Past, Present and Future
Al Stewart · 1973
42 min · 8 tracks · pop music
A tapestry of folk-infused pop, weaving historical narratives with evocative melodies and intricate storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Roads to Moscow — This track stands out due to its compelling narrative that draws parallels between historical events and contemporary issues, showcasing Stewart's storytelling prowess.
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Old Admirals Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its reflective lyrics about aging and legacy, encapsulating the album’s overarching themes.
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Nostradamus — This lengthy piece delves into prophecy and fate, illustrating Stewart's ability to blend historical references with poetic lyricism in an engaging manner.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intricate storytelling and distinctive melodies create a strong identity within its genre.
What we noticed
- The album features a narrative structure, with each track telling a distinct story that often references historical events.
- Melodies are predominantly driven by acoustic guitar and piano, creating a folk-infused pop sound throughout.
- Several tracks, such as 'Roads to Moscow', employ complex chord progressions that enhance the lyrical themes.
- The pacing varies significantly; for instance, 'Soho (Needless to Say)' has a more upbeat tempo compared to the reflective tone of 'Nostradamus'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- historical storytelling with depth
- wave-like pacing rewards patience
- reflective moments for quiet thinking
- dynamic journey through time
- melodic explorations of personal history
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Stewart's reputation with critical acclaim and notable tracks.
- Themes
- historical narratives· Cold War reflections· aging and legacy
- Career context
- Released in 1973, Past, Present and Future is Al Stewart's fourth studio album, following the successful year of 1970's Love Chronicles. By this point in his career, Stewart had begun to establish himself as a distinctive voice within the British folk-pop scene, blending literary influences with personal narrative. This album marked a significant step in his artistic evolution, showcasing his knack for storytelling through song.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Cat Stevens· James Taylor· Paul Simon
Tracklist
- 1 Old Admirals Start here 5:57
- 2 Warren Harding 2:41
- 3 Soho (Needless to Say) 3:56
- 4 The Last Day of June 1934 4:47
- 5 Post World War Two Blues 4:18
- 6 Roads to Moscow 8:02
- 7 Terminal Eyes 3:24
- 8 Nostradamus 9:44
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Pink Moon
Nick Drake
Shares intricate storytelling and introspective themes with a folk-infused sound.
Songs of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Combines poetic lyricism and personal narratives, exploring themes of love and legacy.
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
Features rich storytelling and character-driven songs, reflecting on identity and the passage of time.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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