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Aja deserves one last breath (original liner notes):
As to Aja, Steely's latest offering, what are we to hear? More of that same musical excellence, of course. That heart has not been dormant since their last album, The Royal Scam, but has been developing and probing towards its own goal. As I write this, I am listening to a tape of the latest album. Myself? - I hear those melodies which are true melodies - that cling to you. I hear those lyrics, which often say or describe their personal experiences but clearly have a message we can relate to in our own way. That voicing, although totally flexible and creative, is kept ultra-clean to enable us to understand their message. You'll recognize the musicianship - all of it - the tempo, punctuation, the marvelous blend of horns, voices, rhythm, and guitar moving in tight coordination. The result is a controlled, vibrant energy which Steely Dan emits without ever getting too, too heavy. As before, and perhaps more so now, you'll feel each song is a unique musical venture, not like the one before nor the one to follow. Yet, it all fits in very, very well. It's all tied together, to what I call the heart of Steely Dan - Walter Becker, Donald Fagen and their producer, Gary Katz.
Steve Diener, President, ABC Records
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from the reissue copy (1999):
As for the Aja album proper, so much has already been written about this '70s blockbuster as to put it in imminent danger of becoming somewhat overrated...
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