Jethro Tull: Albums Ranked: Worst to Best | Updated

Jethro Tull the albums ranked in order from worst to best, including 'Zealot Gene'. This is an update on my original ranking video which has had over 120,000 views.
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#jethrotull #ranking #classicalbum

[@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...

[@yourworstanimal]

1. Thick As A Brick 2. A Passion Play 3. Aqualung 4. Stand Up 5. Benefit 6. Minstreal In The Gallery 7. Heavy Horses 8. Songs From The Wood 9. This Was 10. War Child 11. Too Old To Rock'n'Roll 12. Stormwatch

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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."

[@sciwiz57]

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. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@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.

[@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.

[@NelsonMontana1234]

I'm old school. For me it's ... #1: Stand Up (A perfect album) #2: This Was #3: Thick as a Brick #4: Aqualung #5: Benefit #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”….?

[@MM33633]

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

[@benedictdonald4338]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@Clive697]

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.

[@tomball7009]

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

[@jollyrodgers7272]

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

[@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.

[@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 👍🎵🎵😎

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Semikolon628]

That’s my choice too!

[@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.

[@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.

[@thekeywitness]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@nyrocks5580]

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

[@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. 🎸

[@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.

[@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 👍

[@neilmarnane1714]

Part of the machine is such and underrated song

[@billbez7465]

I will keep listening as always, and thank you

[@classicalbum]

Thank you too!

[@rockyvannucci2964]

Great review!

[@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...

[@jattotling3475]

Right! PP masterpiece , agree

[@mitchcompton2530]

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

[@arthurdent1045]

1.This was 2. thick as a brick 3. songs from the wood 4. aqualung 5 stand up 6 benefit 7. Passion Play 8. heavy horses 9. Minstrel In the Gallery 10 Warchild

[@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....

[@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.

[@bigjohndavid1]

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

[@classicalbum]

Ha ha 🤣

[@sciwiz57]

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

[@TheRealDrJoey]

7) Rock Island 6) Heavy Horses. 5) This Was. 4) Benefit. 3) Stand Up. 2) Crest of a Knave. 1) Aqualung.

[@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.

[@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"

[@PatKennedydon]

1 Heavy Horses 2 Thick as a Brick 3 Stormwatch 4 Songs From The Wood 5 Aqualung 6 A 7 Broadsword and The Beast 8 Stand Up 9 Benefit 10 This Was 11 Minstrel In The Gallery 12 Warchild 13 Roots To Branches 14 The Zealot Gene 15 Passion Play 16 Too Old To Rock N’ Roll 17 J Tull .com 18 Under Wraps 19 Rock Island 20 Catfish Rising 21 Crest Of A Knave

[@paulbrookes413]

21st is GREAT

[@PatKennedydon]

@@paulbrookes413 too much like Dire Straits

[@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.

[@zoranpredojevic2371]

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

[@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.

[@nicke.3782]

Well, we are ALL critics in the end. Stand Up - Benefit - Thick as a Brick are my top three.

[@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 👍

[@moshemosh7792]

Stend up,1. Benefit.2.

[@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.

[@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.....

[@treeduck3705]

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

[@Z-eb]

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

[@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...

[@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.

[@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…

[@Clive697]

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

[@slowmarchingband1]

Nice walkthrough, some interesting comments and choices. Here's my list from best to worst; Broadsword & The Beast Heavy Horses Songs From The Wood Minstrel in The Gallery Aqualung Thick as a Brick Warchild Stand Up Crest of a Knave A Stormwatch Benefit Roots to Branches J-Tull Dot Com Too Old to Rock n Roll The Christmas Album A Passion Play This Was Rock Island Catfish Rising The Zealot Gene

[@classicalbum]

Interesting choice for your number one

[@slowmarchingband1]

@@classicalbum I think it really shines because an outside producer was involved for once (Paul Samwell-Smith), the mix of acoustic instruments and synths worked really well and the many outtakes would make another really strong album.

[@rightchordleadership]

I agree The Zealot Gene sucks

[@michaellord9745]

@@rightchordleadership We got it. You don't like it. Thanks for sharing...

[@kramkalisthenics]

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

[@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.

[@Clive697]

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.

[@iansmith1549]

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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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''?

[@locomotivebreath2831]

A Passion Play is also my favorite!

[@raymondbonington9355]

Always loved your number16 ,

[@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!

[@Clive697]

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?

[@heversham1]

I like the Album a classic case London philharmonic. Excellent

[@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.

[@asymptoticspatula]

My top three in order is Thick as a Brick, Heavy Horses, and Aqualung. Number 2 and 3 are very close for me. I don't care much for A Passion Play, but I won't give you any shit about it!

[@nalbizo2]

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

[@lancep4164]

Minstrel in the Gallery would be at the top of my list.

[@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.

[@morrisanderson3180]

agreed. subsequent albums after 1980 were dire in my opinion.

[@LuisGarcia-ee2tr]

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

[@zichbold]

1. Aqualung 2. Thick As A Brick 3. Stand Up 4. Benefit

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@mitchcompton2530]

1) Passion Play 2) Songs from the Wood 3) Benefit 4) Minstrel in the Gallery 5) Thick as a Brick 6) Aqualung 7) Heavy Horses 8) War Child 9) Stormwatch 10) This Was

[@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

[@SwisstedChef2018]

I was surprised you did not give Broadsword a better ranking, it is a fabulous Album. But hey, taste is taste

[@juzek1958]

1. Benefit 2. Stand Up 3. This Was 4. Aqualung 5. War Child 5. Thick As a Brick 6. The Minstrel in the Gallery The rest didn't make the cut- Passion Play, I wasn't interested in another album long piece. Song of the Woods- well, never go full hobbit. I haven't listened to later works, I lost interest. Edit- 7. Living in the Past.

[@dedestevens719]

For being a critic of Jethro Tull's albums "Benefit" and the entire album "Stand Up " display the range of his musical talents. I became an avid fan for his music due to these amazing albums. If you're all about hard rock then I find you to be very narrow minded and really have a limited range of appreciation for great flute rock music.

[@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.

[@jdmresearch]

This was is a really great 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.

[@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 !!

[@gideonlapidus8996]

I started with Aqualung and Ian Anderson has been my best musician till now.

[@tonyhonour665]

So did I. It’s still my favourite.

[@thomaswery3087]

I give you credit I would have a very hard time ranking Tull there's about ten albums that could be no.1 on any given day.But saying A Passion Play is no.1 is a great choice.i couldn't disagree with that pick.My no.1 today is Minstrel In The Gallery

[@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.