Reviews (page 8 of 14)
This was better than the other Steely Dan album on the list. My favorite was “Dirty Work”
Great debut album with several classics, earning the one star bump.
This album challenge has made me realize I’m a big fan of Steely Dan! I love how his music feels nostalgic, but in the best way. 4.8 stars!
Some certified bangers on here, but it's not a 10/10 through the whole album.
I have never felt more 37-years-old than listening to Steely Dan and having the time of my life. I am a fully actualized middle-aged white man now.
This is the second Steely Dan album we've had in a couple of weeks and I continue to quite like it. There's a mixture of cynicism and prog rock musical theatrics that appeals to me. It sort of reminds me of late era "Bobby Brown Goes Down" Frank Zappa (which isn't my favourite Zappa era, to be fair.) Though unfavourably you could say it was "Yacht Rock" perhaps? I'd definitely have to be in the right mood for it. This album starts very strong with the first couple of songs, comes back with a couple more strong ones and then simmers down again. So about half great, half passable. I still can't find it strange that I like this... but I do!
More familiar than I realised and some good Marmite
I really liked it! There wasn’t any song that I particularly liked more than the other but I would certainly listen to it again and enjoy it
The band called their cover for The Royal Scam the ugliest album cover of the 70's except for this one. And this truly is an abomination. I think a lot of Steely Dan fans are not crazy about this album because it is the least Steely Dan-esque Steely Dan album, but I think it is pretty good. I love "Dirty Work" and the other hits are also strong. I think the band was still discovering what it was when this was recorded, but a lot of the elements that would make up peak Steely Dan were here. This is a good record.
An album which scored 6 X 4/5's, 2 X 3/5's and 2 5/5's from me. This is definitely one I'll be revisiting. Really enjoyable.
What a great listen. Strong start and continues through most of the album.
-he’ll yea I love Steely Dan! I’ve listened to a few songs from this album but not the whole thing. The jazz / big band influence is great and gives the whole album a really smooth and cohesive feel. Never a dull moment. 4.5 stars -Favorites are Do It Again, Only A Fool Would Say That, and Reelin’ In The Years
So sophisticated, but not as fully developed as the later albums. Wonderful songs, dynamic arrangements.
Great instrumentation, I feel like yes it’s a very 70s album it’s not something that I would hear everyday. There’s some albums from that decade that I feel that have a more timeless sound due the fact they are more acoustic… or have more aspect of ballad. Overall I feel that this a great project, a lot of folk, jazz, rock combined and again GREAT instrumentation on this record, very tropical summer vibes, I’ll definitely have to search more about but it’s a decent 8 for me, cause it lost me sometimes in some tracks (I usually prefer a more introspective album or more dark/ intense but I don’t mind that was fun and ver pleasant.
cool
"Only a Fool Would Say That" - Loved it & I'm NOT a big Steely Dan fan.
Steely Dan is definitely a niche band with a devoted fan base. I’m not one of them, but where some of their albums feel a little bloated, this album is more straightforward and accessible. Dirty Work and Midnite Cruiser are both great tunes that I wasn’t familiar with. And everyone has heard Reeling and Do it Again. As always, great players and instrumentation. Not a huge fan of some of the drab vocals but with much of Steely Dan’s discography, they’re secondary to the music and serve the songs well. Especially when there’s a strong chorus like several songs here.
Going with a decently solid 3.5 stars on this. For me, the three hits are far and away the standouts, especially the supremely cool "Do It Again". A pretty perfect recording, if you ask me. None of the other seven tracks come close to it, "Dirty Work", or "Reelin' in the Years" for me, though Skunk Baxter's work on "Kings" and "Change of the Guard" is particularly excellent. "Only a Fool Would Say That" and "Turn That Heartbeat Over Again" are the only clunkers in my book, and even then, neither are offensively bad by any means. Just not my preferred style. 3.5/5
Overall a pretty solid album. Definitely is a little too heavy, but the music is good. 3.5/5 Probably will listen again
nothing but hits on this one
Ancient people would have loved Steely Dan
Good
4/5
My dad was a dentist in the 1970s through the 1990s, so I think this record was obligatory for his work playlist. It’s like the background music to my childhood visits to his office. Do It Again and Reelin' In the Years are well-known classics, but my favorite song is Dirty Work. The rest of this album is actually decent too though. There's really no other band that sounds like Steely Dan. 3.5⭐️ (I’ll round up to 4 for rating)
fun!
The first song is one of the best songs ever.
Correct album in a positive vibe. First song has an amazing well known theme that is very pleasant to the ear.
I'll give it to 'em on this one. Hit city from Steely Dan here.
This is an excellent album. It has the huge hits Do It Again, Dirty Work, and Reelin' in the Years, but all the other tracks are strong as well. Steely Dan would go on to have a long career with other strong albums, but this one just might be my favorite of all of them.
“Can't Buy A Thrill” é como aqueles personagens de filmes do anos 70 que chega numa festa com uma jaqueta de veludo, um drink na mão, e o sorriso de quem sabe que o rolê vai ser cheio de surpresas. Esse álbum é um portal direto para a era em que bigodes volumosos e solos de guitarras eram reis, e tem refrões tão grudantes que poderiam facilmente ser a cola dos anos 70. As guitarras do álbum são crocantes e douradas, como batatas fritas acabadas de sair do óleo quente—impossível ouvir só uma vez. Você vai querer voltar e repetir, como aquele lanche da madrugada que bate diferente. Steely Dan faz um tour guiado pelo rock 'n roll com paradas estratégicas no soft rock e umas piscadelas para o rock psicodélico que parecem dizer: "Hey, a gente também sabe pirar, tá?". No geral, é um álbum que se ouve em um dia ensolarado: estiloso, leve, e te deixa com aquela vontade de cantar no meio da rua, sem se importar com o que os vizinhos vão pensar. Diversão garantida.
