Jethro Tull: Albums Ranked: Worst to Best | Updated

[@hermittraveler2163]

My top 10: 1. A Passion Play 2. Thick As A Brick 3. Heavy Horses 4. Songs From The Wood 5. Minstrel in the Gallery 6. Aqualung 7. Benefit 8. Stand Up 9. Stormwatch 10. War Child

[@dancalmpeaceful3903]

Everyone hates "Under Wraps"....but I love it....and still do. Saw them on that tour and it was a great show. To each his own...

[@shipsahoy1793]

no, not everyone

[@22Clearwater]

I've been a Tull fan since the mid seventies and Stormwatch has grown on me over the years and come to be my favorite.

[@KG-yw2gm]

Yeehah, but to be honest : Songs from the wood and Thick as a brick are better in my opinion. BUT: No Heavy horses! Stormwatch is faar better!! Listen to the drumwork!!!

[@rightchordleadership]

Stormwatch is Tull’s most underrated album

[@opaknack5997]

@@rightchordleadership definetly 👍

[@jeffstern8021]

It is certainly their most beautiful album, if not their best.

[@sunsin1592]

It is the album that has moved up the most in my personal rankings over the past few years. The one that has dropped the most is "Benefit." I love a couple tracks on it, but there are too many just average tracks on it.

[@kevinbrown1893]

1. Songs From The Wood 2. Aqualung 3. Thick as a Brick 4. Heavy Horses 5. War Child 6. Stormwatch 7. Minstrel In The Gallery 8. The Broadsword and The Beast 9. Benefit 10. A 11. A Passion Play 12. Stand Up 13. The Zealot Gene 14. Roots to Branches 15. Crest of a Knave 16. Rock Island 17. The Christmas Album 18. Too Old to Rock and Roll: Too Young to Die 19. Catfish Rising 20. This Was 21. J-Tull Dot Com 22. Under Wraps

[@JC-rb3hj]

Benefit, just keeps getting better as the years roll by. Incredible guitar work. It's so underrated. The remaster is fantastic.

[@carlowilson2973]

My first concert was the Stand Up tour in Munich 1969....I was 15 and was awestruck. My favorite Tull record.

[@lemming9984]

I agree - despite the fact that it was before they got their Prog Mojo - I have been a Prog head since 12 y/o in 1972.

[@MrJanbalk]

Glad to finally find somebody who acknowledges the superior qualities of A Passion Play. Even Ian Anderson appears to be not too sure what to think of this child of his. But I have been listening to this astonishing record since 73 and I still love it. The must be a reason.

[@classicalbum]

Well said!

[@yassassin6425]

"Magus Perdé, take your hand from off the chain."

[@SuperFreundt]

​@@classicalbumMan, you missed J-Tull Dot Com... that is my whorst álbum kkkkk

[@richardtyson7884]

Benefit is the most underrated Tull album It might be my number one Passion Play is also underrated it might be my number two

[@rightchordleadership]

Stormwatch is more underrated than Benefit and arguably a better album

[@DansVintageBaseballPC]

Benefit is the best album by a wide margin. The writing, musicianship, and vocals, free from the pretension of later releases, its a legitimate best career album.

[@tullfan2560]

My favourite Tull album is ..... Bursting Out. It captures everything that's great about Jethro Tull at the height of their career. It had the best live cuts of their best songs from the 1978 Heavy Horses tour. Followed by, in equal second place: Benefit, Songs from the Wood, Broadsword and the Beast and Crest of a Knave. I don't rank the albums after that. I just enjoy the music for what it is nowadays.

[@NelsonMontana1234]

I'm old school. For me it's ... #1: Stand Up (A perfect album) #2: This Was #3: Thick as a Brick #4: Benefit #5: Aqualung #6: MInstrel in the Gallery #7: Passion Play #8 Songs From The Woods #9: Heavy Horses #10: War Child After that, I lost interest.

[@stevemossholder]

Benefit, then Stand Up, for me.

[@robertwoodward9231]

Cool list, though I would switch thick as a brick and aqualung..

[@Driver2616]

“Crest Of A Knave”….?

[@nyrocks5580]

My list is definitely different than yours, but I really appreciate the thoughtful commentary and insights. Thanks for continuing to feature Tull.

