Reviews (page 6 of 9)
80's sound but also smooth jazz
Steely Dan is one of my favourite bands and I’ve always loved each of their albums. I was excited to get a band member but was shocked to find it wasn’t clicking as much as I had thought it would. Don’t get me wrong, it was fun and I did like his voice but I was hoping to be WOWED more.
Smoooooth. Sure I know on a lot of levels it’s pretty cheesy but then again just back tf off: this isn't stupid-shit-bon-jovi cheese, it’s light-jazz cheese. More of a hard gouda rather than a processed Velveeta. I wouldn’t put it up with the best of Steely Dan but it’s only a small step down; occasionally suffers from a *little* too-sterile 80s sound (it was one of the first-ever fully digital recordings, wondering if that sterility crept in) but also in a way it seems to be appropriate for this. Definitely a headphones-album. Fave track (as a kid and now): “New Frontiers” - in fact this was probably the first/only Steely-Dan-family track I liked until college, no doubt influenced by early MTV. WJAZ. 7/10 4 stars.
This album was definitely influenced by Steely Dan and it is soooo good. I can definitely seeing myself digging into Donald Fagen's discography some more. There wasn't a song I didn't like, but ironic that I thought the weakest song was the one the album was named after. The vocal harmonies and guitar parts all throughout this album were amazing. "Walk Between Raindrops" was my favorite. Liked Songs: "I.G.Y." , "Ruby Baby" , "New Frontier" , "The Goodbye Look" , "Walk Between Raindrops"
disliked songs: Ruby Baby, New Frontier Holy drum machine, Batman. Displeasing vocals. How can an album with so many interesting chords be so boring? 1.25
I really enjoyed this but I also love Steely Dan.
Rating: 6/10 Choice cuts: I.G.Y., Green Flower Street
I've really enjoyed reviewing three Steely Dan albums so far, so I've really been looking forward to this album. I have pretty high hopes for this album, and I'm excited to fire it up! Well, those high hopes were dashed. I thought this album was a complete snooze. I was so bored by it, I had to go back and listen to Pretzel Logic to make sure I wasn't an idiot for enjoying Steely Dan (Pretzel Logic still kicks ass, whew). This album is just absolutely bland from start to finish. I think I could listen to it a dozen times in a row and not be able to recognize a single song a week later. I appreciate the 'Nightfly' theme, but everything here has been smoothed out so much that it lacks any texture and depth. The arrangements weren't particularly interesting, and only the opening and title tracks really came close to being anything of substance. I'll take some Steely Dan any day, but this album was a dud.
Hadn’t heard this before but it’s as good as a Steely Dan album.
Very generic. It sounded like any movie intro/outro.
pretty much Steely Dan. Not bod but not exciting
“We have steely Dan at home” Something about a turtle neck tucked into light wash jeans at a coffee shop in New York City during autumn
Easygoing rock, lidt poppet, lidt jazzet, dejligt nok
A jazz from a very specific time period; very ambient and eerie in a comfortable way
When walking through the shire, this is what to listen to on your hobbit walkman.
I dont hate it. I listened to the first 2 tracks and thought it sounded a lot like steely dan before I read the wiki and figured all that out. Its not amazing or profound or anything, but its solidly "OK." 3/5
It's pleasant and contains some interesting structures, but ultimately Donal Fagen seems to be a bit too easy listening for my tastes.
A wonderfully pleasant listen, that ultimately leaves only a little mark.
Totally loved!!
groovy!! 3.5 stars.
The definition of easy listening. Very hard to rate for me so let’s go in da middal
Wonderful surprise.
Wishy washy pap
Honestly easy listening but was kinda boring.
For 1982, this sounds like the 70s. I don’t know the name but these songs sound familiar. It’s possible I confuse these with steely Dan. Ok. So it sounds like steely Dan because Donald Fagen is half of steely Dan. 🤣😂
This soundtrack turned into background music and before I ever realized Spotify was playing an entirely different artist. I did enjoy the New Frontier song.
Did not expect to know this artist but did. But a huge fan of the fake multiple vocals style. Wonder why they would sound like live.
I don't understand how someone writes songs like this with such seemingly random melodies. His music is all vibe/no songs imo.
Very silly, but I honestly had fun
What an opening track! But it gets pretty boring towards the tail end of the album. It's an ok album, but I will probably not return to it for anything other than the opener.
Really liked this. Yes, it sounds exactly like Steely Dan. That's not a bad thing. There's a reason they show up on so many "best of" lists.
“steely dan light” if you will. and as anything steely dan adjacent, of course you have top notch musicianship. not bad, not bad at all.
Steely Dan Light
There's some Steely Dan I dig, but none of it sounds like this. How something can be so competently and articulately arranged and still so insipid is beyond me. I just don't get this type of music, and Fagen is one of the least convincing vocalists I've ever heard. 2/5
Steely Dan but it's Donald Fagen so it's not really Steely Dan anymore but still Steely Dan.
Cool album, coole cover en na het luisteren werd het nog cooler toen ik te weten kwam via mijn 1001-albumbuddy dat dit het soloproject is van iemand van Steely Dan. 3.4
Fun but kinda lacks the sauce
Eh. Yacht rock I didn’t knoe
I did not know that Donald Fagan was in Steely Dan. I enjoyed this album.
Irgendwie ein bisschen „beige“.
Indistinguishable from steely Dan’s discography
igy- 4 green flower street- 5 ruby baby- 4 maxine- 4 new frontier- 4 nightfly- 4 goodbye look- 4 walk between raindrops- the bass is good. 5 elevator music
could i write poetry to this? N
Don't you just love it when a member of a well-known band strikes out on their own to stretch their creative wings, free of the constraints imposed by former partners and able to flourish as a solo Artist on an entirely new musical path? Neither does Donald Fagen. It's a Steely Dan record without Walter Becker or cocaine.
I hate this shit so much!
