. + baller album cover
Wel ome
Pretty decent
Better elevator music
Not too bad.
Donald Fagen is not half as cool as the album cover would have you believe. He evidently spent his teenage years as a dorky kid, stuck in his room listening to fusty old jazz stations instead of that scary rock n roll and pining after unattainable girls. After a spell with yacht rockers and steam powered dildo enthusiasts Steely Dan, he put out this album that can charitably be described as easy listening. It was recorded and produced entirely digitally, and hence has that bland and soulless feel of the early 80s. Purely for this reason it was popular with audiophiles and cd bores who wanted to show off the quality of their hi-fi setups without caring much about the actual music.
What if Steely Dan had stuck to their lush-yet-clean sound (as with the album Gaucho) instead of heading into the creepily sterile territory of Two Against Nature? The Nightfly answers that question with a flurry of jazz-rock that could probably compete with Steely Dan's greatest. What it lacks in Becker's guitarwork, it makes up for with a shimmering, hazy jungle of tight smooth brass playing, biting basslines, and some solid hits on the piano. The chords are also (arguably) more out-there than any of the Dan's prior output (though Babylon Sisters and Glamour Profession give The Nightfly a run for its money). The opener, I.G.Y., is just perfect for showing that ol' Fagen's still got it in him. "What a beautiful world this will be / What a glorious time to be free". Punctuated with chilling synth-harmonica lines. Pretty harrowing to listen to that blind optimism through a modern lens. The main problem with this album is that catchiness is sacrificed for the sake of perfection. It really is just a slightly worse Gaucho, to such an extreme extent that I can draw close parallels between individuals tracks. New Frontier is identical to Time Out Of Mind in terms of texture and mood. On that track, Fagen's wacky, overdramatic, not-quite-good vocal fluctuations combine with some close, airy backing vocals and an instrumental that mimics stimulants with the lightheadedness it provides to the listener. The title track, with its weirdly tentative melodies and choice of textures, is undeniably a direct analogue of My Rival. The Goodbye Look is essentially Babylon Sisters if it was a faster tempo and vaguely tropical. The equal keyboard-heavy mellowness of Maxine and Third World Man suggests the two could be twins. But honestly, if we're criticising albums for being "too perfect", there's something seriously wrong with our judgement. 5/5 Key tracks: I.G.Y., Green Flower Street, New Frontier
This one fascinates me more than it connects with me. The level of detail is almost obsessive. Every instrument is placed perfectly, every tone feels deliberate, every lyric sounds measured. It’s clearly the work of someone who cares deeply about precision. But sometimes I miss a little mess. A little risk. A moment where something strains or breaks. Instead, it glides. Smoothly, intelligently, almost clinically. I can admire it for hours, but admiration isn’t the same as emotional pull. For me, it lands right in the middle. Impressive, yes. Essential, not quite.
Langweilig!
Muito gostoso. Imagino dirigindo a noite e ouvindo.
Meh. This Jazz-pop album from 50% of the brains behind Steely Dan sounds just as I’d expect. In a vacuum, it could pass for Dan because of Fagen’s distinctive vocals (sound, phrasing, and writing) and overall musical tone - but it’s all around just not quite as good. The highs aren’t as stunning (though there are some good melodies and musical moments), and the rest just kinda fades into the background.
Not bad, but kinda grating
wonderful
Kinda torn with this album. I like jazz a lot, but The Nightfly is kinda missing like… some sauce. Some parts really hit. Most of it is just kinda.. milk toast. *Coming back to this review as I make my rating in the evening* I've learned that this is genre is called Yacht Rock. It feels like it's missing something. I'm not into it.
Good album, I really like the sound that Steely / Donald has. 7.3/10
An interesting listen. I really enjoyed the smooth, jazzy ’80s production and laid-back grooves throughout. It’s a fun album with a slick sound and a sense that it doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes it easy to enjoy.
I like Steely Dan, and I also like some of his solo stuff. This, however, seemed to be the same song on repeat.
Chill album edit: really fucking good album
I had not listen to his solo career and I must admin the album sounds very good but despite that, I would rather have most of Steely Dan's discography before this. 7/10 [DROP]
This was painful
boringgg
vibe
Boring soft rock that can be played in the background at a store or restaurant but not actually enjoyed.
