Cover of Jethro Tull Aqualung
pier_paolo_farina

• Rating:

For fans of jethro tull, lovers of classic and english folk rock, avid rock album collectors, and listeners interested in socially conscious music.
 Share

THE REVIEW

```html

In the middle of the journey of our life

I found myself in a dark night

when the desire to sleep had vanished.

Soon after counting sheep in vain

yielded no results for my sleep,

it was then that from my bed I lifted the figure

and after taking a leak

without further ado, I reached my living room

where with screens, computers, or print

something to engage my brain

I would find in some way resolved.

But then the choice fell upon that

which critics regard highly

when speaking of English folk rock.

An album whose half is dedicated

to harsh criticism of those churches

intent on hoodwinking the pious souls

since antiquity, squeezing their obese

bellies into well-fed sacristies, after mass

the good people between many Hail Marys

had given their offering, with the premise

that maybe in the tragic moment

of the passing, house and garage

would end up with the priest in a will,

much to the delight of the cunning caste.

Preceding this is the bewilderment

of the pederast vagabond Aqualung

a man who disdainful and cursed

never stops ranting.

But what a delightful guitar solo

the guitarist places 'in the middle of the piece!

And it's said even played in the presence

of the brave Jimmy Page, great titan

of the semi-progressive guitar

passing by, ready to lend a hand

to the brave author of such initiative,

the excellent squire Martin Barre

of Anderson, the group leader.

His flute so supreme and coquettish

adorning both My God and Cross Eyed Mary

two pieces that fall perfectly

so beautiful and charming, and not since yesterday.

The listening of the album proceeded

with music constantly evolving,

remarkable for example, damn it

the piano introduction of that track

doubled by the flute creating leverage

for a supreme riff that after the intermezzo

already distorted and syncopated in itself

mocks the blues at a low cost.

What to say about the almost duo tracks

guitar voice and few brief assistances

light diversions to its core.

We are not made to live like brutes

but to follow virtue and knowledge

not like Aqualung, or those sold out

in clerical habit and reverence

devoted to filch the riches

as long as they profess penance.

Locomotive Breath its refinements,

the Mother Goose filled with arpeggios,

with Wondering Aloud they are like stitches

of a very rich fabric of sounds

of an era so cultured and inspired.

On this I want to hear no reasons,

because now such music is gone

or at least such pleasant inspiration.

And even Jethro Tull, considering

their entire career and production

it's not that many valuable albums

they have succeeded in making in succession.

But in the meantime, once the drowsiness returned

I decided to let go of headphones and record,

after listening without making noise

to such magnificence. Now here I end

to recount such beautiful music

since not even having put the record away

I returned to the true leather bed

where the wife was quite awake

and so we went out to see the stars again.

```

Loading comments  slowly

Summary by Bot

This detailed review praises Jethro Tull's Aqualung as a defining folk rock album notable for its sharp social critiques and masterful musicianship. Highlighting Martin Barre's guitar solos and Ian Anderson's flute, it captures the album's evolving sound and rich lyrical themes. The reviewer reflects on the album's lasting cultural impact and rare inspiration within the genre. Despite fewer consistently valuable albums, Aqualung endures as a magnum opus.

Tracklist Lyrics Videos

02   Cross-Eyed Mary (04:09)

Read lyrics

03   Cheap Day Return (01:23)

04   Mother Goose (03:53)

Read lyrics

05   Wond'ring Aloud (01:55)

Read lyrics

06   Up to Me (03:15)

10   Locomotive Breath (04:26)

Read lyrics

11   Wind-Up (06:05)

Jethro Tull

Jethro Tull are an English rock band formed in 1967 and long led by Ian Anderson. They are known for blending progressive and folk rock around Anderson's prominent flute and for landmark early-1970s albums such as Aqualung and Thick as a Brick.
84 Reviews

Other reviews

By Stràfiko Piezzecore

 One of these is Aqualung, the 1971 album by Jethro Tull. It’s the story of a tramp – Aqualung, indeed – seen as a product of a self-generated and destructive humanity.

 An album that – for crying out loud! – cannot be missing from the shelves of a person with honest intellectual capabilities.


By alaindelon

 He would take it all back and, with conspicuous embarrassment, would immediately apologize and rush to compliment him, the great Jan.

 Aqualung will especially appeal to those who particularly love the Medieval era because undoubtedly one can particularly sense in the last songs the medieval English charm, the theme of the wanderer and the minstrel.


By Trespass84

 The most brilliant high point in the long history of this group is probably the 1971 album, “Aqualung”.

 "My God" ... Certainly a masterpiece made such by its structure ... just listen to it!!!


By STIPE

 "The famous supreme guitar solo by Martin Barre leaves you breathless. One of the best solos of all time!"

 "The album has represented a milestone in the history of rock, certifying the legend 'of the man who played the flute on one leg.'"