Year of the Cat

Year of the Cat is a well-crafted piece of pop-folk. After the early part of his career, which was marked by baroque folk with historical influences, Al Stewart “sells out” and gives us Year of the Cat. At first, it recalls Cat Stevens, but with a deeper touch, drawing on elements of more progressive pop and rock in general.

The title track, Year of the Cat, is widely regarded as the standout song here, though for me Midas Shadow, Broadway Hotel, and Lord Grenville rank very highly, sometimes even above Year of the Cat. Still, it’s hard to compete with that sophisticated instrumental section and overall pop edge that made it a popular song.

Although the album was a major commercial success, Stewart’s output gradually diminished, and he was never able to replicate what he achieved with this record. For me, it remains a very dear piece of music, even if today it probably has only minimal influence on the broader musical landscape.

Stellar album. Produced by Alan Parsons. Sounds like The Beatles/Crosby Stills Nash & Young/America. Really solid British pop/folk rock from the 70's.

Favourite songs: Sand in Your Shoes, Lord Grenville, Year of the Cat, If It Doesn't Come Naturally Leave It, On the Border, Midas Shadow, Flying Sorcery, Broadway Hotel, Belsize Blues

Least favourite songs: Song on the Radio

5/5

Oozes nostalgia, even though I myself don’t actually have much history with this guy’s music

I really dug this for some reason. I think I've heard it a bunch before as it was an album my Dad had. It was good to revisit.

Some really interesting tunes

Good but a little too slight and nice.

man whatever the hell that was.

Shockingly pleasant and perfectly epic in its execution and production. Just a couple more tracks like the opener to replace the less exciting stuff and this could truly be an all time great, but it's still very good and explains why I see it in every record store in America.

Sounds even older than it is; catchy songs, well sung; the wee "story of the songs" interview at the end (of the remaster) was cool, even if he sounded like an old school transatlantic 'Smashie & Nicey' style radio DJ; contains possibly the only song about an Elizabethan privateer

Good 70’s album, worth a listen, but not sure I’d rate it higher than the other classics from the era.