[@peterspalda1077]

24. This Was 23. Catfish Rising 22. Stand Up 21. Dot Com 20. Rock Island 19. Too Old to Rock n Roll 18. Benefit 17. Crest of a Knave 16. Roots to Branches 15. War Child 14. Homo Erraticus 13. Under Wraps 12. A 11. Aqualung 10. Chateau d'Isaster Tapes 09. Heavy Horses 08. Thick as a Brick 07. The Zealot Gene 06. Thick as a Brick 2 05. Songs from the Wood 04. The Broadsword and the Beast 03. Stormwatch 02. A Passion Play 01. Minstrel in the Gallery

[@RubUOutC]

I also prefer Anderson Thick as a Brick sequel to the original one - controversial opinion to have, I know.

[@westerngerry]

Really enjoy your reviews, they provide a wider context to the music which we enjoy so much. TAAB and APP rank as two of my favourite albums

[@gavincritchley404]

Haven't seen your previous ranking but by the way you were going I thought Passion Play was not going to fare too well but I was pleasantly surprised when it turned up as #1. My favourite too and also glad that Songs From The Wood was up there. Of course i'm heading straight to the collection to have a re-listen to some of the others - Benefit included. Your job here is done.

[@oolongoolong789]

Disappointed, though not surprised to see Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young to Die! down in the lower reaches of your chart. It's my second favourite Tull album (after Aqualung), though few fans seem to have much love for it. I love the memorable melodies, evocative lyrics, and the elegant orchestral arrangements of Dee Palmer. I enjoy its rather nostalgic, slightly sentimental tone, and I wouldn't expect American Tull fans to understand or be moved by its quintessentially English atmosphere.

[@lexicosm]

Relieved to discover a rare individual who recognizes and appreciates "Too Old To Rock 'N' Roll" for what it is - a truly happening Tull record. Sad that so many Tull fans deprive themselves the pleasure of this great album by dismissively looking down upon it. Their loss. It has every bit of the writing, arrangement, musical performance brilliance expected from the group on every other record. Unfairly discounted in my opinion. Congratulations to you on receiving and experiencing its deserved value.

[@MrAitraining]

I find JT one of the hardest bands for me to rank their albums, mostly with their 70's stuff. Every LP is so unique, really good and mood fitting for me. Some days only "songs from the wood" works for me, "a passion play" another time etc.

[@itriedmany]

AMAZING NEW ZEALOT GENE ALBUM! Two song in and I'm sold... it's been a while Ian, but this has twists that you've lacked for for a few years... brings me back to the 60's and 70's even though it's also "NOW". ... I'm old also, and I know how easy it is to get caught up in our own "muscle memory" creations... third song now as I type this... fantastic! Chills run down my back! man oh Chevins... you've created another MASTERPIECE! Though I'm saddened by the departure of Marten (I love what he's doing now), I have to say, three songs in, and this is AMAZING! ... This album, now that I've gone futher, has so many twists and turns! ..Please Ian, what happened, you have been inspired by something that has reminded you of variation! Also, it's fantastic how your voice is featured more that ever... and that this "mastered recording" sounds natural and not "over mastered," ... yes, we all know that your voice, like many other aging professional vocalists has aged and has been through many abuses since the 70's... but what you've created here... bravo! ... lastly... MAJOR KEYS INVOLVED!!!! YES!!! Minor key rock is so over done, and much of your best work has incorporated both minor AND major key numbers... and this album has both and is BEAUTIFUL! Love the accordion and harmonica!

[@PaIaeoCIive1684]

Hmm, a little underwhelming for me. The latest one RokFlote is slightly better but not a top 10 for me. Ian's vocal range is slightly deficient for his last several albums including this one.

[@DTMBYLEZ70]

I agree with the book “Jethro Tull the Glory years 1968-1980 ” The band basically ended after Stormwatch in 1980. The albums SFTW, HH, and SW had the best lineup imo . Why Anderson blew that band up ( I know Glascock died but Dave Pegg stepped in nicely) I will never know. That is not to say that great music was not created by Ian Anderson afterwards but never the same. Personally “Songs From the Wood” will always be my favorite Tull album and in my top ten of all time - being 68 and growing up with Beatles and Stones and having heard thousands of albums that is saying something. Also no Martin, no Tull! My top 5 : Songs From the Wood, Heavy Horses, Thick as a Brick, Stormwatch, Aqualung. Beware if you read the book, it paints a picture of Ian that you may not like- after SFTW and HH he becomes aloof and detached from the rest of the band, fires Glascock who is not playing up to his standards because of being ill and Palmer tries to talk Ian into taking a little break to see if he recovers but no…….. Then Barlow finds out how little Glascock was being paid and Barrie enraged actually pays for the funeral himself. I was flabbergasted. Ian a musical genius no doubt, an amazing performer absolutely-but I came away seeing a rigid, dispassionate task master with little or no regard for the members of the band. You may see things differently fair enough. But remember he destroyed this band with a a mere form letter, much they way he dismissed Glenn years earlier. I must admit I listened to A and liked Black Sunday, thought Broadsword was OK but then when I heard Under Wraps that was it for me. Ian’s voice was shot at that point-interestingly enough their manager Terry Ellis was horrified by Under Wraps and him and Anderson had a falling out at that point.