Franchement vraiment bon album. Je ne connaissais pas Donald Fagen et le groupe Steely Dan seulement de nom mais là, le projet m'a vraiment plu. Déjà, on sens que la genèse de l'album a des racines très personnelles et à mon sens, ça donne une atmosphère vraiment honnête et une substance beaucoup plus consistante au projet. De plus, je trouve le concept de l'album plutôt réussi avec énormément de sonorités très original tel que le cool jazz ou la pop mélé à des sons de synthétiseurs, c'est vraiment intéressant.
Sympa, groovy 3.5/5
Never heard of Donald Fagen. Track one - ironic dystopian yacht rock. I could like this. The rest of the album I realised it was still playing the same unobjectionable stuff twenty minutes later while leaving absolutely no impression on me. It's fine. I made me idly muse about musicians who want absolute perfection in every sound of every instrument, obsessed over every tiny detail, then sing over the top in a voice that can't really reach some of the notes.
I kept thinking man this really sounds like steely dan, eventually I had to look up donald fagen and found out he started steely dan so that makes sense. It's steely dan but with more synth/80s to it, enjoyable album but it misses something from there top tier stuff
Back in 1915, Malevich painted something called Black Square. Which is a highly respected piece of art that had deep meaning, but visually was literally just a black square. This is so polished and intending to have meaning, but it is as musically interesting to look at as Black Square. Which I suppose is high cultural praise, but still is bland to observe.
Get that yacht ready
Soft rock, gross
No lo conocía. Me pareció muy bueno. Grandes canciones, y se ve clarito cómo Geordie Greep "toma prestadas" cosas de él para The New Sound. 7/10
Good ole Donald Fagen. This still has that Steely Dan feel (that I unabashedly love) yet unique enough to be different. True to how they used to record albums, he's brought in some truly exceptional musicians to support him. The bass lines so rich you can swim in em. Special shout-out to Green Flower Street and New Frontier.
На фон хорошо Простые инструменталы Просто приятно слуху
Dated. And too much “talking” singing. Not for me
I.G.Y. is so good, cheesy synths and all. It's tough when one song is head and shoulders above the rest of the album. Not that the rest is bad...the album just peaks on track one. Having Larry Carlton in your pocket is a hell of a not-so-secret weapon.
You can't fool me! This is just more Steely Dan!!
The Steely Dan touches are all there, just without the sleaze and debauchery that I love about Steely Dan. IGY is a standout for good reason.
Not at all unpleasant, but didn't grab me as hard as Steely Dan does on first listen.
Great solo album from the Steely Dan man. Continues the Yacht Rock vibe on his own. No need to skip a song, just let it play
This album was okay. A lot of feel good sounding music throughout - soft, interesting instrumentals. As a whole, it just wasn’t my thing.
this one evoked no emotions, none at all. works as backgroud music and doesn't even try to catch attention.
90 minutes from New York to Paris, well by ‘76 we’ll be A-OK
The Marechaussed (on dirait The Police)
Love it
Carino alla fine
Ugh, I kept expecting him to breaking into Quando, Quando, Quando and to tell me not to go changing. This is lounge music/soft rock in a form that I found uninteresting and tedious
Begins and I thought it’s got a nice smooth sound. By the end the absence of sharp edges meant I barely noticed it was on. I guess it has succeeded on its own terms.
Not bad, but boring and forgettable
It's uncanny how it's possible never having heard this album to hate it right from the first note played, and every proceeding note solidifying that point as true. It's so far beyond bland and boring that it morphs into jarring and torturous. This is the sound of psychiatric pharmaceuticals and white collar crime.
It feels like Steely Dan-lite, but I like Steely Dan so it's still smooth listening. Just nothing that really stuck with me. I'll put on Aja instead.
No notes
Pleasent listening experience with nice vibes going on all the time. Definitely not the most exciting or interesting album in the world but can see my self listening to songs from this again. Best song was Green Flower Street. Amazing groove and vibe.
Stereo flop
Great album + superb recording for evaluating HiFi stereo equipment
I liked this, enjoyable jazzy pop vibes. Just somewhat forgettable? Wont necessarily listen more than twice
Before: I think Donald Fagen is one of those artists I dismissed back when he was popular on the radio. My favorite artists back then were groups like XTC, The Pretenders, Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, and The Specials. I'm pretty sure I didn't even consider him for my 1982 or any other playlist. Let's try to keep an open mind this time around shall we? During: First up is I.G.Y. It does start off nicely. Of course I remember it now. I have to say I do like this song, it's probably a 4 out of 5, maybe I'll have to add it to my 1982 playlist. I was a huge fan of his band Steely Dan's album Aja that came out in 1977, but that was before I knew about punk, new wave, and associated genres. Next is Green Flower Street. I'm pretty sure I've heard this one too, or is that it sounds just like Aja? Ruby Baby I've heard too, it's nice, sounds like it could have been on Aja. Maxine I don't like at all. New Frontier I like. You know what, I think I had this album on cassette. I definately like this song a lot. Don't like The Nightfly that much. By the time we get to The Goodbye Look I'm losing interest. I mean it's nice but I'm starting to get bored. Walk Between Raindrops does not renew my interest. It does have a little ska thing going on which reminds me I'd rather be listening to The Specials. After : 5 I.G.Y. (International Geophysical Year) 3 Green Flower Street 4 Ruby Baby 2 Maxine 5 New Frontier 3 The Nightfly 3 The Goodbye Look 3 Walk Between Raindrops ----------------------------------------------- 28 Average = 3.50 So the average is 3.5. I guess I'm going to have to give it a 3. If it had just one more 4 or 5 towards the end, I might give it a 4. I'm gonna try the lower ranked songs one more time (I've already listened to them twice). Almost done with my 3rd listen. This is reminding me a lot of Prefab Sprout's Steve McQueen which is one of my all time favorites, Probably in my top 50 at least. So, I changed some song ratings and feel like I can give the album 4 stars. 5 I.G.Y. (International Geophysical Year) 4 Green Flower Street 4 Ruby Baby 2 Maxine 5 New Frontier 4 The Nightfly 4 The Goodbye Look 3 Walk Between Raindrops ----------------------------------------------- 31 Average = 3.875 So, I don't normally rate the songs individually as the average does not necessarily equate to the rating. I give the album but when I'm on the fence, it is helpful. That being said, I'm a gonna give it a 4.
I won't hide it here: this is one of my favorite albums of all time. A genuinely formative listening experience that has been the soundtrack to my journey in the last couple of years. The best thing to arise from the Steely Dan canon and that's saying something. Essential in every aspect, a must listen and one of the most brilliantly human albums ever recorded. Not to mention its incredible ability to test a sound system. A genuine dream production.
Sorry, simply couldn’t tolerate this one, the entire thing grated on me. I can hear the Steely Dan influence but there was nothing catchy about any of the songs on this album. (1)
Immaculate, dead inside
Very dated, but very fun precisely because it is.
This is Wii Sports music. Favorite track was The Nightfly. I almost like it but it’s just short.
This guy's name is offensive, it should be censored! In all seriousness, this album is so sterile you could bring it into a heart surgery. Dull.
Extremely not my cup of tea. I know that now. Genuinely irritated. Concerned for my algorithm.
Not really sure how to describe this - mellow and enjoyable, 80s jazzy modern, singer from Steely Dan
At least it was short. The playing, the production, the mastering, all impeccable, but fuck me it's so just so freaking smooth, and I don't think that's a good thing, it's the auditory equivalent of luke warm water. This did absolutely nothing for me, it's the antithesis of what I want music to be.
Smooth listening, good background music.
Very chill 80s vibe
Debut solo album. Rock / Pop. Whilst there isn't really much wrong with this album in many ways it's still as middle of the road and safe as can be. There's no edge and not much depth with some pretty standard tropes and themes.
I’m not super familiar with the steely Dan universe, but Fagen has an undeniably important sound. To my ears, this record has a sort of dated sound, but that is only because of how engrained in the canon Fagen is as a song writer. This was definitely easy on the ears. -Ruby This record is a cool early example of an entirely digitally recorded album but for that reason, I feel it lacks the warmth of Fagen’s work with the Dan. Plus, he’s not quite Fagen without Becker. —Noah
7/10
Great solo debut. Sounds like a continuation of Steely Dan
Steely Dan Lite, if that's even possible. Still, not a bad listen, at that.
