Is Year of the Cat a good place to start with Al Stewart?

Yes, Year of the Cat is recommended as a starting point for new Al Stewart listeners. A seamless blend of folk-rock storytelling and lush arrangements that transports listeners through time and place. Released in July 1976, Year of the Cat marked Al Stewart's fifth studio album and his commercial breakthrough, following the success of his previous album, Modern Times. The record helped solidify Stewart’s presence in the music scene, showcasing his distinctive narrative style and sophisticated songwriting.

Who is Year of the Cat for?

Year of the Cat works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and atmospheric background focus.

How many songs are on Year of the Cat?

Year of the Cat has 9 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

Year of the Cat

Al Stewart · 1976

38 min · 9 tracks · pop music

A seamless blend of folk-rock storytelling and lush arrangements that transports listeners through time and place.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lord Grenville Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Year of the Cat — This title track encapsulates the album's essence with its intricate narrative and melodic structure, blending jazz influences with pop sensibilities.
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On the Border — With its catchy chorus and vivid imagery, this track explores themes of conflict and change, reflecting Stewart's lyrical prowess.
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Broadway Hotel — This song stands out for its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, painting a vivid picture of longing and nostalgia.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's storytelling and lush arrangements create a distinctive sound, though it has some conventional elements.

What we noticed

Each song typically follows a narrative structure, with lyrics that tell stories set in various historical or fantastical contexts.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
atmospheric background focus
contemplative late-night vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Al Stewart's reputation and commercial success in the music industry.
Themes: nostalgic storytelling· Broadway Hotel longing· conflict and change
Career context: Released in July 1976, Year of the Cat marked Al Stewart's fifth studio album and his commercial breakthrough, following the success of his previous album, Modern Times. The record helped solidify Stewart’s presence in the music scene, showcasing his distinctive narrative style and sophisticated songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors: Cat Stevens· James Taylor· Paul Simon

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Year of the Cat

The moment shifts from detailed observational storytelling to an intense personal reflection as the narrator confronts their emotions.

This transition enhances the emotional gravity of the song, making it not just a narrative but also a deep personal exploration.