Fifty years ago, soft-rock legend Al Stewart released “Year of the Cat”—a song that would go on to define his career for years to come.
“Year of the Cat” first appeared in the U.S. on October 22, 1976, as a single from his seventh studio album of the same name. By December 11, the track had entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 98, peaking at No. 8 in early 1977 and becoming his first charting U.S. single. In total, the song spent 17 weeks on the tally.
Not only was “Year of the Cat” a massive commercial phenomenon, but its parent album was an undeniable triumph. Stewart’s record sold over 1.45 million copies in the U.S. alone, becoming the best-selling album of his career and earning a Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Peter White, Al Stewart, George Ford and Peter Wood of The Al Stewart Band perform live at The Greek Theatre in 1979 in Berkeley, California.Richard McCaffrey/ Michael Ochs Archive/ Getty Images
Creating “Year of the Cat”
“Year of the Cat” was produced by Alan Parsons at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London—the legendary studio famously immortalized by The Beatles’ 1969 album of the same name. The track is notable for its catchy, jazz-inspired melody built around an opening piano riff composed by keyboardist Peter Wood during sound checks. Its intricate chord progressions and extended instrumental breaks created a dreamy atmosphere that captivated listeners.
“I think it just appeals to people,” Stewart joked in a 2024 interview with Guitar Player. “And you’ve also got four different instruments playing solos in the middle of the song, where it goes out of the strings and into the acoustic solo, then the electric solo, and finally the saxophone solo. The song’s longevity also affirms that one should write about what one is interested in, without regards to fashion or favor of the crowd. Which is exactly what I did.”
The single’s entrancing production was only amplified by its lyrical themes. Written by Stewart, “Year of the Cat” tells the whimsical story of a tourist being swept up in an exotic yet brief romance with a foreign woman while traveling. The spontaneous encounter creates a whirlwind of emotions when put alongside the song’s production, wrapping listeners up in the intoxicating nature of the narrator’s experience.
Five decades since its release, “Year of the Cat” continues to persevere as a staple of ’70s progressive soft rock. In the digital era, the track has found its footing among younger generations, racking up over 173 million streams on Spotify alone.
Related: 1970 Country Song, Written in 25 Minutes at a Canadian Beach, Is Still a Powerful Hit 56 Years Later
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