Geht soo
I quite liked the first two songs, but after that it was boring. Stand-outs - I.G.Y. - Green Flower Street
Very good pop album
meh
"The Nightfly" is the debut solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Donald Fagen. Jazz pop, pop rock and R&B are the Wiki-listed genres. The album was produced by Greg Katz and was Fagen's first release without longtime collaborator Walter Becker after the Steely Dan split in 1981. The lyrics are highly autobiographical "related to the cautiously optimistic mood of his childhood in the late 50's/early 60's." The album was one of the first fully digital recordings and is still considered one of the best recorded albums. Fagen sang both lead and backing vocals and played the synthesizers and the synth blues harp. 31 additional musicians were also credited on the album. Commercially, the album reached #11 on the Billboard 200 and #44 in the UK and was critically very well-received. The album opens with "I.G.Y. (What a Beautiful World)." A swirling background synth, electronic piano and synth keys. A smooth jazz guitar and a light beat. Horn fills and lovely backing vocals. Not too far away from a classic Steely Dan sound. Optimistic though as he sings about space stations and solar powered cities. I.G.Y. = International Geophysical Year, an event that happened in the late 50's, of course. Why am I thinking of "My Favorite Martian?" "Ruby Baby" continues in the jazz vein with a sax and flugelhorn. A piano solo and soulful organ. Outstanding production. "New Frontier" has more of a rock beat. A piano melody and melodic bass. Synth harmonica fills recalling Stevie Wonder. A song with an easy-going groove. It was was a matter of time before a cowbell showed up and it does in "The Nightfly." More in the jazzy vibe. An interesting song about a late-night Baton Rouge DJ taking chaotic phone calls and hsi loneliness. One thing for sure is that this is a great sounding album, no doubt about earning its audiophile dream reputation. I typically takes notes when different instruments come in and out of a song. I gave up after awhile since there are all sorts of fills, short solos, layers and underlying instruments. It's no surprise that this album took eight months to record and was considered a difficult album to record. You take the Fagen out of Seely Dan but you can't take the Steely Dan out of Fagen. I think it was worth it. The music is jazzy, funky and soulful. It's much more laid-back than a Steely Dan album but with still has a little bit of an edge. And much more optimistic than a Steel Dan album. Overall, it's a very good and a solid album, well worth giving it a listen.
Good
3.5-4 stars
It's a good album, but it unfortunately will get compared to a proper Steely Dan album, which it is inferior to. It has all the marks of a Dan album, without that certain something extra to make it really good. 3/5 Might listen again
It was good. I think I might listen to a bit. Again, but not sure how I feel about it.
i really enjoyed it
Wonderful, I love
Pretty bland overall. I enjoyed the opening track but the rest seemed to all blend into one big ball of 'meh'.
Not much to say, but an ok listen.
Omg, l’album caché de Steely Dan! Je comprends mieux les ressemblances de sons entre Donald Fagen et Geordie Greep sur son nouvel album solo The New Sound, très « chanteur bossanova hasbeen un peu trash d’un resort à Punta Cana », mais d’une délicieuse façon
Easy listening instantly forgettable 80s-by-numbers. A bit of brass, smooth vocals, falsetto harmony backing vocals, some oohs, some ahs, plinky keyboard, funky bass lines, cheesy lyrics. Winebar muzak. Manhattan Transfer but even less interesting.
Love this sound, it's uplifting and sets positive vibes. Good Sunday listening.
Nice chill vibes
Good first song, worse after that
fuck this is smooth
It’s ok
2/5 for sounding like it came from the early 80s, because it does. I really don't enjoy stuff like this.
For some reason I had assumed from the cover that this was like Donald Fagen going post-punk or something? Unfortunately, it's literally just more Steely Dan, and that's not something I really need in my life.
When I saw the album, I thought it was going to be completely new, but I immediately recognized I.G.Y and New Frontier. Nice, mellow & jazzy
This is not a top anything it was just another album on its era. Nothing really pops out sounds like all the groups from those years.
Smooooooooth
Boring lowk but the album cover got aura
Maybe one of the best sounding, produced records on the list. But you can't have the Steely... without the Dan.
Ihan ok. En tainnut kyllä huomata kun levy loppui ja satunnaissoitto meni päälle. 2,25/5.
STEELY DAN MENTIONED!!!!!!! anyways this is another groovy album, very much enjoyed, hopefully i get more, 8/10
Não conhecia, interessante
This started off quite well and I was enjoying the overall vibe of the music. It's not the best music I've ever heard, and it definitely got a bit samey by the end of the album. For the most part it's pretty safe, there's a little variation in instrumentation but the overall style of music is all very similar. Enjoyable enough as background. Not particularly special.
This could have been an excellent Steely Dan album. Instead, it's an excellent Donald Fagan album. Love his version of Ruby Baby.
3.5⭐️/5 01.11.2026
7/10
This album takes everything I could possibly hate about music and distils it down into a concentrated and vile concoction of smooth jazz/ pop cheese. I found each track painful to listen to, and I will never revisit. One star.
10/10 clean af
This was a pretty good album from half of steely Dan, which just reminded me of steely Dan lol but it was a decent and I enjoyed it!
Steely Dan adjacent.....I am sure he can tell you the very important differences in his solo work, it just sounds like Steely Dan. Which doesn't suck.
Kinda meh
New York vibes
Solid album, not remarkable but not offensive to listen to
this shit was chill, slap it on at 2:00AM and clear the bar while cars drive past softly 3/5
This was pretty soulless lounge swing music. Not awful but did absolutely nothing for me.
1 Star (2/15)
Another agreeable enough listen, but one that leaves next to no lasting impression. A slightly jazzy soft rock type of album, there were occasional bouts of instrumentation that did pique my interest, owing to the crystal clear production allowing them to pop. Otherwise, I'm struggling to note down much else.
Never heard of the guy , soft non descriptive pop to me and leaves me a little cold unfortunately,
Somehow, quality yacht rock almost always is appropriate.
This was a fun listen.
3/5
Favorite songs: None
very pleasant :)
Easy listening, well mixed, kinda boring.
his ties with steely show! A perfectly ok album
Blind album and artist. If this didnt have lyrics, I would thought this was some DVD or video game menu music.
There are some people that have such unique voices. Not because they are perfect but just because they have a tone or a quirk that makes them instantly recognisable. Donald Fagan is one. I had no idea he had made an album outside of Steely Dan. Some songs on here I recognise but have always thought WERE Steely Dan. As a collection it's quite MOR and an easy listen. Add that voice and it's a 4
This is so bad. Seriously, so very bad. It's one redeeming feature was that I found myself laughing at how bad it was through most of the second half. Surely someone has been paid a large sum to put this on the list and get it played by unsuspecting fools like me. There is so much good 80s crap that could have been here that would have been much more fun. So bad. Oh, and can someone put in a welfare check on Ruby, I'm worried for her safety.
It's alright. Nothing groundbreaking, standard yacht rock. I didn't hate it.
The Nightfly; niithe debut from Donald. Starts strong with I.G.Y (best song to lead it off) and then fades a bit, but holds up throughout. Also recognized Ruby Baby and New Frontier. Good musicianship and intriguing lyrics. L = (2.6*s) It’s obvious that DF is one of the main song writers for Steely Dan, which I prefer over his solo work. J = (2.95*s) Familiar with The Nightfly as Uncle Mat had the album. Always liked I.G.Y. Which got some radio play and still holds up.
Fagan on his solo career here ain't bad but The Nightfly is lacking something...probably Walter Becker. "New Frontier" is top track although a little long. "I.G.Y." is pretty good too. Not sure the song holds up though with the current world status and future outlook. I'll stick to the Steely Dan years...2.17 stars.
I've heard many times that Steely Dan was a set of detail oriented perfectionist virtuoso musicians. This comes through in some of their albums but feels even more evident in The Nightfly from Donald Fagen. Fagen is still in Steely Dan form as a handful of songs felt like they could have been later releases by the band which I say with a lot of respect. I enjoyed my listen though at times it does feel like a watered-down Steely album without the rest of the players. Something about The Nightfly felt very sophisticated which is both good and bad as it might feel a little hoity toity at times. Regardless of the subject matter, Fagen often nails the slight jazz rock/pop/fusion tones that Steely were so known for. While I'll continue to prefer Steely Dan to this solo entry, The Nightfly has a lot of the heart and soul that made Steely Dan special. I've wondered why I never previously checked out more of the solo stuff from the other artists but maybe this listen and review gave me the answer I kinda already knew. Still a solid entry though. 3.08 stars
Way too smooth. This is background music in a shopping mall.
