In 1971 progressive folk rock kings Jethro Tull put out the album that many consider to be their crowning achievement: Aqualung. Though the band had already begun to build quite a reputation for themselves in the late 60's, this is where they really hit their stride and became the band that many classic/prog rock fans all know and love to this day. It has been highly acclaimed for its profound lyrical themes, admirable musicianship, and overall fantastic vibe.
Aqualung spawned many of Tull's best known songs such as: Aqualung, Cross-Eyed Mary, Hymn 43, Locomotive Breath, Mother Goose, etc. These songs are an intriguing blend of medieval folk music and more contemporary progressive hard rock. This has to be one of the few instances where a flute in a rock band not only works, but is badass. The blend between the genres is nearly seamless. Vocalist/flute player and front man Ian Anderson's writing also does the music justice - focusing primarily on the difference between God and religion.
The title track Aqualung is probably the most well known track Jethro Tull ever put out. That Martin Barre electric guitar riff is iconic and the soloing is on par with many of the other guitar greats of the time. However, the lyrical imagery is what really sticks with me. Just thinking about some greasy creepy pedophilic homeless guy creeping on little girls is enough to make me cringe, yet the music and melody are so enthralling that I can't help but be charmed all the same. As off putting as that is, I guess there is something to be said for a band that can manage to pull off such a feat.
Cross-Eyed Mary is one of my personal favorite Jethro Tull songs of all time. That flute and piano intro is absolutely enchanting, intriguing, and mystifying at the same time. The fact that it is followed up by something grinding and harsh creates a kind of cognitive dissonance that can only be gotten away with if executed just right (which in this case it is). Personally I love how the bridge/solo section sounds rather jazzy. It is a nice departure from the other genres packed into the song already.
I can't recommend Aqualung enough. If you're looking to get into something besides traditional regular format pop rock songs, this album is right up your alley. It brings so many things to rock n' roll that you wouldn't think would work with it, but do. Hell, I'd even recommend this album to someone who is more medieval folk oriented but wants to give something else a try. It's a very nice middle ground and is the best place to start when looking to delve into the Jethro Tull catalog. It is hailed as a classic by fans and critics alike for a reason.
Aqualung, by Jethro Tull receives 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Track Listing:
1. Aqualung
2. Cross-Eyed Mary
3. Cheap Day Return
4. Mother Goose
5. Won'dring Aloud
6. Up to Me
7. My God
8. Hymn 43
9. Slipstream
10. Locomotive Breath
11. Wind-Up
Buy the album on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Aqualung-40th-Anniversary-Jethro-Tull/dp/B00EMKVCWO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1476433225&sr=8-1&keywords=Aqualung
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