Lord Grenville/On The Border/Midas Shadow/Sand In Your Shoes/If It Doesn't Come Naturally Leave It/Flying Sorcery/Broadway Hotel/One Stage Before/Year Of The Cat
After many years on the fringe of commercial success Scottish singer songwriter Al Stewart finally made his big breakthrough with Year Of The Cat, helped by the US No. 8 placing of the title track. (US:5 UK:38)
“The songwriting is exquisite. Not only does he know how to write ear grabbing melodies, he is also able to meld the words into the song to create a vivid picture of the world around him.”
“This is one of the best singer/songwriter albums of the era. Super atmospheric production with ultra literate and melodic songs that contribute to a timeless album. Though Al Stewart had been around since the 1960s, this was his commercial breakthrough and every song is a wonder.”
“Al's most popular album, mainly due to the classic title track but the album also just happens to be his best due to the nice relaxed vibe and dreamy songs like Broadway Hotel and Lord Grenville. I'm generally not a singer/songwriter fan but Al is an exception, partly because though he's poetic, he doesn't seem to take himself too seriously.”
“The title track is amazing, beautiful strings and alluring storytelling. The rest is pleasant and enjoyable enough but I never really feel engaged emotionally by Stewarts writing. His rather effete vocal style never gripped me either.”
“Scottish folkie Al Stewart broke big with Year Of The Cat, the album seeing him paired with ace producer Alan Parsons and packaged in a classy Hipgnosis sleeve. While Stewart's songs are the centrepiece of the album, their sonic environs at the hands of Parsons, and the deft accompaniment of the assembled musicians shape the songs in the same way a cinematographer does a film. Each track is finely detailed with instruments impeccably staged, while Stewart's songs are fittingly richly visual tales.”
“The music was flawless on all levels, which just may have been its downfall. As in all art, there needs to be an edge, something to draw your attention and hold it. There were no edges here, and time has weathered the corners even more smooth, allowing the songs to float through my head like a half acknowledged warm breeze.”
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