Aqualung Live
Jethro Tull · 2005
59 min · 17 tracks · electronic music
A live reimagining of classic rock anthems, blending intricate instrumentation with Ian Anderson's signature storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Aqualung Start here — The title track opens the album with its iconic blend of acoustic and electric elements, setting the tone for the live experience.
-
→
Crosseyed Mary — This track showcases Jethro Tull's ability to merge storytelling with intricate musical arrangements, making it a fan favorite during live shows.
-
→
Locomotive Breath — As one of the band's most recognizable songs, its energetic performance captures the essence of Jethro Tull's dynamic stage presence.
-
→
My God — This song exemplifies the band’s thematic depth, tackling issues of religion and faith with powerful lyrical content and dramatic instrumentation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album captures a live reinterpretation of classic tracks, blending strong musicianship with audience engagement.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks from the original 'Aqualung' album, maintaining their classic arrangements with live improvisations.
- Several tracks include extended instrumental sections that showcase the band's musicianship and allow for spontaneous solos.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with varied pacing
- immersive auditory experience
- engaging live performance energy
- reflective moments of quiet introspection
Maybe skip if you
- want immediate gratification
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Captures live renditions of classics, appealing mainly to dedicated fans.
- Themes
- religious skepticism· 1970s rock revival· live performance energy
- Career context
- By 2005, Jethro Tull had been active for over three decades, and 'Aqualung Live' marks their return to the stage after several years. This album captures a live performance of their landmark 1971 album 'Aqualung', showcasing their enduring appeal and the evolution of their sound through a contemporary lens.
- Stylistic neighbors
- King Crimson· Yes· Genesis
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
My God
The narrator confronts religious hypocrisy directly, questioning established norms and expressing personal disillusionment.
This moment signifies a departure from passive observation to active critique, emphasizing the complexity of faith within societal structures.
Tracklist
- 1 Aqualung Start here 7:56
- 2 Crosseyed Mary 4:34
- 3 Cheap Day Return 1:43
- 4 Mother Goose 5:39
- 5 Wond'ring Aloud 2:00
- 6 Up to Me 3:35
- 7 My God 8:27
- 8 Hymn 43 4:22
- 9 Slipstream 0:59
- 10 Locomotive Breath 5:19
- 11 Wind-Up 6:40
- 12 Riffs - Another Monkey 1:27
- 13 Recording the Original 2:05
- 14 Choosing My Words With Care 1:17
- 15 Hummmmmm 43 0:35
- 16 A Different Kettle of Very Different Fish 1:02
- 17 But Is It Any Good? 1:42
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Thrak
King Crimson
Shares complex arrangements and a blend of rock with improvisational elements, reflecting on existential themes.
The Yes Album
Yes
Captures a similar live energy with intricate musicianship and lyrical explorations of consciousness.
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
Genesis
Merges theatrical narratives with progressive rock, echoing the storytelling aspect of Tull’s live performances.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.