Not bad. A few songs I knew. Very 70’s folk style.
Good style and lyrics. I forgot that I liked their voices a lot. I would say I would listen to them again but I don’t know if I will
Very solid. An enjoyable album that I wouldn't mind if someone put on again. The lyrics are fun and interesting, the sound is great, harmonies are fantastic. The only thing I have (and it's kinda nitpicky) is that the songs kinda blend together to a degree but thats not too bad cause they sound good. Overall really solid album that sounded really nice.
their lyrics are really good-little bit of snark & sarcasm to keep me paying attention. not normally my style, but enjoy the arrangements & tempos.
Still surprised how many hits are on this album. I think it falla off a bit at the end but overall quality
Very enjoyable with good variety and some iconic songs. Never thought of myself as a Steely Dan fan but I added a couple of tracks to my playlist!
Fondly remember staring at this album cover in my dad's record collection as a kid. So many classic songs and a few lesser songs.
excellent
My parents loved Steely Dan and played them a lot as a kid. I can't help but associate it with my childhood, although I readily admit that it isn't to everybody's tastes.
70’s
I'm gonna go buy a yacht now
So good!
Wow holy shit!
This is pretty great
Solid album with a couple absolute classics
Steely fucking Dan.
Nice first album couple of classics and some nice jazzy bits
Fantastic album and a wonderful vibe. I knew quite a few songs on this album and it flowed together incredibly.
I did not imagine steely dan like this, but sounds like it contemporaries. Otherwise, well produced album.
Really enjoyed this. Do it again is a great track to start things off with, and this quality hardly diminished from there. They have their own sound and do it well. Yes I'd listen again and I'd buy it makes it a solid 4
it's literally steely dan, albeit one of their weaker albums. their sound here would later be chiseled into the gemstones that are aja and gaucho but thrill is still very good rock nonetheless. nothing experimental or offensive but just near-perfect execution of a classic style of rock. the pinnacle of easy listening rock. the only downside to this album is that i can't listen to aja while i'm listening to it. i prefer their smoother, funkier tracks, so the higher octane hits of thrill aren't my preferred brand of danrock. top 3 tracks: dirty work, kings, only a fool would say that
Back Jack do it again this Back Jack do it again this Man Shut the fuck up. (Great song) I will only raise time i will raise a drink to royalty is when all those pedos in Buckingham are taken to jail. Midnite Cruiser is definitely about soliciting men at a truck stop. Kinda zoned out to the rest of it but all sounds pretty good 4/5
I need this on vinyl. 4.2
This album goes hard
Good one. I knew several of these tracks but didn't realize they were by Steely Dan. I think I might like this album better than Aja.
Also a risible band. I’m not sure too many 17 year olds were into Steely Dan in the 70s. But any major dude will tell you this band has more musical competence than about anyone else out there. Great stuff for this dad rock fan.
Great - listenable album from start to finish with no real weak songs. Do It Again, Dirty Work and Reelin' In The Years particularly enjoyable from this album.
I don't wanna do your dirty work for you!
Ten songs - nearly all bangers. This slaps. Love you Mr. Dan - keep doing what you're doing. Best Track: Only a Fool Could Say That Worst Track: Fire in the Hole
Another classic album.
I recognized some songs! Do it again Reelin in the Years Dirty work All in all I enjoyed it. Steely Dan is a weird product of 70s rock.
Solid. Cool instrumentation. Catchy. Vibin.
There’s only been a handful of albums we’ve come across so far that have a stronger first two tracks than this one. Even though the rest of the songs, minus Reelin’ In The Years, are lesser known, I still thoroughly enjoyed this album from beginning to end. This would be a nine out of ten on a larger scale, but I feel like I need to round down for this one because of the lack of hits.
I had no idea that "Do It Again", "Dirty Work", and "Reelin' In The Years" were all by the same band, much less off the same album! The rest of the album is just as good. Just not as well know.
Some classic songs.
Great band, great music. One of my favorite groups.
Really strong album overall with several classic hits.
These guys are great players and the overall production is sweet. A couple of big 70s hits on here as well. The cover really sucks.
First time I've had a second album from the same artist. Some really good tracks on here! Upbeat and well written. I liked it quite a lot, though slightly less than the previous one I was given, Pretzel Logic. Still very solid and enjoyable. Highlights: Do It Again Only A Fool Would Say That Reelin' In The Years Change Of The Guard
Very very good. 4.5
Solid album.
Interesante. Tienen buenas melodías y la mezcla de sonido queda genial. Lo único que puede no acabar de convencerme son las voces, el tipo de canto, pero la parte instrumental muy chula en ocasiones, con melodías y arreglos bastante guays.
Three absolute bangers on this and the rest ain't bad. Hard to fault
4+/5
Enjoyable soft rock on the surface, complex and sophisticated song crafting below. Steely Dan crushes it with this debut. Between a handful of classics, there's really not a bad song on the set. Uptempo, swaggy, LA vibes throughout. They have such a specific sound, even the songs I'm not familiar with would be easily recognizable as theirs, and they do it really well. I'm a sucker for good yacht rock and this is very strong.
What a debut album from these guys. So well done and skillful with the construction. Right out of the gate you get the complex master work "Do it Again" (listen the the Christian Hand breakdown) and then the softer, underrated "Dirty Work". Another underrated one is "Only a Fool." Side B is much weaker but does have another classic "Reelin in the Years." This one holds as their top album...3.9.
These guys stormed out of the gates. Solid album all the way through with a couple of all-timers that stand the test of time. There was a time in my life where Do It Again was my favorite song of all time. It's a worthy album anyway but that reason alone is enough for me to put it on any list. Keep bringing the Steely. 3.82 stars
Know these songs all too well. No idea why though? Country radio growing up? Triple M Sydney? All of the above? Nice to hear the rest of the album. See - all country needs is a bit of jazz thrown in.
