Al Stewart – Year Of The Cat LP

Al Stewart – Year Of The Cat LP

Vinyl LP • 9 Tracks • Original Album 1976 • Soft Rock / Folk Rock / Progressive Pop / Singer-Songwriter

Available at Bennies Fifties and the online Fifties Store

Year Of The Cat is the seventh studio album by Scottish singer-songwriter Al Stewart and remains one of the most beautiful and beloved albums of the 1970s. Originally released in 1976, the record became an international classic thanks to its distinctive combination of soft rock, folk rock, progressive pop and sophisticated singer-songwriter music.

With its warm production, atmospheric arrangements, intelligent lyrics and beautiful melodies, Year Of The Cat represents one of the finest achievements of Al Stewart's career.

The album features the world-famous title track Year Of The Cat, one of the most recognisable soft rock classics of all time, alongside the beloved On The Border and outstanding album tracks such as Lord Grenville, Midas Shadow and One Stage Before.

This vinyl LP contains the nine original album tracks and offers a wonderful listening experience for fans of melodic 1970s rock music.

A masterpiece from the 1970s

Al Stewart was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1945 and developed into one of Britain's most distinctive singer-songwriters during the 1960s.

His music stood out for its storytelling lyrics, combining history, romance, literature and personal experiences in a uniquely engaging way.

While many singer-songwriters focused primarily on autobiographical subjects, Stewart frequently explored historical events, fascinating characters and mysterious situations.

With albums such as Past, Present And Future and Modern Times, he built a loyal following, but Year Of The Cat introduced his music to a much wider international audience.

An important contribution to the album's success came from producer Alan Parsons, who had previously worked on recordings by The Beatles and Pink Floyd and would later become famous through The Alan Parsons Project.

Parsons gave Year Of The Cat an exceptionally clear, warm and detailed sound, beautifully balancing acoustic guitars, piano, electric guitar, strings and saxophone.

The result is an album that sounds both musically sophisticated and remarkably accessible, retaining its charm decades after its original release.

Featuring the classic On The Border

The album opens with Lord Grenville, an atmospheric composition that demonstrates Al Stewart's fascination with history and narrative songwriting. Combining acoustic guitars with rich arrangements, it provides an impressive introduction to the record.

On The Border is one of the album's best-known songs. Its distinctive Spanish-influenced guitar playing, mysterious atmosphere and captivating melody give it a particularly international character.

The song became a successful single and remains one of Al Stewart's most beloved recordings.

Midas Shadow reveals the artist's more melodic and accessible side. Its warm instrumentation and sophisticated arrangement perfectly complement the relaxed atmosphere of the album.

Sand In Your Shoes introduces a lighter, more rhythmic mood, placing Stewart's distinctive vocals and storytelling style at the centre of the music.

If It Doesn't Come Naturally, Leave It is one of the album's most dynamic compositions. Combining powerful guitar playing with flowing arrangements, the track reveals the influence of progressive rock.

The unforgettable title track

The second side opens with Flying Sorcery, a beautiful song that once again demonstrates Stewart's gift for historical and romantic storytelling. Its melodic instrumentation and warm atmosphere make it a favourite among fans.

Broadway Hotel introduces a more restrained and melancholy mood, featuring subtle arrangements and a strong emphasis on lyrical storytelling.

One Stage Before develops gradually, demonstrating Stewart's natural ability to combine folk rock and progressive pop.

The album closes with the magnificent Year Of The Cat.

Running for almost seven minutes, this composition is undoubtedly one of the finest moments in soft rock history. Beginning with an instantly recognisable piano melody, the song gradually develops into a richly arranged musical journey.

The combination of acoustic guitars, flowing electric guitar, elegant strings and the famous saxophone solo gives the recording its timeless appeal.

Its mysterious lyrics, cinematic imagery and romantic atmosphere make the composition even more memorable.

Year Of The Cat became a major international hit and remains Al Stewart's signature song.

A timeless soft rock classic on vinyl

Year Of The Cat is an album where every musical element comes together beautifully: excellent songwriting, intelligent lyrics, refined instrumentation and exceptionally warm production.

The record is frequently celebrated as one of the finest examples of melodic 1970s soft rock and remains especially popular among collectors of classic rock albums.

For fans of Al Stewart, The Alan Parsons Project, Gerry Rafferty, Supertramp, America, 10cc, Fleetwood Mac and classic singer-songwriter music, this LP is highly recommended.

Its combination of acoustic instruments, subtle electric guitars, piano and saxophone also makes it particularly enjoyable on vinyl.

Year Of The Cat is an essential addition to any collection of classic rock, soft rock, folk rock and 1970s music.

Tracklist

Side A

Lord Grenville

On The Border

Midas Shadow

Sand In Your Shoes

If It Doesn't Come Naturally, Leave It

Side B

Flying Sorcery

Broadway Hotel

One Stage Before

Year Of The Cat

Specifications

Artist: Al Stewart

Title: Year Of The Cat

Format: LP

Number of records: 1

Number of tracks: 9

Original album year: 1976

Original release date: 1976

Original labels: RCA Victor (UK) / Janus Records (US)

Genre: Soft Rock / Folk Rock / Progressive Pop / Singer-Songwriter / Classic Rock

Country of origin: United Kingdom

Vocals and guitar: Al Stewart

Production: Alan Parsons

Album type: Studio album

Position in discography: Seventh studio album

Notable songs: Year Of The Cat, On The Border, Lord Grenville, Midas Shadow and Flying Sorcery

Special features: Al Stewart's international breakthrough and one of the best-known soft rock albums of the 1970s

Highlights

The legendary seventh studio album by Al Stewart

Originally released in 1976

Includes the world-famous title track Year Of The Cat

Featuring the beloved classic On The Border

Also includes Lord Grenville and Midas Shadow

Contains the atmospheric Flying Sorcery

9 original album tracks on vinyl

Produced by the acclaimed Alan Parsons

A beautiful combination of soft rock, folk rock and progressive pop

Celebrated for its warm production and sophisticated instrumentation

Featuring the distinctive piano and saxophone arrangements of the title track

An essential album for fans of classic 1970s music