Never heard of the song Year of the Cat until today (Reaction!)

[@andydanko7074]

As far as I know it hasn't been ruined by turning it into a hip hop version yet😊

[@ChuckHackney]

@@andydanko7074 lol, but you are right...

[@rhondaserges5136]

Yes, "Year of the Cat" by Al Stewart was sampled in the 2020 single "In My Arms" by Purple Disco Machine.

[@janflewelling6277]

Al Stewart had such a unique sound. I love how the 70's had room for so many different artists who didn't all have to sound alike. It was a golden time to discover creative musicianship. Next up - Time Passages.

[@BrentTroutner]

From those who grew up with this stuff.....you're welcome!

[@Noelle0026]

One of the most beautiful songs. Best lyrics-She came running out of the sun with her silk dress running like a watercolor in the rain-such a great visual.

[@Coowallsky]

Actually, She comes out of the sun in a silk dress running Like a watercolor in the rain.

[@ClandOp]

Bro, you finally found Al Stewart! One of the best tracks of the '70s! Produced by Alan Parsons at Abbey Road! The live performance is well worth checking out -- the alto sax goes insane.

[@Acole0113]

Now check out some Alan Parsons tracks ❤️

[@andrejutras]

Now this is a CLASSIC with the sound of the steel and sax and his hauntingly beautiful voice! Brings memories of my young years.

[@ChuckHackney]

Three great hits in the US, Year of The Cat, Time Passages and On The Border. Cannot recommend these songs more. Each one melodious, haunting and great lyrics.

[@waitn4theharpazo]

I love Time Passages. So melancholy. I wish I could go back to a certain time in my life.

[@scifimonkey3]

Would also throw in ‘Life in Dark Water’, ‘Roads to Moscow’ and ‘Nostradamus’ which may not have been so radio friendly but are amazing tracks

[@albalass54]

I LOVE On The Border!!!

[@apparition13]

@@scifimonkey3 The whole "Past, Present, and Future" album is worth it.

[@ChuckHackney]

@albalass54 me, too!

[@gerib4234]

You hit the jackpot! This is one the best songs of the 70s. The classic of all classics ❤️

[@gkiferonhs]

It was fun to watch your joyful surprise at each of musical shifts within this song.

[@lugnut4848]

You just can't beat those old school production values!!!!!! 🤩😍

[@deborahwerbil1849]

Patchouly oil was the go to fragrance of the sixties. Covers weed smoke very well.🤣

[@CharCanuck14]

I still burn patchouli scented incense.....even though I no longer need to mask the smell here in Canada 😁

[@hungfao]

Arguably the perfect song.

[@LaurieHuntsinger]

I have not listened to this song in a few decades. Thanks for the reaction. Delightful to hear it again.

[@WMalven]

That wiki write up is a rather prosaic description of one of the most beautifully crafted songs ever written.

[@tjrivers]

You are in for a treat! One of my favorites! ❤ IMO, a masteriece…and that sax! ❤

[@bobduerwald9805]

Another song by Al Stewart is Modern Times. There are not too many that react to the song, yet it has a spectacular guitar solo at the end.

[@DavidBMaas]

"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress running like a watercolor in the rain" is one of the greatest poetic lines you'll find in any pop song.

[@smffeb58]

Al comes out of the English folk scene pre British Invasion. He found his “rock era” niche by incredible story telling songs, sprinkled with some actual history. Road To Moscow .. powerful, my favorite out of soooo many Stick with originals, and definitely do research prior to get the gist of the story being told. Enjoy this rabbit hole.

[@Starriddin]

He’s still performing and his voice has not changed at all. Great line, “she comes in from the sun, in a silk dress, running, like a watercolor in the rain”!!!

[@mikehackeson5092]

Al is one of the best story tellers writing music. He has about 18 albums of songs that he has penned and does many song telling stories right out of history. I fell in love with Year of the Cat in 1976, when I was 16, and have followed him fanatically since. So many wonderful songs.

[@antoneperry5352]

Thank you for doing the studio version and thanks for listening to Al Stewart!

[@ednielsen3331]

Great to see your reaction to this GREAT song. I've watched you react to several songs, and this one was the best. Thank You!