Had heard both Do It Again & Reelin In The years before but for years I wouldnt listen to Steely Dan as they were dad music but now I'm in my 40s I can justify listening to them. This is a great album as most of their albums are it's non offensive rock with nice music and catchy tunes.
Alright, Steely Dan album #2! I really liked Aja, and I think Can't Buy a Thrill is pretty good too. I probably liked Aja a bit more, but this is still some good stuff. The blend of rock, pop, and jazz is probably the most defining aspect of Steely Dan's music. It might be a reason for why some people dislike them so much. The pop elements don't appeal to rock fans, the jazz elements don't appeal to pop fans, and the rock elements don't appeal to jazz fans. However, that blend also happens to be exactly why I do like them so much. The musical talent behind this band is just immense. Songs like "Reelin' In The Years" and "Do It Again" showcase this through things like cool guitar solos and interesting chords. The singing is nice, the sound is pleasant, and the album isn't too repetitive. This is just a very nice album that reaffirms my belief that the Steely Dan hatred is unwarranted. 4/5.
Favorite Tracks: Dirty Work Do It Again Reeling’ In The Years
This is an easy listen. One of my favorite albums from Steely. Although I know most songs on this album I have discovered new songs I love!
I’ve heard of this man before, might be a stand or something. Got some hot as sounding music. And I mean in a desert dying from the heat in Breathe of the wild desert. HEY ITS THE SONG FROM SOPRANOS!! But seriously Dirty Work is a banger. So many songs I’ve heard before, didn’t know it was by this guy. Real in’ in the Years. A TUNE. I’ve also just found out this was his debut I think so… Steely Dan came out swinging with some classic hits that live on. 8/10
Steely Dan's debut "Can't Buy A Thrill" (1972) is a strong 4 out of 5 stars, introducing their distinctive jazz-rock fusion and clever songwriting. Hits like "Do It Again" and "Reelin' In The Years" showcase catchy melodies and polished production. The album's mix of accessible pop and complex arrangements appeals to both casual fans and music enthusiasts. While not flawless, it's an impressive start that hints at the band's future greatness. Standout tracks and witty lyrics make this a must-listen, even if it doesn't quite reach the perfection of later Steely Dan albums.
First time listen. I was afraid of certain types of dad rock, like for example Steely Dan, when I was younger, so I never got to sit down and listen to this. But this is really, really good - I am happy I listened to it, and I am going to return to this again!
I liked this album a lot. Great song writing, groovy jams without being overly droning. Good album.
i was already a fan of the song dirty work, so i was excited to hear this album. While it sometimes felt rather repetitive (it really only had one sound imo) i still enjoyed the sound it has
Great some fab tunes
Songs from every hip 70s movie you've ever seen
A classic for sure. Sounds great. Couple good hits. 4/5
More Steely Dan about a week after I got 'Aja' and discovered i really like that album. Turns out this one bangs pretty hard too. It's not as wild and jazzy as 'Aja' which is a bit of a shame, but it makes up for it with infectious hooks and smooth playing. Was enjoying myself for the whole runtime.
Not a bad song on this album. Of course it leads with "Do it Again" and includes "Reeling in the Years". I feel the overlooked song is "Dirty Work." Outstanding album;
Rad
Another very good Steely Dan album
No complaints here. This was nice. I feel like a middle aged white man.
Are those prostitutes on the cover? Is "Dirty Work" really a song about working girls? Or is it a song about a replacement vibrator sung by a band named after a vibrator? Either way, I love "Dirty Work" "Reelin' in the Years" and "Midnight Cruiser."
Nice easy listening pop - album
This album brings me back to my childhood!
If the first song on your debut record is "Do It Again", you know you're doing something right. Steely Dan flits the line between technically impressive, and having an understanding of writing a damn good pop song. The second half of the record is weaker than the first, but it's still solid, and it's difficult to truly shake the desire to purchase a yacht after this record. Favorite tracks: "Do It Again", "Reelin' In the Years", "Midnite Cruiser"
Solid
Steely Dan is the man.
Almost gave it a 5, this is some quintessential soft rock. I could listen to this album all day and not get tired. The guitar licks are awesome throughout, only reason this isn't a five is a few of the songs just aren't very memorable such as "kings", "brooklyn", "change of guard" and "turn heartbeat over" but these aren't bad songs at all just not as great as the rest.
https://youtu.be/DJ5xJH64BR4?feature=shared
A cracking 70’s rock album
Really enjoyed this actually! In a chill way, gave me heavy Thin lizzy vibes on a few songs but on "Reelin' In The Years" mainly!! :D
Quite enjoyable
Good, easy listening.
Solid album with a couple of bangers. Minimal filler. Worth another listen.
There are some bands that I just assume never had debut albums--they just exist (like Springsteen). Imagine my surprise that Steely Dan had a legit first album and it's great with lots of hits. Loved it!
Louter bangers
4/1001
Soft rock, easy listening. Stand-out: Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)
I think it's an almost perfect album for long car trips.
Another station wagon classic.
Three classic songs and the rest of the album didn’t fill me with rage, so maybe I’m grading on a curve now. I can’t tell.
Some good tunes. Could easily listen to again.
Groovey and entertaining.
A very good debut from one of my favorite groups. I'm glad they ended up going into stranger territory with later releases.
I love me some Steely Dan!
This was a good album to listen too. I was raised on classic rock, but Steely Dan is one of those artists that I never payed attention to, but after listening to this album, I actually liked if more than I thought I would of.
What a great rock and roll album. There isn't anything wrong with this album. But that doesn't mean it is perfect. It's just an overall great album. The only song I didn't care for was the last song.. But it's still not terrible. Could and would listen to this record again.
