Aqualung (album)

Aqualung is the fourth studio album by the British rock band Jethro Tull, released on 19 March 1971 by Chrysalis Records.

Blending progressive rock, folk and hard rock, the album expands on the eclectic musical approaches explored on the band's previous albums by featuring riff-heavy rock songs alongside acoustic, singer-songwriter material placing greater emphasis on lead vocalist and primary songwriter Ian Anderson. Lyrically, the album addresses themes of religion and spirituality, alongside social issues such as homelessness and prostitution. Its prominent critique of organized religion led some critics to describe Aqualung as a concept album, a characterization the band has consistently denied.

Recorded at Island Records' new recording studio in Basing Street, London, Aqualung was Jethro Tull's first album with keyboardist John Evan as a full-time member, their first with new bassist Jeffrey Hammond and last featuring Clive Bunker on drums, who left the band shortly after the release of the album. The recording process was hindered by technical difficulties associated with the new studio, with Anderson expressing doubts about the album, viewing it as a make-or-break moment for the band.

Aqualung was a major commercial success, becoming Jethro Tull's best-selling album with sales exceeding seven million copies worldwide and marking the band's emergence as a regular presence on FM radio and major arena act. Initial critical reception was mostly positive, with the album since receiving widespread retrospective acclaim for its musical experimentation and engagement with philosophical and social themes. It produced two successful singles, "Hymn 43" and "Locomotive Breath," the latter of which remains one of the band's most iconic songs. The album's title track has also become one of the band's best-known songs, due in part to its distinctive lead guitar riff played by Martin Barre. Aqualung has frequently appeared on best-of album lists and has been cited as an influence by numerous artists within rock and progressive music.