Aqualung is the fourth studio album by the progressive rock band Jethro Tull, released in 1971. It was their first album with John Evan as a full-time member, their first with new bassist Jeffrey Hammond and last album featuring Clive Bunker on drums.
Aqualung has sold over 15 million units worldwide according to Ian Anderson, and is thus Jethro Tull's best selling album. In 2003, the album was ranked number 337 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. In the Q & Mojo Classic Special Edition Pink Floyd & The Story of Prog Rock, the album came #7 in its list of "40 Cosmic Rock Albums".
Album Description & Collectors information: Jethro Tull's "Aqualung" is a legendary album that has left an indelible mark on the landscape of progressive rock music. Released in 1971, this groundbreaking record showcased the band's exceptional musicianship and innovative songwriting, cementing their status as one of the most influential rock acts of the era. The album, originally released as a 12" vinyl LP, remains a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate listeners to this day.The opening track, "Aqualung", sets the tone for the entire album with its powerful and gritty guitar riffs, juxtaposed against the haunting flute melodies that would become a signature element of Jethro Tull's sound. The song's evocative lyrics explore the theme of societal outcasts, examining the stark realities of urban life and the plight of the disenfranchised. It's a powerful and thought-provoking statement that immediately grabs the listener's attention. Continuing the album's exploration of dark and introspective themes, "Cross-Eyed Mary" delves into the world of a troubled young girl navigating a corrupt society. Ian Anderson's distinctive vocal delivery and Martin Barre's electrifying guitar work drive the song forward, creating a sense of urgency and intensity that adds to its impact. The juxtaposition of heavy rock instrumentation with intricate flute passages creates a unique sonic tapestry that characterizes the album as a whole. "Mother Goose" and "Wond'ring Aloud" offer a more introspective and intimate side of the album, showcasing Jethro Tull's ability to create beautiful and delicate compositions. These songs serve as a contrast to the heavier tracks on the album, demonstrating the band's versatility and their ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. The album also features tracks such as "My God" and "Hymn 43", which tackle religious and philosophical themes with a blend of wit and criticism. Ian Anderson's lyrics provoke thought and challenge conventional beliefs, while the band's tight musicianship and intricate arrangements provide a perfect backdrop for the weighty subject matter. One of the standout tracks on the album is "Locomotive Breath", a hard-hitting rock anthem that showcases the band's instrumental prowess. The driving rhythm section, led by bassist Jeffrey Hammond and drummer Clive Bunker, provides a solid foundation for Martin Barre's searing guitar solos and Ian Anderson's captivating flute passages. This song has become one of Jethro Tull's most iconic and enduring hits. Closing the album is "Wind Up", a contemplative and thought-provoking track that brings the listener full circle. Ian Anderson's biting lyrics and impassioned vocal delivery make it a fitting conclusion to an album that explores themes of alienation, religion, and the human condition. As a 12" vinyl LP, "Aqualung" was not just an auditory experience but a tactile one as well. The artwork on the album cover, featuring a distinctive illustration of the "Aqualung" character, adds to the overall mystique and allure of the record. The physical act of placing the needle on the vinyl and immersing oneself in the music created a connection between the listener and the artist that is often lost in the digital age. Rare first pressing with the ISLAND Palm Tree Label Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages |
Music Genre:
Progressive Rock Music |
Packaging: Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design |
Album Production Information: The album: "JETHRO TULL - Aqualung Gatefold UK England" was produced by: Ian Anderson and Terry Ellis. Sound/Recording Engineer(s): John Burns. This album was recorded at: Island Studios, London. Album cover design: Album cover photography: |
Record Label & Catalognr: Island / Chrysalis 85 383 IT |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Record 290 grams |
Year & Country: 1971 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: Jethro Tull Aqualung |
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Complete Track Listing of: Jethro Tull Aqualung |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
Record Label Details: Island records labels with illustration of a small island with a palm tree on it
The release of "A" coincided with a seismic shift in the music scene. The punk and new wave movements were challenging the dominance of established rock acts. Jethro Tull, under the visionary leadership of frontman Ian Anderson, sought to adapt and remain relevant in this changing landscape.
"A" 12" Vinyl LP"Aqualung" is often considered a concept album, exploring themes of religion, society, and the human condition. Its central character, the disheveled Aqualung, became a recurring figure in popular culture. However, Ian Anderson, the band's frontman, has often disputed the concept album
- Aqualung UK 1st Issue ( 1971 England ) - Aqualung (1971 UK England) - Aqualung (1973, France ) - Aqualung (Chrysalis Records, Germany) - Aqualung (1971, Germany) - Aqualung (1981, Italy)"Benefit" saw Jethro Tull further embracing the progressive rock movement. Complex song structures, unconventional time signatures, and the integration of classical influences became more pronounced than ever before. Tracks like "To Cry You a Song" and "Son" showcased the band's increasing ambition
- Benefit UK (1970, England) - Benefit ( Green Chrysalis, Germany ) - Benefit (Pink Island, Germany)Jethro Tull's 1982 album "Broadsword and the Beast" arrived at a pivotal time in the band's history. The German and Netherlands vinyl releases showcase the album's unique blend of folk-rock traditions and the burgeoning electronic sounds of the era.