4.2
I thought this album would be cheesy but it's cool. "Midnite Cruiser" is my favourite track. It got a bit boring near the end. My recommendations have started improving again. Now I'm grateful for that. 4 stars for " Can't Buy a Thrill".
Very good album. Saw others compare them to the Eagles, and it’s an apt comparison. Very easy listening. Solid 4 stars.
Honestly just the singles are the highlights but they're some pretty amazing highlights
hmmm if you asked me to name a Steely Dan song I could not for the life of me. But I totally know this first song Do It Again. Interesting album cover art. Seems ahead of its time. Totally have heard Dirty Work too. Reelin' In The Years of course I've heard that. So that's 3 already so far. Overall it was a good album. 3.5...I'll give it a 4
I never get tired of this album.
pretty good
Two Steely Dan's in a week! I liked this more than the last one (Pretzel Logic). The sitar solo in Do It Again is pretty great. A high 4.
Everything you want in a Steely Dan album.
Pretty badass.
Anybody on the street Has murder in his eyes You feel no pain
Couple of filler level tracks, but generally a solid album all the way through.
Good country/folk album
Love that band. Great album
3.9
Oh man, I wanted to give this album 5*, because the good songs (Do It Again, Only a Fool, Reelin' in the Years) are excellent. The rest just fell short for me and sadly dragged the album down. Shame, was looking forward to this one.
Cool
Some of the best yacht rock
Great album for beach vibes
Classic
What is this, the fourth Steely Dan (or member) album on this list? Not complaining, but I am surprised to see them so well-represented here. Do It Again is a classic rock genre staple. Vocals are pretty floating above the key and percussion lead rhythm. Love this song. Dirty Work is another radio single. This sheds some of the *mystery* of Do It Again in favor of a more straightforward pop rock single. Solid song in its own right. Guitar work in Kings almost appears to pay some homage to The Dead with a reminiscent tone and minor breakdown that feels like something I've heard in countless jams. Only A Fool Would Say That starts on a bright jazzy guitar tone, with an underlying percussion rhythm that reminds of Do It Again. I'm a sucker for this guitar tone; just lends itself so nicely to they type of noodling on display here. Reelin' In The Years sheds all of the crispness of the former song's guitar for a distorted and absolutely classic guitar riff. Easily among the greatest classic rock songs ever to be made. Chorus harmonization is classically 70s in tone, but the other vocal sections have such a unique gait about them. And just beautiful guitar work through the bridge. :chef_kiss: Another thoroughly enjoyable album from Steely Dan. This one feels a lot more pop-influenced (or pop-forward) than the others thus far. Standouts: Do It Again, Kings, Reelin' In The Years, Only A Fool Would Say That, and Fire In the Hole. Really love the vocal harmonization and guitar throughout. High 4.
Great album 4 stars
Another good one from Steely Dan. Has some nice jazzy tones to it while providing some bangers. Hopefully this isn't the end of Steely Dan (being the third album we have gotten). It certainly won't be the end of my listening to them.
I see Steely Dan, I get very excite. Always down with some funky rock from this band. The piano and shredding guitar hits every single time. 2 all time songs on this one with Do It Again and Reelin' in the Years. Very solid 4
Do It Again is a classic that you still hear at cookouts and bars on the reg and I'm not mad about it. Dirty work is also a great singalong. Get some classic sounding Steely Dan songs and then we get to Reelin in the Years which is a bonafide jam. Steely Dan is one of those bands that has some really good jams that I know and love. Some songs don't hit as hard for me but it's all enjoyable nonetheless and will be pleased if someone put them on while hanging out.
Solid rock album. Reelin' in the Years is the standout track for me, but there really isn't a bad track on here.
Of course, CBAT is a GOOD album because the Dan are/were incredibly talented, but it falls a bit flat (both lyrically and instrumentally) when you compare it to their other albums, especially Gaucho or Aja. It’s not an album I’d listen to all the way through, but it has some banger standalone songs (Reelin, Fire in the Hole, Only a Fool, Do it Again) and is a solid first album for a group/artist, so I can’t fault it too much.
This was a pretty enjoyable album. I’ve always known about Steely Dan, but never really looked into him and actually listened to any of his albums until this one, and I’m definitely going to look into more of his music.
Very steely
Opens with a classic Do it Again, good vibes all around, really dense instrumentation, percussion especially. Killer solo before that iconic keyboard riff in the bridge. Dirty Work, Jazzy instrumental, vocals are 70s as hell, and then I realize I know it! Harmonies are unbelievably good Kings, oof, this is some serious 70s cheese, there’s still some real wonders going on with the instruments, but this is a stinker. Midnite Cruiser Vibe with this one a lot more, good chorus Only A Fool Would Say That Solid Reelin’ In the Years Honestly perfect, just crisp and fun and catchy, if this was their only song they’d be iconic Fire in the Hole Kind of a bop, doesn’t do much but manages to be fun Brooklyn Love it, kind of a classic feeling singer-songwriter joint Change of the Guard Forgettable, by no means bad but nothing really stood out Turn that Heartbeat Over Again Oof, a real wet fart of an ending, feels like any other song from the time. Bad closer. The singles I know are the singles for a reason, and I do really like the overall vibe and experimentation in this record. A bit confused as to how it became SUCH a popular record and band in recent years. Good bit by no means earth shattering, 4/5
Good catalog of there work
Pop rock. Such a beautiful album, cheesy but so pleasant. Catchy pop tunes full of harmonies and some jazzy influences here and there found in some of the chord progressions. It starts off really strong, the entire first half of the album is incredible. The second half starts off strong with maybe the best song on the album, but then can't quite keep up. I particularly liked the song "Dirty Work", the progressions just sound so cool. Very accessible and straightforward. On the other hand, it's a very safe album from my perspective. Just a great pop rock record. Makes me want to listen to more of their records, should revisit. 4/5
Steely Dan’s first album continues to be the crowd favorite! With the most recognizable tunes that fall easily on the ears and create a fun and laid back atmosphere. Jam bandy and impressive solos. Would be fun to see them live.