Office music
I'm struck by how many superficial similarities this has with Herbie Hancock's Head Hunters - jazz/funk fusion, exploration of electric keys with horns and guitar. Superficial similarities; because if listening to Head Hunters is like the best sex you ever had, listening to this is like sitting through a junior college lecture about intercourse. Head Hunters is heart, soul and libido, this comes across as applied theory and and fear of misstep. Donald Fagan definitely belongs in any conversation of artists who made a living draining a musical style of everything that makes it great: Lawrence Welk, Pat Boone, Kenny G. So polished; so awful.
As a big fan of 1970s/early 80s soft rock (often dubbed “yacht rock”) it’s surprising that I haven’t dug into Fagen’s/Steely Dan’s sooner. This is an overall well-crafted and pleasing record on the ears. The musicianship and songwriting are off the charts here. The 8 song, 40-ish minute record makes it a very friendly and accessible listen as well. The most standout tracks to me are “IGY” and the title track. Vibes all around on this record are good. Will listen again and add this to my collection.
In a nutshell: jazz rock. How groundbreaking 🙄 Fagen's solo album sounds like any other Steely Dan album (ie well produced and backed by a tight band)...which is exactly its problem. The level of self indulgence and mediocrity was sickening here. And that's just me. Overall: 2/19
Chill listen, but it all sounds the same.
Great Groove!!
The smoothest polish A jazzy suave atmosphere Unexpected cool
This would actually be an ok jazz pop album and is I guess. But the rehashed backing vocals/chorus effects are really annoying after a while...
This is exactly the kind boring music my dad would try to convince me is actually really good and interesting. I am genuinely surprised this album isn't in his LP collection.
He’s got such a unique voice. Completely unmistakable. The way he strings together jazzy melodies into a cohesive song has always impressed me. This album, although not his best work, showcases his multitude of talents. The writing is original, the production is impeccable, the lyrics are thoughtful. He makes a very nice record. His voice can turn some people off, but I don’t mind it too much. Pretty good, although the lettering on the cover art sucks. 4/5
Definitely liked the first (hit) song of the album. Learned something new!
I like Steely Dan a lot, and I'm into the whole vibe of this record. But it's a bit too schmoozy in places. Don't get me wrong, it sounds great on a car stereo at night, and the production is fantastic. I see why it's on the list for sure, being a very early digital recording it was significant. But is it Steely Dan good? I don't think so, but maybe it will grow on me more. Not sure of it adds much to the list that the SD albums don't already.
This certainly feels like an album from a time and place. It's very cruisy late night 80s radio. Faves: New Frontier because it seems to be about finding love in the apocalypse and for rhyming beer with frontier. Walk Between Raindrops a nice feel good closer.
The first track being cod-reggae, I thought this was a Sting / The Police rip-off act initially, but upon hearing more and reading up on the background, it's an extension of Steely Dan's yacht rock, which, it turns out, is something this project has positively inclined me toward... 🛥️ Certainly has its uses, and I can see myself returning to this when I want to invoke a specific mood. Fave tracks - "New Frontier" was the stand out.
A big “meh” for me. It’s funny: Steely Dan is often disparaged as being quintessentially “Yacht Rock” but I find their discography for the most part anything but. To me, their music is entirely engaging and complex in all the right ways. Here with Donald’s solo album? Pretty forgettable “Yacht Rock”.
This is smooooth mall music. I'm pretty anti mall.
Llamativo
OK
I already knew I.G.Y, New Frontier and The Nightfly. They are great. Most of the rest is great too!
It's so inoffensive that it's offensive. It's not a bad album; the opener was pretty good, but besides one song, the whole album felt so stagnant. Top 2 Fav: I.G.Y. and The Nightfly Top 3 Worst: most if not all the songs are mid 2.5-2.55/5
This vibe!!! It throws me back into a comfort zone. This isn’t even. That I owned or that I knew anyone who had, but Donald Fagen’s sound is part of the soundtrack of my youth. It still has a sophistication to it that surpasses some of the other typical “80s“ music that I grew up listening to. Just good stuff.
Not good
I didn't know what to expect but I like this. The bass is the star of the show. I.G.Y. sets the tone and Green Flower Street leans further into the smooth basslines and R&B vibes. Ruby Baby has pop vocal sensibilities with jazzy backing piano. Neat. Maxine is more emotional and nostalgic sounding. The second half is just as good, The Goodbye Look in particular has a super cool keyboard. It's giving calypso. Jazzy outro. Easy 4 star.
Decent. Cool to hear what came after steely Dan. I do kinda get what people mean when they mention the music is so clean that it’s almost sterile. Still tho I did like it even if I thought the songs tended to drag on Rating: 3.2
This feels quite vintage with strong 80s vibes which I do like. Very bouncy synths and beats which are fun and up-beat. All slightly cringe in quite a fun hilarious way. It almost reminds me of Hall & Oates in places which is a great thing but it's slightly lacking in punch and not quite hitting the mark somehow. I just read that Donald Fagen was the lead singer of Steely Dan (I hadn't heard of him) I can't say I'm a Steely Dan fan... find it wishy washy and perhaps it is actually in large part down to Donald's voice. The vocal feels quite weak to me. It's almost a little bit frustrating but I don't hate it!
Yeah this was quite enjoyable! Wasn't what I expected. Overall inoffensive. Quite good
I really liked this. It surprised me, had no idea what to expect. The album cover is dripping in cool. The album itself is really upbeat and interesting. It sounds quite generic at first but I think it's actually quite out there for what it's doing musically. The lyrics to the first track really made me laugh though: Standing tough under stars and stripes We can tell This dream's in sight You've got to admit it At this point in time that it's clear The future looks bright What an opening! I can imagine putting this on at all those suave dinner parties I host.
Eh, just sounds like the worst parts of Steely Dan to me.
Donald's voice is aggressively nasally and pretty strained. It definitely ends up taking away from the album. If you can get past that (and in the moments where his voice isn't pushed to the limits), this is an excellent album. As you'd expect from a former Steely Dan member, the band and instrumentation are both pretty incredible. I wish I could call this an all-time great, but vocals are such an important part of an album for me. Favorite Song(s): I.G.Y., The Nightfly
Bueno
Vekkulia ja funkkista. Jazzpoppia ilmeisesti. Parhaat: Green Flower Street, New Frontier
I am not a big fan of Steely Dan and this is about half as good. 2 stars or D+.
