10 Most Timeless Classic Rock Albums

From the first time that Steely Dan came together, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen wanted to make a project that had no boundaries whatsoever. Ever since their debut album Can’t Buy A Thrill, the band used the studio like an instrument to craft every song they had until it was near perfection. There are plenty of choice cuts to be found on any Steely Dan record, but Aja is one of the greatest sonic experiences of the past few decades.

In terms of its staying power, this entire album feels like walking into a cool jazz lounge, with bits of rock and pop thrown in for good measure. For any other act, this kind of playing with ‘70s era production would sound awful...but that’s where the genius comes in. The actual sound quality of this record is immaculate, as it uses more outlandish recording techniques than what was typically expected. Though most of these little details are taken for granted nowadays, it was unheard of in 1977 to have a record that sounded this slick.

Along with the actual sound, the band brought an A-list of musicians from the jazz and fusion world to craft these tunes, which makes for some of the most sophisticated performances on a pop record, from the guitar solo on “Peg” to the smooth groove of “Black Cow.” Steely Dan might be your dad’s music, but you’d have a hard time finding another middle-aged record that sounds this good.