Aqualung

Aqualung is the fourth studio album by the rock band Jethro Tull, released in 1971. It is regarded, despite the band’s disagreement, as a concept album featuring a central theme of “the distinction between religion and God”. The album’s “dour musings on faith and religion” have marked it as “one of the most cerebral albums ever to reach millions of rock listeners”. Aqualung’s success signalled a turning point in the band’s career, which went on to become a major radio and touring act.

Recorded at Island Records’ studio in London, it was their first album with John Evan as a full-time member, their first with new bassist Jeffrey Hammond, and last album featuring Clive Bunker on drums. Something of a departure from the band’s previous work, the album features more acoustic material than previous releases; and—inspired by photographs of homeless people on the Thames Embankment taken by singer Ian Anderson’s wife Jennie—contains a number of recurring themes, addressing religion along with Anderson’s own personal experiences.

Aqualung has sold more than seven million units worldwide, and is thus Jethro Tull’s best-selling album. The album was generally well-received critically and has been included on several music magazine best-of lists. The album spawned two singles, “Hymn 43” and “Locomotive Breath”.