“Benefit” captures Jethro Tull at a midpoint between their debut as a blues-rock based group and their eventual status as a leader of the progressive movement.

As such, it contains elements from both styles, with an emphasis on well-constructed guitar-based compositions. It was the group’s third album, and also the record that helped to establish a firm reputation for the band in America. Their second album, “Stand Up,” reached #1 in the UK, thus providing the impetus to tour America, where they were received warmly. This established the base audience for “Benefit,” which became their best-selling album to date in the US.

Although the subject matter is often dark, the music propels the songs with a driving edge that fit in quite well with the guitar-driven sounds of the era. “Benefit” benefits from some of Anderson’s most succinct songs yet, featuring a healthy dose of memorable riffs that help to keep the album somewhat ageless.

Featured tracks include;

With You There to Help Me

Nothing to Say

Inside

Son

For Michael Collins, Jeffrey and Me 

To Cry You a Song

A Time For Everything

Teacher

Play in Time

Sossity, You’re a Woman

Alive and Well and Living In

April 1970 -  Billboard Charted #11