Just wonderful, peaceful, great cooking music.
Absolutely loved this album. Great choral harmonies and island vibes.
Baffling choice.
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.
3.5
Donald Fagen - Nightflyer The first two songs on each side have the makings of five star album. "I.G.Y.", "Green Flower Street", "New Frontier", and "The Nightflyer" all have the makings of the perfect follow up to "Aja" (better than *Goucho* at least) The rest... are... I guess fine songs. "Maxine" is the best of the rest, but the Steely Dan-ing of a Drifters/Leiber&Stoller classic is comical at best. This comes close to matching the magic of the classic six run of Dan, but not quite (8.7) ★★★★
Well-produced, but too smooth for my taste. 3 stars
Really wimpy yacht rock that makes Boz Skaggs sound like Black Sabbath. 2 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.
Lovely smooth easy-listening deliciousness. 4.5 stars 4 for this project
Me gustó!
Saw it was a guy from Steely Dan so I made sure to listen to it on my proper stereo. Wonderfully recorded. Just not my thing.
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.
Steely Dan with an 80’s flavor
i should definitely like this more, i mean Aja is one of my favorite albums…. maybe i’m not in the right mood today 3.5
First listen. Meh.
1. igy - 1.5 2. green - 1 3. ruby - 1.5 4. mazine - 1.5 5. frontier - 1 6. night - 1.5 7. goodbye - 1 8. rain dropz - 1.5
Love this album. Super super polished and the harmonies across the board are incredible. Some of the songs go on a tad long.
Nice stuff. Steely Dan keys goodness. Yuh
Lettere undervældende. Ok til tider, lidt disco vipe over noget af det, lidt blues her, lidt contrey der, kryderet med noget jazz ud over det meste. Det skal nok være et godt album hvis man ikke havde mulighed for at høre andet. For den introducere til meget forskelligt.
Det er funky, jazzet og blues’et på en gang. En sjov, hyggelig og overraskende god lytteoplevelse
Steely Dan without the irony isn't half bad, but it's still not the same. i think The Nightfly is alright, it works as a jazzy exercise of nostalgia and lost dreams for Fagen himself. there's a lot of good things about it ("I.G.Y." and the title track rival the best Steely Dan songs) but i think what keeps it from being on the level of a Gaucho or even a Katy Lied is that cautious optimism. instead of a man selling me moonshine wrapped in studio candy, i'm just getting a nice bowl of candy. i like candy, and some of it tastes like the moonshine, but i can't help but feel a bit let down that i'm JUST getting this. also, "The Goodbye Look" has got to be the snazziest song about a Mafia casino runner getting executed by Castro this side of the trade embargo. if you're in Cuba and using RYM: 1. how 2. why 3. do they have better songs about similar topics on your end? message me if so.
Langweilig, aber nicht per se schlecht. 2,4
Adding lyrics to smooth jazz doesn't make it suck any less
It’s like half a steely Dan record
The musical equivalent of conditioner. Bright, shiny and soft.
Good stuff right there.
I like 2 songs on here the rest is indulgent crap.
One of the most mediocre albums yet
Pretty solid!
К сожалению, хоть альбом и звучит как лёгкий джаз, совсем не запоминается.
I feel like the older I get the more I like Donald Fagen's work. When I was young I didn't really appreciate how sonically deep it is. There is a lot of interesting stuff that is ear candy. I will probably end up buying this album because I think it is great.
Listening to this, is like revisiting an old friend. The family resemblance to Steely Dan is unmistakable, but The Nightfly is a bit smoother, lacking in any bite. Great background music, tho' that seems to be damning it with faint praise.
Cool. Something I hate more than Steely Dan.
I’ve kinda grown a bit tired of 80’s pop-rock records but this one really spices things up. The instrumentals are amazing but not overwhelming, and it truly brings back a classy, blues feel while managing to stay relevant and even cruise forwards. This was genuinely really good.
Night of September 8, 2024 HL: "Maxine", "I.G.Y." the title track Contrary to my attempts to be open-minded, I decided this was a three star album before listening to it. An 80's solo spinoff from Steely Dan? I enjoy some Steely Dan, and there's enough here to appeal to fans of that band. But it somehow took the slippery smooth production of Aja even further into the clinical jazz we get here. Interestingly, the lyrics themselves are wistful and descriptive; there is soul to be found.
Lovely composition by the Steely Dan singer after the break in 1981, album nominated for 7 grammy's
One of the best ever, Steely Dan rules
According to Wikipedia, this album's legacy has very little to do with its music—as in, the compositions, or what these songs about. Instead, its legacy is that it's a favorite among audiophiles. This album was a popular demonstration record for speaker sets. It, especially its opener, has been used to test studio and front-of-the-house systems. I'm sure the only list besides this one where it sits besides PET SOUNDS and SGT. PEPPER'S is EQ's list of the ten best recorded album of all time. Not that any of that matters to me, really, I should say. I'm the furthest thing from an audiophile. I listened to this album on, like, $20-some headphones. I can't tell if something's bricked or clipping unless I'm looking at it. And, generally, as long as what I'm listening to doesn't sound like unmistable **total ass**, I'm fine. I just find it curious that this album's biggest impact was to became a tool for testing speaker quality. 'Cuz listening to the music... Well, it's not bad. And maybe I actually kind of like more than a fair few moments on it? But it's wholly unremarkable; completely inoffensive jazz pop that, at points, sounds like it should be playing the background of a Sega CD pool FMV game. During two different songs, on opposite sides of the album, I yawned out loud, no foolin'. And, y'know, I don't wanna make any assumptions and say I "understand" what pepople are talking about when they say Steely Dan is boring, 'cuz this is from only one member of the group.... But he is, notably, the only currently living member, so... Look, if this thing **is** one of the best recorded albums of all time, then maybe it's been recorded too clean. Y'know? Nobody's doing anything terribly interesting; there's no risks being taken; there's no **edge** to it. It's been polished to be a smooth nugget. And, sure, I can admire and appreciate all the effort that went into getting it that way, but it's not even that shiny. It's there. It's something to fill your time for a moment. And then you move onto something more interesting.
