When I was younger my dad used to go on about the Steely Dan album Aja. I knew a few Steely Dan songs, but I never sat down & listened to the album. Boy did I miss out. When I was grown & moved out I found the Aja CD in a local pawn shop. I remembered dad talking about it & at five bucks it was a deal, so I bought it.
I can’t remember how long that CD played in my car, but I didn’t take it out for quite a while. Aja is one of those albums that reach the pinnacle of music as art. The collection of songs on here is very rich in both lyrics & complex jazzy music as only Donald Fagen & Walter Becker could create. There is not a bad song on the album, & there are several that are pure works of art.
The title track, Aja, is a spectacular blend of the finest elements of rock & jazz that are driven by great melody, lyrics & a spectacular saxophone section. I also would have to say that Deacon Blues is one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded.
When I listen to Aja I get chills & the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I cant think of very many albums that move me like this one does. I would list it as the top album ever, although the Beach Boys Pet Sounds is very close second.
Aja is truly music as an art form. I say thank you to Donald & Walter for giving us this masterpice. Bravo!
