1972 Rock Classic, With Iconic One-Take Guitar Solo, Never Hit No. 1
Fifty-four years ago, the rock band Steely Dan produced "Reelin' In the Years"-a track that, despite featuring an era-defining guitar solo, would never top the Billboard Hot 100.
Originally released in November 1972 on their debut studio album, Can't Buy a Thrill, the song was rereleased as a single in March 1973. The track's immediate popularity allowed it to climb the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at No. 11. The rock staple spent 16 consecutive weeks on the chart-an impressive feat for a debut project, even if it never captured the top spot.
While the band has surprisingly never secured a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, their early singles such as "Do It Again" and "Dirty Work" heavily aided their mainstream breakthrough. Those popular tracks ultimately launched their parent album into massive commercial success. In 1973, Can't Buy a Thrill was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), affirming their ability to move audiences without relying on a No. 1 single.
Produced by Gary Katz through the ABC Records label, "Reelin' In the Years" was notable for its infectious, high-energy sound. The track was a masterclass in studio production, blending complex jazz-rock instrumentation and pristine vocal harmonies to create a bright soundscape that expertly juxtaposed its cynical lyrics. However, what truly elevated the song to legendary status was its soaring lead guitar solo.
During production, lead vocalist Donald Fagen and guitarist Walter Becker could not quite nail down the right feel for the solo. Knowing the track needed more spunk, the pair called in session guitarist Elliott Randall, who had previously collaborated with Jay and the Americans. After reading through the lyrics, Randall played an improvised solo so brilliant it shocked the studio engineers.
Randall's performance was tracked with the band in a legendary, near-instantaneous recording session that went directly into the final cut. Despite being entirely improvised, the "Reelin' In the Years" solo is frequently cited by industry professionals as one of the greatest guitar solos ever recorded. Even Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin's iconic guitarist, has openly stated that it is his favorite guitar solo of all time.
Even after over five decades, Steely Dan's breakthrough hit continues to resonate with listeners in the digital era. On Spotify alone, the track has accumulated over 393 million streams, serving as a testament that even if a song never reaches No 1., it can still leave a permanent mark on music history.
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This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 1:32 PM.