AQUALUNG

"Aqualung" is the bridge between Jethro Tull's psychedelic rock/folk period and their progressive rock/folk period. This album is not yet progressive, although too artistic to call it hardrock or folkrock. I prefer the term artrock/folk like I also use for artists like David Bowie and Spooky Tooth which never became truly progressive but are prog-related.

The opening track "Aqualung" is a brilliant opener. The riffs are quiet memorable and the dynamic moves from hardrock to folkrock works out perfect. This song really sets the mood! The record is quiet dynamic with changes from hard-rock, art-rock to folkrock and accoustic folk. There is a nice balance between the more artistic parts and the straight ahead parts.

Ian Anderson's vocals seems to have somewhat more soul then on other records, although he never became my favourite vocalist. His flute capacities on this record are the best to date however and the guitar solo's are very effective.

This is one of the best Jethro Tull records and a good one to start with. For the more progressive side of JT one can better try out "Thick as a brick" or "A Passion Play".