AQUALUNG

Jethro Tull wasn't a very big band before this album, but it allowed them to enter mainstream popularity and would later become their highest seller. Aqualung is a not-concept album, which pretentious critics love to say otherwise, full of folksy progressive rock released at a time were folk-influenced rock was very popular. A light and airy atmosphere conceals darker lyrics that mostly question faith, and the extensive flute playing is both enjoyable and impressive. The first half is more flute-focused and maintains an up-tempo, mythical mood, while the later tracks are mostly contains chugging guitar chords and heavier instrumentation, (in addition to insane flute sections), making a more rock-oriented sound. Ian Anderson's vocals are able to adapt to and enhance either atmosphere quite nicely.

A great progressive rock album full of equally great tracks like "Aqualung", "Cross Eyed Mary", "Up to Me", "My God", "Hymn 43", "Locomotive Breath", and "Wind-Up".