Beautiful song by Al Stewart. His most famous song is probably "Year of the Cat." Always a smooth sound, great voice and his lyrics seem to transport you to another place and time.
That's what was so wonderful about the music from the 60's to 70's. Every artist had their own special, unique sound. Even when hearing a song for the first time, you immediately knew who you were listening too. Today, it's often difficult to tell one artist from another...
This has been a favourite of mine since I was a kid. Over 40 years later - I'm 54 - I never get tired of it. The best way I can describe much of 70s music for you, is "dreamy" and "airy" it has this light, ether real quality to it that puts you into an almost, trance like state. So much of it I feel, comes from a very, Spiritual place, which is why this decade, hands down, is my all time favourite for pop music. Even above the 60s or the 80s. It's hard to express the vibe of the 70s. It never existed before, and sadly, it's highly, doubtful it will ever, exist again. A highly, magical time, indeed. My Best. Out.
You were asking why you hadn't heard of this guy before.... it drives me nuts how much great music is out there that I still don't know about yet. There's soooo much of it. I'm 41 and I'm still constantly stumbling across songs and artists going, "How did I only just find out about this?? How did I make it this far in life without this song??" The kind of exploration you're doing now really is lifelong. You'll probably still be having moments like this in your 40s, 50s, 60s, discovering something totally new that makes your mouth hang open🙂 Its kind of like falling in love over and over again. It's got to be tough having so many people throwing so many recommendations at you all the time. There are a million different directions to go in. Do you have a list of how many songs people have asked you to react to?
Toby he was born in the same area in Glasgow as myself in Scotland,i haveseen him live 3 times and he is better live than in the studio,best wishes from Scotland.
I love this long version as it makes you think about your life and how fast it really goes... I was about 7 and I loved this song... Now I am 49.... Never thought it would come so fast.... Sometimes we want to to go back and be with those we love and when we we most happy... The sad fact we can't and sometimes we leave a true happiness in the past... This long version is my escape from the pain we are in today...
James, I love that you're grooving to these 70s hits so much! This is just one of the reasons that your channel is the best ever!! I meant to ask you, how do you feel about Elton John? He's got some great classic songs from both the 70s and 80s. 90s as well. Even if you don't care to react to them on YT, sometime check out his songs Bennie & The Jets, Rocket Man, Butterflies are Free, Candle in the Wind, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Daniel, Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, I'm Still Standing, plus a tribute he did for John Lennon called Empty Garden. So many more, too. Elton was also one of Freddie Mercury's close friends. I really wish those two would've gotten the chance to do a collaboration. I can only imagine how grand it would have been. But you should definitely check out some of Elton's songs if you haven't already. I don't think you'll be disappointed. :)
Also, Elton John has a biopic movie called "rocketman" coming out soon, so be the first on RUclips to react to his music before everyone else is doing it...like Bohemian Rhapsody. Do Bennie and the Jets, he was in Liveaid, too, so I'd check those out---plz do Bennie and the Jets @ JBLETHAL TV
I like the melody. Somehow, for me, it brings to mind a certain imagery of the 1970s when I was growing up. That tune recalls personal, and idealistic images from my past livelihood. I like it.
So good to see some Al Stewart reactions. Catching both this and Year of the Cat on the radio made me want to go down the rabbit hole, I ended up buying all his albums. More songs you'll enjoy: Sand in your Shoes, Broadway Hotel, Palace of Versailles, Gina in the King's Road, etc.
OPEN YOUR MIND..... I'm black and alot older than you and can't figure out why black people "aren't allowed " to like "white" music. Well, I know why, but that's another, comment. When will blacks be themselves without worrying about the "wrath" they may endure from "friends ". Black people need to evolve beyond the old way of thinking...to progress in society and move beyond our current image. Thankfully, I can recognize this a beautiful song and it still gives me chills since I first heard it in the 70's...not giving a damn what others think. Feels SO good to be FREE!.
Larry Johnson, I'm a black man in my 50s who used to catch hell for liking "white music", I also caught hell for watching golf(beforeTiger Woids) and hockey. Its stupid and biased. I like what I like and refuse to make any more excuses.
Al Stuart was big for a bit in the 70s then kinda disappeared. You really need to check out Cat Stevens. Look for "Wild World" or "Peace Train". I promise you'll love him.
