The Broadsword and the Beast
Jethro Tull · 1982
38 min · 10 tracks · electronic music
A blend of folk-inspired melodies and progressive rock structures, layered with electronic elements and Ian Anderson's distinctive vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Beastie Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Broadsword — The title track exemplifies the album's thematic depth, merging medieval imagery with modern concerns while featuring lush instrumentation that highlights the band's signature sound.
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Fallen on Hard Times — This track combines poignant lyrics with a haunting melody, addressing themes of struggle and resilience, which captures the essence of the album's introspective nature.
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Clasp — With its driving rhythm and urgent vocals, 'Clasp' stands out as a powerful commentary on connection and loss, showcasing Ian Anderson’s lyrical prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends folk and electronic elements effectively but lacks standout compositions throughout.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth introduces a more dynamic rhythm that shifts the energy.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, blending acoustic elements with synthesizers to create a rich soundscape.
- The album closes with 'Cheerio', which serves as a soft, reflective conclusion after the more intense preceding tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- steady mid-tempo reflective journey
- thoughtful moments for introspection
- consistent flow throughout listening
- engaging storytelling in each track
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Blends folk, rock, and electronic elements, marking a shift in Jethro Tull's sound.
- Themes
- medieval imagery· modern struggle· synthesized landscapes
- Career context
- By the time 'The Broadsword and the Beast' was released in 1982, Jethro Tull was navigating a period of artistic evolution following the commercial success of their 1977 album 'Songs from the Wood'. This album marked a shift towards a more modern sound, incorporating synthesizers alongside their traditional instrumentation, reflecting the band's adaptation to the evolving music landscape of the early 1980s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- King Crimson· Yes· Genesis
Tracklist
- 1 Beastie Start here 3:58
- 2 Clasp 4:18
- 3 Fallen on Hard Times 3:15
- 4 Flying Colours 4:40
- 5 Slow Marching Band 3:40
- 6 Broadsword 5:06
- 7 Pussy Willow 3:55
- 8 Watching Me Watching You 3:41
- 9 Seal Driver 5:11
- 10 Cheerio 1:09
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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