[@rightchordleadership]

Those would probably be my top 5 as well. Cheers! 😎

[@MattSyversonthePaperbackRocker]

I'm with you, brother.

[@blissmaster71]

That's close to my top 5, with Minstrel instead of Stormwatch (which is certainly top 10)

[@stephenbrown7545]

You are 100% correct in your detailed opinion...for me I can't listen to any Tull after 1979 any longer...enjoy listening to the glorious 1970's output from the band.

[@seanmckenna4155]

A tad woody, old chap. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@handebarlas6248]

Oh thank you so much for this re-ranking Tull albums. I enjoyed it a lot. This one is better than the previous ranking I think. Firstly, I would definitely put Minstrel before The Broadsword too. Secondly, you nicely summarized the content and music each album. So, it was a pleasant listen! Oh, and I agree with you about the synergy in the band . So much was the input from the other musicians including Stormwatch that, afterwards there never has been that charecteristic quality that is Tull. Thanks a lot. Stay safe and sound.

[@TheJackie2007]

Beautiful and concise summation. Thankyou.

[@jerrycollins234]

I totally agree. I love A Passion Play. But I like Under Wraps too. I was also surprised to see Storm Watch only come in at #13! I'll add it to my list of The World's Most Underrated Rock Albums.

[@Max-xf8hc]

Brilliant review as ever, but have to disagree, my top 3 as follows: 3. Warchild 2. Thick As A Brick 1. Aqualung - I absolutely love this lp, & find it to be the most varied of their classic 70s output. There, I've had my two-penneth!! 😄 Keep up the fabulous work with this wonderful YT channel 👍🎵🎵😎

[@danielphillips7537]

I saw Jethro Tull back in 1972 when they were on their Thick as a Brick tour here in the States. It was one of the best concerts I've ever experienced.

[@steeleye2112]

As usual, could not agree more. Even being a massive Tull fan and loving nearly all their output, for me Passion Play is simply on another level.

[@gatofuji7410]

My top 10: 1. A Passion Play 2. Thick As A Brick 3. Minstrel in the Gallery 4. Chateau d'Isaster Tapes 5. War Child 6. Stormwatch 7. The Broadsword and the Beast 8. Crest of a Knave 9. Aqualung 10. Rock Island The recent albuns are fairly decent themselves, though...

[@mosha3007]

I don’t always agree with your rankings, but I appreciate the time, effort, and brief synopsis of each album you bring to these videos. 👍

[@classicalbum]

We don't have to agree, just enjoy the music in our own specific way and talk about it.

[@gtrplayer62]

Bought Passion Play on 8-Track tape when I was 11 years old in '73. I still listen to this album about once a month. I can't not listen to it start to finish. Easily my favorite. So glad to see so many have a "Passion" for it!

[@iansmithpersonal]

You say that "Broadsword and The Beast" is due out this year, but there were reports a few months ago on the Jethro Tull forums that release was now delayed to mid-2023 (although nobody seemed to know why). It's frustrating becuase I've been waiting for this reissue for ages. Love the original.

[@vespid8960]

Idk why but crest of a knave has grown on me so much. Budapest, Farm on the Freeway, and Part of the Machine are such beautiful tracks and have become some of my favorites from them. It’s definitely in my top 5 albums.

[@dudydude3287]

So it wasn't just me!

[@seanmckenna4155]

Budapest 👍

[@BirdTrump3324]

Part of the machine is such and underrated song

[@jimjewell9438]

I totally agree that A Passion Play is Tull's masterwork. It's not only Tull's best album but one of the best albums of all time. Definitely not an album for the casual listener.

[@seed_drill7135]

I don’t share the love for A Passion Play. Not a memorable tune to be found. Last time I played it my wife didn’t even recognize it as being Tull.

[@saboteur1001]

"A Passion Play" is a jam based on "The Chateau D'Herouville Sessions" - best music Jethro Tull ever made.

[@seed_drill7135]

While it's not even in the top half of Tull albums for me, if you ever get the chance to hear it on reel to reel, do so. The quality of the sound surpasses even the MoFi gold disc. Have to admit, I haven't heard the Wilson remix for comparison.@@saboteur1001

[@coast73]

​@@saboteur1001 Yep without a doubt

[@paulhart3812]

I agree. A Passion Play is my favorite album of all time… not just my favorite Tull album.

