Aqualung

This is a tough album to review because I do really love progressive rock and psychedelic rock but this album is both all the good things and all the bad aspects of those two genres. First off this album has a lot to like, for instance it starts with the best track on the whole album and that’s not even debatable, it’s just objectively the best song. Plus, I liked “Cross Eyed Mary” and I liked “Up to Me”. And all three of those songs are classics, but the rest of the album is so annoying and forgettable. A couple things I have massive problems with, that flute over stays its welcome real fast. I thought it was kinda interesting at first, different sound for sure, but it got old really fast cause it’s in almost every single song. It would’ve been more effective to just pepper it into a few songs lightly but this is way way too much flute. Which kinda leads into my next major problem with this album, why did they feel the need to put the same song on the album twice, WITH NO WAY TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THEM. Like is one supposed to be a live recording? How am I supposed to remember which is the boring version and which is the silly dog barking version? Is it supposed to be a different interpretation of the song? Does this add literally anything new or interesting to the album? And sadly I only have an answer for the last question, no. That being said It is hard to review this album cause it is another case of the whole album being held up but only a few tracks. Sadly in the case for this album, I think if I’m reviewing the album as a whole, the grading tracks on this album really really pull this down a whole number from where it probably should be. So sadly, it’s gunna be a 2 for me dawg.

Sorti en 1971, le 4eme album de Jethro Tull "Aqualung" est un amalgame de "Rock-Folk-Hard-Progressif" abordant des sujets sociétaux comme la marginalisation sociale, la religion organisée et l'hypocrisie sociétale. "Aqualung" est l'album le plus vendu avec sept millions d'exemplaires écoulés et propose une toile sonore complexe, mêlant la puissance du hard rock, la délicatesse du folk acoustique et les prémices d'un rock progressif en pleine affirmation. Il se dégage une confrontation entre les riffs de guitare massifs, voire telluriques, et les passages acoustiques d'une grande finesse, créant une dynamique interne qui est l'une des signatures de l'album. L'instrumentation d'Aqualung est un modèle de cohésion au service d'une vision artistique singulière. La flûte traversière en est l'élément le plus immédiatement identifiable. Loin d'être un simple ornement, elle s'impose comme un instrument soliste à part entière, insufflant une couleur folk unique et une énergie parfois surprenante, voire agressive, qui distingue Jethro Tull de toutes les autres formations rock. Face à elle, la guitare électrique déploie des trésors de puissance et de créativité. Ses riffs, reconnaissables entre mille ("Aqualung", "Cross-Eyed Mary", "Locomotive Breath"), ancrent solidement l'album dans le registre du hard rock, tandis que son solo sur la chanson-titre, empreint d'une urgence et d'une inventivité remarquables, est entré dans la légende. Les claviers (piano, orgue Hammond, Mellotron) jouent un rôle crucial en apportant une richesse harmonique et des textures variées, essentielles pour sculpter les ambiances contrastées de l'album. Enfin, la section rythmique, basse et batterie, assure une assise à la fois solide et flexible, capable de naviguer avec aisance entre les déferlements sonores les plus intenses et les moments d'accalmie les plus feutrés. L'originalité instrumentale d'Aqualung ne se limite donc pas à l'usage iconique de la flûte. Elle réside dans cette alchimie subtile où chaque instrument contribue à une palette sonore d'une richesse et d'une cohérence rares, permettant à l'album de transcender les étiquettes de genre. La flûte elle-même, souvent associée à la douceur pastorale, se métamorphose ici en un instrument capable d'une véritable véhémence rock, illustrant la capacité du groupe à détourner et à réinventer les codes instrumentaux. La première partie (face A) de l'album, intitulée "Aqualung", offre une galerie de personnages marginaux, observés avec une acuité et une franchise rares. Le personnage éponyme, Aqualung, est un sans-abri dont la description physique est crue et sans fard : « Le nez qui coule – les doigts graisseux maculant des vêtements minables ». Il est dépeint avec un mélange de dégoût initial (« lorgnant les petites filles avec de mauvaises intentions » ) et d'une pitié grandissante, voire d'une forme d'amitié paradoxale (« Aqualung mon ami – ne t'en va pas inquiet... pauvre vieux bougre, tu vois, ce n'est que moi » ). Inspirée par des photographies de Jennie Anderson, la chanson explore les thèmes du jugement social, de la misère et de la manière dont la société perçoit et traite ses exclus. "Cross-Eyed Mary" poursuit cette exploration des marges en brossant le portrait d'une jeune prostituée qui fréquente les écoliers, une autre figure de l'innocence bafouée et de la vulnérabilité sociale. D'autres titres comme "Cheap Day Return", évoquant une visite de Ian Anderson à son père gravement malade, ou "Mother Goose", avec ses observations poétiques de la vie à Hampstead Heath, complètent cette fresque. Ainsi, bien que présentant des "esquisses de personnages" distinctes , la Face A tisse un fil conducteur puissant autour de la vulnérabilité humaine face à la précarité et au regard des autres, interrogeant la responsabilité collective et la nature de notre empathie. La seconde parte (face B) de l'album, qui porte le sous-titre "My God", s'attaque de front à la religion organisée et explore ce que le groupe a appelé « la distinction entre religion et Dieu ». La chanson "My God" est une critique virulente de l'Église institutionnalisée, accusée d'avoir « enfermé Dieu dans une cage dorée » , et dénonce l'hypocrisie, le dogmatisme et l'absurdité qui peuvent en découler. "Hymn 43" poursuit cette charge sur un mode plus direct et rock, ciblant particulièrement le christianisme et ses contradictions. Enfin, "Wind-Up" conclut l'album sur cette thématique religieuse, avec une approche plus théâtrale et introspective. Cinquante ans après sa sortie, Aqualung jouit d'un statut iconique. Il est unanimement considéré comme un classique incontournable, l'un des meilleurs albums de Jethro Tull, voire le meilleur par de nombreux admirateurs et critiques. Il marque indéniablement le point de départ de la période la plus créative et la plus audacieusement progressive du groupe, une ère faste qui s'étendra sur une bonne partie des années 70. Au final ce sera un 2 sur 5 pour le meilleur album de Jethro Tull à découvrir.

