Complete List Of Steely Dan Songs From A to Z

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Steely Dan emerged from the creative partnership of Donald Fagen and the late Walter Becker, who met at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, in 1967. Their mutual appreciation for jazz, rock, and complex lyricism laid the foundation for a collaboration that would redefine 1970s rock music. The duo’s early endeavors involved songwriting and performing in various bands, but it was their move to Los Angeles in the early 1970s that catalyzed the formation of Steely Dan. There, they worked as staff songwriters for ABC/Dunhill Records before deciding to perform their own material, leading to the creation of their debut album.

In 1972, Steely Dan released “Can’t Buy a Thrill,” introducing the world to their sophisticated blend of rock and jazz. The album featured hit singles like “Do It Again” and “Reelin’ in the Years,” which showcased their knack for catchy melodies intertwined with intricate musical arrangements. The success of this debut established Steely Dan as a distinctive voice in the music industry.

Over the next decade, Steely Dan released a series of critically acclaimed albums: “Countdown to Ecstasy” (1973), “Pretzel Logic” (1974), “Katy Lied” (1975), “The Royal Scam” (1976), “Aja” (1977), and “Gaucho” (1980). Each album demonstrated their evolution towards more complex compositions and polished production. Notable tracks from this era include “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number,” “Peg,” and “Deacon Blues.” Their meticulous attention to detail and preference for working with top-tier session musicians became a hallmark of their sound.

Despite their studio success, Steely Dan ceased touring in 1974, opting to focus exclusively on recording. This decision led to a rotating cast of session musicians contributing to their albums, further refining their sophisticated sound. However, after the release of “Gaucho,” the duo disbanded in 1981, with Becker and Fagen pursuing individual projects.

The 1990s saw a resurgence of Steely Dan as Becker and Fagen reunited for live performances and new recordings. Their 2000 album “Two Against Nature” earned them four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, reaffirming their enduring appeal and musical prowess. They followed up with “Everything Must Go” in 2003, which, while not as commercially successful, was praised for its musicianship.

Throughout their career, Steely Dan garnered numerous accolades, including an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. Their music is celebrated for its sophisticated harmonies, cryptic lyrics, and seamless fusion of jazz, rock, and pop elements. Fans and critics alike admire their commitment to excellence and their influence on contemporary music.

Beyond their work with Steely Dan, both Fagen and Becker engaged in solo projects and collaborations. Fagen released solo albums such as “The Nightfly” (1982) and “Morph the Cat” (2006), exploring themes ranging from nostalgia to existential musings. Becker’s solo efforts, including “11 Tracks of Whack” (1994), showcased his distinctive guitar work and songwriting abilities.

(A-C)

Aja – Aja – September 1977
Almost Gothic – Two Against Nature – February 2000
Any Major Dude Will Tell You – Pretzel Logic – February 1974
Babylon Sisters – Gaucho – November 1980
Barrytown – Pretzel Logic – February 1974
Black Cow – Aja – September 1977
Bodhisattva – Countdown to Ecstasy – July 1973
Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me) – Can’t Buy a Thrill – November 1972
Blues Beach – Everything Must Go – June 2003
Charlie Freak – Pretzel Logic – February 1974
Change of the Guard – Can’t Buy a Thrill – November 1972
Cousin Dupree – Two Against Nature – February 2000

(D-F)

Deacon Blues – Aja – September 1977
Dirty Work – Can’t Buy a Thrill – November 1972
Do It Again – Can’t Buy a Thrill – November 1972
Don’t Take Me Alive – The Royal Scam – May 1976
East St. Louis Toodle-Oo – Pretzel Logic – February 1974
Everything Must Go – Everything Must Go – June 2003
Everything You Did – The Royal Scam – May 1976
Fire in the Hole – Can’t Buy a Thrill – November 1972
FM (No Static at All) – FM soundtrack 1978

(G-J)

Gaslighting Abbie – Two Against Nature – February 2000
Glamour Profession – Gaucho – November 1980
Green Earrings – The Royal Scam – May 1976
Gaucho – Gaucho – November 1980
Godwhacker – Everything Must Go – June 2003
Haitian Divorce – The Royal Scam – May 1976
Hey Nineteen – Gaucho – November 1980
Home at Last – Aja – September 1977
I Got the News – Aja – September 1977
Jack of Speed – Two Against Nature – February 2000
Josie – Aja – September 1977

(K-O)

Kid Charlemagne – The Royal Scam – May 1976
King of the World – Countdown to Ecstasy – July 1973
Kings – Can’t Buy a Thrill – November 1972
Janie Runaway – Two Against Nature – February 2000
Lunch with Gina – Everything Must Go – June 2003
Midnite Cruiser – Can’t Buy a Thrill – November 1972
Monkey in Your Soul – Pretzel Logic – February 1974
My Old School – Countdown to Ecstasy – July 1973
Negative Girl – Two Against Nature – February 2000
Night by Night – Pretzel Logic – February 1974
Only a Fool Would Say That – Can’t Buy a Thrill – November 1972

(P-S)

Parker’s Band – Katy Lied – March 1975
Pearl of the Quarter – Countdown to Ecstasy – July 1973
Peg – Aja – September 1977
Pixeleen – Everything Must Go – June 2003
Pretzel Logic – Pretzel Logic – February 1974
Razor Boy – Countdown to Ecstasy – July 1973
Reelin’ In the Years – Can’t Buy a Thrill – November 1972
Rikki Don’t Lose That Number – Katy Lied – March 1975
Royal Scam, The – The Royal Scam – May 1976
Slang of Ages – Everything Must Go – June 2003
Show Biz Kids – Countdown to Ecstasy – July 1973
Sign In Stranger – The Royal Scam – May 1976

(T-Z)

The Boston Rag – Countdown to Ecstasy – July 1973
The Fez – The Royal Scam – May 1976
The Last Mall – Everything Must Go – June 2003
Third World Man – Gaucho – November 1980
Through with Buzz – Katy Lied – March 1975
Time Out of Mind – Gaucho – November 1980
Turn That Heartbeat Over Again – Can’t Buy a Thrill – November 1972
West of Hollywood – Two Against Nature – February 2000
What a Shame About Me – Two Against Nature – February 2000
With a Gun – Katy Lied – March 1975
Your Gold Teeth – Countdown to Ecstasy – July 1973
Your Gold Teeth II – Katy Lied – March 1975

Check out our fantastic and entertaining Steely Dan articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com