Steely Dan’s comeback record, ‘Two Against Nature,’ arrived 25 years ago this month. See where it ranks as we count down every album in the band’s incredible catalog:
No. 10. GAUCHO (1980)
Aja was too tough an act to follow, as it turned out.
High point: The opening “Babylon Sisters” makes you think they were going to pick up right where they left off.
Low point: “Glamour Profession” is a nod to disco just when the backlash against disco was going into full force.
No. 9. ALIVE IN AMERICA (1995)
A live album two decades after they last had a touring band. Answers a big “what if” question.
High point: That creative reworking of “Reeling in the Years.”
Low point: No songs from Pretzel Logic or Katy Lied represented.
No. 8. CAN’T BUY A THRILL (1972)
Uneven debut is still a well-produced affair and contains several gems, including the hits “Do It Again” and “Reeling in the Years.”
High point: “Only a Fool Would Say That” hints at both the sharp jazziness and witty cynicism that would become Steely Dan hallmarks later on.
Low point: “Turn That Heartbeat Over Again” is possibly their worst song on record. But hey, they were just pups back then.
No. 7. COUNTDOWN TO ECSTASY (1973)
Sophomore effort reveals a big jump in songwriting development.
High point: Rick Derringer’s wicked slide on “Show Biz Kids.”
Low point: The cheesy synths on “King of the World.”
No. 6. TWO AGAINST NATURE (2000)
Steely Dan takes a 20-year sabbatical, then takes the top Grammy.
High point: The catchy sax/guitar synched riff on “Jack of Speed.”
Low point: Becker’s annoying one-note guitar solo on “Gaslighting Abbie.”
No. 5. THE ROYAL SCAM (1976)
Reggae and guitars take a front seat.
High point: Larry Carlton’s legendary solo on “Kid Charlemagne.”
Low point: Everything about “Everything You Did.”
No. 4. EVERYTHING MUST GO (2003)
Steely Dan’s comeback was complete.
High point: Becker and Fagan duke it out on “Green Book.”
Low Point: even if it was not serious, the Walter Becker lead vocal experiment is, um, less than successful.
No. 3. KATY LIED (1975)
First record by Walter Becker and Donald Fagan relying entirely on studio musicians. The shift toward jazz-rock proceeds in earnest.
High point: The sublime guitar solo (Larry Carlton?) on “Gold Teeth II” coupled with Jeff Porcaro’s Elvin Jones-like waltz.
Low point: Songs are a bit short.
No. 2. PRETZEL LOGIC (1974)
Early period ends on a high note, just as they get the mixture of folk, rock, jazz and various other influences down pat.
High point: “Any Major Dude” is the Great Lost Hit.
Low point: The obnoxious, skronky bass on “Monkey in Your Soul.”
No. 1. AJA (1977)
Obviously. Strong set of songs + note-perfect production + top-notch musicianship = masterpiece.
High point: The Wayne Shorter and Steve Gadd exchange during the extended instrumental passage of the title cut.
Low point: Didn’t come with a second LP.
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