Great album, had heard a few of these & always thought they were S.D. tunes. Can’t go wrong with that smooth groove sound. Maybe heard this back in college?
Boring
Glänzend produzierte Langeweile.
Good album for sure. Like Steely Dan, the songs and the production are pretty much flawless. But, sometimes, the perfect nature ends up sounding sterile.
i like the calm vibe
It was a good listen but didn't feel anything special towards it
Like his voice and the overall vibe
Started strong with I.G.Y and then turned into elevator music Fav song: I.G.Y
I'm a little surprised to see this one pop up. It's good, maybe his best solo outing, but I've always thought this was more reserved for the heavy Steely Dan enthusiasts. Hearing this again after a long while, I'm realizing how good it is. I like this more now than before and it really stacks well alongside Aja and Gaucho.
Lovely Steely Dan singer and vibes.
Patrick Bateman would have this on repeat
Elevator music in the best way
This was pretty bad I think. Excellently performed, mixed, and mastered, but it's really just Steely Dan without any of the really impressive instrumental bits and songwriting. I think maybe the most "innovative" part of it is the chord progression in "New Frontier", but even that is fundamentally simple, just gussied up with suspended chords and a couple of off beat jumps. It'd be sort of embarrassing being caught listening to this because it's fundamentally really cheesy stuff. I'm too young (wow!) to have been around when this was pop music and it all sounds like an 80s cocaine binge before that was really out in the open. Like some wall street criminals just hitting their first big score and partying on the yacht one of them just bought.
Well, this is one of the best Steely Dan solo albums the first that Donald Fagan did, and it is a classic. So similar but totally different from the work he did with Walter. A treat! Based upon his early years as a DJ and such in the early 60's, the songs offer a variety of musical styles. Hits you will know, and some hidden gems; like the samba-esque stylings in " The Good Bye Look" and "Walk Between the Raindrops". played this 100 times, will play another 100 more. Thank me later
Never heard any of these songs before. Pretty corny sounding style of yacht rock/jazz rock but interesting lyrics and subjects. It was fine background music and catchy at times, not hard to listen to but easy to tune out of, for me. Nothing made it onto the playlist and I wouldn’t revisit it.
Unbearable
Nice
Just a big ol' bag of whatever. I guess it's well done for what it is, but I couldn't wait for it to be over. 2.4
This feels like an album that would receive a rave review from Patrick Bateman in American Psycho (complimentary)
Fun
Just tremendously boring. It's tightly played and well-produced, but that's like saying someone expertly cooked plain chicken and rice with no seasoning. I wouldn't think to turn it off in the background, but if I wanted to actually listen to music, I would never leave it on.
Loved it, easy listening!
Technically it sounds good I just didn’t vibe with it as much as I thought I would after the first song
Really good choice! This is an excellent recording, especially for Steely Dan fans.
Audio nerds will tell you it's amazing
Interesting album, but I really can't say it's an incredible one. Good for you if you enjoy it!
Hey, I'm always in for a little Steely Dan related yacht rock album. I can't say it's a keeper, but I was really impressed by the delivery, chords progressions and vocal harmonies. The guy know what he's doing.
post-steely dan donald… fascinating stuff here. same sound but slower and more chill than the band usually does. not a bad listen at all but there were no standouts
This is the kind of music for people who want others to think they like music, but really they don't.
Good and fun and chill. 4/5
I could see myself liking this album one day. It has a fun groove to it, but as of listening to it today it isn’t an album I see myself intentionally putting back on to listen to. The track Nightfly is a pretty fun song that is emblematic of the album as a whole.
Really good jazz
Steely Dan minus the smirk. Not quite as clinical but still immaculate in its production. More sincere in its nostalgic view. Will return.
Solid.
Love this.
I find it to be a pleasant foray into early 80’s pop rock. It’s light and jazzy. It’s fun to listen to and interesting in the layers and textures.
jazzyjazz gøy musikk
Already heard. Fantastic album.
Surely, there’s got to be better music out there? It just exists, nothing sticks out in any way
dude come on
2 cheesy 4 me
This brings me no joy
Too high of a voice for my liking
I really like Donald Fagan's voice, but I don't like this style of 80s synth music.
Not as bad as I anticipated!
