Steely Dan Albums Ranked

[@tomockakillingbird2848]

My dad got me into Steely Dan. They're AMAZING. My faves are Bad sneakers, Deacon Blues and hey 19. I was lucky enough to see them with my dad live the year I turned 19. And favorite album it to hard to choose.

[@KM-ul3pf]

I never hear much about Razor Boy but i love the bitter yet sorrowful lyrics Will you still have a song to sing when the Razor Boy comes and takes your fancy things away Will you still be singing it on that cold and windy day

[@jason_samosa]

This was awesome dude. I'm a huge Dan fan and your analysis made me remember sections of their discography that I had distanced myself from. You're so right, the vignettes at the end of Pretzel are wonderful. That being said, I have to take a different angle on my list: 1. Aja 2. Royal Scam 3. Gaucho 4. Katy Lied 5. Pretzel Logic 6. Can't Buy a Thrill 7. Two Against Nature 8. Showbiz Kids 9. Everything Must Go For me, it's almost impossible to choose how to rank everything that falls below Gaucho, saving Everything Must Go, which is inevitably a clear 9th.

[@MattOLearyMusic]

Thanks Jason! Looks like we have very similar tastes

[@MitchellSmith-w4l]

Showbiz kids? I think you mean Countdown to Ecstacy?

[@jason_samosa]

@@MitchellSmith-w4l ah you’re right! Mistaken on my part there

[@bacarandii]

OK, I was skeptical about watching a Steely Dan ranking from a guy in a Rush t-shirt, but you hit the right notes. You get these guys. I'd rank Katy Lied and Countdown to Ecstasy higher, personally, but everybody's got their own list. Also, one track that keeps drawing me back ever since I bought Can't Buy A Thrill when it first came out (I'm that old) is "Turn That Heartbeat Over Again." I don't know what it's about (I didn't realize until recently that "Only A Fool Would Say That" was a response to John Lennon's 1971 "Imagine"), but I've been fascinated with it for about 50 years now. "Doctor Wu" is another indispensable one for me. But I'll leave you with a lyric that still blows my mind -- and that couldn't have come from anyone else: "Who is the gaucho amigo/Why is he standing/In your spangled leather poncho/And your elevator shoes/Bodacious cowboys/Such as your friend/Will never be welcome here/High in the custerdome." That can't be improved upon.

[@MattOLearyMusic]

An all time lyric, to be sure.

[@Achies31397]

From a different perspective, the albums brought some superb performances to the fore; Larry Carlton on The Royal Scam - incredible, Steve Gadd on Aja with his explosive playing, Anthony Jackson on Glamour Profession, masterclass in how the bass guitar should integrate with the track.

[@petermercer6282]

Massive Steely Dan fan and your choices are very interesting and brilliant

[@MattOLearyMusic]

Thanks for watching

[@rontoigo1650]

Definitely in my top 5 bands.

[@martyemmons3100]

I've only learned of the 'Yacht Rock' genre. There are a few songs by Steely Dan that I recommend for that genre. I appreciate your acknowledgement of the "Dr. Wu" track from the Katy Lied album. I also agree with you about "Black Cow". I had almost missed the praise for that song.

[@simonboyers4917]

Exactly the same ranking for me, but I switched Pretzel for Katy....although I could be wrong.......

[@MattOLearyMusic]

😆

[@mikeloomis687]

Thanks. You are a very young Dandom fan! I am impressed with your knowledge and seem to appreciate their music. Very surprised you did not mention "King of the World" as one of the best of the CTE album. Almost as good as the title and last song off the Royal Scam.

[@MattOLearyMusic]

Thanks Mike. King of the World’s a great tune. You heard the reissues yet?

[@mikeloomis687]

@@MattOLearyMusic No I have not. Do you recommend?

[@MitchellSmith-w4l]

This could easily change, but for now, here are mine. I guarantee my order is different from anyone else's. Or maybe someone out there agrees? 1. Katy Lied 2. Pretzel Logic 3. Aja 4. Can't buy a thrill 5. Countdown to ecstacy 6. The Royal Scam 7. Gaucho 8. Two against nature 9. Everything must go

[@MattOLearyMusic]

This would be close to my father in law’s as well… and mine on any given day. Those top 7 are all great

[@danielthompson6880]

I agree with your ranking except the last two. I would swap Aja and The Royal Scam. The Royal Scam is my favorite due to the guitar driven songs. I'm a guitarist myself and the Bass and Lead guitars on this album are just incredible. Larry Carltons lead on Kid Charlemagne and Don't Take Me Alive are second to none. I also love Bernard Purdie's drums on those tunes. Like you I love all of their albums and listen to all of them regularly, but for me its Royal Scam.

