Al Stewart’s Poetic Brilliance in “Year of the Cat”

“Year of the Cat” is a song by Scottish singer-songwriter Al Stewart, released in 1976 on his album of the same name. The song was co-written by Al Stewart and Peter Wood.

“Year of the Cat” is known for its sophisticated lyrics and intricate musical arrangement. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a romantic encounter in an exotic setting, with references to places like Casablanca and the moonlit streets of an ancient city. The chorus, with the lines “On a morning from a Bogart movie / In a country where they turn back time,” became iconic and contributed to the song’s mysterious and cinematic atmosphere.

Musically, “Year of the Cat” features a lush and jazzy arrangement, including saxophone and keyboard solos. The song’s smooth melody and sophisticated instrumentation created a rich and atmospheric sound.

“Year of the Cat” became one of Al Stewart’s most popular and enduring songs. It received critical acclaim and became a chart-topping hit in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Its poetic lyrics and evocative music have made it a classic in the soft rock genre, celebrated for its storytelling and musical craftsmanship.