JB I'm so glad you liked this song! I recommended it to you on your ABBA reaction (BTW ABBA is awesome, too!). I was fortunate to grow up in the '70's and '80's, I believe the best time for great music. I believe music is a great healer, whenever I'm down this is my go-to song, the vibe and the message of the song is amazing (my favorite song.) You were talking about music from the '70's, what I like is that they did a lot of songs that were 6-7 minutes long, they would do a cut of a song that was shorter to get on the radio (radio then and now generally didn't want any songs longer than about 4 minutes, they wanted to get as many songs (and commercials) in as they could) but on the albums would be much longer. The longer versions were almost ALWAYS better, like this song the majority of it is the amazing instrumentation, there is very little vocals. To me there is no such thing as too long a song if you love it. Also another suggestion, it's a jazz song by Dave Brubeck from the '60's called "Take Five". No lyrics, but the playing is absolutely amazing.
David Moneypeny Ooh he should totally listen to the long version of Layla By Eric & Co' (Derek & Dominoes to young'uns out there). It's totally gorgeous and he wrote it as a love song to Patty,Boyd, ex wife of ex best friend George Harrison. He still left her.
Bread is another great mellow band from the '70's. "Everything I Own", "If" and "Make it With You" are great. Their lead singer, David Gates, had a solo hit called "Goodbye Girl" that was great as well.
i'm so glad you've discovered Al Stewart. i've loved him since 1969. his 60s stuff was folk and it developed into a soft folk/rock sound. he's a very delicate man with a soft speaking voice. highly intelligent; he writes about historical events and even has a 20 minute song about Nostradarmus{?}. he wanted to be a proper rock singer, but didn't have the looks or the voice. so he became a very unique artist in his own right. another folk singer who developed into a blues/soul/rock/folk singer/guitarist at the same time, was John Martyn. i love him most of all [apart from Pink Floyd] and i hope you react to him sometime. i'm sure you'll like him even more than Al Stewart. there's a wonderful video of him singing 2 songs with the same beat welded into one song. 'John Martyn She's a lover/Sold Air' is a gorgeous video. solid air was a tribute to a friend of his who suffered serious mental health issues and committed suicide and is a song about friendship loyalty. as a terminally ill ma who suffered mental health problems all my life, i now promote John Martyn to all of you reactors. i've probably mentioned him to you before. it's my life's mission, now. i'd love it if you'd react to him
Al Stewart is still touring, but most of his success was found in Europe. His specialty seemingly was to always have songs dealing with historical events (Roads to Moscow, On the Border, Nostradamus) many of his songs are known to American audiences because the fantastic production of Alan Parsons contributed to a few of his albums.
Something about certain songs that can take you back in time. Bring back memories of the time and place you were when you first heard it, and take you there. Making you think of those friends you were with, and where they are today. For me( I'll be aging myself here) was playing "spin the bottle" at my girlfriend's house while I lived in Hawaii. Thanks for this, Sir
Now that we have seen your first reaction, it would be interesting to see your second, after learning more about how the vocals and instruments are woven together. Elements of jazz, rock, classical, folk. Alot to dive into there.
Thanks so much for keeping this music alive and relevant. Open minds and open hearts are beautiful. Give John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High” a spin...original version from 1972. Peace brother
Another song you might like from the '70's is "Love Is The Answer" by England Dan and John Ford Coley. It's got a mellow vibe and the lyrics have a great message.
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald for great 70s singer-songwriter storytelling. And I second the request for Elton John - it's a lock that you'll love his music.
I have been playing over fifty years and Al Stewart has to be one of the best songwriters out there, no doubt about it. It is not your middle of the road mainstream music. Some really well crafted songs with very odd chord changes for rock and roll.
It’s so cool to see you getting into the smooth rock of al steward. I was on the verge of recommending him to to tour ears! A couple of more from him you will like. 1. On the Border 2. Song on the radio Another artist I know you would love is Steely Dan. Here is a list of some of their great music. 1. Hey Nineteen 2. Peg 3. Ricki don’t lose that number 4. Deacon Blues 5. Black Cow And that’s just a few of their really great tunes! Looking forward to seeing your reactions!! Have a great one!
This is one of my favorite songs. It reminds me of how time is a construct and we fall into different dimensions in time and space. "It's just a game that you play..."
Somethings I really like about Al Stewart (among many things actually) is that he never writes about the same thing twice and that many of his songs are based on actual historical people and events... Being a History Buff I love that...
