Jethro Tull Unveil “Curious Ruminant,” Their 24th Musical Chapter

Jethro Tull have gifted the world their 24th studio album, Curious Ruminant, a collection of nine tracks that range from a brisk two-and-a-half minutes to an expansive near-17-minute journey. Teasing the release, the band promised lyrics that dig deep into personal terrain, steering clear of the well-trodden tales of mainstream music. This record also marks a milestone as the first crafted with their new guitarist, Jack Clark, who joined the fold in 2024.

For years, Jethro Tull fans weathered a drought of new material. Their 2022 album, The Zealot Gene, broke a nearly two-decade silence, and now it seems the band has found a fresh burst of vigor. Hot on the heels of 2023’s RökFlöte, Curious Ruminant arrives less than two years later, signaling a prolific streak.

Early reviews are singing the album’s praises. The Progressive Aspect hails Curious Ruminant as a “stunning record,” shimmering with “consistent brilliance” from start to finish. Ultimate Classic Rock goes further, dubbing it the band’s “most satisfying effort since the 1980s” and nodding to its commendable lyrics. According to ProgReport, among Jethro Tull’s recent trio of releases, this one might just be “the strongest.” Classic Rock salutes 77-year-old frontman Ian Anderson for hitting a “late creative peak,” describing the album as both “inspired and piercing.” Meanwhile, The Arts Desk paints it as a “string of spirited prog-rock anthems.” Fans echo the enthusiasm, with some likening the listening experience to stepping into a medieval tavern.