Steely Dan’s Can’t Buy A Thrill! Is groovy and pleasant. Really not much else to it. Yes, sometimes it does seem to wander off and not grab any attention, but for the most part, the singing and drums are enough to make it an enjoyable listen throughout. Highlights include Do It Again, Midnite Cruiser, and Change of The Guard. All in all, Can’t Buy A Thrill! Is a great album. Best Song: Do It Again Worst Song: Fire In The Hole
Very good
Nr. 155/1001 Do It Again 4/5 Dirty Work 5/5 Kings 5/5 Midnite Cruiser 4/5 Only A Fool Would Say That 4/5 Reelin' In The Years 4/5 Fire In The Hole 4/5 Brooklyn 5/5 Change Of The Guard 5/5 Turn That Heartbeat Over Again 4/5 Average: 4,4 Prior to this project I didn't even know Steely Dan existed. So far I have gotten 3 albums of theirs. All really good, with this being my favorite. Super groovy, easy to listen songs.
I was expecting dad rock and was pleasantly surprised! The melodies made me want to sing along.
Pretty good debut, couple of classic songs I know I have definitely heard before. Upbeat and fun listen, and holds up. If you like this, give Aja a try, seems to be considered their best.
I looked up why Steely Dan is named Steely Dan not too long ago and it was the name of a vibrator in Naked Lunch. When I think of Steely Dan's music I don't associate it with Naked Lunch or vibrators but after listening to this album maybe I should. Steely Dan is superficially just good 70's pop music but there is a layer of weirdness and depth in there that you don't notice until you really listen to them. Do It Again, Dirty Work, Only a Fool Would Say That, and Reelin In The Years are the highlights. I'd definitely revisit the rest of the album too as the underlying themes are less superficial than the music sounds.
This is like classic early '70s soft rock vibes, but honestly there's some bangers on here. "Do It Again", "Dirty Work", and "Reelin' In The Years" are all classics that are all pretty catchy. I didn't know much about Steely Dan, but I guess the two main guys (Becker and Fagen) originally had a full band, and the singer on this one is David Palmer. This album was a hit, and the two main guys basically decided to take the band name and start doing there own thing that was a lot more experimental and jazzy. So it seems like big Steely Dan fans have mixed feelings about this album, despite it including a lot of their bigger hits. I'm curious to hear more Steely Dan going forward. While this isn't the most groundbreaking thing in the world, it's generally very enjoyable with lots of catchy songs. It's nice low key listening, albeit maybe a bit boring after awhile. Favorite song: Dirty Work Other: Do It Again, Midnite Cruiser, Only A Fool Would Say That, Reelin' In The Years, Fire In The Hole, Change Of The Guard 3/26/24
Always love Steely Dan
lagged at the end
Love the production and vibe of this record. Super happy fun times. Favourite tracks: Do It Again, Dirty Work, Kings, Reelin' In The Years, Fire In The Hole.
Who you calling pinhead? I wanna be Steely Dan.
It may sound classic, if not dated and perhaps overplayed through the years. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed it. 4/5
Cool but too smooth.
Me ha gustado. Corto, directo, bonito. Jazz-rock soft rock[1] pop[2] folk rock[3]. Reelin' In The Years.
Lets go! Easily the best album so far. The only one that has felt like a true album. Guitars, bass and drums are off the charts crisp. Best guitar song is “Reelin in the Years” but the solo on Midnight cruising was a head turner as well.
easy 4/5 album. several radio hit bangers and some great "deep cuts" as well (Midnite Cruiser and Change of the Guard never really got radio play as far as I can remember). album has no real stinkers, 41 minutes flies by.
I knew quite a few of these songs. Do It Again, Dirty Work and Reelin’ in the Years are classics and still sound great. The rest of the tracks were okay. I’d give the overall a 4.
4.5 I think I like dad rock now… (Slowly transforms into Tony Soprano driving while dissociating)
Good stuff. We liked. Will listen again.
Dirty Work has been a favorite of mine since I heard it on the Punch Up the Jam podcast a few years ago, but I wasn't very familiar with the rest of this album. It took me a while to get into it but I really liked it by the end. Definitely enjoyed it more musically than lyrically. Did not enjoy the song Kings at all. Faves: Dirty
Just some cool, classic, Western rock. The instrumentation eases the music from my listening device into my ears. If this album was a song it would be Black Magic Woman by Santana.
Where dad rock began
Steely Dan’s sound is so soothing to me. This one has a several classic hits-Do It Again is my standout. But there were a few songs that didn’t quite hit the mark for me, so I can’t quite give it a five.
Strong 4
Overall a fun listening experience filled with great performances around the board. The thought provoking lyrics and catchy choruses kept me engaged through the whole projects. The only problem I have with the album is that it losses a little bit of steam in the last few songs.
Great album!
I love this album
Liked more than I expected, good vibes dad rock
Good easy listening, nothing to be mad about here
This album brought back nostalgic flashbacks of my youth. The music has fared well over time. Wish I could say the same for the details of my memories.
Classic . 4.5
Didn't realize so many bangers were on the album
Albums like this is why I signed up in the first place. I know Steely Dan, and individual tracks by Steely Dan, but I've never sat down and listened to a complete album. I should have. It likely helped that my first week of this 3+ year project has been generic 60s pop rock that did absolutely nothing for me. Listening to a band with some different takes was great.
I'm not ashamed to say it. I'm your dad and I like some good Steely Dan.