[@MattOLearyMusic]

I get it. Amazing record. Splitting hairs here.

[@BayouMaccabee]

I was going to say the same thing, but now I don't have to...Well done, sir!

[@michaelp.7893]

Matt, for many years - and I lived through the '70s - "Pretzel Logic" was my favorite SD album for all the reasons you mentioned. But I'm rating "Aja" slightly higher these days. My #3 is "The Royal Scam" which contains the staggering "Green Earrings" with those two stellar guitar solos; that song is my #3 favorite after "Doctor Wu" which is my #1 (props to Phil Woods for his transcendent alto sax solo) and "Reelin In The Years", my number 2.

[@gregfulton2539]

I go Thrill, Katy, Gaucho, Scam, Aja as top 5...there are no wrong answers, and the new book is great.

[@johnw706]

An excellent review of their catalogue. I really enjoy hearing a younger generation’s perspective on music that I grew up with . It’s refreshing , and more often than not , very educational. I was 19 when Can’t Buy a Thrill came out , and was well on my way down the progressive rock rabbit hole . When I first heard Do It Again , and Reeling In the Years , I was hooked immediately . Anyway , here’s my ranking , and as you said , there’s little to choose between their top 5 or 6 ( or 7 )albums . In order of preference : Katy Lied. ( Dr. Wu is my favourite song by them ). Countdown to Ecstasy Can’t Buy a Thrill Pretzel Logic The Royal Scam Aja. ( for me , Home at Last is the hidden gem on this one ) Gaucho And the last 2 in order . I love Aja , but sometimes some of the sharp corners that appear on their other albums are a bit too rounded off on this one . Of course this list is fluid , and could change a bit from week to week . Thank you for the fresh perspective that you offered in your video . Keep up the great work !!

[@MattOLearyMusic]

That’s how my father in law feels about Aja vs the early albums. He loves the rough corners. Every album is at least an A for me, so yeah.. whatever one I’m listening to is my favorite. Thanks for watching.

[@johnw706]

@@MattOLearyMusic Your father in law sounds like a man of integrity . I look forward to exploring your other videos . Cheers !

[@KM-ul3pf]

I am totally on board with your ranking. Kary Lied and Countdown are my top two with Aja down the list. I was in college when Can't Buy A Thrill came out. Loved them from day one. I like Aja but prefer their edgier stuff.

[@johnw706]

@@KM-ul3pf Thanks !

[@roclifton3439]

Saw them in Atlanta in 2004. No way they could play all their songs. My Old School was a crowd favorite.

[@MattOLearyMusic]

How I wish to go back, even to that era of the band, to see them live even once. I've never.

[@pauldyer1887]

Nice Video Matt. I think you have that ranking just about right, I would probably switch their first two albums around but agree with everything else. I also love the straight ahead tunes as much as the jazzier tracks, the Dan albums are phenomenal.

[@MattOLearyMusic]

Thanks Paul. I love everything they've ever done, so any criticism of a particular song is relative to the rest of their stuff.

[@stinghouseproductions8502]

Rush shirt? I think you need to a Rush tier list or album ranking video.

[@MattOLearyMusic]

Yeah, it’s a must

[@IshadaKatzteilov]

My order is exactly the same. And for pretty much the same reasons. Cheers.

[@-CMajor-]

Just started listening to Steely Dan and have only listed to Aja. It was good but I’m looking for more similar to “Fire in the Hole” from C.B.A.T. Which album would sound closest to that song?

[@MattOLearyMusic]

The first three albums are closest to that sound: Can’t Buy a Thrill, Countdown to Ecstasy, and Pretzel Logic.

[@steelydan3263]

9. Everything Must Go 8. Can't But a Thrill 7. Two Against Nature 6. Pretzel Logic 5. Aja 4. Katy Lied 3. Countdown to Ecstasy 2. Royal Scam 1. Gaucho Also, Fagen's Solo work is phenomenal, Kamakiriad would probably be my in the top 3, while Nightfly would be #4

[@MattOLearyMusic]

Haven’t got into anything but Nightfly. Thanks for watching

[@steelydan3263]

@@MattOLearyMusic The first two songs I think turn people off due to the funky keyboards, but once "Springtime" hits, it's easy listening all the way through

[@stratinolampino]

⁠@@MattOLearyMusicI actually think I like Kamakiriad more than the nightfly. Just a jazzier album. But the nightfly has more variety. I.G.Y is a very laid back almost lo-fi song. Comped with green flower street having a more disco vibe. It’s a whole experience. But Kamakiriad is just so catchy.