Good opener, not much after that

Couple good songs

Overrated

I like the flute but not the heavy rock.

Slogged through the whole album because I’m a big prog rock fan, and these guys really should be in my wheelhouse. Figured perhaps I just didn’t like the songs that got radio play, but Nope, I still don’t care for Jethro Tull. At all. Something about that guy’s voice just rubs me the wrong way, and they go a bit too heavy on the old flute for my tastes. Not too fond of them winning that Grammy over Metallica’s And Justice For All either 😒

pedo music

Self-indulgent prog garbage, although the second half is better than the first. The version of this album I listened to had a clearer recording of Wind Up at the end, which I appreciated because it let me confirm that I hadn't missed much from my half-hearted listen of the first version.

Fantasia elementtejä. Hyvin menee muun toiminnan ohessa tällainen progressiivinen rock. Ihan jees kuuntelu sanoisin!

I don't know why the heck I had it in my head that Jethro Tull was a metal band? Anyway. They aren't. I sort of enjoyed this but nothing really stuck out to me personally other than the really good guitar. It's very Led Zeppelin meets Queen, but I feel like both of those bands did it better?

Before I even listen, I know this isn't a heavy metal band. Ha! This album is entirely too long for someone who does not like the music.

Not really my jam. A concept album with too many lutes etc

Gutes genre, crazy Flöte,aber irgendwie nicht meins

Thought this wouldn't really be my thing. For the most part I was right but it has a few moments here and there. 4/10

Agradable. ¿Es esto un proto metal? Ni idea. Me gustó la temática y las letras. Ningún like Mmmmm 2.3

Not for me

Nothing memorable

This album deserves respect for the high level of skill required to compose and perform these songs, but I'm not who this album is for. I find it a little inaccessible. It is more like an athletic achievement than a musical one.

I don't care for Jethro Tull.

I’ll be honest, before I was listening to the album I kept seeing negative comments about a flute. I was like it can’t be that bad, and the album started off decently… then the flute hit and its kind of a jarring contrast. Its one song though, so I continue on, then it happens again and more egregiously… and I just couldn’t. I hit stop. Yeah it’s kind of annoying when its paired with harder hitting rock, especially when that becomes the sole focus of the song.

Nothing memorable here for me

“Spitting out pieces of his broken luck” is one of my favorite lines in rock and roll. So much power in so much of this, but as much as I like the fusion of psychedelic rock ballad and medieval folk carol, I think I like the idea of it more. I’ve got about three “day-go pirate”songs in me at a time before the glee turns to spite.

Comedy music, although I'm not sure if the members of Jethro Tull are in on the joke

Jethro Tull is new to me and I am shocked that that is the case. They make a wonderful blend of Prog rock and classic rock / psychadelic noise. That being said, the concepts are just too far out of reach for the casual listen and this record in particular doesn't train well like I imagine Thick as a brick does. Unique and sensitive to the environment you will be in. 4/10

I’m familiar with this album and had no desire to re-listen. I appreciate the talent, but it’s not my thing. Bad luck getting this served up first.

It’s okay

big name, but wasn't that impressed, although it felt like a solid album and i like prog..

Meh - Top Gear shite

eh wasn't too impressed. don't know if i'd listen to it again.

Good background music. Not sure I'd seek it out but weirdly this was maybe the first time I ever heard them? Even though they're so famous. Outside of Anchorman or karaoke. It's ok.

Bardcore basically. Not really my thing.

Listening to this

I quite liked the rambling here - both musically and with the lyrics. I also love a flute on the odd track here and there. It makes me think that I have sophisticated musical tastes. Sadly an appreciation of Jethro Tull is unlikely to impress possible partners. So I'm only giving it two stars. So there.

Note the best

Not for me nothing memorable at all

с одной стороны приколдесная тема, с другой стороны как будто музыка для хоббитов и эльфов. а я властелина конец не смотрел поэтому сорри

Don’t listen to much rock, this was very boring. DNF

Two stars. Interesting use of instruments. Progressive rock. Not my cup of tea but not terrible reminds me of John Barleycorn Must Die.

Lower class wizard rock. Mostly unpleasant sounds.

60s music was popular again in the 80s when I was a teen and I took this album from my Grandma’s attic because it was a cool find. It looked good in my collection, but it was never something I wanted to play.

Ok. Favorite songs were Aqualung, Cross-Eyed Mary, and Hymn 43. The rest were forgettable. Felt like I was inside one of the Lord of the Rings movies -- not really my thing.

Day343 - i don’t get the praise jethro tull gets their whole sound always irritated me

вроде хорошая музыка, мне нравится, но не хватает какой-то изюминки…

No thanks

Ren faire Black sabbath cover band

Going into this listen, all I know about Jethro Tull is Ian Anderson plays a mean flute. Tempo change in Aqualung still rocks. Hard not to feel like you're frolicking in a field of daisies while listening to most of these songs. I liked a couple of songs, but none of these will be going into regular rotation. Highlights: Aqualung, Up to Me, Hymn 43.

This album is just fine. I am going to rate it 2 stars though as there must be another underground killer album that could've gone on this list instead of Aqualung.

Jethro Tull is how old now? Where's the flute? Also, this is so repetitive, my god. Not a fan.

To theatrical

Stupid flute nonsense.

I finally understand the ‘hey aqualung’ reference in Anchorman No other thoughts

It's not a band I've ever listened to, I kinda had them down in my head as being too folk for me. I was interested when reading up on this that it's been classed as hard-rock / prog-rock and whilst some of those elements are present nothing really blew me away and the songs are forgettable. Considering this came out the same year as Zeppelin IV which is an amazing album, this falls flat in comparison.

Guess this is the birth of heavy metal can hear a lot of black sabbath in here and led zepplin. But personally leaves me a bit cold naff allogrys and whiney sounds.

One of the things I like about this project is that makes me listen to albums I'd previously written off as rubbish. In the 80s a lot of my mates raved about this, I was heading off in a completely different musical direction and thought it was shit. I'm still not convinced but I can at least appreciate that it has some merits. Apart from that flute though...

not as much fun as i remember jethro tull being. kind of a drag.

0/100 no saves

I think this is alright but it’s uneven. I tried listening to it a little while ago and was put off by the fact the first two tracks are about a paedo tramp and then a prostitute school girl. Ick. Having got past that, it’s alright. There’s some average-sounding blues rock songs with some cool twiddly bits. I like Ian Anderson’s wacky voice and flute. I just don’t think I’ve heard a Jethro Tull album that’s completely won me over. I reckon I might be able to put together a “best of” I would like if I put in the effort. Now is this a three or a two?

It was okay. Kind of a run of the mill 70’s rock album. Nothing really great about it. 2.5/5 Probably won’t listen again

Jethro Tull was interesting. Not really my kind of thing, but I could see the appeal. Aqualung started off dull, but picked up halfway through. The rest of the songs were kinda meh, little bits here and there were fun, but not a whole lot. Best song: Aqualung

Jethro Tull is just for Christmas not for any other time.

Not my thing - corny dad rock Mother Goose is cool - I actually much prefer it when it's folkier to when it's more full on rock. Think the flute is cool, even though I know a lot of people don't like that Absolutely not my thing

God, the 70s were such a golden era for dirtbag jean jacket music, but this is like all of the nerd bits of Zeppelin without the parts that actually rock

shite, like a poor mans spinal tap

I put this on because there was a loud meeting going on next to me. I think I'd have rather listened to the meeting

Not much of anything

It's not good. It's not bad. It's just a thing. There's some stuff where they rock like a proto-stoner rock thing, just for a tiny bit. I was going to say that of all the flute-incorporating projects on this list, this was the one that managed to actually blend the sound. But then there was one near the end that was pretty bad. Almost went up to 3, but remembered my max 2 for no songs I'll listen to on purpose principle & decided I should get meaner. music: hated. (⌐■_■)

It’s very boring. Calm songs are good, but the rest have not stood the test of time

Some pretty moments but not for me.

Eh...

Rock opera type feel

Fav: Wind Up Least Fav: Mother Goose The good songs I really enjoyed, but a majority of the songs I just found forgettable. I admire the usage of flutes though.

Not my thing

“Hey aqualung!!” - Ron Burgundy while performing sick yazz flute rendition. Ehh it was ok.

Long and boring. Not my favorite but definitely not the worst album we’ve listened to.

Pompous and clodding. Not for me at all. Maybe if I was getting dressed for a Ren Faire or something.

Overall I didn’t really connect with it. I like rock, I like prog rock, the flute in rock is inspired but ultimately I just didn’t like most of it. There were some good tracks, Mother Goose, Up To Me and Locomotive Breath. Maybe it needs a few more listens as for some reason I want to like it.

Going from Aqualung to the wild flute in Cross-Eyed Mary keeps you on your toes. When I looked this up, I saw that Forbes published "Jethro Tull’s Album Jumps Nearly 29,000% In Sales." last month. It was the album Bursting Out. Maybe that's on the 1001 list.

Uh. Yeah. I just don't really get the premise of why you would make music like this. It's a good version of what it is I suppose. I'm happy I made the journey but I'll not be returning - forthwith

Eh, its okay. Rock n roll with flute is a hard sell for me.

I am into it. Had no idea this was a concept album. Okay. I think I can only handle like 4 consecutive Jethro Tull songs.

Started off very strong. Kinda gets a little samesy after a while. Favourite songs: My God, Aqualung 2/5 = meh

Something about the jaunty flute makes me feel like I should be frolicking amongst the daisies. Big fan of daisies, but not so much flutes.

Well that has to be one of the most thoroughly lame albums I’ve ever heard. Jethro Tull enjoyers please keep enjoying them. I will pass. Best song: Aqualung

I don’t have a lot to say about ‘Aqualung’. It’s a pleasant enough cross of Hard Rock/Psychedelia and Folk with some Prog elements (and a bit of flute), and it’s fine while it’s on, but I just found it kind of dull and forgettable overall. 2/5 is probably a bit harsh of a score, but there’s no 2.5 option, and I wouldn’t go as high as a 3, so 2 it is.

Moments of inspiration often let down by aimlessness. Can't say it's bad exactly, but I was definitely bored throughout, which is perhaps worse. Shoutout to the flute though, that went hard.

This didn’t really do it for me. I found his voice to be too British.

I don't love this album but it's got moments. I'll give to them that they have some cool edgey riffs on occasion and really go for it, but to that same end they can come off a bit too baroque for what they're selling, in my opinion. I don't mind the flute but it doesn't exactly fit in every arrangement. When you combine the hard rock, Renn Faire balads, literary lyricism, and flute.. things get a bit convoluted very quickly. If you're in this niche... that's cool... but how does this happen.....?

gay

Liked this more than I thought I would, especially given the super creepy album cover. Doesn't quite bubble up to 3 stars, but it's definitely a strong 2.

Some cool riffs, but overall not really my style

I appreciate different artists and styles of music, I personally don’t enjoy this

I have always wanted to like this album more. The musicality is good. But the entire album just feels too renaissance rock for me. It lacks the mastery of Led Zeppelin. It lacks the psychedelia of Doors. It lacks the straightforward drive of Black Sabbath and the sensibility of Sir Elton. Aqualung, in my opinion remains the only single off this album that makes it worth listening to. I haven’t listened to it in 10 years and I think I’m good for another decade.

Not really sure who this is for. Half the songs border on heavy metal, and half border on fairytale folk music. None of the harder songs have any consistent beat, and rely heavily on toms, which has always sounded bad.

I'm sure this album has a great following but to me it kinda sounded loud and annoying

Un poco rollo.

Un poco rollo.

meh

This album is a little confusing. I see the hard rock elements but that damn flute throws me off every song. A lot of the songs seem to have Christian undertones but I gotta say that Hymn 43 is a banger.

naja, das ist mir einfach zu experimentell .. und alt (70er!!)

Hmmm. I thought maybe I wouldn't dislike this bc I've been surprising myself with how into weird flute prog I can get, but this album didn't do anything for me. That bent of British traditional music with the harpsichords just isn't my thing.

The second star is for not being as bad as I was afraid it would be, but overall I still disliked it.

I've heard these drums as samples.

Jethro Dull

Uninteressanter Folk Rock.

Summary: I think I would've rather done something else with my hour. It's not bad, but its certainly not great. Samey samey. Yep, that's a flute. This is the 5th time you've showed us this song. Aqualung: 6/10. Uh, yeah I mean its a rock song. Switch ups are neat, and the guitar riff is catchy. Heard it before, but sitting down and listening to its kinda lackluster. Cross‐Eyed Mary: 3/10. Boring as all hell. Might get played in the background of a bar if lucky. Cheap Day Return: 6/10. Hard to make me hate a song so short. Simple, straight forward sound. Mother Goose: 5/10. I... I really don't know if I do or don't like this. I wasn't expecting to be thrown in a dnd starting tavern in this album. If this was like best hits of john the bard, I might be grooving. Just a total tonal shift. Wond'Ring Aloud: 5.5/10. Cute song. Not adventurous, but doesn't need to be I suppose. Up to Me: 4/10. This flute is fucking crazy. Feel like I'm in a jungle level in a old tomb raider game. I don't dislike it, but it verges on feeling out of place. Just zoning out for most of these tracks. Feels like they don't go anywhere. My God: 4/10. Either I'm not in the mood to listen to an album right now, or this is just not vibing with me. We are getting WAY to personal with this flute. Hymn 43: -/10. Oh man. First one I've skimmed through. This is having the "Every song sounds the same" problem now. I'm bored. Bored of this sound. Slipstream: 2. Okay.... and...? We did one of these earlier and it was better. Locomotive Breath: 3.5/10. Take the flute out and maybe replace it with some more prominent bass. Bass is the saving grace for me (love my bass.) Wind Up: 4/10. little more interesting than the rest. Not by much mind you, but it has its own personality.

Early 70's rock. Undistinguishable from other artist's of the time. Not really for me.

Not my cup of tea. Had heard aqualung before but nothing else. Too pros rock for my tastes

meh

Progressive rock band Lots of different instrumentals Storytelling lyrics Flute Dislike the vocals mostly favorites: Locomotive breath, Cross-eyed mary

Some ups, many downs.

In my late teens, I had a friend who was really into Jethro Tull. So much so, that his Myspace profile name was "Thick as a Brick" (I just pulled up Thick as a Brick to listen to it, and holy shit, part 1 is over 22 minutes long, and part 2 is almost as long. Holy Tubular Bells, I think I'll pass). Heading into this album, the only song that I was familiar with was the title track, but I'm very familiar with the fact that Jethro Tull is known for being the 'flute rock' band. This album wasn't really my speed at all. The usage of the flute really feels like a gimmick, as it really doesn't add a whole lot to the music, and none of the songs are any better for its usage. The title track is fine, but it wears out its welcome about halfway through. I'm guessing the lyrics on the side 1 songs are about a peeping Tom watching a young girl, which is also not my cup of tea, so this album never really stood much of a chance with me. I liked the side 2 songs a little bit more, but that's not saying much. "Hymn 43" was my favorite track on the album, and it really highlights the few things that I liked on this album: some good piano riffs, and some bluesy guitar riffs. Lyrically, I liked the side 2 songs better as well, but again, that's not really saying a whole lot. I really didn't care much for this album, and it's definitely not something that I'd ever revisit.

I liked a couple songs, but for the most part, I did not enjoy this album.

uninspiring

I enjoyed instrumental intros. Not a fan of the vocals

I have images in my mind of an English pixie prancing around with a flute. Somehow simultaneously iconic, unique, and boring.

a classic with some dust on it

Ekki skemmtilegt finnst mér. Minnir á rokksöngleikjatónlist. 2,5/5

Not bad and I like the flutes, but it was hard to get into this. Just isn't for me.

I don’t know why I don’t like this more, but it just washed over me a bit. I put it on and never felt the urge to turn it off, but nothing raised my interest enough to check the title of the song currently playing. It was a big pile of ‘meh’ with extra flute… which gets it an extra star

So close but not my jam

Not a huge fan TBH. Not my vibe, it's a little too middle finger to the world.

Not really my thing, but parts of it were okay. 2.5 stars.

There are other bands in the early 70s rock genre that I like better. Felt a bit repetitive.

