About this album
Where they were
By the time 'A Decade of Steely Dan' was released in 1985, the band had already established themselves as pioneers of jazz-rock fusion with a string of successful albums. This compilation marks their return after a hiatus following the release of 'Gaucho' in 1980, encapsulating their evolution and impact over the previous decade while setting the stage for their later reunion albums.
Why it matters
'A Decade of Steely Dan' received critical acclaim and commercial success, showcasing hit tracks that contributed to Steely Dan's enduring legacy. The album reached No. 27 on the Billboard 200 chart and solidified their influence on both rock and jazz genres during a transformative period in music history.
Essential tracks
- "Deacon Blues" — This track exemplifies Steely Dan's intricate arrangements and deep lyrical content, reflecting themes of aspiration and disillusionment.
- "Hey Nineteen" — With its smooth melodies and poignant lyrics about generational gaps, this song highlights the band's ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary storytelling.
- "Do It Again" — This song's catchy hooks and rhythmic complexity represent Steely Dan's signature sound, making it an enduring favorite among fans.
- "Rikki Don’t Lose That Number" — As one of their most commercially successful singles, it showcases the band's knack for crafting memorable choruses paired with sophisticated instrumentation.
Release Date
January 1, 1985
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 FM 4:50
- 2 Black Friday 3:40
- 3 Babylon Sisters 5:50
- 4 Deacon Blues 7:34
- 5 Bodhisattva 5:19
- 6 Hey Nineteen 5:07
- 7 Do It Again 5:56
- 8 Peg 3:57
- 9 Rikki Don’t Lose That Number 4:32
- 10 Reeling In the Years 4:38
- 11 East St. Louis Toodle‐oo 2:49
- 12 Kid Charlemagne 4:39
- 13 My Old School 5:48
- 14 Bad Sneakers 3:18