[@waitn4theharpazo]

I love, love LOVE this song. The piano intro is beautiful and the whole melody and arrangement is so haunting. And yes, his annunciation is impeccable. BTW patchouli is a fragrant oil.

[@TheJohnnywbred]

Al is an amateur historian who incorporates it into his music. He is so underrated.

[@pluckinmageetar]

I see my whole childhood flash before my eyes with that beautiful melody. One of the best pop/adult contemporary songs ever!

[@mkshffr4936]

Was on the radio constantly when I was in high school.

[@mikevandenboom5958]

Please don't ruin it by turning it into a Hip Hop song.

[@rhondaserges5136]

To late ..

[@aliciahager2961]

😂

[@hyacinth4368]

Oh no!! They didn't, did they? This song means a lot to me. Please don't ruin it! Still have the lp.

[@rhondaserges5136]

@hyacinth4368 😥 sadly yes. Google that.

[@Scottfur]

That’s what I said! :)

[@Alan-lv9rw]

Good 1970’s pop music. So much better than today’s music.

[@pamelawertz498]

In the 70's you had to be good because there were so many good artists. Thank the Beatles for that. They were already in the 70's in 1967. Everybody else had to catch up. In musicianship and production. That's one reason why there was so much good music in the 70's.

[@frankparrish7887]

10 or so years back I had the opportunity to see Al Stewart with Dave Nachmanoff on a small venue tour. Saw them in Evans, Ga. at an amphitheater of no more than 250-300 seats. It was an acoustic show, but one thing totally awesome was that the saxophone part in Year of the Cat was done by a local high school sax player. Kid nailed it and the small crowd went wild. Afterwards there was an open meet and greet with Al and Dave both. Two gracious gentlemen and superb musicians!

[@mikevandenboom5958]

I clicked on this video because you have a good personality and the song is great.

[@Free-flyBE]

Live performance on Old Grey Whistle Test is amazing!

[@rogerlack1008]

Masterpiece

[@Noelle0026]

Yes!

[@tonyfred123]

Time Passages by Al follows a similar formula. Great chord progression and unique lead arrangements. It will be played when I pass. It's that good. Carries me back to the 70s.

[@scottjswenson]

I had this on 8-track, played through my parents' Zenith hi-fi system that was purchased from Radio Shack. Actually, I had it twice on 8-track. Once on Al's release and again on a K-Tel compilation (anyone remember those?). Other gems on the K-tel was Kiss - Hard Luck Woman, Cliff Richard - Devil Woman, Donna Summer - McArthur Park, Gerry Raffity - Baker Street, Barry Mannilow - Copacabana, Sweet - Love is Like Oxygen, Little River Band - Reminiscing, Exile - Kiss You All Over, Nick Gilder - Hot Child in the City, Ambrosia - How Much I Feel, and Gino Vannelli - I Just Want to Stop. Thanks for bringing back some wonderful memories.

[@blueboy4244]

this record was in everyone's record stack.. everyone's ,,, this, cat stevens and carol king-Tapistry

[@paulweiss3818]

"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress running like a watercolor in the rain." Pure poetry set into timeless music.

[@tedd8055]

Love this song. It takes me back to when I completed my military service in 1976. Such a smooth voice and amazing piano. It was one of the first albums I ordered from BMG. Remember that subscription service?

[@snowbirdlady7221]

Love Al Stewart and his long time musical collaborator Peter White. Peter plays guitar, keyboards and has co-written many songs with Al and frequently tours with him still. I've been able to see Peter twice live and he is an amazing musician and composer. Check him out too. He plays smooth jazz when performing solo.

[@stevedaulton9655]

Realize the '60s and '70s are some of the best music recordings ever. One of the big reasons is the number of different instruments that they used in songs. They weren't afraid to take chances with instruments that were total game-changers in songs. This song was recorded in London and initially was without the sax but one of the bandmates said he thought that it would be a great addition and called a friend who played sax and he came down to the studio and laid that sax solo down which took this song to another level. In more modern songs they stick to guitar, drums, bass, keys, or digital beats - songs start all sounding the same and suitable as background music in elevators and airports but, you won't lay down on the sofa, turn off all the lights except the lava lamp and roll a fat one( I don't encourage drug abuse ll - talking about really opening the mind) then just listen for 2 hours and be totally transported to another level. Here is to the old-school songs that we got totally immersed in while listening used to those vinyl LPs. It is thrilling to watch you discover and enjoy these songs Sebs.