[@dezmatlock]

Passion play also holds the top spot in my heart! Love it and all recordings associated with it.

[@simonbrenner1258]

Your top 3 are exactly what I would have picked. Passion Play is a superb album. I love the complexity and the multiple themes explored. You are right in mentioning that it was Tull's "Topographic Oceans"

[@billbez7465]

I will keep listening as always, and thank you

[@classicalbum]

Thank you too!

[@miscellaneousetc.4280]

I am with you. A Passion Play is my favorite too. Maybe of any band. Changed my life. I appreciate everyday as much as possible ever since hearing it.

[@MM33633]

A Passion Play is one of the masterpieces of the music history.

[@SmashedBottleMan]

#1: Aqualung #2: Stand Up #3: Minstrel In The Gallery #4: Thick As A Brick #5: Heavy Horses #6: Songs From The Wood #7: Benefit #8: This Was #9: A Passion Play #10: War Child #11 Too Old To Rock and Roll, Too Young To Die #12: Stormwatch

[@JoseCruz-vq6nc]

You match my top 3...

[@benedictdonald4338]

It’s amazing to consider how far, and how hard, so many great 70s bands fell in the 80s.

[@MrAitraining]

Radio and MTV pressured bands and record companies to shorten their tracks so they could get mass airplay. MTV has a lot of influence in the 80's. Yes doesn't get airplay coming out with another "close to the edge". Just the times

[@jollyrodgers7272]

Thanks for all that. Personally, haven't bought any Tull since Minstrel.

[@mikerucker5167]

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!?!? Zealot Gene NINETEEN?!?!?! You almost lost me here. But I had to stick around to see if my favorite album - A Passion Play - still remained yours. Best album ever that I never tire of playing beginning to end. Thanks for the video. Nice to hear an obvious fan wax eloquent about my favorite band.

[@classicalbum]

Sorry! The ZG.... has lost it's appeal for me, the more I listen, the more it just sounds like an Anderson solo project, and an Anderson whose voice went south a long time ago.

[@tomball7009]

Passion Play is amazing. It's a very imaginative. Great for a long trip.

[@eyeofamon]

Ian's vocal issues started *after* Under Wraps, specifically because of performing the UW material live, because he employed a wider vocal range on that record than anything prior.

[@jattotling3475]

Right! PP masterpiece , agree

[@alanmilne9359]

Agree with 95% of the list but I'm afraid I have always enjoyed Broadsword and the Beast . I personally think every track is great and I find the additional keyboard elements and different voices in the backing vocals add an extra something to it . For the rest , I think we are totally in sync.

[@stevesnailfish]

I always put Under Wraps as bottom......I play it from time to time and still think it's crap (apart from a couple of tracks).... My favourite is Minstrel In The Gallery......just love it....

[@murdockreviews]

Great to see this update with the latest album. Still haven't made up my mind about this album. It's certainly among their weaker ones, yet it is not as disappointing as expected... Nice to see "Minstrel in the Gallery" moving up in your appreciation.

[@rightchordleadership]

I found it extremely disappointing. 👎

[@mosha3007]

I love ZG. I’ve been listening to it regularly since my CD arrived a few months ago.

[@PaIaeoCIive1684]

Minstrel is a superb album from the band at the top of their form and IA in free flow lyrically. The epic Baker St Muse is worth buying the album for. Title track and Cold Wind to Valhalla too. The CD issue has 3 decent non-album tracks as a bonus.

[@jasonshort1437]

Great video. Ok, so I'm not crazy, I've always considered Passion Play my #1 Tull as well.

[@MattSyversonthePaperbackRocker]

The pinnacle of thinking man's rock.

[@richardb8503]

Agree about Underwraps. Listened to it yesterday and it really hasn’t dated well at all. Like Crimson did with The Construkction of light…it needs a remix with new drums…and removing a lot of the synth “stabs” would improve it hugely…

[@PaIaeoCIive1684]

Agreed. Aside from the title track IMO it's a stinker. Like you said, the 80s drums and synths are diabolical.

[@thekeywitness]

A Passion Play has grown on me, but I still give Thick as a Brick the edge.

[@johnwilliams4658]

Nice ranking. I'm pleased Warchild moved up a bit. Not my favourite by any means but I have a soft spot for it and always enjoy hearing it.

[@ogam5]

I'd rank it at LEAST #6 myself.....

[@geraldbalzano431]

And here I thought I was the only person in the universe who thought Passion Play was Jethro Tull's best album. Actually for me, it's close to a three-way tie between PP, Songs from the Wood, and Thick as a Brick. Interesting observation, likening Passion Play to Yes's Tales from Topographic Oceans; both eliciting extreme reactions on the positive or negative side.

