AQUALUNG

This is arguably the most commercially succesful release from Jethro Tull. Because it was their first world-wide classic, mainly due to the title track. Most of Tull's all-time classic songs are contained among this 11 tracks. But who cares about the historical or commercial importance?

So, let's talk about music only: this album definately has all you can desire in an album: it has ups, downs, breaks.... a lot of moods are present in Aqualung. I'm gonna specifie a bit more:

The first two tracks rock nicely: the first with one of the best Barre's moments, and Cross-eyed Mary with a haunting flute intro before rockin' hard. Then, a relaxing period with one of those beautiful Anderson's moments, when he picks up his acoustic guitar and sings some ballads..... Here, three acoustic tunes in-a-row: Cheap Day Return, Mother Goose and Wond'ring Aloud. It also must be mentioned: in this three numbers, Ian is at his peak as a lyricist. Up To Me marks the middle of the CD with good flute and a catchy atmosphere, preceding to my favourite song of the album: My God. It also has brilliant lyrics, in this case referred to anti-religion or something like that. This is a very accomplished song; despite its long lenght (more than seven minutes), when I listen to this, time becomes very short and makes me still desiring it were longer... Soft, hard, haunting, dark....... this song simply has everything.

Well, then Hymn 43 comes up with, again, the hard matter. This is driven by an agressive electric guitar riff. Rocks quite hard, but it's the only real lower note of the album to me. Slipstream is another wonderful acoustic number, in the vein of Wondr'ing Aloud.

Beggining with a terrific piano intro, the next song, Locomotive Breath, keeps on rocking. Maybe rather poppish; nonetheless, it has one of the best and energetic Ian's flute solos. Together with the self-titled track, this song became a definitive classic. The album closes perfectly with Wind Up, not being a great song, nevertheless. It's ok if it were 3 or 4-minutes, but maybe goes on a bit. Still works fine as a song, but as a concept closer it works excellent! I'm not sure why....... just hear Aqualung and get by yourself.. ;)

I wouldn't dare to say this is the best Jethro Tull album... I think I enjoy Aqualung as much as TAAB, but, apparently, Thick progs more. Anyway, this is a must have, no matter if you're a die-hard fan or a casual rock listener. This album is for everyone! A masterpiece of (prog) music!!