[@flash1660]

Allan Parsons who produced it told him it needed a sax

[@davidstick9207]

Look...at the time this came out...I listened to Ted Nugent, Aerosmith, Zeppelin, Grand Funk, Skynyrd. This was not my kind of music. Yet...every single fucking time it came on the radio...the volume went up. This song opened me to so many different musical paths...Robin Trower...Jeff Beck...Alan Parsons. I can't explain it. This song makes me smile. In the morning you're still with her...

[@charlesbracelen8031]

A couple of the best performances I ever saw, a couple years before this came out, and again on the tour supporting this album. Incredible songwriter, always with a great band.

[@laurakali6522]

Time Passages is another great one by him. He’s actually still touring and sounding good at almost 80. The singer songwriters of the 70s are the best. James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Dave Mason, Gordon Lightfoot, John Prine, Todd Rundgren and many more.

[@carefreescot]

There's a video somewhere where Al explains how he was inspired by the iconic film Casablanca and there are references to it - a Bogart movie, and strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre contemplating a crime. His song On The Border has references to both the Spanish Civil War and the troubles in Rhodesia, and is certainly worth listening to as he has a knack of transporting the listener to the scene, as he does here.

[@colleenmonfross4283]

Love Al Stewart! So unique at a time when there were MANY unique artists.

[@davidmckenzie420]

Loved this song, and got the album back in the day. Much underrated musician.

[@bdonova1]

This song brings me back. Winter 1977, very cold and snowy in western NY. I was working my first job out of college. About the time this came out, I was mostly working alone in a lab, where I could have a radio on. Every time I hear this song, it takes me back to that lab. I can close my eyes and it's 1977 again. Great memories courtesy of great music.

[@chrino21]

I was in high school when this was incessantly on the radio. Just hearing those first few melancholy chords IMMEDIATELY takes me back to that time; I can see it, smell it, and feel it in my chest. This song haunts a generation, I think.

[@jerryward3311]

There are few perfect songs in the world; this is one of them. The gorgeous lyrics and the lush instrumental backing are unmatched. 🔥 ❤

[@kyleterrell6842]

My favorite part is when the sax comes in during the solos. And the seamless entrance of the sax just seems to scratch something in the far reaches of my brain. It's my favorite sax part in any song just for the opening. But it comes back later in the song and hits almost as hard as the first. The wailing during the fade out makes me hit repeat a lot of the time 😂.

[@cheche1987]

This is One of My "Can’t Go Wrong" Albums in My Collection…Al’s Talented Voice Will Grow on You… I used to spend Hours, Weeks and even Months looking at the Art Work and seeing something different every time…With every Track… I watch this Channel because of You Sebs… You are very inspiring…💋

[@missd9785]

I absolutely love that you played this!!! It's been so dang long since I've listened to this gorgeous gem. Even when I saw you were reacting to it i wasn't super excited until listening to it again. Thank you so much.

[@justjack0715]

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed your reaction. It took me back to the fall of 1976 hearing this for the first time and my reaction mirrored yours, I couldn't wait to see your face during that multi-faceted solo bridge. Thanks young man for enabling me to relive an old memory...

[@wkelly3053]

A song from my teenage years, listened to countless times. Seeing younger people validate the songs we older ones loved is really gratifying. Almost like me first hearing it on then AM radio, 610 KFRC in San Francisco, which was on every morning driving my '75 Chevy to school.

[@watcher08850]

I am subscribed o about 5 different music reaction channels and yours is my favorite. I LOVE how you are a new citizen to America and that you appreciate it so much. I grew up to these songs and I listen because it bring me back.

[@tlgarrison8433]

The piano riff at the begin is the inspiration for the whole song. Al Stewart was touring with Linda Ronstadt and keyboardist, Peter Wood, warmed up with this riff. Stewart asked him if he could use it in a song. Wood refused until Stewart promised to let him open the piece with the piano solo.

