Steely Dan's true essence lies in the combination of sophistication and venom. A 70s rock masterpiece that combines a cold, dark look at the dark side of the city with exceptional musicality.
The sound, built with perfectionist studio production while incorporating the harmonic sensibility of jazz and the groove of funk, is one of the pinnacles of 70s AOR/jazz rock. A hard-hitting yet somewhat decadent mood permeates the entire album.
This album sees the band push guitars to the forefront more than ever before, developing a sound with a stronger rock influence. Classic tracks like "Kid Charlemagne" and "The Fez" combine a meticulous rhythm section, sophisticated chord progressions, and urbane, sarcastic lyrics to paint a uniquely intellectual and cynical picture of America.