Just some pretty jazzy pop from one of the Steely Dan dudes. Solid 4.
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.
Once I see past the early 80s production and tones, the sub par lyricism, and the insufferable harmonies, I can see some jazz to appreciate. This is not the sound for me.
Jeeze, hope I don't have to listen to this one ever again.
There's a reason you see so many copies of this album for cheap at Goodwills, flea markets and less discerning used record stores - it's complete garbage.
Standout Track- I.G.Y
Does one set out to produce music, only to be heard at the dentist office and H&RBlock?
Smooth middle of the road Steely Dan-esque beat
Oh yeah, I remember this one. We'd all be in the van and say, "What? That's not Steely Dan?" Lots of cool sounds on here, but seriously, if you're going to ditch the band, hire studio musicians, and change the name, I feel like you owe me a new sound. Wanker.
I thought I might find this insufferable I was right
Elevator music but not bad
Incredible - its just like another steely dan album
I've given this a few spins at this point. I *should* love it! The first track, I.G.Y, is one of my Dad's favorites, and he loves it for its weird, prescient, sly cynicism that feels like it's pulling back the curtain. I love it for that, but also for its alluring cleanliness. It's almost the cleaner than any other Steely Dan record! Which is saying something! This is the era of Ultra Clean. Something so hypnotic for the musician in me, at the utterly, pointlessly perfect sound. There's just something so weird about it, you know? Like, why did they decide to do this? I just think the songs kind of fall off after the first song. I like the more bluesy, open arrangements, but the songs at the heart feel a little less immediate for my taste. Feels like we're laying back in the comfort zone. Which, for Donald Fagan, is still cool. But for me, the listener, I'm waiting a little for stuff to happen. Still, great record. 3/5
Classic good vibes.
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.
Little funky, little jazzy, altogether nice on the ears. I'm a sucker for those layered vocal harmonies. Some of the songs are freaking long.
Boomers bring anything Steely-Dan-related to this list like Sheen brings Ultralord to class in Jimmy Neutron It would be something if this album was unique, but it was just more of the exact same steely Dan sound too >:(
послушала в пятницу и забыла, отлично) что-то неинтересное
Except for IGY and New Frontier, I was unfamiliar with the other songs on this album. Donald Fagen certainly has a particular style that is recognizable and perhaps a bit too repetitive. I’d give it another listen.
Interesting to finally hear this in its entirety. The entire decade or so I’ve been into headphone/hi-fi gear this is one of THE supposedly legendary albums to listen to because it’s so well recorded/produced. Considering Donald got his start with Steely Dan that’s not surprising to hear based on the band’s recording reputation. The difference? I mostly like Steely Dan albums. Except for a few exceptions like “Green Flower Street” and “The Nightfly”, this was leaning way too much in the Yacht Rock lane for me.
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
I’d usually put my 3 highlight songs on the album, but in this case every song is so painfully boring, and they all blend into each other (and not in the cool Queen II/Dark Side Of The Moon way.) Bad music doesn’t sound awful, it sounds boring. This sounds like it was made to make everyone happy and therefore doesn’t match the taste of everyone quite right, so in actual fact, no one is quite satisfied.
own
When I was growing up and listened to the radio, this is the kind of easy listening music that informed me I'd hit some old people station and to keep searching for a decent one. It's also the kind of music that makes me afraid people can hear my music through my headphones and think I might CHOOSE to be listening to it. Fave Track: New Frontier Rating: 2
Steely Dan Singer Solo Album.
Absolutely great!
quiet and old
Wish I was born in the 80s
Yacht Rock: The Album
Solo work from one half of Steely Dan. There's some great stuff as well as some good stuff. If you like Steely Dan, you'll appreciate this.
I'll take the Dan of Steel any way you can package it and Becker-free Fagen is still offering up a lot of those Danny details. You can clearly hear some departure from 70's Dan in this one, firmly planted in some 1982 aesthetics, allowing Donald to be as smooth as he wants to be. Turns out, he'd like to be real, real smooth, as this album is as sleek and pristine sounding as can be. Still, there's an authenticity in that, just like there is in "raw" sounding music. Like Kraftwerk in the Krautrock genre, for instance, the Dan has made an art form out of the "aesthetic of perfection". Also like Kraftwerk, there's plenty of personality to keep the music from sounding too sterile to enjoy.
Definitely an album that I imagine most Wallstreet yuppies had in their collection back in the day. This album carries a lot of class with it. Although it comes with a few mastering issues. Some songs are just way louder than others. But it was a lovely experience overall. A much more chilled out spin than I'm usually used to.
Yacht Rock, but like, REALLY good Yacht Rock
This music is nothing offensive and it is good background music. But it's way too overproduced, middle-of-the-road and superficial for my taste. I like the cover and the name of the album at least.
I really hated this. Didn’t even make it through a full song. “Let’s make jazz, but instead of instruments, let’s synthesize them” 1 star
It
I've listened to this a couple times but I haven't caught onto it yet.
4/5. This was more enjoyable than a Steely Dan album, felt like jazzy and just more pop, following a pretty straightforward drum machine and playing off of that. It felt like more creativity despite the lack of multiple instruments. Just one dude's vision. Plus the production is incredible and after reading up on it, awesome background to how they got the sounds as a digital recording, one of the first to do so. I can't say it's perfect because there is still some of that pretention in there but it's still very good. Best Song: I.G.Y., The Nightfly, Ruby Baby
I did not know this album existed and my world has not been changed considerably now I know that it does Just a few days after giving Aja a 5, this solo debut from Fagen is just so naffly 80s I can’t give it any more than a 2. Sick album cover though
I’m a middle aged man. I recognized more of these songs than I care to admit. It’s also the only album I’ve come across with a perfect 3 ⭐️ rating. I’m not going to mess with that.
Too much polished pop. Didn't hate it, but didn't love it. It's on meh criteria for me.
