BENEFIT

With each release Jethro Tull get's more progressive, and more edgy in the songwriting. Benefit is somewhat an intermediate between their previous blues folk rock albums and the more progressive folk of their later releases. Again the sound is mainly accoustic, with some flute (less than on previous and later recordings), with solid, highly rhythmic bass and drums, that remains the core of Tull's sound IMO. Some very interresting guitar parts, and Ian's voice gets better with each album (keeping in mind I don't really like his voice). Also the addition of John Evans on piano gives the music some more counterpoint.

1. With You There To Help Me (6:17) both soft and dark, as hard and edgy, great counterpoint, and lots of changes in tempo and atmosphere, fabulous song. 2. Nothing To Say (5:12) great opening, nice rhythm guitar, only Ian's singing is a bit out of focus. The music deserved better. 3. Inside (3:49) An intimate song, with soft intricate rhythms, and sweet flute playing. On this song Ian's voice works a lot better than on the previous song. slowely the song get's more dynamic, great song.

4. Son (2:50) More heavy song, with a great piano counterpointing the guitar. Some Beatles influence in the transition halfway, again a great build-up, leading to a full stop. 5. For Michael Collins, Jeffrey and Me (3:49) Nice, but a tad boring 6. To Cry You A Song (6:12) Great guitarplay, on a solid blues rock foundation. I love it, as usual the song builds to a climax and changes just before it hits it peak.

7. A Time For Everything (2:43) Whining vocals, not my thing. 8. Teacher (3:59) Great Bass play, great flute, solid rock, with good singing from Ian. The flute and the guitar complement each other wonderfully. 9. Play In Time (3:48) The first song of Tull I rate as five stars, with lots of changes, and agressive atmosphere, really awsome. 10. Sossity, You're A Woman (4:30) A soft folk song, with great playing from Barre. a nice last track of the album.

I don't rate this album as highly as the previous two albums, but that's mainly because I think they didn't really improved. Basicaly it is as good as the previous albums, with Play In Time as the stand out track. Their songs became more progressive, but not really better. On Aqualung there's the real change to progressive rock, with some real improvement. I rated the previous albums at four stars, averaging above 3,5, this one averages 3,25 therefor 3 stars is sufficient for this good, but not essential album.