Why is it I always think of Oliver Twist when I hear this name? Can’t get ‘Gotta pick a pocket or two’ out of my head now thanks to this selection. Thing is I prefer that than most of what’s served up on this album. 2/5 20/11/25
Mild and tepid, no real backbone or texture. Too smooth
Would you believe that one half of Steely Dan still sounds like Steely Dan? Good time jazzy yacht rock. Fagen doesn't reinvent the wheel, but is consistently enjoyable on this solo outing.
55
Smooth, excellent production. A bit more enjoyable to me than his Steely Dan albums, but I'm not sure it would have made my 1980s album cut. While a fine album, it sounds far too 70s to have had any meaningful impact on the music that would follow it in the 1980s and 1990s. Personally, I prefer many others from the 1980s that I think were far more influential than this album.
This sounds like a Sting impersonator singing b side Huey Lewis and the News songs. With this, I just can’t. What is this? Why is it here with the likes of Dark Side of the Moon and the White Album? I’m glad it’s only 8 songs. What’s not a glad moment is moving onto the next song before the previous one is over. It’s that bad. Like, ok, as an album separate from great albums it’s not horribly produced. It’s musically inclined. The vocals are just ok The lyrics are weak but probably suitable for an 80’s album. You could have sex to this music as long as the lady you are talking it doesn’t pay much attention to it. If she does, that’s on you Mr. Boring Pants.
Fine
[rupaul voice] WHO CARES???
Damn that kinda sucked. Just shmaltzy and stupid sounding.
Man I realized I was barely four songs in and i needed another 4 to go. I guess this isn’t for me because man it felt like a chore and a drag getting through 4 songs
7/10 Favourite: I.G.Y Least Favourite: New Frontier
When I'm criticizing music I try to keep it based on my subjective taste such as "I didn't care for that" versus "it sucks". Donald Fagen had access to some of the most talented musicians and recording technology of the time for his work on Steely Dan and I assume he did here as well. How he manages to generate a work that can illicit absolutely no feeling in me at all is astounding. This album goes by like a long semi-loose shit. Donald Fagen and Steely Dan are music for philosophical zombies. To reiterate, I cannot put into words how much this absolutely sucks shit.
Mmm it's okay! I wasn't super hot on Steely Dan to begin with when I first heard Aja, but this is definitely not as good as that. That said, still fairly groovy and not bad!
Just like Steely Dan, of which Donald Fagen was a part before this album, this album effortlessly radiates COOL. It's missing many of the sardonic lyrical touches that Walter Becker brought to the mix, but it's still got that smoky, late-night jazz pop sound that makes the best of the best Steely Dan work. Another 9/10 from the Steely Dan sphere!
i think I enjoyed this overall, but after listening to other Steely Dan stuff, I know it was just missing *something*
It's not quite on the level of Aja, but it's got the same jazzy production that got me hooked on Steely Dan (and which was missing from Pretzel Logic). Very fun and layered record that I played twice in succession -- at a tight 38 minutes, it's all gas no filler. Standouts: I.G.Y. • Ruby Baby • New Frontier • The Goodbye Look
Good album but lacks the magic of Steely Dan. I'm not sure what exactly is missing. Maybe it's a little too polished or maybe it doesn't have that bite of social commentary, but it's solid enough.
those of you who like easy-listening pop and yacht rock might like this album. donald fagen is one half of the iconic soft rock duo steely dan, and this music absolutely has that sleazy, smarmy aesthetic going for it right away. even when working solo, fagen's distinctive songwriting, vocal harmony work and funky-fresh sound remains clear as ever. compared to most steely dan albums, this album has a more contemporary and, well... pop sound to it. this sound i feel like hinders the album a little bit; the clean and modern 80s production work paired with some of the vocal techniques can at times make this album sound a little... cheesy. even i know my limits when it comes to 80s pop sounds... but is this album bad? heavens no. it's a gem, and above all else, it's full of character.
I used to like this. I used to like Steely Dan, too. Now, not so much. With Steely it may be over exposure on all the radio stations. This one just didn't age well.
Starting from song #1: oh, that’s where half those songs came from when I was working at Rite Aid!
First thought.. this name seems familiar 10 seconds in... Steely Dan And thats a positive because this is great
Not really my thing. How did this get on the list? Pretty forgettable.
Fine to have on in the background but this one didn’t grab me in any way