Takes the fun out of funky. Expected much more with such a cool photo for the album cover.
Love this album. I’m listening thinking man this sounds like Steely Dan… oh. Anyway, the album is awesome and full of cool progressive yacht rock bangers. A fun album!
Late Steely Dan album missing some charm but still great
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.
No thanks.
Schum-Schum Musik - eine Mischung aus Nightfever, Michael Jackson, Swing und Jazz Elementen. Es ist eine öde Hintergrundmusik ohne irgendwelche Dynamik oder Wiedererkennungswerte. Aus diesem Grunde bestehen keinerlei Ambitionen diesen Schum-Schum nochmal zu hören.
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.
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
Gotcha, Robert! I was listening to this album just yesterday! And I’m not complaining that I get to do it again, such a solid set of songs. Different to Steely Dan’s music in many ways yet similar all the same. Also is The Goodbye Look the best track on here or am I going crazy?
lite bumbo soccer men kiva att lyssna på.
I like some Steely Dan songs, but this is Steely Dan but worse. It's got no bite, it's too yacht rock.
This got a bit samey but it was really enjoyable. Very much of its time.
A flawless voice, but not as good as the work he did with his band. Pretty close at times, but just lacking a certain something - perhaps as simple as other voices and musicians to compete/collaborate with him!
IGY got me. 4/5!
Ugh
Don't know a lot about Steely Dan, or therefore Donald Fagen. Sounds a little too smooth-jazzy for me.
Mildy interesting and easy to listen to but nothing caught my ear to make me want to listen more.
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.
Have you even been sitting in your posh vinyl listening room, drinking aged whiskey, listening to Steely Dan, and thought to yourself, “I really wish this Steely Dan record was a little more Steely Dan-y?” Well let me tell you, you’re in luck, because this album is just what you’ve been looking for. Joking aside, I actually like this better than some Steely Dan records. And one of the better sounding albums you’ll here - people criticize it for being overproduced, but I think it sounds incredible.
Hitillä sisään, se oli ihan hyvä. Todella juustoista loput. Ei muuta sanottavaa, jätti kylmäksi.
Korruptoi ihmisiä ajattelemaan, että jazzille ominainen letkeys kuuluu normaaliin musiikkiin. Ensimmäisessä biisissä on jotain toimivaa.
Torn between a 3 and 4 star, I feel like there was just something missing from the album to really make me want to return. Overall great listen, I've found that I really like Steely Dan's first two records (which Donald Fagen was a part of), and this definitely has that Steely vibe. The opener is super catchy and sets a great mood.
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.
Just straight up a Steely Dan album. You can't even tell that only one of the guys is on here. Maybe the rumors are true and the titular "Steely Dan" (Daniel of Steel) truly is a secret third guy that they keep under the floorboards and steal all their material from. It's good. I like it. I like Steely Dan. Dogshit font choice on the album cover though, my guy.
Really didn't care for this. Not to say it was bad, but a little too cheesy for me.
Weirdly both a mix of 50s and 80s. I feel like I should be a fan. But I'm not.
Boring man in a basement music.
Annoying
Extremely middle of the road album. A couple radio friendly hits mixed in with some misses for me.
Smooth and funky. Favourites: i.g.y, green flower street, Maxine, new frontier. Pleasant listen. 4/5
This was actually very nice. Don't have much to say, it was jazzy and melodious and honestly just some feel-good music. Very reasonable length as well. Much better than the last album, didn't have any real favourites because the whole thing was good. Chill 4
There is a fine line between Mr. Fagen solo stuff and his Steely Dan musings.
Very easy listen. This commercially "jazz" piece can be and is probably a coffee shop staple. I wonder why it reminds me of Steely Dan a lot. It turns out that the guy IS from Steely Dan.
I don't really care for Steely Dan. Donald Fagen's solo album is slightly better. It's still the same type of meh rock.
Never heard of the artist IGY this has aged incredibly poorly, as of 2024 time of this review. Meh 2 star
Billy Joel but he sucks. 1.7
1.9
Reading up on the production of this album, the 8 months of recording that were spent on getting the perfect drum sounds by using the high-hat sounds of one drummer, the kick-drum and tom sound from another on the same track, how a whole bunch of session musicians of the highest caliber are credited on this album, to create the sound that was needed for this album to be perfect. Reading on the switch between analog and digital recordings. On the songs that are stitched together from multiple takes. To make this production sound that has been revered by audiophiles across the globe. What makes me so upset about that is that the end result is an overproduced, uninspired smooth-pop-jazz album, that could've been given a bit of leeway if it also didn't include a song like Ruby Baby, which really is an atrocity to make it to an album after 8 months or recording.
Steely Dan Jumpscare. I love me some Steely Dan. Which makes me wonder who they put bros solo catalog in here when we have plenty steely albums. It was cool to see the style of Steely Dan move into the 80’s, and while it’s a lot poppier, I’d say Fagen doesn’t stray too far off course compared to some of my other favorite artists in the crazy 80’s. Fav tracks: IGY, green power flower street, new frontier, The Nightfly
Dudeeeee soooo groovy and funky and I just love what Fagen does on here. I mean steely Dan being like the most influential prog jazz band you gotta wonder how they work solo. It’s the vocals that really make this record fagen just has a unique voice like rivers cuomo even and I love it. I will be bumping this for a while and it’s just a great album through and through 10/10 no notes Dan forever
It's another Steely Dan album. Amazing musicianship, occasional bangers, all the emotion of a damp tea towel.
Day140 - steely dan good , donald fagen solo bad
Technically is very good and I enjoy it enough Will I listen to again: 25%
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.
There's nothing wrong with this album. Clean sound, solid musicianship. It's just boring. Walk Between Raindrops sounds like a collage a cappella group's dream.
The music is good, not my style. But I can understand it being on the list.
It's okay. It's just a bit *too* 80's "adult contemporary" for my taste.
No escuchou deu meus
Man this is just really generic sounding pop to me. There's no character or anything interesting to this. Sure it's an easy listen but give me something interesting.
