Everything Must Go - Steely Dan
Metascore
71 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. It's a record to get lost in, one that constantly surprises with its apparently infinite number of hidden harmonies and wry asides.
  2. Offering lyrical nervousness and musical Novocain in equal shots, it's another installment of Chicken Soup for the Materialistic, Mildly Perverse, Apocalypse-Dreading Soul. [13 Jun 2003, p.92]
  3. Everything Must Go is another great Steely Dan album, a hardy inclusion to their splendid canon.
  4. 80
    Their signature tension between black blues gestures adn white boy harmonies has never been more vividly exploited than here. It'll keep you busy for months. [Jun 2003, p.95]
  5. 80
    There's a slight tiredness about the new album. It's too laid back to grab the attention, which must scan closer for clues. [Jul 2003, p.116]
  6. 80
    Though their restraint can be alienating, Steely Dan sound hungry, relevant and full of ideas. [#17, p.147]
  7. Fagen and Becker perfected their airless craftsmanship years ago, and it works as well now as ever.
  8. What this is is a collection of subversively jazzy tunes which delights in its own cleverness (lyrical and otherwise), and which probably finds its closest companion -- among previous Steely Dan albums -- in Pretzel Logic.
  9. There's nothing that betrays their high standards of craft, but, on a whole, the songs are neither as hooky nor as resonant as the ones unveiled on its predecessor.
  10. A familiar blend of clipped funk, jazz nuances and airy musings. [Jul 2003, p.113]
  11. So as with Aja -- the duo's biggest and very nearly emptiest record -- its value ultimately reduces to textured dimensionality and tasty licks.
  12. Plodding jazz-rock tunes that are 30 years old at this point.
  13. Everything Must Go is a profound disappointment.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 37
  2. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. JulianC.
    9
    Some tracks lack a bit of 5th gear and play things too safe but the overall professionalism of the musicianship, songwriting, witty lyrics and classic Steely harmonies make it an enjoyable listen, with some tracks like Things I Miss The Most and Lunch With Gina portraying beautifully simple but effective musical story-telling. Becker and Fagen have still got what it takes. Full Review »
  2. Gord
    10
    Brilliant album. How something so rich and textured can also sound so effortless is what makes these guys geniuses.
  3. RT.
    9
    Really grew on me. I've been a big fan in the past and the last couple albums seemed repetitious. This album is full of tasty licks and melodies. Give it time and it will grow on you. Full Review »