A

Prog rock did not disappear during the 80s but it transformed itself, and the example of Jethro Tull also serves to back-up such a statement, with the band's infinitely interesting 1980 studio album 'A', originally intended as an Ian Anderson solo release, also featuring a dramatically different lineup of musicians compared to 'Stormwatch', of which only Anderson and Barre remained. Some say the changes were propelled by Anderson himself, other sources state the influence of the label Chrysalis and their insistence on this change, while the truth most likely lies somewhere in the middle, and the shift had eventually been natural, coming alongside the stylistic differences between 'A' and the majority of the seventies' Tull albums.

With a prominent synth-based sound and a stout hard rock swagger, 'A' is quite a catchy and melodic album, with a great focus on more straightforward arrangements, memorable choruses and dramatic build-up with less improvisation and free-form playing. Being a synth-based album, the flute is not as common here, while the listener might catch glimpses of the occasional violin of Eddie Jobson, who had performed on the album. Martin Barre probably seems somewhat confined by the style of the album, even if he still delivers some fine licks, but the focus is definitely Anderson and his attempt at writing more streamlined rock numbers, quite often succeeding at it. The first side of this album is virtually flawless, with just four really fine songs exhibiting a nice blend of electronic rock and prog tendencies, a style that could have guided the production of the entire album. The second side, however, is weaker in terms of the arrangements and originality of the compositions, and despite the few moments of extravagance, the overall impression is of a more generic Jethro Tull sound. Of course, the band manages to present itself worthily and the performances are often excellent, making 'A' an enjoyable album but the difficulties of using synths and electronics within the framework of a folk-rock band are apparent.

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