I actually agree now about Can't Buy A Thrill being easily the band's worst album. To everything else they did, I find it by comparison practically unlistenable. The songs in general are considerably weaker than the band's output-to-be, and the uncharacteristic severe sweetness of the ballads (with David Palmer's vocals) is a bad touch.
What is interesting is that, on its own, the album is rather commendable, impressive even. But once you really come to know Steely Dan for the type of music they came to make, you can't really revert to Can't Buy A Thrill and feel satiated. It almost feels like you're listening to a different band.
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