Year of the Cat • Al Stewart

Year of the Cat. This is such a great record! It’s unusual to have a 6 1/2 minute song on the radio, and for it to keep your attention. But with more than one guitar solo, and more than one saxophone solo, you really get your money’s worth with this one. The lyrics are so interesting (I happen to love songs that tell a story), and the production is high caliber. 

Al Stewart, a British singer-songwriter, recorded this record at Abbey Road Studios in London. It was released in the U.S. in early 1977, and made it to #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. See below for other songs on the chart that week along with this one. Stewart had another song go all the way to #3 the next year in 1978, Time Passages. However as time has passed, and classic rock playlists persist, Al Stewart is clearly most remembered as the guy who did Year of the Cat. And what a great song to be known for. 

Have a listen for yourself. You’ll want to listen to it again and again. 

To check out the song, click on the links below and see if you agree that you get your money’s worth (money back guarantee). 

• (Also, just for fun), I’ve included below a video version of the other big hit by Al Stewart from 1978, called “Time Passages.” 

Check out this video for “Year of the Cat:” 

Here’s the video for “Time Passages,” from a live concert performance: 

Here is “Year of the Cat” on Spotify: 

Here is a playlist from March 12, 1977, the week that “Year of the Cat” peaked at #8: