Benefit is the third studio album by British rock band Jethro Tull, released in April 1970. The album marked a departure from the blues influences found in the band's prior work, as they experimented with hard rock and folk fusion styles. The lyrics range from addressing intellectual and societal concerns to personal tales of love and relationships. The album was the first Tull disc to include pianist and organist John Evan–though not yet a permanent member of the group, he would play a significant role in the band's music, influencing the development of arrangements and adding a new dimension to their sound.
Commercially and critically, Benefit was successful. It peaked at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart and number 11 on the US Billboard 200, further establishing Jethro Tull's rising popularity. Despite the consummate mix of hard rock, folk and prog elements, Benefit is mostly remembered for its hit single "Teacher." However, the album was essentially a transitional phase that hinted at the increased complexity of Jethro Tull's later albums, foreshadowing their progression into progressive rock with the concept album Aqualung in 1971.
Benefit's rich musical diversity and the distinct flute-driven sound are emblematic of Jethro Tull's style, establishing Benefit as an important classic from the band's productive early period.
