10 Best Drum Solos In Classic Rock

10. Aja - Steely Dan

Most rock fans remember Steely Dan as that one band that your dad thinks is the coolest band in the world. Each of their songs can come off as too yacht rock for some, but what they're missing is the genius level of talent amongst this collaborative music project.

Though Walter Becker and Donald Fagen lead the charge from a compositional standpoint, their records have always featured an all-star cast of musicians from the worlds of rock, pop, and jazz fusion. Aja may have great single cuts like "Peg" and "Josie," but the title track boasts one of the greatest drum performances ever laid down during the decade.

After cutting the song several times with veteran drummers like Jim Keltner, the song didn't really fall into place until Steve Gadd laid down his groove. Once the song opens up, the saxophone leads you along as Gadd takes every other drummer to school on how to play a great drum solo. Every fill seems to be exactly in its right place, from the fast syncopated rolls to the subtle touches of hearing him click his sticks on the final track. Sure it may be your dad's music, but any drummer who knows their craft needs to use this solo as a reference point.