review by thomas

Often described as a low-key, soft and gentle album and in some ways that's true. But included here are also some "tempo furioso" songs like the opener "With You There to Help Me" with an amazing bridge and finish and the flute-pie that's "Play In Time". Speaking of the flute: it's kind of absent on this record. Many of the songs are acoustic or mellow in nature: "Sossity; You're a Woman", "For Michael Collins, Jeffrey and Me", "Inside", "Alive and Well and Livin' In" and "A Time for Everything".

"Son" is a guitar driven song that works really well and "To Cry You a Song" is maybe the most progressive here, pointing to things to come on the "Aqualung" album. John Evans is included here as a guest on keyboards; he became a full member after this album. "Benefit" proved to be bassist Glen Cornick's last album with Tull.

"Benefit" is among the best Tull albums, although it places itself some distance behind the absolutely best Tull records. Essential for Tull fans and a treat for music lovers in general.