Is 80s music a genre? Because I can't really pin down what is going on with this record. It's like a caricature of cocaine, Reagan, the Cold War and pilates. That doesn't mean it's necessarily bad. It's certainly smoooooth and sexy. It has fun moments, cool guitar solos. Interesting disco inspired harmonies, but I guess I'm only describing what I'm hearing. Which is basically the epitome of 80s trash pop all encompassed into 1 record that is definitely FINE.
3.5 Cheesy but I dig it. Definition of “easy listening.”
I hadn’t heard of Donald Fagen before as far as I know, but this music was absolutely delightful. It’s immediately obvious to modern ears that this is 80’s pop music, but it also has some jazzier elements which make it stand out a bit more from similar artists of the time. I’m not usually a fan of jazz at all, but the blend of genres here makes for something really pleasant.
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.
Just like the Steely Dan albums we had really, perfectly fine to listen to but pretty bland. This feels a bit more disco than the Steely Dan stuff, but that doesn't particularly improve it. Don't think we needed this on the list, 2/5.
I enjoy a lot of Steely Dan, so I was sure I'd enjoy this one, but was surprised to find I didn't as much I wanted to. It's hard to give a 3 vs a 4, because my knock on it is "The Steely Dan sounds like Steely Dan" which is obvious in a solo career, but was hoping for more. It is very reminiscent of Gaucho (release 2 years earlier) and besides I.G.Y and New Frontier sounding semi different I wouldn't be able to tell this was a solo project.
This is bad even for the supermarket playlist
Quite enjoyable!
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.
Missing that Steely Dan something, but still a very good album.
I really liked the album. I like this light, upbeat sound. I find it surprising that this is an album from the 80s. 4/5
As a fan of Japanese City Pop, this had a lot of those vibes. Very chill time.
La producción es típica de los 80's, con sonidos que evocan grabaciones de Stevie Wonder y Gino Vanelli, de la misma época. El álbum contiene muy buenos temas, algunos con armonías interesantes y poco predecibles, que se encadenan agradablemente para crear una atmósfera relajada que colorea entre el blues, el soul y el soft rock.
I'm sure this is considered to be a masterpiece by the kinds of people who are into this kind of thing, but I don't get it.
Slick, lush and interesting, in spite of the weird young conservative lyrics
Yawn. Dry & tight.
Nice 80s pop.
Maxine -- CDMX shoutout <3 Overall the album sounds really really fucking good. Good for chilling. Some Hall & Oates vibes with some Jazz, Funk/Soul, maybe even a bit of Daft Punk in there. Donald Fagen --> Steely Dan's lead singer.
I.G.Y. 2.8 Green Flower Street 3 Ruby Baby 3.1 Maxine 3.3 New Frontier 3.1 The Nightfly 3.4 The Goodbye Look 3.2 Walk Between Raindrops 3 Score: 3.1125
Nothing much seemed to progress or develop enough. Some good lyrics.
One day, a fair few years ago, under the guidance of a techie friend, I bought my first stack system, complete with Yamaha amp, Yamaha record deck, Mission speakers, and a Pioneer multi-track CD player. Part of the deal with the CD player was that I could choose 6 CDs from the shop's not so extensive offering. Said friend/techie advisor lept into life, grabbed this album, and said "the clarity of sound and production will blow your mind man". He wasn't wrong. Some 30-40 years later, the production is still there to be enjoyed, but the enthusiasm has waned. Individually, there's some great tracks that will still turn my head when heard whilst sat in a cafe, but a play of the full album just "happens" and then I move on to something that grabs me more.
The problem with a solo album by the singer in a band is that the songs need to be further away than from what the band creates. It was a little easier for Phil Collins to start, as his solo albums were more pop but had some other influences that were not as proggy as Genesis was. (I know it's hard to think that way, but compare "Duke" to Phil Collins' first solo album.). There was one performance I saw of Genesis AND Phil Collins band somewhere where the announcer said "Phil Collins... Genesis... the Phil Collins band..." and it kinda made me think he was equating all three of them. So that point seems to come up here, with The Nightfly. Listening to most of it, it's hard to separate it from what Steely Dan did only 2 or 3 years earlier. Is that really fair in terms of what Fagen was doing? Steely Dan was only a duo, him and Becker. Obviously a lot of the material on Steely Dan is his. So making a solo album songs will indeed feel like Steely Dan, unless you purposefully make material different than the group sound (no one would say Peter Gabriel's albums sound just like Genesis, even the first album). Even the first song "I.G.Y." I knew and seriously thought it was a Steely Dan song. This is not an indictment, it's a good, catchy song. The next song "Green Flower Street" I had heard before, always a nice track. Ultimately, I get that he couldn't just call the band "Steely Dan", but the album feels so much like it to me. I wished that there was more of a deviation, what is the difference between Fagen and Steely Dan? Where is the line. Maybe I'm nit-picking. The songs themselves I enjoyed. Top tracks: "I.G.Y.," "Green Flower Street:
Listening to this album I can't even remember what Walter Becker sounds like. Donald Fagen feels like the voice of Steely Dan for me. And this feels like Steely Dan. A real upbeat, adult contemporary version of Steely Dan. On one hand, it sounds like muzak or quintessential 80s (blending jazz and synth). But man is it such a positive vibe. If you can get past the eye rolls on the opener I.G.Y. and just listen, the whole album is a nice trip down memory lane. It's Fagen's memories, but it feels like it could be yours. The production quality is off the hook, and that might be one of the reasons the album is on the list; it's so smooth. Some nice jazzy funk on a bunch of songs like Green Flower Street, Ruby Baby, and New Frontier. A different but cool jazzy sound on songs like Maxine and the title track. I dare you not to smile listening to this album.
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.
Oof
Ég hafði ekki spáð í hvort einhver úr Steely Dan hefði farið í sólóferil en þarna er hann svo og ég þekkti meira að segja I.G.Y. en hafði aldrei tengt það við Steely Dan. Þetta var bara hin fínasta plata og ég sé alveg fyrir mér að ég setji þessa aftur á fóninn. Pínu djass, pínu (ekki mikið) stuð.
