Can’t Buy A Thrill Songs Ranked

Can’t Buy a Thrill is the debut studio album by the American rock band Steely Dan, released in November 1972 by ABC Records. The album was written by band members Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, recorded in August 1972 at The Village Recorder in Los Angeles, and produced by Gary Katz. Its music features tight song structure and sounds from soft rock, folk-rock, and pop, alongside philosophical, elliptically written lyrics. The album was a commercial success, peaking at number 17 on the Billboard chart and eventually being certified platinum. It was also met with positive reviews and later appeared on many professional listings of the greatest albums, including Colin Larkin’s All Time Top 1000 Albums (2000) and Rolling Stone magazine’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” (2003). Here are all of the Can’t Buy A Thrill songs ranked.

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10. Turn That Heartbeat Over Again

“I always wondered why “Turn That Heartbeat Over Again” wasn’t switched in place with the second to last number. “Heartbeat” is a mellow and beautiful song and maybe that’s how the Dan wanted to leave us. Again a hopeful and caring message. Easy the least assuming and least memorable song on the disc, but no slouch.”

9. Only a Fool Would Say That

“Only a Fool Would Say That” I first thought was a curiosity but it grew on me with it’s melancholy latin guitar work and a hook that comes in to my head even as I type.”

8. Change of the Guard

“Change of the Guard” is a rocker and probably the closest Steely Dan ever came to playing power chords. But mixed with popping piano leads, it’s far from typic hard rock. Vocals and lyrics display some of that 70’s optimism I fall in and out of love with.”

See more: Steely Dan Albums Ranked

7. Midnite Cruiser

“Midnite Cruiser” is a sad song for me,one of lost dreams, resignation and maybe narcotics. The second verse “the world that we used to know- people tell me it don’t turn no more” is one of the most poignant pieces of music ever recorded. Listen for the twin leads!”

6. Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)

“Brooklyn” is again sung by David Palmer. Not a particularly strong vocal but suited for this thinky number. More good slide and guitar work and more mysterious lyrics. One of my favorites from the album.”

5. Kings

“Kings” is one I hear a lot of others don’t like as much, I love this song. Heavy piano, brooding guitar, excellent soul sister chorus and a zippy guitar solo I always miscredited to Jeff Baxter, Elliot Randall is the man here. The lyrics are still a guess, but I always thought it was part of a “meet the new boss, same as the old boss” theme.”

See more: Steely Dan Songs Ranked

4. Fire in the Hole

“More cool piano work on “Fire in the Hole”, along with a lazy drum beat and sweet steel guitar. This song builds and builds and as it fades out I sometimes think I could have used another couple minutes of it.”

3. Dirty Work

“Dirty Work” has excellent keyboard playing, a great sax solo, resigned and understated vocals by David Palmer that fit the songs theme of being misused and a great, great chorus.”

2. Reelin’ in the Years

“Reelin in the Years” has one of the best guitar riffs ever recorded, even Led Zeps Jimmy Page holds this as one of his favorites. Super nimble are Jeff Baxter and Denny Dias as they trade licks and pick through every part of the song but the call and response piano and vocal verse by Donald Fagen. I even appreciate the tamborine on this song, nothing is wasted. We’ve all heard this hundreds of times on the radio, but it deserves almost every play it gets. Though the lyrics are about a stuffed shirted ex-girlfriend, I could never help but to hear this song as an upper. And every time I hear it I am reminded of Summer time and car windows down.”

1. Do It Again

“Do It Again”, like “Reelin in the Years” is still a classic rock radio staple, but its omniprescence is no reason to deny its greatness. From the opening latin percussion to the mysterious lyrics that to me talk about revenge in the Old West, to the sitar and synth solo bridge, it’s an easy song to get lost in and a great one to get you down the highway.”