[@joachimschreiner9675]

Kamakiriad is boring from beginning to end

[@stratinolampino]

ur mom was boring from beginning to end

[@dionysus1016]

Some surprises here; but I'm bias as I had Countdown to Ecstasy as my second favourite as it was my first Steely Dan album back in the day; but for sure it was more rock than jazz; excellent that you mention the 2 best tracks, Boston Rag and Razor Boy.......................but of course it had to be Aja at #1, no matter how you cut it; every other album was vying for second place.

[@davidryan7386]

Love the dan...but radiohead should have won that grammy❤

[@curly_wyn]

1. 🥨💭 (1974); A+ 2. Can’t Buy a Thrill (1972); A 3. Countdown to Ecstacy (1973); A 4. Katy Lied (1975); A- 5. Aja (1977); B+ 6. The Royal Scam (1976); B 7. Gaucho (1980); B- 8. Two Against Nature (2000); B- 9. Everything Must Go (2003); C+ Yeah, I prefer the early stuff, when they rocked lol. I don’t care that much for their later more smoothed out and un-gritty stuff. Certain songs from their late 70s period are still good and even great by themselves, but I just do not like how slick they are.

[@MattOLearyMusic]

I get that, and my father in law feels the same way.

[@curly_wyn]

@@MattOLearyMusic Apparently Christgau did as well lol

[@jason_samosa]

This is a really interesting take! Definitely love those early albums for their consistency in quality easy listening.

[@MitchellSmith-w4l]

Wow. Our lists are almost the same. I go back and forth with Pretzel Logic and Katy Lied as 1 and 2. Right now it's Katy Lied #1.

[@willbrosy]

I don’t know why no one ever describes their music as blues. Most of Fagans inspiration comes from blues heroes and he even says that in interviews. I know there are jazz and rock elements, but most of the roots are based in blues.

[@theivory1]

That's a tough challenge to rank their albums. I have though of it many times and just can't decide. I don't care for Everything Must Go. Katy Lied is the album that got me into them so it's hard to put another above it. Now 222 years later after my friend gave me a copy of Katy Lied and Pretzel Logic, I would probably put Aja at the top, with The Royal Scam second, and Katy Lied in third.

[@MattOLearyMusic]

Can’t argue with that. My favorite Steely Dan album is whichever one I’m listening to at the moment

[@dmk7700]

I agree with AJA as "numero uno" - but: Can't believe you weren't all over the "Pretzel Logic" track - my fave Steely Dan song. Chain Lightning (Katy Lied) is a solid rocker from Rick Derringer. Best cuts on GOUCHO for me are: Babylon Sisters / Hey Nineteen / Time Out Of Mind (about heroin) I prefer Everything Must Go (Godwhacker & Green Book) over Two Against Nature (Cousin Dupree & Jack Of Speed).

[@jsghetler]

Gaucho is my favourite :)

[@MattOLearyMusic]

Ya can’t go wrong with any of them.

[@anderszettergren4302]

The track Gaucho is actually one drummer: Jeff Porcaro. They build the track around his recording. In my book the album Gaucho is SDs greatest recording.

[@MattOLearyMusic]

It certainly is a pristine and perfect recording, even for them.

[@johnjonesToffeeman]

It is funny how I think of early Dan records like cant buy a thrill and later ones like Aja but only 5 years apart. People have different focus on Dan writing such a musicians love the technical brilliance others love the words and stories, then there are the stars players people love and then just the sound of the tunes you love

[@ranchokitty1]

They still have stereo stores?

[@MattOLearyMusic]

Indeed

[@roclifton3439]

1. Aja 2. The Royal Scam 3.Gaucho

[@MattOLearyMusic]

Fair and just.

[@FuturePast2019]

It's like you are reading my review/ranking of Steely Dan. Oh yes. Even Black Cow.

[@muzorewi]

Oops, you accidentally put Gaucho at 7th rather than 1st.

[@greghanson3495]

It's one man's ranking, so I have no problem with your list. Plus, "Aja" is one of my top 3 albums of all time. It should be noted that while Walter Becker played on most songs (but only sang lead on one), he didn't really play lead guitar.

[@MattOLearyMusic]

Good point. I’ve heard he didn’t play much at all on Gaucho.

[@markheller8646]

You ain’t the one. Don’t think you were around when Can’t Buy a Thrill was in record stores. Best album…humbug…ok I’ll listen. Ok I listened…I quit, my first rock concert. Led Zeppelin…last Pearl Jam. Countdown is a Masterpiece…Aja is perfection

[@KirkSandall]

I guess we're all entitled to our opinions but this is how I'd rank them: 1. Countdown to Ecstasy 2. Aja 3. Royal Scam 4. Two Against Nature 5. Pretzel Logic 6. Can't Buy A Thrill 7. Katy Lied 8. Everything Must Go 9. Gaucho BTW, @MattOLearyMusic, Aja is _not_ spelled A-S-I-A.

