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The Nightfly

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

The Nightfly was Donald Fagen's first solo album and was released on 1 October 1982. After the break with Walter Becker, his regular partner in Steely Dan, he carried on without him, although he did work with the producer Gary Katz and many well-known session musicians. Recording in New York and Los Angeles took eight months. It was one of the first pop albums to be recorded entirely digitally, which made the work difficult.

Unlike earlier work, the record is strongly autobiographical. The songs are about a childhood in the suburbs of the late 1950s and early 1960s, with late-night jazz programmes on the radio, fallout shelters and the Cuban Revolution. I.G.Y. became a hit and New Frontier was a favourite on MTV. The record was a critical and commercial success and received seven Grammy nominations.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to I.G.Y. and notice how polished the sound is: every instrument has its own place and sounds clear.

Track list

  1. 1I.G.Y.6:04Apple Music ↗
  2. 2Green Flower Street3:49Apple Music ↗
  3. 3Ruby Baby5:39Apple Music ↗
  4. 4Maxine3:50Apple Music ↗
  5. 5New Frontier6:22Apple Music ↗
  6. 6The Nightfly5:46Apple Music ↗
  7. 7The Goodbye Look4:50Apple Music ↗
  8. 8Walk Between Raindrops2:40Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

Categories: Albums and songs