Steely Dan
Steely Dan lives in the middle ground — 20 moderate songs that balance intensity with control.
Across the 20 Steely Dan songs we've measured, intensity averages 43/100 — right around the catalog average (46/100).
They run from Dirty Work (the calmest here, 39) to Reelin in the Years (the most charged, 53), with layered textures most common and a mix of the expected and the surprising. It spans 1972–1980.
The widest dynamic swing belongs to Reelin in the Years.
The controlled burn
Frequently asked about Steely Dan
Answered from our measurements of every song above.
What is the most intense Steely Dan song?
Of the 20 Steely Dan songs we've measured, “Reelin in the Years” scores highest at 53/100 for intensity — computed from its dynamic range, texture, sudden changes and tempo.
What is the calmest Steely Dan song?
“Dirty Work” measures gentlest at 39/100. It runs 100 BPM. The songs here span 39–53 on our 0–100 intensity scale.
How intense is Steely Dan overall?
Steely Dan averages 43/100 intensity across 20 measured songs — right at our 46/100 catalog average.
What is the average tempo of Steely Dan?
The Steely Dan songs we've measured average about 105 BPM — midtempo.
The Wall — Fan Stories
Share your storyNo stories yet.
Click any song and share what it means to you. Be the first voice on this wall.
Add your story to the wall
Looking for artists with a similar feel?
See Artists Like Steely Dan →Know a Steely Dan song we haven't decoded?
Analyze a SongDon't see your favorite artist?
Request an ArtistMusic I Want earns a small commission on eBay purchases through these links. Nothing changes for you; the page costs no more than visiting eBay directly. We only link to categories that fit the page you are reading.