[@dgator3599]

I can't say enough great things about his song. It's pure pleasure to the ears :)

[@tmutant]

You should check out Gerry Rafferty. Baker Street is his biggest hit, or Right Down the Line.

[@skperreault2792]

100% If you love a smokin sax solo Baker Street is for you!

[@Bamaboompa]

👍for the album version IN MOST CASES. 50 years ago 😮 I was on late night college FM radio. You had stacks of albums sitting near the turntables. Pulled from The Stacks floor to ceiling shelves of vinyl Two albums were ALWAYS sitting on the top of the stacks Robin Trower Bridge Of Sighs & (before Year Of The Cat) Al Stewart’s Past Present & Future because it included “Road To Moscow”. (Explains his Napoleon reference) Add them to your list.

[@brendamilloy2557]

Al and this tune were a breath of fresh air when we first heard it! Couldn't get enough so having the album was a must.

[@toddnoom626]

Song on the Radio" Will bring a Big Smile to your Face!

[@patrickjohnson1172]

I was a wee lad when this album came out, and I have loved it ever since. I will be 54 next month., and I kid you not, that I listen to this entire album at least once a month. Absolutely remarkable album.

[@skperreault2792]

have loved this song since it first came out when I was in jr high. Its still so evocative and exotic. Glad you get to love it for the first time.

[@kallsop2]

It was loosely based on the movie Casablanca with Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and Peter Lorre. This is my number one Al Stewart song, and the whole album is great. It was produced by Alan Parsons who had previously worked with the Beatles on Abbey Road and Let It Be, Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of the Moon, The Hollies, Ambrosia, and Paul McCartney on his first album. The sax solo was not originally part of the song, it was supposed to be another guitar solo, but Parsons thought it needed something else so he called up a sax player, Phil Kenzie, that lived near Abbey Road studios who was busy watching a movie and convinced him to come in and play. He came in, did two takes and left. Stewart told Parsons that "I'm a folk singer, folk songs don't have saxophone" and didn't like it. Parsons told Stewart to go home and sleep on it. He did and agreed the next day to leave it in. It became Stewart's biggest hit. Phil Kenzie played on Stewarts next album Time Passages which was also produced by Alan Parsons.

[@blueboy4244]

um... lauren becall not in Casablanca.. Ingrid Bergman

[@kallsop2]

@@blueboy4244 Thanks, corrected the mistake.

[@phyl1042]

We had some great music back in the 70's. And as a woman, I think his voice is great! So unlike the cookie-cutter voices of today.

[@SueRolph-j9p]

Love this song

[@JohnBullard]

His songs about historical events are fantastic, such as Roads To Moscow. Eyes of Nostradamus also great. Incredible songwriter.

[@dougieyou]

Sebs, the whole album is a masterpiece..... It is beyond belief that someone could produce such great music...not a bad track on this absolute masterpiece !!!

[@brynf4414]

Clicked on this because I love watching your reactions to music that I've taken for granted for up to 50 years. Bought the album back in the 70s, its a classic. Time Passages is another album to listen to.

[@DavidTateVA]

Good call on studio vs. live -- this one is studio magic. This has been an earworm of mine for almost 50 years...

[@robinc7235]

I feel very fortunate to have grown up on music like this.

[@wpollock1]

Sonically, this is a real gem....recorded at Abbey Road by Alan Parsons and that is why it is so good. Al Stewart is also known for his historical songs - one of them on this album is "Lord Grenville". Highly recommended.

[@Marcus-Oh-really-yes]

Awesome song! I was in middle school when this came out. The Year of the Cat is the Vietnamese version of the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac. This came out in 1976 but was written the year before in 1975, a.k.a. the Year of the Cat/Rabbit. I was born in that zodiac sign too. Such a talented singer, songwriter and musician.

[@crystal01681]

I clicked on when I saw the song you would be listening to! One of the best classics! Never gets old!

[@barrywood3561]

Produced by Alan Parsons who talked Al into adding the saxophone into the song where originally it didn't contain

[@Acole0113]

By the blue tiled walls near the market stalls there’s a hidden door she’ll lead you to ❤️

[@ronjcav]

Incredible song…

[@michaelwalker5257]

It IS a gem, isn't it? Always has been. Great instrumentals and fine songwriting! There are about four more lovely songs on that album.

