Aja is the sixth studio album by the American jazz rock band Steely Dan, and one of their most acclaimed and successful works. Released in 1977, the album showcases the band’s musical sophistication, lyrical wit, and studio perfectionism. Aja is a masterpiece of jazz fusion, blending elements from rock, funk, R&B, and pop with complex harmonies, intricate arrangements, and virtuosic performances by some of the best session musicians in the industry.

The album consists of seven tracks, each with its own distinctive mood and style. The opening track, “Black Cow”, is a smooth and funky groove with sarcastic lyrics about a former lover. The title track, “Aja”, is an epic eight-minute-long piece that features a stunning saxophone solo by Wayne Shorter and a drum solo by Steve Gadd. “Deacon Blues” is a melancholic ballad that celebrates the life of a loser who dreams of being a jazz musician. “Peg” is a catchy and upbeat pop song that features Michael McDonald on backing vocals and Jay Graydon on guitar. “Home at Last” is a bluesy rock song that references Homer’s Odyssey and features Bernard Purdie on drums. “I Got the News” is a funky and playful tune that features lyrics inspired by gossip magazines and a piano solo by Victor Feldman. The closing track, “Josie”, is a lively and energetic song that celebrates the return of a wild woman to town.

Aja was a commercial and critical success, reaching number three on the US charts and number five in the UK. It was the band’s first platinum album and ultimately became their best-selling studio release, eventually selling over 5 million copies. It spawned the hit singles “Peg”, “Deacon Blues”, and “Josie”, which all reached the top 30 in the US. The album won a Grammy Award in 1978 for Best Non-Classical Engineered Recording, and it was nominated for Album of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. It has appeared on many retrospective “greatest albums” lists, with critics and audiophiles applauding the album’s high production standards.

Aja is not only a musical landmark, but also a cultural phenomenon. The album has influenced many artists across genres, such as hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock, and jazz. Several hip-hop artists have sampled tracks from album such as MF DOOM, De La Soul, as well as Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz, who famously sampled the opening track “Black Cow” for their 1997 hit “Deja Vu (Uptown Baby)”. The album has also been featured in various media, such as movies, TV shows, books, and podcasts. For example, the title track was used in an episode of The Simpsons , where Homer listens to it while driving. The album was also the subject of an episode of the documentary series Classic Albums , where Donald Fagen and Walter Becker discuss the making of Aja with various musicians and producers.

Aja is an album that deserves to be listened to from start to finish, as it takes the listener on a musical journey that is both captivating and rewarding. It is an album that showcases Steely Dan’s artistic vision, musical talent, and creative genius. It is an album that transcends genres and generations, and remains relevant and influential to this day. Aja is not just an album; it is a masterpiece.