[@mitchcompton2530]

OMG PASSION PLAY is #1.....I wholeheartedly agree. It's my favorite. Songs from the Wood is a close second.

[@arthurfarrow]

I agree with you that Jethro Tull's albums with a lineup of other musicians, especially Martin Barre, are a synergy. Anderson's solo albums cannot, by definition, be a synergy!

[@SwisstedChef2018]

Good for you mate, re-run, I thought so, when I saw that I thought but you did that. Great review - as ALWAYS.

[@SwisstedChef2018]

Interesting as I was not even curious about the new album, I think he pushed it too much, on KZbin and other.

[@SwisstedChef2018]

Catfish Rising is a good album, No Jethro, but greatly different. Nice. I think Minstrels in the Gallery was supposed to be a spin off Passion Play and Thick as a Brick . I was surprised you rated War Child so high. I think it is very commercial. Oh NO , Passion Play? # 1 - please give it to Thick as Brick mate. Cheers, love you show.

[@classicalbum]

Thanks 👍

[@chrisheise2912]

Top 20: Bursting Out Aqualung Thick As A Brick Minstrel In The Gallery A Passion Play Heavy Horses Songs From The Wood The Broadsword & The Beast Benefit Stormwatch War Child Too Old To Rock n’ Roll The Zealot Gene Stand Up This Was Roots To Branches A Rock Island Catfish Rising Nightcap 1 & 2 The rest don’t matter to me. 🎸

[@jamesscarselletta3446]

Ian Anderson is a great songwriter. He writes a lot about London. I still feel Aqualung and Thick As A Brick are Tulls best. I have always been a fan.

[@Adayinthelife666]

That’s my choice too!

[@danielsolano602]

Sorry, I'll put Benefit over Stand Up every time. Sometimes I like it even more than Aquilung. Kind of like there are days when I would choose Purple In Rock over Machine head. Forgive my spelling; visually impaired, and forgot to check my Spotify lists LOL!

[@classicalbum]

You don't have to be sorry - 'Benefit' is a fine album

[@robertjewell9727]

Had a lovely brief chat with Dee Palmer over the weekend regarding Minstrel because I was inspired by JustJP's reaction videos about the album and Justin of JustJP stated that the real fabric of the album was Dee's string arrangements woven throughout the album that give it its wholeness so I sent her Justin's final reaction to the final tracks on the album, Baker St. Muse and Grace and she was happily grateful to hear his commentary and his pointing just how much those strings brightened the quality of the music.

[@classicalbum]

I'd love to interview Dee Palmer for my channel - her work on Heavy Horses and Songs From the Wood is superb. I did send her a message via Facebook messenger but never recieved a reply.

[@robertjewell9727]

@@classicalbum I'll pass on your interest if you'd like. As I say, our conversation was brief and my last message to her she hasn't replied to yet,but she did follow up with a nice detail regarding One White Duck. I'll post it here if you'd like.

[@trailofundead]

Thanks for the video, it's good to hear your thoughts, and you're wrong, obviously XD My top two are Stand Up and Benefit. I think Glenn Cornick was the best bassist they had and that was just the perfect lineup

[@richardhoward7503]

A Passion Play was lambasted by the critics when it was released. I've always loved it. Not sure about the Steven Wilson remix though.

[@kenm.3512]

I liked most everything they did until Stormwatch. I'll stay with that period of the band. To be honest the last albums I knew all the way through are Broadsword and Knave. 1. Thick As A Brick 2. Aqualung 3. Songs From the Wood 4. Minstrel in the Gallery 5. A Passion Play 6. Heavy Horses 7. Stand Up 8. Benefit 9. War Child 10. Stormwatch 11. This Was 12. Too Old to Rock and Roll 13. Broadsword and the Beast 14. Crest of a Knave 15. A 16. Under Wraps That's all I know. My two cents. Thank you ! A great clip. Really concise and not too long. It's easy to go on and on with these types of things.

[@ernger531]

I like the zealot gene (it*s more a soloalbum, i know), only the first song sounds strange, like a song from rush on power windows

[@GeoffCB]

I think it's a little better than the ranking suggests. I know the order was selected biblically, but I would have liked at least one of the acoustic songs split up, and maybe a more dynamic ending. I'd include those three acoustic songs onto any Jethro Tull acoustic compilation, I think they're that good.

[@mosha3007]

Geoff, I think the acoustic songs are great too. In Brief Visitation is one of my favorites.

