Reelin' In The Years

Groove to Steely Dan's 1972 classic "Reelin' In The Years." Famed for its stunning guitar solos by Elliott Randall and smooth jazz-rock sensibilities, this track from the Can't Buy a Thrill album became a defining hit. Its intricate musicianship and catchy melody make it an enduring favorite.

Released on Steely Dan's 1972 debut album Can't Buy a Thrill, "Reelin' In The Years" exemplified the band's signature fusion of rock accessibility with complex jazz voicings and sophisticated arrangements. Featuring Donald Fagen's typically cryptic and sharp lyrics, the song's relatively upbeat tempo and memorable hooks contributed significantly to the album's success. This jazz-rock standard highlighted Steely Dan's unique musical approach right from the start of their career.

Emerging from Steely Dan's 1972 album, "Reelin' In The Years" owes much of its legendary status to the breathtaking guitar solos contributed by session guitarist Elliott Randall. Often hailed as among the greatest rock guitar solos ever recorded, Randall's fluid and fiery playing elevated the track immensely. This, combined with the song's inherent catchiness, drove its chart success in 1973 and cemented its place in the jazz-rock and classic rock pantheon.

SONG MEANING: "Reelin' In The Years" seems to reflect on a past time or relationship with a degree of cynicism and perhaps dismissal. The narrator addresses someone from their past, recalling shared moments ("All the times we cried") but potentially challenging the other person's perspective or self-importance ("You've been telling me you're a genius since you were seventeen"). The phrase "reeling in the years" suggests recalling memories, but the tone implies questioning their significance.