The Nightfly

A flawless voice, but not as good as the work he did with his band. Pretty close at times, but just lacking a certain something - perhaps as simple as other voices and musicians to compete/collaborate with him!

Just like Steely Dan, the production here is just next level. It's so clean and perfect. I enjoy how much jazzier this is than some other Steely Dan stuff as well. The lyrics are also a nice change of pace.

Reading up on the production of this album, the 8 months of recording that were spent on getting the perfect drum sounds by using the high-hat sounds of one drummer, the kick-drum and tom sound from another on the same track, how a whole bunch of session musicians of the highest caliber are credited on this album, to create the sound that was needed for this album to be perfect. Reading on the switch between analog and digital recordings. On the songs that are stitched together from multiple takes. To make this production sound that has been revered by audiophiles across the globe.

What makes me so upset about that is that the end result is an overproduced, uninspired smooth-pop-jazz album, that could've been given a bit of leeway if it also didn't include a song like Ruby Baby, which really is an atrocity to make it to an album after 8 months or recording.

I really liked the album. I like this light, upbeat sound. I find it surprising that this is an album from the 80s.
4/5

I remember hearing this album often when I was younger - it's like a walk down memory lane, and sounds as good as I remember. Much as it's Donald Fagen's first solo album, it absolutely sounds like Steely Dan, which is fine by me. The album just puts me in a good mood and I could listen to it on repeat for hours. Pretty much a perfect album to me. Favorite tracks: I.G.Y (one of those tracks where I see the name and go, "what's that?" and then press play and immediately go, "duh, of course I know this one"), New Frontier, The Nightly, Walk Between Raindrops (again, how can you listen to this album and not smile?).

This is really well made and it sounds great, but it just doesn’t really have anything to amaze me. My favorite songs were IGY, Green Flower Street, and The Nightfly.

Sounds just like Steely Dan. Which is, of course, a wonderful thing.

The police but make it like background coffee shop music. It's pleasant background 80s music, maybe this would fit some TV show. Not sure why this had to be called out on this list, but I don't hate it. Beige music.

This album must have been a product of it's time, as it's aged rather poorly. All in all some ok vibes but the songs all had a similar sound and it doesn't have much replay value. 2/5.

The epitome of everything that was wrong with the 80s. About as much substance as a balloon.

I didn't like this nearly as much as I like the Steely Dan albums I've heard and have rated here. It was fine, but I don't see a time I would choose to listen to this over one of the better options.

I've never listened to any of Donald Fagen's solo stuff, but am familiar with his work with Steely Dan. This is his first solo album, which was made after Steely Dan broke up. It has a lot of the same characteristics as a Steely Dan record, but doesn't have as much of the "rock" sensibilities. This record is heavier to the funky/jazzy pop rock sound, sometimes termed "yacht rock". Heavy to piano and synth as well as brass instruments. It has the ability to make the listener bob their head to the beat.

Donald Fagen's vocals are smooth and layered perfectly with the funky music backing. Overall, this is a good record, not phenomenal or anything, but I didn't mind listening to it, just wouldn't rush out to buy it (I have the same feelings towards Steely Dan records... They're good, just not phenomenal).

Favourite songs: I.G.Y., Green Flower Street, Ruby Baby, New Frontier

Least favourite songs: The Nightfly, Maxine,

3/5

Otro pasable. Música de fondo que se deja escuchar para mi gusto. Poco más. Y mira que es famoso.

Cool album cover, that’s where the coolness of this album ends.

Ah miten miellyttävä jazzahtava poppis-avausraita! Sen sijaan ainakin Ruby Baby aika itseään toistava. Sanoisin 3/5, vähän epätasainen kokonaisuus.

Don Fagan, of Steely Dan fame, cutting tracks on his own. The recording style is T I G H T. I.G.Y feels meticulously crafted, with not a beat out of place. This album is very best of this style of sound. There is something so perfect about it, it feels stripped of its spontaneity.

Big Steely Dan fan. I feel like this is a very natural extension of that sound with alot of the same players. Although I love the character perspectives in Steely Dan songs it is nice to hear something a little more personal.

Ganska trött avslagen jazz-pop från Steely Dan-snubben.
Ungefär 1/5 så bra som omslaget.