AQUALUNG

The first real classic from Tull, and a giant leap foreward from their previous albums in content, and songwriting. The lyrics are dark humouresque observations from a preaching lyricist, set to music with dark heavy rock, counterpointed by accoustic passages, and some nice piano parts.

1. Aqualung (6:31) Heavy, well known song, with dark guitar chords, slow soft accoustic parts alternated with heavy fast rock, great rhythms, most notably the piano gives it an extra dimension, also Barre's guitar solo is of great class. Brilliant album opener, and a timeless classic. 2. Cross-Eyed Mary (4:09) Starting with a nice flute melodie, and a compelling bass line it soon get's heavier and more powerfull, great intricate drumming and strong guitar play. Ian's singing is really impressive.

3. Cheap Day Return (1:23) accoustic interlude, nice playing, one of the best short songs I know. 4. Mother Goose (3:52) Folky melodie, nice flute and great singing again. Some nice background drumming, and great rhythms. 5. Wond'ring Aloud (1:56) nice guitar, but nothing special. 6. Up To Me (3:18) some nice moments, but it doesn't really get above average.

7. My God (7:10) The beginning of side two, really a stand out track. Soft accoustic intro, with nice soft piano. Slowely building to a cynical hard hitting rock format. The heavier parts nicely introduced by Ian's vocal lines. Great song, with cynical lyrics and nice flute parts.With lots of changes in atmosphere and direction. 8. Hymn 43 (3:18) Rhythmic piano bass and drum, and fabulous guitar play, a very powerfull rock song.

9. Slipstream (1:13) sweet accoustic song. 10. Locomotive Breath (4:25) A very soft piano intro, slowely building up in volume, and tempo, introducing the best rock rhythm I know. very powerfull heavy rock and one of Tull's best songs ever. 11. Wind-Up (5:42) Great rocking last song, A fabulous exciting finish to an almost perfect album.

Though I absolutely love this album, I will not rate it with five stars, mainly because of the first side of the album, which is a bit unbalanced IMO, with some great songs, but also with some filler. The second part is brilliant, and represents the best of what Tull made in their carreer. Averaging at just below 4,5 i think four stars are more than deserved.