Gaucho  by Steely Dan

Steely Dan cross the threshold of the 1980s with Gaucho, their seventh album. The sound of the album is noticeably different from their earlier works. It is evident that jazz rock has receded and pop or rather a particular type called yacht rock, which had just emerged on the West Coast of the United States, has come to the forefront. Gary Katz continues to be the producer who takes care of yet another Steely Dan album.

Another issue that now made its presence felt and created problems between Donald Fagen and Walter Becker was the latter's substance use during that period. And as if that weren't enough, Becker had an accident as he was returning home, and a passing car hit him, leaving him in the hospital for six months. Fagen continued to record Gaucho and was in almost daily telephone contact with his partner for the needs of the recording.

Gaucho also became another success for Steely Dan, with its sales now exceeding 1,000,000 copies. After this album, the two partners went their separate ways and it would take many years for them to reunite artistically once again.