Is This Was a good place to start with Jethro Tull?

Yes, This Was is recommended as a starting point for new Jethro Tull listeners. A vibrant blend of blues, folk, and early progressive rock layered with intricate flute melodies and dynamic rhythms. This Was marks Jethro Tull's debut album, released on October 25, 1968. At this point in their career, the band was still establishing their identity, experimenting with various musical styles that would later culminate in their signature sound. The album laid the foundation for their future success and introduced audiences to Ian Anderson's distinctive vocal and flute style.

This Was works well if you're into short, engaging listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and contemplative afternoon vibes.

How many songs are on This Was?

This Was has 10 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Released 58 years ago this October

This Was

Jethro Tull · 1968

38 min · 10 tracks · electronic music

A vibrant blend of blues, folk, and early progressive rock layered with intricate flute melodies and dynamic rhythms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dharma for One — The track features an innovative drum solo that became a hallmark of the band's live performances, showcasing their experimental approach to rhythm and structure.
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My Sunday Feeling Start here — This opening track encapsulates the band's bluesy roots while introducing Ian Anderson's distinctive vocal style and lyrical wit, setting the tone for the album.
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Serenade to a Cuckoo — A standout instrumental piece that highlights Anderson's virtuosic flute playing, blending classical influences with rock sensibilities and foreshadowing the band's future direction.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

This Was showcases early progressive rock elements with distinctive flute melodies and varied song structures.

What we noticed

The album features a prominent use of flute throughout, often taking the lead melody in contrast to the guitar and rhythm section.
Tracks like 'Dharma for One' incorporate dynamic shifts between sections, blending improvisational elements with structured arrangements.
Several songs include abrupt tempo changes, particularly noticeable in 'My Sunday Feeling' and 'Serenade to a Cuckoo', which keeps the listener engaged.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

short, engaging listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
contemplative afternoon vibes
layered, intricate arrangements

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This Was established Jethro Tull's identity and introduced their sound to a wider audience.
Themes: bluesy roots· experimental rhythms· flute-driven innovation
Career context: This Was marks Jethro Tull's debut album, released on October 25, 1968. At this point in their career, the band was still establishing their identity, experimenting with various musical styles that would later culminate in their signature sound. The album laid the foundation for their future success and introduced audiences to Ian Anderson's distinctive vocal and flute style.
Stylistic neighbors: King Crimson· Yes· Genesis