Love that song. It's great watching and hearing your reactions for the 1st time. Can I recommend Gino Vannelli's....People Gotta Move (among many hits) or The 5th Dimension's Up, Up and Away (among many).
I can’t wait until you discover Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks - there is a reason she is the only woman inducted TWICE into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame (With Fleetwood Mac AND as a solo artist): Dreams, Rhiannon, Landslide; Edge of Seventeen, Leather & Lace
Saw him this year, with Dave Nachmanoff. Was prepared to be disappointed, after all these years and he was captivating and wonderful and the voice was still great!
You really need to discover Steely Dan & The Mark/Almond Band. They are unique & very adventurous musically. I also recommend that you look into Israel Kamakawiwo'ole doing Somewhere Over The Rainbow & his hilarious version of Theme from Gilligan's Island.
You should react to Davina Michelle covers.. She is from the Netherlands but she got some friggin soul from somewhere.. best voice I have ever heard. Her covers are as good or better than the original
Beautiful song by Al Stewart. His most famous song is probably "Year of the Cat." Always a smooth sound, great voice and his lyrics seem to transport you to another place and time.
Yes again....I played his music over and over agin. It gave me hope and faith...bravo!!!..Judy
Another beautifully written song by Al Stewart. It is very smooth and the story is easy to follow. We are all moved along throughout the entire song.
That's what was so wonderful about the music from the 60's to 70's. Every artist had their own special, unique sound. Even when hearing a song for the first time, you immediately knew who you were listening too. Today, it's often difficult to tell one artist from another...
This has been a favourite of mine since I was a kid. Over 40 years later - I'm 54 - I never get tired of it. The best way I can describe much of 70s music for you, is "dreamy" and "airy" it has this light, ether real quality to it that puts you into an almost, trance like state. So much of it I feel, comes from a very, Spiritual place, which is why this decade, hands down, is my all time favourite for pop music. Even above the 60s or the 80s. It's hard to express the vibe of the 70s. It never existed before, and sadly, it's highly, doubtful it will ever, exist again. A highly, magical time, indeed.
My Best. Out.
You were asking why you hadn't heard of this guy before.... it drives me nuts how much great music is out there that I still don't know about yet. There's soooo much of it. I'm 41 and I'm still constantly stumbling across songs and artists going, "How did I only just find out about this?? How did I make it this far in life without this song??" The kind of exploration you're doing now really is lifelong. You'll probably still be having moments like this in your 40s, 50s, 60s, discovering something totally new that makes your mouth hang open🙂 Its kind of like falling in love over and over again.
It's got to be tough having so many people throwing so many recommendations at you all the time. There are a million different directions to go in. Do you have a list of how many songs people have asked you to react to?
These are the songs of my youth😊👍🏻love your channel😊
One of those songs that you can’t help to smile to.Love this song!
In April 2017, He was given a Lifetime Achievement award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
These songs from the past..........poetry.
This is when MUSIC TOOK YOU TO A DIFFERANT PLACE!!!! So WONDERFUL TO SEE SOMEONE LOVE WHAT I GREW UP WITH!!# NEW SUBSCRIBER
As a Scot i am very proud to here another Scot Al Stewart.
Toby he was born in the same area in Glasgow as myself in Scotland,i haveseen him live 3 times and he is better live than in the studio,best wishes from Scotland.
Al Stewart's music always fed my soul his music is so poetic and rich sounding I LOVE IT!!!
Elvin Bishop--Fooled Around and Fell in Love. Seals & Croft--Summer Breeze.
Love, love, love...this....Year of the Cat is epic too
You might want to listen to Dream Weaver by Gary Wright....
Wow. The keyboards are pure magic...GREETS from Brasil
Baker Street by Gerry Rafferty
I love this long version as it makes you think about your life and how fast it really goes... I was about 7 and I loved this song... Now I am 49.... Never thought it would come so fast.... Sometimes we want to to go back and be with those we love and when we we most happy... The sad fact we can't and sometimes we leave a true happiness in the past... This long version is my escape from the pain we are in today...