Thinking about this in the context of '71 and the rock preceding it, I can see how this was a big hit. But at the same time, there's a good reason why most of these songs aren't well known. It's hard not to compare to Zeppelin, and it's not a fair one at that. 2/5

This album sounds like probably influenced Led Zeppelin’s music, but it’s really slow and simple, so I didn’t enjoy it

Ups and Downs. Sounds and feels like Old Dirty Hobo Rock. That assessment might have been influenced by the cover image and the lyrics of Aqualung, though. Not really something I enjoyed listening and would listen to again. 2.5/5

Dig the mysterious sounding opening riff of the album. Doomy ass riff. For me that's the highlight of the track. The vocals following along with the melody of the riff is cool, but the lyrics don't hit me. I vibe with the guitars, bass, piano, and drums on this track. I like the vocal style with the acoustic guitar and piano, except I don't when it gets faster paced. Oh baby, we've gone so far away from it that I forgot about that sweet sweet intro riff. That was a good transition from that light guitar to that riff. Should have done the ole "bring the riff back but slower." I would have rather had that riff without the vocals to be honest. Kinda a sloppy Outro in my opinion. Another great intro with "Cross-Eyed Mary" for totally different reasons that made the album-titled first track's intro so dope, very ethereal and soft, I love the flute. It's building towards something... boom they hit you with that nasty funk out of nowhere. I love the music, I'm not with the vocals yet. Tight guitar solo and flute solos in there. Going to start cleaning my oven and continue to listen and if I hear something that really calls my attention I'll come back and write about it. But so far production wise things seem, especially vocally, a little too jarring or something. Okay I came back to note that Cheap Day had my favorite vocals so far, haha. Cheap Day is solid. Mother Goose again didn't hate the sound of the vocals. I still haven't really connected with the lyrical content much by this point. Wond'ring Aloud, track 6, I finally can get behind the lyrics here. This will probably be the simplest song on the album. The vocals just feel more natural too me on this one. Simplest instrumentation thus far. That blistering out of nowhere guitar soloin' in Up to me is sick as fuck, just kinda comes in whenever it wants. This song, to me, has best encapsulated the varying styles of this band and put them cohesively into one song the best. I even like the vocal performance on this one, whereas I really have only liked his more mellow singing over acoustic guitar up to this point like "Wond'ring Aloud." "My God" track 7, sick riffs again, no one is surprised. Then the distorted guitar comes sheeeeeeeesh. Still I love to hate the vocalist, hahaha. Cool breakdown with the chanting and instrument layering. I'm back from cleaning the oven, "Wind-Up", straight up jam here, I like the vocal style here, especially the softer back half of the song. Looking back Locomotive Breath was pretty catchy, probably catchiest song on the album. "Lick Your Fingers Clean" has solid vocals again, I think this is my favorite vocal performance, although I really hated the gang vocals at the beginning of the song. They are good in the rest of the song though. Wind-Up solid jam all around. Top 3 track for me from this album. 2/5 for me. I don't see myself throwing this on to listen from start to finish. The only context where this music would fit in or make sense to me is a psychedelic renaissance fair. The composition of the songs creates some really interesting moments, I wouldn't say any of the songs were written to have a sing-a-long type of chorus. Sickest Riffs: Aqualung Intro, My God, Hymn 43 Dopest Moment: "Cross-Eyed Mary" - The building whimsical flute intro to that funky riff and beat. Most Interesting Song: "Up to Me" - the random punched in fuzzy guitar solos throughout is just something I can't think of another example of a song doing that. Really enjoyed it. I would put on a playlist: Up To Me, Wind-Up, Lick Your Gingers Clean, Cheap Day Return, My God (maybe not cause of the chanting, not a huge fan)

meh. i like the song Aqualung but it couldn't really sustain me for the whole album.

Not my cup of tea. I like prog rock, I like folk, I don’t even mind a flute in my music, but this all just kinda sounded like brown noise. When Aqualung, a six minute song about a nonce, is your best tune, it’s not very promising.

Moody Blues/Pink Floyd influencer.

This was interesting - there were sounds I didn’t expect to hear. This wasn’t my taste though.

First song is musically good (kind of Black Sabbathy) but lyrically creepy. Flute solo at the beginning of track 2 makes me physically uncomfortable. Next several songs are fine. Locomotive Breath is good but too much of a flute solo.

Did not touch me

Old school classic rock. Kinda like Led Zeppelin only not as good.

Geht so Locomotive Breath kannte ich

Meh. Me ha gustado la parte de la flauta, pero el resto bastante palo. Me está empezando a dar alergia tanto rock en la lista.

The Who did a rock opera and AquaLung was what happened when a 4 track recorder got turned on and no-one turned it off for 5 days.

It was slightly interesting

Yeah this isn't good, the title track and Locomotive Breath probably deserve the wider acclaim they get, but the rest of it is rubbish meandering prog that can't decide what it is or where it's going. Prog is rubbish.

Dreadful. Unspeakably boring, very naff and far too much (i.e. any) flute. Musically, it's just dull - the first track actually misleads you, because the opening 15 seconds or so have the potential to be something quite different. Then it just drifts. Also, and I don't want to be too pious about this, the concept of this album is romanticising homelessness, a la Streets of London, and I strongly suspect that Iain Anderson and the gang didn't spend too much time on their research. Oh, also, word of warning in case you've totally switched off by this point, the final track on Spotify is a 14 minute long interview with Iain. No ta!

I’m thinking that ‘70s prog rock just ain’t it for me. I’ve never really liked any of this. The musicianship is fine, yes even the weird flute interludes. For me this just does absolutely nothing. Put it in the shelf with Rush as older prog that I just don’t like.

Don't like the singers voice and none of the songs really grabbed me. Won't listen again

Nope.

was never a big fan, but Dan Judy LOVES them so i’ve had quite the earfull over the years…

Lots of ballad style rock. And flute. Eh.

Over rated in my opinion.

