Classic Steely Dan Ranked
So I honestly have no idea why this band always get so much shit. My mom says they sound just like the Doobie Brothers, which is simply absurd. Fagen and Becker's witty lyrics and complex music combine so well and they have one of the most consistent discographies in rock music (not counting the new albums since the reunion). So here are their studio albums from Can't Buy a Thrill to Gaucho ranked from greatest to worst. |
| 1 |  | Steely Dan
Pretzel Logic
The album where they perfected their sound. A great combination of the quirkiness of earlier albums with the jazzy maturity of later albums. Best songs: Rikki Don't Lose That Number and Charlie Freak |
| 2 |  | Steely Dan
Aja
Their jazziest album. Aja combines so many elements from earlier albums and mixes in a new dark sophistication. Best songs: Home at Last and Deacon Blues |
| 3 |  | Steely Dan
The Royal Scam
Their darkest and most guitar-oriented album. This may also be their most consistent album. On The Royal Scam, they added a really dark tone to their classic sound, resulting in a great album. Best songs: Kid Charlemagne and The Fez |
| 4 |  | Steely Dan
Katy Lied
One of the best drumming albums of all time. On this album, Fagen and Becker brought in so many great session musicians, such as Jeff Porcaro on drums and Rick Derringer on guitar. Best songs: Bad Sneakers and Dr. Wu |
| 5 |  | Steely Dan
Countdown to Ecstasy
Their sophmore album is also their most...... jammy I guess is the word. The songs often meander into long instrumental sections, which slightly hinders the flow of the album, but the technicality of these sections makes it a good listen. Best songs: Bodhisattva and King of the World |
| 6 |  | Steely Dan
Can't Buy a Thrill
Though this is probably one of their most known albums, it's by no means their best. A lot of the songs are raw and lack the classic Steely Dan sound, but greats such as the hits Do it Again and Reelin' in the Years make up for it. Best songs: Reelin in the Years and Do it Again |
| 7 |  | Steely Dan
Gaucho
This album is held back by the exact opposite reason that Can't Buy a Thrill is, it's overdone. The songs are good as always, but they're overproduced. Still, it's a really good album. Best songs: Babylon Sisters, Time Out of Mind |
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