Ann Wilson describes the “groundbreaking” work of Steely Dan
During their many years of hard work, Heart’s Nancy and Ann Wilson dedicated themselves to building their vision and constantly pushing for new levels of excellence. Along the way, they drew inspiration from the artists who first made them want to take the stage in the first place, including The Beatles, Jeff Beck, Elton John, and more. However, one group stood out to them above all others: Steely Dan.
To the Wilson sisters, Steely Dan was “like no other band”. With roots deeply embedded in jazz, Steely Dan crafted a sound that was as advanced as it was distinctive. Their music took listeners on journeys that seemed obvious on the surface but were innovative and forward-thinking from a musical perspective. Rather than relying on familiar melodies and guitar licks, they pushed boundaries by incorporating a diverse array of musical influences, resulting in a sound that was both groundbreaking and unmistakably their own.
In their early years, Steely Dan was one of the most enigmatic groups in the music scene. Not only did they pepper the contemporary musical landscape with timeless masterpieces, but they also rarely toured or gave interviews, adding an air of mystery that intrigued fans. Their music was accessible, drawing listeners in, yet it was laced with inside jokes and layered complexities that demonstrated a unique confidence. This approach especially resonated with those who appreciated dissecting music beyond the surface level, creating a dedicated following that relished the challenge of uncovering the nuances in their work.
The breakout hit from their first album, ‘Do It Again’, played into all of these tropes, with its immediately captivating rhythm and innovative arrangements, alongside seemingly convoluted lyrics that make little sense unless you apply some unconventional critical thinking. Overall, it prioritises mood over literal cognition, resulting in a shockingly unusual sound. When asked to explain their sound, they would later describe it as “smart rock”.
However, ‘Do It Again’ didn’t just yield instantaneous interest; it quickly became a cultural staple, having featured in a handful of some of the most culturally significant shows and films of all time, including The Dead Zone, All Good Things, Invincible, Laurel Canyon, and more. When discussing this song during an episode of The Celebrity Playlist Podcast, Wilson included it in a list exploring the “things that inspire, taught us how to play and sing, and songs that were turning points, that made us cry and laugh.”
Expanding on the gravity of their timeless appeal, she said: “These guys took jazz and stood it in its ear and made their own sound out of jazz and rock, and East Coast that took sarcasm and a wink and a sneer and made it really accessible. I still don’t know how they did that.”
Later in the conversation, recalling her first exposure to their music, Wilson said she heard ‘Do It Again’ and “had to buy the single and put it in an envelope to a friend of mine in Germany because it was so groundbreaking”.
Revisiting this song as if for the first time is difficult to imagine, but when you allow your mind the space to roam freely, the reasons for its impact become clear. ‘Do It Again’ sounds like nothing that came before it, with its dynamic structure and hypnotic sitar riff setting it apart as a genre-defying masterpiece. Many era-defining artists have covered the song in the years since, but few, if any, have managed to replicate its unparalleled magnetism.