Flute-y prog twaddle. Nerds.

It's great prog rock, but the flute makes me laugh every time I cannot take them seriously.

Ehh

Ikke for meg

Eh, not sure about this one. Thought I would enjoy but I don't seem to be. I think the album art mega puts me off as well, I know, don't judge a book by it's cover BUT I hate it ! It's very jingly and bobby. Probs wouldn’t listen again but it was ok.

Lots of flute. Lots of folk. Not my jam.

Helt ærligt så sagde det her album mig ikke særlig meget. Sjovt nok sidder jeg imens jeg skriver dette og hører et interview med forsangeren, hvor han tilsyneladende snakker om, at han ikke synes det er et godt mixet album, og hvor svært det var at lave, fordi studiet var så ringe. Der var en del fede rock-guitar riffs kombineret med tværfløjte, hvilket var overraskende godt. Men overall var det ikke lige mig desværre. Jeg lyttede til albummet d.16/10-23 imens jeg læste og imens jeg gik hjem fra Caroline.

It really feels like they were making this up as they went along. There really isn't any definition to the tracks. It's just sort of rolls along song after song only being broken up by random flute solos? It's weird that years later they would be considered a metal band and beat out Metallica... I don't get it. It isn't bad. Just...

Heard before: some These fucking guys. I can’t believe this disgusting title track is such a classic. It has always sounded ugly, and it has aged even worse. Then the second track is like an apology, a justification for the sleaze of the first one! Just gross in the worst way. Imagine my surprise when they turned into charming hippies for the rest of the record! I had never made it that far before. Give me Ian Anderson on one foot playing the flute in the woods, not lusting after pre-teen girls please. Top tracks: Locomotive Breath, My God, Mother Goose

It's not terrible but not great. They combine hard rock and folk. The hard rock is not very good compared to Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. The folk is just OK. Favorite song: Mother Goose.

Not terrible but the flute is kind of a weird addition. Also kind of boring/repetitive.

Love classic rock but this album mostly fell flat. Best song was locomotive breath and probably the only song I would not skip past if it was on playlist

No like

Not for me

Dirty old man, making dirty old man music. Jethro Tull seems like the band that only ate at madrigal dinners while they were following alongside a Rush tour. There is undoubtedly a time and a place for this record, and those are infrequent for me.

Just not my flavor. Stopped listening after the Mother Goose track. Sorry, not sorry.

I just can't get into this medieval sounding dreck. 2/5

Besides the use of the flute, absolutely basic '70s rock. I wasn't really impressed by anything on it. I can't say it felt like it did anything other than calm background dad rock.

unfortunately, after the third track, I felt like I was just listening to one long endless track. The pan flute made each track sound more like a time piece from the renaissance era. I wasn’t sure if wanted to rock out or throw rocks at the band. In the end, not my cup of tea. 2

I feel very mixed about this album. It has some great moments, mainly in the guitar work. But some songs just don’t attract me at all. Not bad, but also not good

This album is like the beginning of March. Those cold days. Still winter. But not quite.. Reminds me of middle school and FM rock radio

"Aqualung" by Jethro Tull is a divisive album in the world of classic rock. Released in 1971, it's often hailed as a masterpiece by some and criticized by others. The album's title track, "Aqualung," is undoubtedly iconic and showcases Ian Anderson's distinctive flute playing and lyricism. However, the album as a whole is inconsistent. It veers between folk, blues, and hard rock, which can make it feel disjointed. Some tracks lack the same impact and cohesiveness as the standout ones. Additionally, the thematic focus on religion and societal commentary can come across as heavy-handed. While "Aqualung" has its moments of brilliance, its unevenness and polarizing themes might not appeal to all listeners, making it a somewhat divisive entry in Jethro Tull's discography.

I tried, not for me. I didn't really like any of it. Even though I like both rock and folk and some prog. Same reaction as I've always had hearing Tull down the years.

There are some things I can appreciate in this album. When they bring in some the more English folk styles, it can be pretty cool. However, I still find it to be a little much for me. Little too proggy.

Not great not bad

Interesting but not my thing.

Not for me

2st

Un poco rollo

Är väl inte så glad åt den här plattan.

I'd never really listened to much Jethro Tull before. I didn't realize how heavily they leaned on that jazz flute. A little too much for me.

Couldn't get into it but can tell it was consistently good

been a while since I listened to an album on the day it was supposed to be listened to i hate rock so much it got better when it turned almost medieval in its sound with the flutes and guitars

I think my stamina for these things is starting wane 180 odd albums in, this was just boring. You'd feel ripped off if you spent good money on a CD and it contained a single musical idea.

Only really like 3 song

Make it stop! These dudes take themselves too seriously. The only thing that helps is the thought of Ron Burgundy playing jazz flute at Tino's.

Unless you're Lizzo or Ron Burgundy or a classical orchestra, the flute is not a cool instrument. Its presence on several "Aqualung" songs more than undid any of the positives on this album.

I was hoping to like this album more. Progressive rock is not my genre I suppose. It works when the albums are tight, well thought out concepts. My observation is that too many progressive rock bands/albums/songs meander for the sake of meandering like Aqualung. Prof rock mashes key changes, time changes, and complete ambiance changes together because well…that’s what higher level thinking progressive rock bands are supposed to do. I liken it to a less erratic improvisational jazz, which I’ve clearly established I hate. I like Hymn 43, which was my favorite song.

Nice enough but too much flute for me.

it was certainly influential in it's time. but now...

first song was good then cap

Weet het niet ben niet zo van de fluiten, maar wel prima muziek

Not a big fan of prog rock, and this is no exception. Feels a bit muddled with the ‘characters’ at the beginning, and then atheist rock at the end. Some of the guitar parts were cool but otherwise meh 2/5 Fave tracks: Mother Goose, Up To Me, Slipstream

cheesy

Maybe in the right setting I could enjoy this but listening to it at home, it’s not my vibe.