This is like music where the main character in something dystopian and wanders into a strange idyllic seeming town that ends up not being real or something. Clearly skilled but this almost makes me feel like the world isn't real. It is so far from something like Nina Simone in how it does everything and doesn't get an emotion out of me outside of loose confidence that this guy grew up with money.
It's not bad. Just sonically the only situation I can picture listening to this is on a yacht. I'm trying to rationalize this, I guess guys that go to private music schools need a chance to put out albums that they and their peers can relate to. It was other wordly. It had an uncanny valley feel. I think this is music, but the way it makes me feel sucks.
A pleasant voice, interesting and fun lyrics, highlights are “the new frontier” and “Maxine” The major issue here is you would struggle to tell any song apart and musically it’s quite dull. The jazz backgrounds almost sent me to sleep and I found many of the songs overly long and a struggle to get through. There’s nothing bad about this but i feel one track would be enough.
I feel like I've gotten a lot of solo albums from former members of well-known groups lately. Well, okay, maybe it's not "a lot," but with me getting albums like Fishscale, Paris 1919, Graceland, Arc of a Diver, and now this all in the span of two weeks, it's definitely noticeable. Fortunately, none of those other albums were bad, and The Nightfly is not an exception. This is a good album. The sound definitely reminds of Donald Fagen's work with Steely Dan. This is just a feel-good album. I like the singing and the instrumental sound. They're both very pleasant to listen to. This album has a good blend of complexity and simplicity. With only 8 songs, there really isn't a bad one on here. I like the writing. Overall, this is a nice album that I'm happy to have listened to. 4/5.
Hm. This was fine, but didn't wow me. I feel like most of the songs went on at least a minute too long, too
this was all right, but it's definitely missing that je ne sais quoi (i.e. walter becker) that made steely dan so great. fagen on his own just kinda goes hard on the smooth jazzy soft rock, which is okay but gets dull after a while. the whole time i was listening to this, i was just waiting for a my old school or bodhisattva or a similar jam to come on, but by the end i had just waited 40 minutes for the end of the album. it's also very 80s-sounding, but the album art is pretty cool. good background music but nothing that really grabs me. favorites: i.g.y., new frontier, the nightfly
I like the style but it didn't stand out to me Green Flower Street and The Nightfly were my favorites. Wish it had a little more
This is really well made and it sounds great, but it just doesn’t really have anything to amaze me. My favorite songs were IGY, Green Flower Street, and The Nightfly.
Gentle grooves, kinda jazzy
mellow
Interessante
It's music
Cornier and sweeter than corn syrup
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.
A very enjoyable, easy to listen to album for me. Slick and cheesy sounding but, as is always the case with Steely Dan and Donald Fagen, there's a strangeness to it too. Fagen's vocals always give the music a sleazy, sinister edge. I love him on the title track where he plays a late-night radio DJ. Some interesting lyrics here too. "I.G.Y." is about a utopian sci-fi future, "The New Frontier" is about surviving the apocalypse and I think "The Goodbye Look" is about a military takeover of a Caribbean island resort?
Wow, The Nightfly! The general consensus around audionerds is that when you get new headphones/speakers, you have to do yourself a favor and test them on two albums: Rage Against the Machine's debut album, and of course Donald Fagen's The Nightfly. This is very funny to me that these two albums are connected somehow when they sound so, so different. I've done this a few times in my life and it's a cool thing to listen to the albums and get an idea in your head for what they SHOULD sound like so that you can use them as a base for testing new music gear. And that consensus is for a good reason, as this album's production is immaculate. It's almost eerie in a way? Because the spacing of the instruments across 3D space is so perfectly produced, and it makes all of the instruments sound so distinct, but still cohesive and tied together. It's a wonder for 1980. He's got a great voice that I think is often overlooked because of the production greatness. It's a little bit Sting without the overacting that Sting sometimes does; he's like a more everyman Sting. It falls as a nice 3/5 for me. It's got great moments but not many big hit memorable ones for me to give it a 4. It's still absolutely enjoyable and listenable in any context (bad day? Put this on. Good day? Put this on.). Great album cover. It's cool, it's mysterious, and the text is perfectly placed.
Another jazz, saxophone kind of album. Not the best, not the worst. Similar to this very average review
Solid dad rock
Lovely discovery. I didn’t know his album except for IGY
Sounds just like Steely Dan. Which is, of course, a wonderful thing.
Hmmmm, jazz? Never heard of this guy let's see what the Wiki says before I even start listening. Singer-songwritter...Don't have much hope for this one. Luckily it's only 38 min. Yeah this album sucks lol I rarely give 1 star but this one is getting it. :/ I need some Ministry to cleanse my ears after that! lol
4/10 zzzzz
The police but make it like background coffee shop music. It's pleasant background 80s music, maybe this would fit some TV show. Not sure why this had to be called out on this list, but I don't hate it. Beige music.
At first I thought that this is something that would be on in my parents kitchen while they're cooking. Then I saw that Donald Fagen is the lead singer for steely dan and thought it could be on at any point in the house. It sounds like my moms music sung by the lead of one of my dad's favorite bands. But enough about them. Besides Ruby baby and The Nightfly (which I honestly thought were terrible tracks lol), the rest of the album is so smooth and enjoyable. Lot of great jazz and although Donnie sounds a little nasaly at some points, the vocals are there. However, the songwriting leaves a bit to be desired. Favorite song: IGY or New Frontier Weak 4 but it made it there.
I feel like I have been on hold
Well, this was…..neat.
divertido!
This is some wacky sounding white-boy jazz
Anyone else see this cover and want to hear a great Nick Cave or Tom Waits album? That's not what this is.
Not much to say. Not my thing.
Started out strong with a bit of nostalgia and then it fell flat and eventually numbing. It just lacked the added energy of Steely Dan, who I like.
Very 80s. I would use this in my neo-old 80s film noir movie
Didn’t like the entire album but overall enjoyed it. Reminds me of the Joe Jackson era
Don’t really see how this is any better than a lot of Steely Dan. It’s okay.