[@sunsin1592]

Good to see that your list changes over time, as our preferences change and we hear different things as we grow older. Thus, the album that has risen the most in my estimation over the past few years is actually "Stormwatch." By far the best of the deluxe boxed sets in my opinion, from the bonus tracks to the live show. And I'll preface my list by noting that I included two of the compilation albums that had lots of new material, though not any of the live albums. Of the latter, I must admit that I've probably played "A Little Light Music" the most over the years, though I also really like "Live at the Hammersmith in 1984." 1. Minstrel in the Gallery 2. Stand Up 3. A Passion Play 4. The Broadsword & the Beast 5. Songs from the Wood 6. Aqualung 7. Warchild 8. Thick as a Brick 9. Crest of a Knave 10. Stormwatch 11. Catfish Rising 12. Roots to Branches 13. Living in the Past 14. Heavy Horses 15. j-tull.com 16. Nightcap 17. Benefit 18. Rock Island 19. This Was 20. Christmas Album 21. Under Wraps 22. A 23. Too Old to Rock-n-Roll, Too Young to Die 24. The Zealot Gene

[@MARK-co1ge]

Yes, a pretty good list. What I like about Jethro Tull is that I can go back and listen to your more lowly rated albums( eg # 23) and still get a lot of enjoyment from them. They remain interesting. Except, I can't stand Under Wraps and never listened to #24 and # 20 and #22

[@dangaines405]

I miss your album pictures on top right corner that you did 3 years ago! Having the album cover visible helps. In my view Thick as a Brick is Jethro Tull’s best album.

[@docsketchy]

I agree with a lot of your assessments, but disagree strongly with a few. 1) Minstrel in the Gallery should be a lot higher in your ranking. It's a freaking masterpiece, if only because of Baker St. Muse. 2) This Was is a much better album than A. 3) Under Wraps is a very good album, drum sounds or not. It's certainly better than Too Old to Rock and Roll. Anyway, love your channel.

[@LairoftheAlchemist]

Great video...Your top 10 are similar to mine. I was also curious where you would put the new album.

[@classicalbum]

I never had you down as a Tull fan...

[@Z-eb]

always entertaining, now time to do the Ian Anerson solo LP Ranking ?

[@Broxin7]

I've always viewed Stand Up as Ian Anderson's first solo album. Mick was gone, and Martin wasn't really there until Benefit.

[@JoeyBrunoMusicArchives]

My top three.... Same as yours ! Passion Play has always been my #1, much to the chagrin of my many mutual friends who are JT fans, over the years. And "phlegmy old soap dodger" is quite possibly, one of favorite Barry-isms of all time !!

[@rockyvannucci2964]

Great review!

[@independenceltd.]

I don't own them all, but I have a top ten. 1. Songs from the Wood 2. Aqualung 3. Heavy Horses 4. Thick as a Brick 5. Stormwatch 6. This Was 7. Benefit 8. Stand Up 9. War Child 10. Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young to Die!

[@NickBR57]

Close to mine which is Songs from the Wood Thick as a Brick Heavy horses Aqualung...

[@independenceltd.]

@@NickBR57 Yeah, those top four could go any way any day.

[@zoranpredojevic2371]

1. Benefit (1970) 2. Stand Up (1969) 3. Aqualung (1971) 4. Minstrel in the Gallery (1975) 5. Heavy Horses (1978)

[@cafepaul1957]

I go through stages and my likes and dislikes change, I'm now 65. Very interesting to hear yours and others likes and dislikes.

[@nalbizo2]

I agree with most of your list; A Passion Play is my favorite as well.

[@catsofsherman1316]

Not sure what album you and some of the commenters we're listening to when discussing the Zealot Gene. I found it to be an outstanding album with excellent writing and playing. Ian's flute skills have grown exponentially since the early records. He is in fine voice and the guitar work is very fine throughout.

[@rockyvannucci2964]

Yes ian's flute playing continues to get better and better with each album

[@rightchordleadership]

No

[@mosha3007]

I agree, I think it’s quite good. Unfortunately I think there was a lot of prejudice against it before it was even released. People get so wrapped up in the social/personnel drama of Tull, that many are never going to give a new album a fair listen from the point their favorite member/s left onward.

[@iansmithpersonal]

I had no prejudice against it as I've enjoyed pretty much everything Ian Anderson's put out. But this is just a very weak solo album and not a good Tull album at all. Arguably the worst in a long time. I really hope the next one comes out a lot better.