Painful listening. It's like listening to an hour of Ron Burgundy playing jazz flute in Anchorman, but without any humour. Actually, scratch that, it feels like 3 hours not one.

1971. Aqualung, Locomotive Breath

The entire album is basically rehashing/reworking the very recognizable musical riff from the titular song and developing new songs around that. As a result, it feels extremely redundant even though it's incorporated in different ways in each song. But a big ol' snoozefest for me, even with the novelty of a flute in rock music.

Not much to enjoy in this.

p221. 1971. 2 stars Suspect early 70's prog-folk rock. With a flute. FFS. This has not aged well - you can practically smell the stale patchouli and incense sticks - and it suffers from the usual 70s musical wankage. Pass. "Never trust a hippy" - John Lyndon

Ei varsinaisesti mitään vikaa, mutta vähän liian papparokkia.

I didn't hate it.

Great playing, but has an extremely dated and out of style vibe to it. Amazing musicianship for sure. The fact that these guys beat out Metallica for best heavy metal album in 1989? leaves a very bad taste in my mouth for this band.

Aqualung is a standout.

If you love aqualung you’ll love the album. I thought aqualung was just ok

Meh, kinda bland rock

This album made me question my comprehension of the English language. These are all words I know, I recognize them, I use them regularly, but strung together by Mr. Tull, what the hell are they supposed to mean? I don't like it when I need Genius to figure out what every song is about. OK, I might make an exception for Bob Dylan and Mars Volta, but these guys are not on that level. They open each side pretty well ("Aqualung" and "My God" respectively), then it's as if they gradually run out of steam, and the music just declines, steadily, linearly, unmistakably.

No.

Listened Before? N Okay, so I have a personal vendetta against these guys since they beat Metallica for the "metal" Grammy in 89. Notwithstanding that, this album was okay but I'm not a fan of the "rock flute" sound so it was very meh for me. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Aqualung

not really moved by it 2/5 0 songs added to library

Some rocking out flute that was meh

I always struggle with prog rock. This was no different.

Meh. Not terrible. Weird flute solos. Not for me.

This didn't make much impression on me. Far too much flute is my main thought

British rock band Jethro Tull's fourth and best-selling album is this one - "Aqualung". It has sold over 7 million copies. The album's songs encompass a motley of genres, including folk, blues, psychedelica, and hard rock. This album is regarded as a concept album by fans - with themes about religion and the effects of social constructs on people - however the band disputes this, saying it's just a regular album. "Aqualung" is seen as a classic album in the hard rock and progressive rock genres. However, in my opinion it's just another hard rock album trying to differentiate itself with a unique and novel theme.

Just couldn’t get into it.

Nowt spesh

Bom álbum. Nada que me envolveu de verdade.

A classic from the teen years. Not so much now, but nostalgia.

not for me the guitar is really mixed out of all the tracks

Can see why this is on the list. But not for me, a lot of flute…

Aus einem Interview ging hervor, dass die Band bei den Aufnahmen ein Studio zugeteilt bekam, in dem sie nicht wirklich hören konnten, wie es wohl am Ende klingen wird. Ferner sei das Album besonders in Deutschland erfolgreich gewesen. Ob es einen Zusammenhang oder gar Synthese aus beiden Anekdoten gibt sei mal hingestellt. 2.4

not enough rocking out. too much whittering about religion

It was OK. There are some good songs on here, but quite a few that I listened to and just thought ok that was a song, with an acoustic guitar and a flute. Sorry Jethro.

I fully expected to hate this, but it has its moments. The title track is very good; I can hear echoes of Sabbath in that and the other heavier tracks on this record. I don’t even mind the flute that much when it’s well-incorporated into the band - though the jaunty flute solos did raise an eyebrow. The acoustic folk elements don’t do it for me, though, and neither does that generic 70s rock vocal. 2.5 stars.

This didn't make much of an impression on me. It was enjoyably theatrical at times, and the lyrical themes kept repeating in a way that doesn't normally happen with pop songs. And the flute - the flute! I feel like this deserves a place as a significant album in the history of music but it just isn't my thing.

Sucked.

Sitting on a park bench Eyeing little girls with bad intent Snot running down his nose Greasy fingers smearing shabby clothes i thought this was gonna be an album about SHACK. it turns out its actually about homeless people along the thames embankment. Which makes it all the more laughable that i thought it was about SHACK because homeless people along the thames embankment is the main substance that forms SHACKs diet. fuck me it goes on a bit.

HEY AQUALUNG https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZI-lCsdiXw

not for me, can see why people would like it

24. Aqualung - Jethro Tull 13 tracks. It's not my thing, but it's not awful, (but neither is it good). It seems too "busy" or "muddled" with lots going on & every bit trying to outdo every other component part. Bits reminded me of a "shit, try-hard Queen" and these were the better bits. 2/5.

oh god

Thick as a brick or nothing

Saved Prior: None Off Rip: Mother Goose Cutting Edge: Locomotive Breath, Wind-Up Overall Notes: "Come traveler, let me spin ye tales of days long gone as ye rest ye weary legs" ass album. I understand what they're doing with Aqualung the song. Wasn't bad. Wasn't especially good either.

Very interesting sounds from these dudes, but im not a huge prog rock guy

Jethro Dull

I'm not sure how I feel about flutes.

I dont know what I thought Jethro Tull was, but I wasn't expecting medieval times rock. But now I at least get what jack black was doing with tenacious d, it was a Jethro Tull bit. Pretty good. But I did not like this.

2 good songs. Just not for me. Bit all over the place.