[@MattOLearyMusic]

High praise for Two Against Nature. Countdown & Gaucho are opposite sides of the rugged to pristine spectrum, so I understand why you have them on opposite ends.

[@johnjonesToffeeman]

To think I was listening to the sex Pistols in 1977

[@MattOLearyMusic]

Shame

[@rbyington22]

What about the live albums one of the best things is hearing them improvise

[@MattOLearyMusic]

Yeah, I've watched shows on youtube but never listened to the live albums. Which ones are best?

[@jonathantozer7733]

Watching your video and interested to see your ranking. For me it flip flops between Pretzel Logic and of course, Aja in my number one spot.

[@jonathantozer7733]

OK, just finished your ranking. Of course it's Aja, it's always Aja. Pretzel Logic can be my number 2. Who am I kidding!

[@MattOLearyMusic]

I couldn’t break the mold on this one… Pretzel Logic was my introduction and remains the best listen amongst other people who don’t want to hear about divorces in Haiti or whatever

[@MJ-qb5ph]

I love Aja

[@MattOLearyMusic]

Impossible not to love. I find myself singing something from Aja a couple times per week

[@MJ-qb5ph]

@@MattOLearyMusic also for me there is a connection to a magical innocence of youth. In summer it takes me back to that time. Their music is ironically also timeless - to me anyway

[@willyboyw.5771]

I always thought Countdown was their best album. They still were a band and quickly put the album out, so they didn't have time to over do it.

[@MattOLearyMusic]

If you appreciate the raw/rough and ready Steely Dan (if that’s even possible), then yeah, that’s the one.

[@omartraore666]

I dunno . . . I think ranking Steely Dan albums (thinking of Can't Buy a Thrill through Gaucho here) is pretty subjective. I wasn't too impressed with critiques of tracks on Katy Lied.

[@MattOLearyMusic]

Yeah, all those albums are separated by slim, very subjective margins

[@jamestulk5111]

You got Goucho wrong.

[@MattOLearyMusic]

Very possible.

[@casparuskruger4807]

Do you know who I am, Matt?

[@stephen1562]

My rating least to very best Countdown to Ecstasy ( apart from Razor Boy) not keen on this one) Katy Lied Two against Nature Everything Must Go. Can't buy a Thrill Gaucho Aja The Royal Scam Pretzel Logic.

[@MattOLearyMusic]

Hard to argue. Razor Boy is the best track on CTE.

[@stephen1562]

@@MattOLearyMusic Thanks, all personal opinion of course but I don't think Everything must Go gets the credit it deserves. The title track would be in my top 5 Dan songs.

[@BoxingFanaticNumero1]

Why you didnt show do it again insteed of only a fool would say that

[@Weshopwizard]

Brooklyn is great but I don’t care for dirty work for some reason.

[@MattOLearyMusic]

That’s fair. Different vocals, repetitive chorus, not for everyone.

[@rec7614]

GAUCHO THIRD TO LAST?

[@MattOLearyMusic]

YEAH DOG

[@rickmcinnis3820]

Steely Dan albums assessed by a fellow wearing a Rush t-shirt. How could a Rush fan begin to understand what Steely Dan was? What a surprise: another me-tooer who must cite Aja as their best record. You got close with your appreciation of THE ROYAL SCAM but missed it by dismissing COUNTDOWN TO ECSTACY. I find Aja to be the most dated sounding of their good records.

[@MattOLearyMusic]

I dunno man, I'm a huge Rush and Dan fan, so I guess I'm the exception. I can't deny Aja-it was my first exposure to the band and still gets me every time. I learned later that it's their most acclaimed.

[@SH-ud8wd]

I disagree: Everything must go Two against nature Gaucho Aja Royal Scam Cant buy a thrill Countdown to extacy Pretzel logic Katy lied Aja is completrly overrated.

[@MattOLearyMusic]

My father in law feels this way, so I get it. He likes his Dan with a little more edge.

[@MitchellSmith-w4l]

Huh? Your list is completely upside down? You must be a younger Dan fan? Their last two albums, 99% agree are their worst and rightly so. They made them over 20 years later.

[@user-qb1sm3rk9r]

I loathe Steely Dan they're audio equivalent of avocado on toast.

[@MattOLearyMusic]

One of my favorite lunches. Little egg, cumin, paprika, hot sauce.. perfect.

[@jeffreymars8062]

In the end I thought they sucked.

[@jsghetler]

Nope

[@jeffreymars8062]

Boring.