Countdown To Ecstasy (studio album) by Steely Dan

Another good album. Doesn't come up to the 1st one for me. Pretzel Logic is next on my list.

B+

A great record that blends the genres of jazz and rock brilliantly and is a very consistent listen in terms of quality. The maturing they have done since their first record is extremely evident here with them upping their game on several fronts. The instrumentals are superior and much more complex which makes for a far more grand and rich experience. The style is maintained throughout as well making the sound feel cohesive as they never really break stride so you can be properly immersed in the record. The lyrics have matured as well with more intelligent and cryptic lyrics such as on Bodhisattva and Your Gold Teeth. However, they do lack some stuff they had on the debut such as a bit of energy and that feel good atmosphere. They could do with the infectious songs they have on the first one to properly hype the listener up because this record can feel a bit flat in places. Overall, this and the debut are very close in ranking in my opinion with the debut being more enjoyable but this one being more mature and intelligent but either way they are both fantastic records.

As all Steely Dan's albums this is very well produced, groovy and consistently good.

From Jboy56 12/05/2021 21:16

On this album, Steely Dan shows the ability to create fine music in a wide spectrum of genres.
The excellent musicianship and production values make this a classic album in the art of jazz-rock. Actually, Dan is unique. Recommended to everybody
Track pick; Your Gold Teeth, groovy with superb guitar art.

Countdown to Ecstasy is a terrific follow-up to Steely Dan's first record. The group digs into the avante garde, with songs like Bodhisattva and my personal favorite Show Biz Kids. The lyrics are cryptic and the feel-good nature of the debut is gone, save for the upbeat My Old School. A real leap in maturity!

Track Pick: Show Biz Kids

tight concise jazz-oriented pop fantastic band great lyrics

From teague 02/07/2021 17:51

Now THIS is their best album. An absolutely heavenly blend of jazz, rock, and pop. And it's always great to hear musicians of this caliber just going nuts on tracks like Bodhisattva, Your Gold Teeth, and Show Biz Kids. Shame that this one is often overlooked in the grand scheme of their catalogue.

From llibnanoon 06/18/2020 12:25

Surprised I kinda liked this.

so 2019and I come across steely dan,buy all the albums up to and including gaucho. I have not been disappointed.like this one a lot.but then again I like them all.great band.

From Fischman 01/03/2019 03:43

A great, complex, multi-layered album. Not a bad cut throughout.