4...high potential to be a 5
I knew a lot more than I thought I did
Do it again (go back jack) - 1st song - a masterpiece!!!
This was pretty good I rather enjoyed this album
Surprised by that, class
I really enjoyed this but my baby isn't sleeping so that's all you are getting.
Way better than I thought. Versatile and catchy. Quite unique as well
Stelly Dan - Do it again : das grooved.... herrlich Schlaghose an und ab geht's
an album that really makes you feel good. there is an amazing drive to this one the sound is so rich and warm to conplimet the album. fagen manage to create the felling that he is 10 different guys, alongside the playing wich is coordinated with his singing. the final song is a great example for that, and for all the things that works very well in cant buy a thrill
A classic album - can't go past Reelin' in the Years for my favourite track on this one, though they are all pretty good
My favorite Steely Dan album. Loaded with familiar tracks but the sleeper on this is "Kings".
Steely Dan has always been a tough sell for me. I enjoy their music, but a lot of their output is overly produced and too perfect. They don't have a single imperfection in their sound, and that's great, but it can make some of the songs staid. It's very intellectual and that does not always speak to me. This is a very good introduction to Steely Dan though. It serves as a warning to what direction their sound will go and leaves them room to grow. Now whether you like that growth or not, that's where I personally struggle. It's hard to argue against "Reelin' in the Years," "Dirty Work," "Do It Again," and "Only a Fool Would Say That" though.
Pretty good album, I do like some Steely Dan. I think this album has higher highs and lower lows than an album like Aja, but on average is just slightly worse. Still a 4 though.
Got it
One of the innumerable albums I can tell is amazing, but I still wanna skip through the songs I've heard 10,000 times. 4
enjoyable and catchy. maybe not as refined as their later works but a top jazz rock album nonetheless.
I wonder if the boys knew there were this many bangers on the album
This is my third Steely Dan album to review, after Pretzel Logic and Countdown to Ecstasy (both of which I gave five stars), and I didn't enjoy this one quite as much, even though I think it's better lyrically, and it does have three fantastic singles on it. I really enjoyed the lyrics of the songs on this album. It seems to me that there's a common thread of apathy towards life's promises that runs through all of the songs. From the empty pleasure seeking of "Do It Again," to the slow (although somewhat cheery) desperation of "Reelin' In The Years," Steely Dan sings of the disappointment when things don't live up to the expectations we put forward. Like King John succeeding King Richard, sometimes things don't change much deep down, even when they change on the surface. I enjoyed the varied musical arrangements on this album too. "Do It Again" has a great latin feel to it, "Dirty Work" has some fantastic Wurlitzer and organ parts, and "Reelin' In The Years" has some of Steely Dan's best guitar playing. The rest of the songs were fine, and featured plenty of Steely Dan's signature soft-rock-jazz sound, but a lot of the songs aside from the singles weren't terribly memorable. This was a really good album, but it's just not Steely Dan's top tier work.
Never listened to Steely Dan, except maybe in passing. A very chill album, I feel like I'd hear this on vacation or a long road trip. Enjoyable, 4* I recognize: do it again, dirty work (enjoyed it), fire in the hole (piano)
I can see and understand the appeal here. This album is their debut and they came out firing on all cylinders. Talk about iconic songwriting this album has it from top to bottom. I kinda loved this. I’ve never sat down and listened to Steely Dan. I’ll be sure to remedy that! Great album overall
3.5/5 pleasant but hardly memorable
really good album. also definitely a strong influence for all my other favorite artists
Another classic, some great tunes on this album.
Two Steely Dan in a row - I guess it sometimes happen. So good I listened to it four times. Some great songs, really well written music and lyrically. And, like the last one, smooth as music gets. Not going to be one of the greatest albums of all time but definitely a good album.
"Do It Again" is such a classic. Some good ol' dad rock.
Svona rólyndisrokk fíla ég enda hef ég oft hlustað á Steely Dan og á þessari plötu eru algjörar neglur. Ég myndi samt oftar hlusta á önnur samtímabönd þótt Steely megi af og til fljóta með.
Hirvittävä levyn kansi, mutta ihan ässä levy! Tiukkaa faijarokkia todellakin! 4/5
Tykkään enemmän Ajasta, mutta tääkin todella kovaa ajoa! Täpärä 4/5
Aurinkoinen ja rento, mukavan monipuolinen myös. Kyl tää ehkä neloseen nousee, yli aiempien listalla olleiden!
Solid album but can sound quite generic but worth a listen.
It's a Steely Dan Album. Great musicianship, but it does get kind of boring. I could have this on in the background and be pretty contempt. Classic dad rock stuff. I'd give er a 4.
Day14 - i’m on a hot streak with awesome albums. it’s amazing how well these songs hold up after 50 years
"Can't Buy a Thrill" by Steely Dan, released in 1972, marks the debut of a band that would go on to redefine the landscape of jazz-rock fusion. The album showcases the duo of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker's songwriting prowess, creating a sophisticated and eclectic sound. From the infectious hooks of "Do It Again" to the jazzy complexities of "Reelin' in the Years," each track is a testament to the band's meticulous attention to detail. Fagen's distinctive vocals and Becker's intricate guitar work add layers of depth to the album. "Can't Buy a Thrill" is a captivating introduction to Steely Dan's signature blend of jazz, rock, and pop. Its timeless quality earns it a well-deserved 4/5 for its musical sophistication, memorable compositions, and its enduring influence on the fusion genre.
do it again, kings
My Dad loved this album, but I forgot about it until I played it. I solidly have several songs memorized.
Chilling, para conducir al solecillo y bailar en el baño.