[@rightchordleadership]

@@iansmithpersonal thank you for saying what I’ve been saying since I first heard it. It is woefully underwhelming and forgettable. Shockingly average, really. And this is coming from a massive Tull fan. I have no idea what people think is so great about it. It bears no resemblance to Tull’s best material and to suggest as much is pure foolishness.

[@JoseCruz-vq6nc]

1. Aqualung; 2. Stand Up; 3. Minstrel in the Gallery; 4. Passion Play; 5/6. Thick as a Brick/Thick as a Brick II; 7. Benefit; 8. Songs from the Wood; 9. Heavy Horses; 10. War Child. Honorable Mention: Living in the Past.... The era ended with Heavy Horses...but Thick as a Brick II represents a successful return to classic Tull.

[@davidcohen821]

1) TAAB; 2) Aqualung; 3) Stand Up; 4)Heavy Horses; 5)Songs from the Wood; 6)Minstrel in the Gallery; 7)Crest of a Knave; 8) Benefit; 9) A Passion Play; 10) This Was

[@rossluckham-bulmer7217]

Has anyone else noticed that "Too Old" is actually a very clever spin on contractual obligation? Anderson wanted to release an album called "Portraits"; songs he had written in a notebook. The label nixed this, so Anderson wove "Portraits" into a concept, and Chrysalis BOUGHT it. Look at the songs, and you can see they are all (up to the last two) "Portrait" songs!

[@PaIaeoCIive1684]

Never appreciated Too Old TR&R, despite one of my favourite JT acoustic numbers Salamander. In the lower reaches of my top 20. Does some of this reek of glam?

[@lfbl7166]

Nice ranking. Personally I love Minstrel in the Gallery. Probably number two or three for me

[@classicalbum]

This is an update of my original ranking

[@DTMBYLEZ70]

10:03 he never disbanded the best lineup Tull ever had????? I think Barlow, Palmer, and Evans would disagree. They all received form letters dismissing them from the band. Not even sure I believe the solo album story- he had nothing forced upon him. Interestingly enough Tull ended for me with Stormwatch. Has been painful to watch Ian struggle to sing for over 30 years. Many good songs after 1980 but that lineup had a magic which was never recovered along with his wonderful guttural husky SFTW HH vocals. Update 6/24- I like the new Rock Flute album a lot.

[@MARK-co1ge]

Seven days of listening to the entire catalog? That's an achievement. If it wasn't for the story about the lost spectacles A Passion Play would be in my top 3. I own most of the studio albums but I don't intend to buy The Zealot Gene- I can't do it without Martin Barre on board. I have a love-hate relationship with Jethro Tull but I come back to all their records.

[@bigjohndavid1]

You're wrong about Kissing Willy. It stands up when i explore it...

[@classicalbum]

Ha ha 🤣

[@DTMBYLEZ70]

In your opinion

[@GeoffCB]

I actually think this song is fun. The Whaler's Dues could have been shorter... And that reverb...

[@rightchordleadership]

KW is a dopey song but fun indeed

[@nocarbonfootprint9120]

""Stand Up" is my #1, but yours is an interesting list and you certainly can judge the entire catalog more than I can. Have you ever thought of diving into Mick Abraham's post-Tull band Blodwyn Pig?

[@classicalbum]

I should

[@yassassin6425]

'The Minstrel in the Gallery' "a million miles from the conceptual bombast that we got with 'Thick as a Brick' and 'Passion Play'? Perhaps you missed 'Baker Street Muse''?

[@ShoppingwithChefTJ]

Jethro Tull is my favorite band and Ian Anderson is my favorite performer. I was born in 1957 and by the early 1970’s bought every album they produced starting with Aqualung in 1971 up to the 1978 release of Heavy Horses. I’ve always viewed Tull as having an original excellence then a distinct shift from what attracted me to them over the course of their early years. For me the decade of the 1970’s defines them and my favorite albums of that timeframe in order are: 1. A Passion Play 2. Thick as a Brick 3. Aqualung 4. Minstrel in the Gallery 5. Benefit - And for the record my Top 5 Bands are 1. Jethro Tull. 2. Yes. 3. Pink Floyd. 4. Kansas. 5. Boston. What are yours?

[@sheldoninst]

In your list, I’d add these bands: -Dixie Dregs (more fusion but proggy enough) -Happy the Man (also more fusion but very proggy) -Brand X (definitely a nice fusion-prog blend) -UK -Bela Fleck and the Flecktones (technically brilliant, beautifully whimsical, fun, and catchy blend of jazz, folky-bluegrass, and prog) -Gentle Giant -Rush You familiar with all of these?