- Broadsword And The Beast (1982, Germany & Netherlands) - Broadsword and the Beast (1982, Germany) -The Broadsword and the Beast (1982, Holland)The album opens with the hard-driving "Steel Monkey," which features a memorable riff by Ian Anderson on flute and guitar. This track sets the tone for the rest of the album, which features a number of hard-rocking tracks that showcase the band's new sound.
Crest Of A Knave 12" Vinyl LPIn the realm of progressive rock, where musical landscapes shift and evolve, Jethro Tull's "Heavy Horses" stands as a testament to the band's restless spirit and unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries. Jethro Tull, led by the enigmatic Ian Anderson, defied the prevailing trends and crafted a work
Heavy Horses 12" Vinyl LPReleased in 1978, "Bursting Out Live" captures the raw and electrifying essence of Jethro Tull's live performances, showcasing their remarkable musicianship and Ian Anderson's distinctive vocals. The album was an invitation for listeners to experience the energy, excitement, and virtuosity that characterized the band
- Live Bursting Out (1978, Germany) - Live Bursting Out (1978, USA )In the heart of the early 70s, amidst the swirling chaos of prog rock's experimental explosion, Jethro Tull, those flute-wielding, folk-infused, musical madmen, unleashed a vinyl behemoth upon the world: "Living in the Past." This wasn't just an album; it was a sprawling sonic landscape
- Living in the Past (Island Records) - Living in the Past (Chrysalis Records)In the heart of the mid-70s, amidst the swirling chaos of glam rock's glitter and prog's pompous indulgence, Jethro Tull, the enigmatic musical minstrels led by the enigmatic Ian Anderson, unleashed "Minstrel in the Gallery." A bold leap from their folk-infused origins, this album stands as a testament
Minstrel in the Gallery 12" Vinyl LPThe Jethro Tull "Passion Play" is a 12" LP vinyl album that was released in 1973. It is a studio album by British progressive rock band Jethro Tull, and it was produced by Ian Anderson, the band's lead vocalist, flautist, and guitarist. The album's concept revolves around the story of a man's journey through life
Passion Play 12" Vinyl LPIn the heart of 1978, as punk rock's snarling rebellion echoed through the streets, Jethro Tull, those flute-wielding prog rock stalwarts, were holed up in Maison Rouge Studios in Fulham, London. They were crafting an album that would challenge their own musical boundaries while still delivering that signature
Rock Island 12" Vinyl LPJethro Tull's "Songs from the Wood" is an iconic album that marked a significant shift in the band's musical direction. Released in 1976, it is often regarded as the first installment of a folk rock trilogy, which also includes "Heavy Horses" and "Stormwatch".
Songs From the Wood 12" Vinyl LPReleased in 1969 amidst a vibrant rock scene, Jethro Tull's "Stand Up" marked a bold departure from their blues-infused debut. This 12" vinyl LP, with its iconic pop-up gatefold cover, became a symbol of the band's musical exploration and their frontman Ian Anderson's burgeoning songwriting prowess.
- Stand Up Pop-Up (1969, England) - Stand Up (Europe) -Stand Up Pop-Up (1969, Germany) - Stand Up (1969, UK)Jethro Tull's 1979 release, "Stormwatch", stands as a powerful and poignant entry within the legendary band's progressive rock legacy. The album marked the end of an era, being the final installment in their trilogy of folk-influenced albums that began with "Songs from the Wood" (1977)
- StormWatch (1979, Germany) - Storm Watch (1979, Netherlands) - Storm Watch (1979, UK)In the world of rock and roll, there are albums that simply exist, and then there are albums that EXPLODE onto the scene, leaving a crater of artistic innovation in their wake. Jethro Tull's "Thick as a Brick," released in 1972, is a prime example of the latter. This wasn't just a record;
- Thick as Brick Fold Out Newspaper (1972, France) - Thick as Brick (Newspaper, Germany) - Thick as a Brick (Germany)In the heady days of 1972, when prog-rock was king and concept albums were the crown jewels, Jethro Tull unleashed a musical behemoth upon the world: "Thick as a Brick." This wasn't just an album; it was a sprawling, multi-layered symphony disguised as a newspaper.
hick as a Brick Part I & II 7" Vinyl SingleThe album's title, "This Was", was a nod to the band's past, a recognition of their blues roots. But it was also a wink to the future, a hint of the musical metamorphosis that was already underway. The album's cover art, a sepia-toned portrait of the band, captured this duality perfectly.
- This Was (1968, UK ) - This Was (1968, Germany)Released in 1976, Jethro Tull's "Too Old To Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young to Die" marked a turning point for the British progressive rock band. Fronted by the iconic Ian Anderson, the album explored themes of aging rock stardom through a fictional character named Ray Lomas.
- Too Old Too Rock 'n' Roll (Green Record Label) - Too Old Too Rock 'n' Roll (White & Blue Record Label ))Amidst the synthesizer-drenched landscape of 1984, Jethro Tull, the ever-evolving progressive folk-rock behemoth, dropped an oddity on us: "Under Wraps". This wasn't your granny's Tull, all flutes and frolicking about pastoral fields.
Under Wraps 12" Vinyl LPIn the heart of 1974, while the world was still reeling from the aftershocks of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, Jethro Tull unleashed "War Child", an album that was as much a battle cry for the human spirit as it was a musical exploration.
War Child 12" Vinyl LP