"Gold" is a compilation album released by Steely Dan in 1982. It includes familiar songs from their first six albums, along with non-album tracks. An expanded version released in 1994 features 14 tracks, adding two songs from their 1980 album "Gaucho" and their 1981 song "Here at the Western World", which was previously unissued on an album.
Steely Dan, consisting of core members Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, was known for their carefully crafted songs, intricate arrangements, and blend of rock, jazz, and R&B. They were successful in the 1970s before breaking up in 1981, making "Gold" a retrospective look at their career to that point.
Two tracks on the initial release of "Gold" that were not on any previous Steely Dan albums include, 'Here at the Western World', originally recorded during sessions for 'The Royal Scam' and 'FM', from the movie soundtrack of the same name.
Despite being a compilation album, "Gold" achieved significant commercial success. The album was also certified Gold by the RIAA for sales of over 500,000 copies in the United States. Steely Dan's intricate and diverse musical style combined with their cynical, and often cryptic lyrics, have earned them both critical and commercial success.