[@Jazz8]

Now we have another one to fit in for consideration- Rok Flote- the follow up to Zealot Gene

[@bernhardkrickl3567]

Interesting ranking, for sure! How about broadening the scope and including all the Ian Anderson solo albums as well as Living in the Past, Nightcap, and A Christmas Album?

[@classicalbum]

Living in the Past, Nightcap, and A Christmas Album are effectively compilation albums, harvested unreleased material or re-workings. If you have to include these sort of albums, these lists would be murderously long

[@bernhardkrickl3567]

@@classicalbum That's why I explicitly listed those three. The way they were packaged and released I view them as nearly on par with their studio albums. Well, at least "Living in the Past" and "Nightcap". I haven't listened to "A Christmas Album" yet. Christmas albums are not my cup of tea.

[@sidarthur8706]

a few positions need swapping around within their groupings and minstrel in the gallery and roots to branches need moving close to the top but this ranking is otherwise similar to my own

[@GeoffCB]

Nice reviews. I did go "What!?!" a few times though. My monitor survived! Did you listen to the Steven Wilson remixes for this? For instance, I'd rate the TV Special version of TOTRNR higher for the better dynamics. But I do tend to rate sound quality and dynamics, as well as writing higher on my criteria.

[@moshemosh7792]

Stend up,1. Benefit.2.

[@dirtydeadasheville]

I think your list is pretty spot on, though I feel you were a bit tough on the 90s canon. Honestly, if Dot Com had been titled "Spiral" and given a proper stormy metallurgic cover design, it would be aging better. There's some fine rock pieces -arguably their hardest rocking in years - would place it higher in ranking (though not much). I'd also see Minstrel as a fine return to form, whereas I find "A" mostly unlistenable. Regardless, Ian's brilliance ultimately outweighs his general cynicism. Thanks!

[@turntabillist]

A Passion Play is tremendous indeed, but what is your take on The Story Of The Hare Who Lost His Spectacles? Yeah, I know, it's only a bit over 4 min. in its entirety, BUT it just kinda bugs me that it's there - smack dab in the middle of the surrounding genius...

[@TycoVai]

Great video. Thank you. Oddly enough Crest of a Knave is my top. I always point out to my metal buddies that there is a reason it beat Metallica. It’s truly a better album.

[@jaubrey543]

This Was is my favorite, though arguably not comparable to the rest. My favorites basically follow their chronological of release though I’d drop Aqualung below Thick as a Brick, A Passion Play and Minstrel in the Gallery.

[@LuisGarcia-ee2tr]

An amazing band. Have 3/4 masterpieces. The band basically ended after Stormwatch in 1980.

[@johnw706]

An interesting ranking . Here's my top 16 : 1. Aqualung 2. Thick as a Brick 3. Stand Up 4. Minstrel in the Gallery 5. A Passion Play 6. Benefit 7. Songs From the Wood 8. War Child 9. Stormwatch 10. Broadsword & the Beast 11. Heavy Horses 12. Too Old to Rock and Roll 13. Crest of a Knave 14. Roots to Branches 15. A 16. Catfish Rising

[@desistindo1]

My worst do best rank: 23 - Under Wraps [1984] 22 - Rock Island [1989] 21 - The Jethro Tull Christmas Album 20 - RökFlöte [2023] 19 - The Zealot Gene [2022] 18 - J-Tull Dot Com [1999] 17 - Roots To Branches [1995] 16 - Catfish Rising [1991] 15 - The Broadsword And The Beast [1982] 14 - This Was [1968] 13 - Stormwatch [1979] 12 - Crest Of A Knave [1987] 11 - A [1980] 10 - Too Old To Rock 'N' Roll, Too Young To Die! [1976] 09 - Stand Up [1969] 08 - War Child [1974] 07 - Benefit [1970] 05 - Minstrel In The Gallery [1975] 06 - Heavy Horses [1978] 04 - Aqualung [1971] 03 - Songs From The Wood [1977] 02 - Thick As A Brick [1972] 01 - A Passion Play [1973]

[@kramkalisthenics]

Well bravo for putting APP at #1! I saw the N. American debut in May '73.

[@stevecloutier8673]

Aqualung remains my favourite though for purely personal reasons. Didn't have a lot of money growing up as a kid in Canada even though we lived in middle-class suburbia (working class parents and all). My friend and I could only afford one Tull album, so we went for Aqualung. The obvious one I know, but we heard Aqualung on the radio. He bought it, so I had to go over to his place to listen to it.

[@vayres7512]

My top 5 - Songs from the wood, Aqualung, Benefit, Heavy Horses, Ministrel in the gallery. Awesome band!

[@locomotivebreath2831]

A Passion Play is also my favorite!