Steely Dan's debut album, a more straight ahead rocker compared to their later work. Donald Fagen and Walter Becker establish their vibe, with Donald's warbly singing and the pair's lyrics and interesting chord progressions. Four of their most listened to songs on Spotify are on this album, and they're all the ones that standout - Reelin in the Years is a classic rock staple if (an overblown but good tune), but the others, Do It Again (with the electric sitar solo), Only a Fool Would Say That, and Dirty Work are really good also - Dirty Work is my favorite of them.
The Steely Dan sound kicked out some solid hits on this one. Great album, but Aja still a notch above this one for me.
1.12.24
Really good
We played reeling in the years for homecoming
Steely qui nous fait du Dan
on aurait pu s’arreter a cet album je pense
It was good, I had listened to some songs previously but never really listened to it as a whole.
It was pretty good. No song really compared to do it again
1/10/24
solid album. do it again, dirty work turn that heartbeat over again very catchy
This album is a joyful hit factory.
I really like reelin' in the years. So far whole album is very summertime, chill hang out. Love the use of sax on album. Fire in the hole, loving that jazzy opening bumbumbum
I had not heard many of the songs. I didnt like the band when it first started and I was in my early 20s, but compared to much of thenewer music I liked it.
Banger. Best Steely Dan record imo
Opinionated artists who start real strong out of the gate. Didn't realize that three of the heavy-rotation Steely Dan singles came from this one album.
Soooo smooth
I used to be a Dapper Dan Man, now I'm a Steely Dan Fan.
Perfect, 👍
Not too bad, considering I'm not a fan of Steely Dan at all - as this one has some good songs in overall, and it's a pleasant listen overall. Wasn't a fan of the other inclusions though.
Une vraie petite pépite pour ceux qui aiment les sons 70s !
Simple, clear, streight and great
reelin in the years! fire in the hole!
Do It Again- 4/5 Dirty Work- 5/5 Kings- 3.8/5 Midnite Cruiser- 4.2/5 Only a Fool Would Say That- 3.2/5 Reelin' in the Years- 5/5 Fire in the Hole- 4.8/5 Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)- 3.6/5 Change of the Guard- 3.5/5 Turn That Heartbeat Over Again- 4.1/5 Total- 4.1/5
Was surprised to find out some of these songs were sung by them.
I liked this a lot more than I thought I would. While I still won’t reach for a Steely Dan album (metaphorically, obviously), I won’t be annoyed if one of their songs comes on.
Good stuff!
Solid. Yacht Rock Classics
I had it in my head that I didn't like Steely Dan, but this album slaps! Super creative, unique, and honestly fun to listen to. Love the genre bending of blues, rock and jazz.
Loved this album. Memories of long ago.
This got classic after classic these fukers know how to play. Super easy album to get into in my opinion loved it. Listened to this while I was cooking and was a wonderful choice made my rice and soy sauce taste Michelin Star. Would get this in vinyls would masturbate to this would listen to this album with my dad. -B
I have a theory about the sorts of artists that people tend to listen to, and how they go about starting to listen to. It divides artists up into three categories. Artists who you discover gradually: Maybe you hear a song on a playlist, compilation, or on the radio. You like the song, then start to gradually listen to more until you’re a bona fide fan. Artists who you known from osmosis: You know their big hits from out in the wild, so you listen to their albums to get more of a grip of why people like them. Artists you’re taking a punt on: This is I think the most interesting category. People who you’ve heard of, but haven’t heard, or at least not consciously. So you go and listen to one of their records blind. Punt Artists I find usually fall into three sub categories: Artists you end up loving, artists you end up hating, and artists you end up appreciating more than you actually enjoy them. I’ll probably refer to this theory at later points in the reviews, especially when it comes to The Libertines, who are responsible for my coming up with this theory. But, onto the review! Steely Dan were a Punt Artist for me. Or at least, to an extent. My mother had a copy of The Nightfly, Donald Fagen’s first album, which I listened to at some point and absolutely adored, so I researched him a bit and discovered Steely Dan that way. I took a punt on Aja and ended up loving it just as much, so, when I had the money, went and bought all of their albums chronologically. Can’t Buy A Thrill was therefore the second Dan album I knew, and was probably pretty instrumental in my appreciation for them as artists. If I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t have continued with the experiment. But coming back to it with a more critical eye, I’m realising that it’s the Dan album I listen to least. I don’t think it’s bad at all, I just think that there’s something hasn’t quite completely clicked into place yet. Maybe it’s the inclusion of other vocalists; I like Palmer’s voice but can’t stand Jim Hodder’s, and the idea of anyone but Donald Fagen singing on a Steely Dan song just seems wrong anyway. I think there are inevitably gonna be teething problems, but what I find most infuriating about this is that I can’t quite put my finger on what I think is different about Can’t Buy A Thrill to other Steely Dan albums. I still thoroughly enjoy it, I just don’t love it
Way ahead of it's time.
Lots of classics on this album. Steely Dan is firm in the dad rock genre but have a fun sound and the album is solid from beginning to end.
perfect classic rock and roll. This is the platonic ideal from which all other rock and roll is derived.
A delight. It's strange to consider a "debut" by Steely Dan because they seem to have emerged fully formed and capabie of delivering exquisitely polished and sophisticated pop. The record is fun, with some near-ASMR quality hooks ("Do It Again"), some tongue-in-cheek poignance ("Dirty Work" and "Turn Heartbeat"), easy-flowing grooviness ("Reelin' In the Year") and intellectual stimulation ("Brooklyn"). Though there are none of one's fave SD tunes here, there's a nary a misplaced note, ample charm and such satisfying rhythms and flows.
