Aqualung (album)

Aqualung (1971) is a concept album by the rock band Jethro Tull. It is best known for its title track, which concerns a homeless ephebophile with a breathing problem - hence the title "Aqualung". It is a concept album only in so much as the first side of the LP vinyl record seems to be concerned with the same character, Aqualung. Side two revolves around a somewhat different theme of alienation from organized religion.

The title track was co-written by band leader Ian Anderson and his then-wife Jennie.

Band leader Anderson always denied any attempt to create a concept album.

Aqualung peaked at #7 on the Billboard Music Charts' North American pop albums chart. The single "Hymn 43" hit #91 on Billboard's pop singles chart.

Jethro Tull's previous album was Benefit. Their next album is Thick as a Brick.

Personnel

• Ian Anderson: Vocals, acoustic guitar, flute
• Martin Barre: Electric guitar, descant recorder
• John Evan: Piano, organ, mellotron
• Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond: Bass guitar, alto recorder, vocals
• Clive Bunker: Drums, percussion

Track listing

1. Aqualung (Ian Anderson/Jennie Anderson)
2. Cross-Eyed Mary (Anderson)
3. Cheap Day Return (Anderson)
4. Mother Goose (Anderson)
5. Wond'ring Aloud (Anderson)
6. Up To Me (Anderson)
7. My God (Anderson)
8. Hymn 43 (Anderson)
9. Slip Stream (Anderson)
10. Locomotive Breath (Anderson)
11. Wind-Up (Anderson)