Everything Must Go
by Steely Dan
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. Blender
    80
    Though their restraint can be alienating, Steely Dan sound hungry, relevant and full of ideas. [#17, p.147]
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  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    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]
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  3. PopMatters
    70
    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.
  5. E! Online
    58
    Plodding jazz-rock tunes that are 30 years old at this point.
  6. AllMusic
    60
    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.
  7. The A.V. Club
    80
    Fagen and Becker perfected their airless craftsmanship years ago, and it works as well now as ever.
  8. Dot Music
    90
    It's a record to get lost in, one that constantly surprises with its apparently infinite number of hidden harmonies and wry asides.
  9. Rolling Stone
    60
    So as with Aja -- the duo's biggest and very nearly emptiest record -- its value ultimately reduces to textured dimensionality and tasty licks.
  10. Mojo
    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]
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  11. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    30
    Everything Must Go is a profound disappointment.
  12. Uncut
    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]
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  13. Launch.com
    80
    Everything Must Go is another great Steely Dan album, a hardy inclusion to their splendid canon.
  14. Q Magazine
    60
    A familiar blend of clipped funk, jazz nuances and airy musings. [Jul 2003, p.113]
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Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Most Discussed Album of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 32
  3. Negative: 2 out of 32
  1. Ricko
    Jun 20, 2018
    6
    Like "Two Against Nature", "Everything Must Go" is decent if your talking about music technicians but in terms of quality songwriting, this isLike "Two Against Nature", "Everything Must Go" is decent if your talking about music technicians but in terms of quality songwriting, this is a million miles away from their 70's peak. Not much to remember from 40 minutes plus of music. Opening track "The Last Mall" and "Slang of Ages" are standout tracks.… Full Review »
  2. ImAwesome
    Jun 30, 2013
    10
    Hidden treasure! I just got google stream, and started by roaming my known quantities just to get used to the service. So, there it was,Hidden treasure! I just got google stream, and started by roaming my known quantities just to get used to the service. So, there it was, "Every Thing Must Go", a rather new album by SD. I liked 2N ok, so... let's see.
    First song that really hit me was "What I miss the most", and from thereon, track after track with blue yacht rock, sometimes veering to the bluesy, sometimes to the jazzy, often with a driving beat. Melodies and instruments weaving in and out, over and under, creating beautiful, moody, inscrutable pictures. Ok Steely Dan, please, ONE album per year. You can do it. What is up?    … Full Review »
  3. JulianC.
    Feb 3, 2010
    9
    Some tracks lack a bit of 5th gear and play things too safe but the overall professionalism of the musicianship, songwriting, witty lyrics 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 »
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