James, I love that you're grooving to these 70s hits so much! This is just one of the reasons that your channel is the best ever!! I meant to ask you, how do you feel about Elton John? He's got some great classic songs from both the 70s and 80s. 90s as well. Even if you don't care to react to them on YT, sometime check out his songs Bennie & The Jets, Rocket Man, Butterflies are Free, Candle in the Wind, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Daniel, Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, I'm Still Standing, plus a tribute he did for John Lennon called Empty Garden. So many more, too. Elton was also one of Freddie Mercury's close friends. I really wish those two would've gotten the chance to do a collaboration. I can only imagine how grand it would have been. But you should definitely check out some of Elton's songs if you haven't already. I don't think you'll be disappointed. :)
Also, Elton John has a biopic movie called "rocketman" coming out soon, so be the first on RUclips to react to his music before everyone else is doing it...like Bohemian Rhapsody. Do Bennie and the Jets, he was in Liveaid, too, so I'd check those out---plz do Bennie and the Jets @ JBLETHAL TV
Elton John..Someone Saved My Life Tonight...
@@annettefrazier9787 Or as someone somewhere else thought it was, Someone Shaved My Wfe Tonight!!! 🤣
That sax solo always gives gives me chills. I'm so glad I got to grow up with this music.
Nice to see you enjoying the 70s, Sir
There's just so much good music...it really is mind blowing! 😊
I like the melody. Somehow, for me, it brings to mind a certain imagery of the 1970s when I was growing up. That tune recalls personal, and idealistic images from my past livelihood. I like it.
So good to see some Al Stewart reactions. Catching both this and Year of the Cat on the radio made me want to go down the rabbit hole, I ended up buying all his albums. More songs you'll enjoy: Sand in your Shoes, Broadway Hotel, Palace of Versailles, Gina in the King's Road, etc.
OPEN YOUR MIND..... I'm black and alot older than you and can't figure out why black people "aren't allowed " to like "white" music. Well, I know why, but that's another, comment. When will blacks be themselves without worrying about the "wrath" they may endure from "friends ". Black people need to evolve beyond the old way of thinking...to progress in society and move beyond our current image. Thankfully, I can recognize this a beautiful song and it still gives me chills since I first heard it in the 70's...not giving a damn what others think. Feels SO good to be FREE!.
Larry Johnson, I'm a black man in my 50s who used to catch hell for liking "white music", I also caught hell for watching golf(beforeTiger Woids) and hockey. Its stupid and biased.
I like what I like and refuse to make any more excuses.
If only every person on earth was like you!!
Al Stuart was big for a bit in the 70s then kinda disappeared. You really need to check out Cat Stevens. Look for "Wild World" or "Peace Train". I promise you'll love him.
Wow, you are giving yourself a marvelous education! And reeling me through the years! Bless you SO much!
JB I'm so glad you liked this song! I recommended it to you on your ABBA reaction (BTW ABBA is awesome, too!). I was fortunate to grow up in the '70's and '80's, I believe the best time for great music. I believe music is a great healer, whenever I'm down this is my go-to song, the vibe and the message of the song is amazing (my favorite song.) You were talking about music from the '70's, what I like is that they did a lot of songs that were 6-7 minutes long, they would do a cut of a song that was shorter to get on the radio (radio then and now generally didn't want any songs longer than about 4 minutes, they wanted to get as many songs (and commercials) in as they could) but on the albums would be much longer. The longer versions were almost ALWAYS better, like this song the majority of it is the amazing instrumentation, there is very little vocals. To me there is no such thing as too long a song if you love it. Also another suggestion, it's a jazz song by Dave Brubeck from the '60's called "Take Five". No lyrics, but the playing is absolutely amazing.
David Moneypeny
Ooh he should totally listen to the long version of Layla By Eric & Co' (Derek & Dominoes to young'uns out there). It's totally gorgeous and he wrote it as a love song to Patty,Boyd, ex wife of ex best friend George Harrison. He still left her.
p.s FABULOUS song tho.
Bread is another great mellow band from the '70's. "Everything I Own", "If" and "Make it With You" are great. Their lead singer, David Gates, had a solo hit called "Goodbye Girl" that was great as well.
i'm so glad you've discovered Al Stewart. i've loved him since 1969. his 60s stuff was folk and it developed into a soft folk/rock sound. he's a very delicate man with a soft speaking voice. highly intelligent; he writes about historical events and even has a 20 minute song about Nostradarmus{?}. he wanted to be a proper rock singer, but didn't have the looks or the voice. so he became a very unique artist in his own right. another folk singer who developed into a blues/soul/rock/folk singer/guitarist at the same time, was John Martyn. i love him most of all [apart from Pink Floyd] and i hope you react to him sometime. i'm sure you'll like him even more than Al Stewart. there's a wonderful video of him singing 2 songs with the same beat welded into one song. 'John Martyn She's a lover/Sold Air' is a gorgeous video. solid air was a tribute to a friend of his who suffered serious mental health issues and committed suicide and is a song about friendship loyalty. as a terminally ill ma who suffered mental health problems all my life, i now promote John Martyn to all of you reactors. i've probably mentioned him to you before. it's my life's mission, now. i'd love it if you'd react to him
Al Stewart is still touring, but most of his success was found in Europe. His specialty seemingly was to always have songs dealing with historical events (Roads to Moscow, On the Border, Nostradamus) many of his songs are known to American audiences because the fantastic production of Alan Parsons contributed to a few of his albums.
