About this album
Where they were
Released in 2000, 'Two Against Nature' marked Steely Dan's first studio album in two decades, following their breakup in 1981. The album came after a period of solo projects by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, returning to the musical landscape with renewed energy and a mature perspective.
Why it matters
The album won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2001, highlighting its critical success and the duo's enduring influence on rock and jazz fusion. It debuted at number 6 on the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing a significant resurgence in popularity for Steely Dan after years of absence from the mainstream.
Essential tracks
- "Cousin Dupree" — This track features a cheeky narrative about familial relationships intertwined with smooth melodies, exemplifying Steely Dan's trademark lyrical wit.
- "Gaslighting Abbie" — 'Gaslighting Abbie' combines jazzy instrumentation with incisive lyrics that explore themes of manipulation, a hallmark of Steely Dan’s style.
- "Two Against Nature" — The title track encapsulates the album’s theme of defiance against external pressures, underscored by complex harmonies and sophisticated production.
- "What a Shame About Me" — 'What a Shame About Me' features poignant introspection paired with clever instrumentation, making it a standout for its emotional resilience.
Release Date
January 1, 2000
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Gaslighting Abbie 5:57
- 2 What a Shame About Me 5:19
- 3 Two Against Nature 6:20
- 4 Janie Runaway 4:11
- 5 Almost Gothic 4:11
- 6 Jack of Speed 6:19
- 7 Cousin Dupree 5:30
- 8 Negative Girl 5:36
- 9 West of Hollywood 8:21