Again, I really liked this. They really play with different instruments and let them stand out. Each track has a strong character. I think I slightly preferred Pretzel Logic but it's close. Close standout track was Kings. Had this close choice for both the albums. Standout track: Fire in the Hole
All this time I thought I hated Steely Dan. Turns out they’re very good
Steely Dan are without a doubt the kings of yacht rock. At least in my opinion. I’m never in a bad mood of Steely Dan is on. This isn’t their peak by any means, but it’s a damn good start. This record, along with their sophomore album are the only two with the original band, before Becker and Fagen went full studio-band. That leads to this record having a much more simple and approachable feeling, with less complexity in the instrumentation. The lyrics are even mildly understandable, as opposed to all the cryptic lyricism they would get into later. This album single-handedly has some of the catchiest melodies and choruses of the 70’s. Do It Again, Dirty Work, Reelin' in the Years, and Fire in the Hole are in total ear worms. And those are just the more popular songs. The deep cuts are just as catchy and amazing. I think the safer sound definitely suits Steely Dan. It doesn’t change that this album slaps. But their pursuit for studio perfection led to some of the most intricate and best sounding albums ever released. They buffed out every scratch until it was smooth as marble, and benefited from it. Rating: 8/10
Knew this one from before. Great album, very listenable.
Lovely stuff.
love love love, this was so enjoyable, couple songs I zoned out didn’t rlly attract me but over all very very solid.
Mostly good with some very very good songs (first song).
The best Steely Dan album by a mile. Everything works. The lyrics are clever but not smug, the music technically incredible but accessible. This is why people love Steely Dan.
pretty groovy, fun vibes! pretty worthy of four stars. Dirty Work is my favourite one from here.
I enjoyed this album a lot, it was accessible enough not to be a very experimental jazzy pop-rock record but still interesting, varied and energetic enough, unlike many pop records that aren't exciting enough. The length was also perfect, not too short, not too long.
Fun light album to listen to, super comfortable but didn’t stand out much (to my slightly depressed ears)
Can't escape this album, still pretty good
I feel like I could grow to really love this album.
Good stuff. I knew the hits, but the rest of the album is not bad.
Jazz-rock that is so polished that zoning out is a real risk despite its groovy, catchy and varied soundscapes.
Do it Again - 5/5 Dirty Work - 3/5 Kings - 3/5 Midnight Cruiser - 4/5 Only a Fool Would Say That - 3/5 Reelin' in the Years - 5/5 Fire in the Hole - 3/5 Brooklyn - 3/5 Change of the Guard - 4/5 Turn that Heartbeat - 3/5
11/09/23 1:15 S Tier————————— Reelin’ In The Years Do It Again Dirty Work A Tier————————— Change Of The Guard Only A Fool Would Say That Brooklyn King Midnite Cruiser B Tier————————— Turn That Heartbeat Over Again Fire In The Hole C Tier————————— D Tier—————————
Better than the last steely dan
Do it again, Reelin in the years, and Dirty Work highlight this album. The rest is not bad, not great.
Solid album
Really good album. I knew every song, I just didn't know that they were the ones that sang them. I would definitely listen to it again.
Love dad rock
Fire in the hole - bop, similar vibes to the doors Reeling in the years - classic Good easy listening album with a few tunes.
Grew up on this. Solid album even though some of the vocals are a bit hammy.
Lots of classics on this one. Hard not to like it.
Back to back slays tbh
Its a bit nostalgic for me but even thr unfamiliar songs were great
Dug the hell out of this. Like eagles but groovier, jazzier and funkier.
After sitting through Donald Fagen’s queasy yacht-rock snooze-fest “The Nightfly” three reviews ago, it’s a great relief to return to Steely Dan’s roots and be reminded that they made great music in the beginning. “Can’t Buy a Thrill” is a remarkable debut: technical without being soulless, catchy without being inane. Of course, “Reeling In the Years” is the most enduring track here, with its scene-stealing guitar solo (Jimmy Page’s favourite ever) by session player Elliot Randall, recorded through a bass amp. It’s an addictive, driving shuffle with great performances all round, but is by no means the only song worthy of chart success. The whole first half of “Can’t Buy a Thrill” is exceptionally easy-going: “Dirty Work”, “Kings” and “Midnite Cruiser” have standout choruses. And then there’s “Change of the Guard”, an underrated track begging to be resurrected for a montage in one happy-go-lucky film or another. Along with above-average session work, these tracks are all elevated by some of the best harmonies in 70’s rock. This is helped by the band sharing three lead vocalists (Fagen, one-time member David Palmer, drummer Jim Hodder). Individually, they might not be much to write home about but they each perfectly suit their songs and are syrupy smooth combined, forming the basis of Steely Dan’s sound. Even in some weaker tracks, there’s always at least one element that stands out: “Fire in the Hole” isn’t as immediate as many of the other songs, but boasts an essential piano solo. “Turn that Heartbeat Over Again” is all over the place structurally, but it’s hard to fault the lead guitar breaks. And when the band lean more into jazz, like “Only a Fool Would Say That”, it feels diverting rather than distracting: a good taster of the band’s proficiency in other styles while keeping some levity and not growing indulgent. So there we have it: a solid debut with solid songs. If liking this album makes me a desperately uncool dad-rocker, so be it.
I hadn't really given Steely Dan a chance before, but I dug this record.
Enjoyable music, but I think I'd get pretty sick of the middle of the roadless after a few listens.
Yatch fucken rock, baby !!!
Heard lots of these songs growing up with my parents playing 80s music
solid album.
Pretty good. I liked dirty work
Alright! Repetitive but fun
Very close to a 5. Enjoyed the rest of the album much more than expected.
Got a Steely Dan two days in a row lmao. Someone is trying to make me a fan. I give in, Steely Dan is good.
"You go back, Jack, do it again, wheel turnin' 'round and 'round. You go back, Jack, do it again..." Two days of Steely Dan in row, really starting to feel like this was some grand conspiracy to turn me into a hardcore Steely Dan fan. It's like being given a hit of a potent drug without a warning. Like, yeah, I was gonna probably do this shit anyways, but I'd rather initiate it on my own terms.