Still so funny to me that hip millennials have convinced themselves that Steely Dan is good.
Didn’t realize this was the Steely Dan guy. Album is ok. Very 70s but with a little more smooth jazz/downtown city influence
A good amount of saves. Nothing to write home about but I enjoyed the album. Green Flower Street went pretty hard tbh
Donald Fagen's The Nightfly is a total snoozefest. This album is like listening to a jazz band play elevator music. It's so smooth and mellow that it's almost like a lullaby. If you're looking for something to put you to sleep, this is your album. The lyrics are pretentious and boring, and the music is just plain bland. It's like Fagen is trying to impress everyone with his fancy jazz knowledge, but he's just coming off as a pretentious douche. The only thing that's interesting about this album is the album cover. It's pretty cool, I guess.
This is the kind of album (like many great albums) that's shallow on the surface but infinitely complex if you're willing to spend a little time with it. Sleek and elegant sound with a jazzy vintage vibe. I love the bouncier tracks like "I.G.Y.," "Green Flower Street" and "New Frontier," which I would live in if they were a place. Way too smart and way too deep for the times in which it was made, but it has aged infinitely better than many other albums of the era. Fave Songs: I.G.Y., New Frontier, Green Flower Street, The Nightfly, Walk Between Raindrops
both some of the best and worst steely dan songs?
This album must have been a product of it's time, as it's aged rather poorly. All in all some ok vibes but the songs all had a similar sound and it doesn't have much replay value. 2/5.
Feel it should be playing in the background of a leisure suit larry game. Some nice tunes and rhythm speaking to someone completely different to me however
The boring part of the 80s. :( Generic, too wordy, relatively boring. I read some of the Global Reviews on this one and have to agree with some- anything that reminds me of department store music in the 90s is not great, haha. Two stars.
I've under played this. Good album.
It’s jazzy and chill music. Songs all kind of song the same though. I’ve actually heard some of it on WXPN very recently. I’m always like oh I’ll keep it on, but not my favorite thing.
This is groovy, but the songs aren't quite as strong as the Steely Dan I've listened to. Though it's refreshing to hear an 80s rock album without the gawdy 80s production tropes. Favorite tracks: I.G.Y. Green Flower Street New Frontier
Some silly lyrics and vocal tones, it's giving stardew valley 80s jazz in some songs. Other songs are groovy AND funky. A little elevatory overall. Favorite songs: New Frontier, IGY 7/10
Casual enjoyer of yacht/soft rock but don’t think this will be in the rotation too much. Not the worst but it didn’t really stand out to me.
I liked this, it has a mix of both 80s and 50s vibes, which results in a sort of lo-fi sound. I enjoy the layered vocals and the musical interludes. Reading the bio after listening, didn't know he was part of steely Dan! And we love a jersey boy. Unfortunately I went and listened to a little Steely Dan after and I do think the duo is better, but I'm trying not to let that influence my opinion on this solo work. Top songs: I.G.Y New Frontier Green Flower Street
I was beginning to think if we were ever going to have an album that I rated lower than 3. This is it. -A few times I was listening to a sitcom theme song that got old for me after the first minute -So many of the songs have a fun jam line underneath but I wish had more evolution -Some of the tracks sound like Pokémon music the way it seems like it’s just looping after a bit -In fact, some Pokémon music is better than this -This album just makes me wish I was listening to Stevie Wonder instead -I do like Maxine a lot though
You all know I love me some Steely Dan. As someone well versed with their discography, I was surprised to find out I knew little of Donald Fagen’s solo work. But I was definitely excited to dive in. Steely Dan always wore its jazz influences on its sleeves, but as they progressed into later albums they wore those influences more prominently. It’s hard to view Nightfly as a solo album because it could very easily slot into Steely Dan’s body of work. Its sound is very much reminiscent of what you heard on later albums like Aja and Gaucho, but fitted with a slightly poppier sound for the 1980s On here the chord progressions are silky, the harmonies are smooth, and the random improvisational bits of instrumentations make for a dynamic sound. To me, Steely Dan was always best at its jazziest and on this album Fagen certainly is. Light 4 Fav Tracks: I.G.Y. Green Flower Street Ruby Baby New Frontier
I tapped my toe but probably won’t add any of these songs to the queue unless I’m on a boat with boomers (possible).
Nice listen, good cover, they all kinda blend together but there are standouts Best Song: Walk between raindrops Worst Song: N/A
2% 부족할 때
I don’t get the hate. I plan to revisit this one. I’m a fan a Steely Dan though so I guess it would make sense that I liked this too.
Ok
Nice try, this is still some bullshit Steely Dan, you ain't fooling nobody, fuck this guy!
No es para mi
Wasn’t as big of a fan of this as most of his work with Steely Dan. Technically the music is still great and you can sense the professionalism in it, but it just seems to be missing that special something that makes Steely Dan songs so 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.
It's hard not to hear this as a Steely Dan album, given how distinctive Fagen's voice is, and the music is fairly similar too. A sly way to get more Steely Dan into the 1001 albums project! That said, I'm sorry he decided to go solo in the early 1980s, as this was *not* a very fertile time for distinctive sounding tunes amongst all the backup choruses, poppy synth sounds and the ubiquitous sax solos and drum-machine-sounding beats (even when they're actually drums). I'm kind of reminded of Dire Straits' "Brothers in Arms" (although I enjoy that album a lot more). It's kind of hard to agree with the critic who called this "one of pop music's sneakiest masterpieces," as I wish it was more distinctive and interesting.
I didn't have much of a reaction to this--I was working as I listened to it and it was pleasant and unobtrusive and there were only a few minutes where I stopped to listen again or to start over--so not much of an impact on me.
Basically just watered down Steely Dan. Which makes sense since it’s just one member, but whatever. Why is this here?
signature Steely Dan synthy jazzy semi-ironic tone that leans a bit too much into the muzak to be worthwhile. this jam band can sure play, though
Steely Don here to ruin my day. Who told this man he should make solo albums? Overproduced and underwhelming... the boomers need help.