How are we supposed to review these albums? If I put myself in the mindset of a 70s, long-haired rocker (say, my dad) I can bang my head along to the bouncy bits, and gaze with sparkle-eyed wonder at the flute solos; but if I’m listening to it from my own body in my own time, this sounds beyond parody. This is how prog-rock sounds in goofy comedies. Ultimately it gets an extra star because my dad likes it.

Very Jesus-y

3rd June 2021 Listened to this in bits and pieces, watering the garden etc I don't think albums like this age very well, it's very much of it's era. Ruined forever by anchorman. Jen heard me listening to one song and said the flute sounded like pan pipes on crack.

had a hard time with this one, so angry. waiting for some love songs.

Not for me

Not my vibe. Can see how it influenced some other sounds.

Not for me!

Meh

Couldn’t get into it despite a weekend of trying.

Not for me.

Bit too much Ron Burgundy

Un poco rollo

I'm not really a fan of Jethro Tull

ok

Not exactly my taste.

2/5

I dont know why I don't like it but I don't. It seems similar to other bands I like, but I just don't like it.

2.5

not my favorite, easy listening. ultimately not very engaging.

Wasn't really feeling it, listened to 2 or 3 songs, very old school sounding rock

Appreciated the skillful guitarists, they killed it and the flutes were always a joy whenever they appeared. But I think I would need more time with it cause I didn't find a lot remarkable about Aqualung apart from its title.

It was ok. I can appreciate it for its artistic integrity. Just not my own personal cup of tea.

God this is so bad. I would give it zero stars if I could. It's like a parody of 1970s folk/prog/whatever - I checked several times to make sure it wasn't Spinal Tap. This is comfortably the worst album I've listened to in this list. How did we ever trust Boomers when they insisted this was a classic?

My first, and hopefully last, Jethro Tull record.

I did like the flute, but the songs are just tedious to listen to. Maybe I'd enjoy them more FULLY without the lyrics. I mean what are those themes and lyrics? They were totally turning me off. I tried giving this album a go 3 times. Re-listened from the beginning cause I wasn't quite getting why I don't like it that much. Just very unappealing to me. Something is just grossing me out in this album. It must be the lyrics and the singer's creepy giggles at the end of some verses. Why? 2 starts for the decent instrumentals but realistically the whole experience is 1-star like many people commented, this would be appropriate at some medieval festival, blackjack tournament or in some goddamn pub but i wouldn't listen to this on my own volition. This album makes me want not to go to England ever

Flutes and elfs. This is the worst prog rock. When I listened to terrestrial radio, any hint of these buffoons was an automatic station change. The worst classic rock has to offer.

There was a weird kid at my High School in the late 70s who was into Jethro Tull. I thought they were pretentious and crap. Now after giving this album a decent listen, I still think they are pretentious and crap and that kid was definitely a weirdo. Moral of the story, trust your instincts.

This just isn't for me.

What an absolute pile of 💩

No es mi estilo

Wasn't a fan of this one... sorry :(

Not my kind of thing at all

Menudo tostón. Arquetipo de cierta música insoportable de la era postbeatle

Niet voor mij.

Not a fan of his voice, dig the guitar style and see the influence today though

Gave up. Jazzy folky prog is just not for me. Good on you if it is your thing though. Also, I've only now just realised Jethro Tull and Judas Priest are two different bands.

Nah

not my cup of tea

Unmelodiious and hystronic. Sometimes painful to the ear.

Wasn’t for me

1/10 Had to turn it off after a few songs

As everybody knows, the country of England is a dreadful place, rampant with poverty, inequality, racism and corruption. A constant race to the bottom as the population is driven to eat itself. A deeply horrible place to exist. A rat scurries across a street urchin’s shoe… in Scunthorpe. A biting, cold wind blows the last leaf off the pathetic looking tree in a desolate wasteland… in Scunthorpe. A street urchin steals the only loaf of bread a baker is able to bake due to a lack of flour… in Scunthorpe. The gloominess of life in England comes to the fore when winter arrives… in Scunthorpe. A wolf gnaws on a tree branch, desperate for a single morsel of food… in Scunthorpe. “Why?!” asks the general population. “Because of this horrible album.” I reply.

Meh

weird, next

I don't like this.

I thought it was supposed to be progressive, but it actually sounds medieval. What a horrible album. I am blown away that people are ok with this, let alone can be public in liking it.

Not for me

This band: cockney rhyming slang, right?

Completely unmoved and took no pleasure in this

Not a vibe

Hmmmm this isnt really my thing at all. I can appreciate the skill and creativity, but it lacks catchy hooks/melodies throughout and is a lil too weird musically for my brain. I didnt save a single song from this album so it's a very low rating for me

I'm gonna be perfectly honest, i didn't listen to the whole album. I listened to more than the half but well i thought that i had the general idea. The flute's a nice idea but that's not enough to carry the whole album. I don't really like the singer's voice but that's on me and i don't know, it's not really the type of music i enjoy.

Not my thing

Unfortunately, I didn't like this album just because I don't think I'm a fan of this particular genre. However, if I had to pick a favorite, it'd be "Wond'ring Aloud". - Finished 6/14/26

shit from a butt

Every once in a while I start thinking I like prog rock and then am reminded about bands like this.

i didn't like any of the rock songs. only the acoustic ones. too many mentions of god, it's just so english i can't do it. saved: wond'ring aloud, slipstream.

Didn't like it

Just don't like it

I couldn’t even get past the first song!

bem meh

Not really feeling the Prog-Rock vibe

Just couldn't face listening to this on the day it came up, managed the title track and just gave up. Forced myself to go back today and though there are bearable moments they are usually followed by some bloody flute or icky lyric. Hasn't aged well.

Did not enjoy