[@alanwinn6009]

All of Al Stewart's songs are simply awesome. One song not mentioned is 'Midnight Rocks', a must listen too.

[@sassymess7111]

Beautiful song produced by the Legendary Alan Parsons! He produced the iconic Pink Floyd album DARK SIDE OF THE MOON. I think it's still in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest album on the American charts, 11 years?

[@danpatterson6937]

A favorite for demonstrating high-end audio equipment. That was before compressed streaming and "Ahh, it's good enough to keep me company" became the norm.

[@jimmywilmore1881]

THANK YOU! Love ya bro! I got a trunk full of unique tunes from my past!

[@jorgegonzalez-ll7qq]

I don't know if he's a great singer. What I do believe is that one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard. It always caught my attention. But it is much more than that. He is a great composer with unbeatable lyrics.

[@davep5788]

I was surprised by the comment on his voice. Sure, the instruments are great but it his singing that makes the song what it is in my opinion. Maybe it's just since it's familiar.

[@jorgegonzalez-ll7qq]

@@davep5788 It's exactly as you say. He may not be a masterful singer but he has a wonderful voice. He also found it pleasant but of course the instrumentation is amazing.

[@chucklemberg4968]

I, too, love songs that tell a great story in the lyrics. Jackson Browne is another of my faves. I feel that ALL of the Al Stewart songs (at least, the ones that I have heard) do this magnificently. One song in particular, even though it hasn't been mentioned yet in the comments, is "If It Doesn't Come Naturally, Leave It". Probably my favorite story of all of them, particularly because of the message of the lyrics. I hope you have the opportunity to listen to it. If I could afford to, I would make donations to your channel because I love your content.

[@allengray5748]

Extra magical how they made his voice (year of the caaaaa) fades out and the Cello fades in like a single sentence stran of silk! TIME PASSAGES is the other great song. Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎🎸🤟🏼

[@scifimonkey3]

AL is THE consummate story teller and writes the most amazing narrative lyrics. The production on his tracks is also always fire.

[@richardrodriguez2120]

Takes me back to my pre teen yrs. This song is so instrumentally satisfying

[@SusanStahl-mh6lo]

This is my go-to song when I'm stressed. So relaxing.

[@Me-myself-b3g]

Dude, since youre doing a Scottish Musician, you HAVE to checkout Gerry Raferty`s "Baker Street" ....it topped the Charts when its came out & Its my all time favorite Song (& Im a Diehard Rocker)! There is an "Instrumental Bridge" in it that will stir your soul for life, it will stay with you forever! Please Do not do the Live version, do the full Studio version.

[@threecedarshomestead1330]

Seconding the full studio version!

[@impudentdomain]

best explanation for this song it's a story and a mood at the same time.

[@Jude_196]

SO LOVE THIS SONG!!! ENJOY!!! :) Hope your tummy gets to feeling better!!

[@CarlForde]

The whole Year of the Cat album is a lyrical adventure. Take an hour and enjoy... :-)

[@MrPolleyr]

One of the best songs ever written. Try his follow up “Time Passages”. Another sax solo.👍❤️🇨🇦🎸

[@2gelm]

Oh yeah! I love this one by Al Stewart. You might check out his guitarist who later started a solo career, his name is Peter White!

[@tomstoeckle]

Great song. Another suggestion you’ll love. Brook Benton and a Rainy Night In Georgia

[@russevans3586]

Great reaction, good call on that instrumental bridge!

[@mikehamme514]

Thanks!

[@1bigrowdy]

The great Alan Parsons produced this. A.Stewart did not want the sax solo, Parsons insisted. The sax player he wanted was watching a soccer match at a pub and wouldn't come till half time.he showed up did the sax part in one take then back to the pub

[@sarahhyland4392]

My parents had this album, grew up listening to this.

[@toddnoom626]

Greatest Song ever Recorded! Alan Parsons was one of the Producers!

[@DennisGayhart-s3t]

Equally great is Al Steward's "Time Passages" Studio with his songs always give you more.

[@jimmywilmore1881]

Yes beautiful song for sure.

[@rhondaserges5136]

Yes, "Year of the Cat" by Al Stewart was sampled in the 2020 single "In My Arms" by Purple Disco Machine.