Jethro Tull are one of progressive rock’s most distinctive and eccentric bands — Ian Anderson’s flute, theatrical flair and a unique blend of folk, blues, classical and hard rock. Here is our fellow fan’s ranking of their finest songs.

The short version

If you only hear a few, make them “Aqualung”, “Thick as a Brick”, “Locomotive Breath” and “Songs from the Wood” — the iconic riff, the satirical epic, the thunderous closer and their folk-prog peak. The full ranking is below.

The flute-playing minstrels

Formed in 1967, Jethro Tull are like no other band in rock — and that is almost entirely down to Ian Anderson, the flute-wielding, one-legged frontman who fused hard rock with English folk, classical and jazz into something utterly his own. From the blues of their debut they evolved fast: the iconoclastic Aqualung (1971), the satirical album-length epic Thick as a Brick (1972), and the gorgeous folk-prog of Songs from the Wood (1977). Eccentric, eclectic and frequently brilliant, they have sold some sixty million albums. These fifteen songs are our pick of the very best.

How we ranked them

This is one fan’s order, weighing songwriting, ambition, musicianship and lasting impact across their whole career. The facts are accurate; the order is a starting point for the debate.

The essential six

At the top sits “Aqualung” (1971), built on one of the most recognisable riffs in all of rock and Martin Barre’s searing solo, alongside “Thick as a Brick” (1972), the twenty-two-minute satirical epic many call their masterpiece. With them stand “Locomotive Breath” (1971), their thunderous, ever-present set-closer; “Bourée” (1969), a wonderfully cool jazz-rock take on Bach; “Songs from the Wood” (1977), the balletic peak of their folk-prog years; and “Cross-Eyed Mary” (1971), another Aqualung classic.

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Reliably great

The next tier is essential too. “My God” (1971) is Anderson’s fierce broadside against organised religion; “Heavy Horses” (1978) is a soaring ode to working farm horses; “Skating Away on the Thin Ice of the New Day” (1974) is one of his most charming songs; “Minstrel in the Gallery” (1975) shows the band at their proggy best; and “A Passion Play” (1973) is the divisive but enduring album-length suite for the truly committed.

Deeper cuts

For the dedicated, these reward repeat listens. “A New Day Yesterday” (1969) is a bluesy stomp that introduced Martin Barre; “Bungle in the Jungle” (1974) is a witty, hook-filled single; “Jack-in-the-Green” (1977) is a delicate folk gem; and “Broadsword” (1982) is a stirring, sea-faring highlight of their early-1980s work.

Every song at a glance

All fifteen songs, in chronological order — each linked to the album it comes from, so you can hear it in context.

Where to start

Begin with “Aqualung” — that riff is the perfect introduction. From there, “Locomotive Breath” and “Bourée” show their range, before the whole of “Thick as a Brick” rewards a patient, immersive listen.

The players

Jethro Tull have always been Ian Anderson’s band — the flute-playing frontman, principal composer and one constant through countless line-ups. His most important foil was guitarist Martin Barre, who joined for Stand Up in 1969 and stayed for over four decades, his electric guitar as central to the Tull sound as Anderson’s flute. Around them the line-up revolved continually. The band split in 2011, and Anderson later revived the Tull name for new albums; sadly, several former members have since passed, including original bassist Glenn Cornick.

Why they still matter

No band sounds anything like Jethro Tull. By making the flute a lead rock instrument and fusing hard rock with English folk, classical and jazz, Ian Anderson created one of progressive rock’s most singular voices. Their influence runs through British folk-prog like The Strawbs and Renaissance and the wider genre of Gentle Giant and Genesis — and even their much-debated 1989 Grammy can’t dent a catalogue this rich and strange.

Go deeper

Keep exploring: rank their records with our guide to the best Jethro Tull albums, find an entry point with where to start with Jethro Tull, or dig into the underrated Jethro Tull albums. You can also place them in the bigger picture with the best progressive rock songs of all time.

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