Year Of The CAT....sax in it also AWESOME. HI FROM NORTH CAROLINA💜💙🇺🇸💚
As true masterpiece.. the 70's was a magical time!!
His delivery is so unique. I have a 70's easy listening playlist and this one and "Year of the Cat" are both on it.
Cat Stevens Peace Train is a wonderful song,this what the world needs to do and get on the PEACE TRAIN.
Something about certain songs that can take you back in time. Bring back memories of the time and place you were when you first heard it, and take you there. Making you think of those friends you were with, and where they are today.
For me( I'll be aging myself here) was playing "spin the bottle" at my girlfriend's house while I lived in Hawaii.
Thanks for this, Sir
Wow I never imagined I would hear anyone react to this. My mom used to listen to Al Stewart when I was a kid. Blast from the past.
Now that we have seen your first reaction, it would be interesting to see your second, after learning more about how the vocals and instruments are woven together. Elements of jazz, rock, classical, folk. Alot to dive into there.
Thanks so much for keeping this music alive and relevant. Open minds and open hearts are beautiful. Give John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High” a spin...original version from 1972. Peace brother
Another song you might like from the '70's is "Love Is The Answer" by England Dan and John Ford Coley. It's got a mellow vibe and the lyrics have a great message.
"Years go falling in the fading light. Time Passages; buy me a ticket on the last train home tonight". Those lines grab at my heartstrings.
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald for great 70s singer-songwriter storytelling. And I second the request for Elton John - it's a lock that you'll love his music.
I have been playing over fifty years and Al Stewart has to be one of the best songwriters out there, no doubt about it. It is not your middle of the road mainstream music. Some really well crafted songs with very odd chord changes for rock and roll.
It’s so cool to see you getting into the smooth rock of al steward. I was on the verge of recommending him to to tour ears! A couple of more from him you will like.
1. On the Border
2. Song on the radio
Another artist I know you would love is
Steely Dan. Here is a list of some of their great music.
1. Hey Nineteen
2. Peg
3. Ricki don’t lose that number
4. Deacon Blues
5. Black Cow
And that’s just a few of their really great tunes! Looking forward to seeing your reactions!! Have a great one!
This is one of my favorite songs. It reminds me of how time is a construct and we fall into different dimensions in time and space. "It's just a game that you play..."
Loving reaction !.. thank you !..
One of my favorite songs 💯
Timeless - Saved, and subscribed.
Welcome to the 1970's!
Yeah, check in and listen to the music. There is a lot of to develop.
Fantastic 70's tune! There's a video (I guess it's from English TV) in which the band is playing and the sound is ok.
This is a great song to sing to.
Al Stewart, "Year of the Cat!"
Another mellow, awesome tune. Great choice and great reactions. Keep exploring music. Fun watching your journey.
Al Stewart, On The Border because you liked the other two songs you listened to. I really like his style and voice.
Somethings I really like about Al Stewart (among many things actually) is that he never writes about the same thing twice and that many of his songs are based on actual historical people and events... Being a History Buff I love that...
God I miss the 70s. so many memories
Moody Blues has him on the Blue Cruise every February, to the Caribbean!
You have to check out Baker Street by Gerry Rafferty. the is a video for it
Another must listen by Al Stewart is The Year of the Cat released in 1976. You will love it.
One of my fav songs .....
Love that song. It's great watching and hearing your reactions for the 1st time. Can I recommend Gino Vannelli's....People Gotta Move (among many hits) or The 5th Dimension's Up, Up and Away (among many).
I can’t wait until you discover Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks - there is a reason she is the only woman inducted TWICE into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame (With Fleetwood Mac AND as a solo artist): Dreams, Rhiannon, Landslide; Edge of Seventeen, Leather & Lace
Love me some Al Stewart: smooth groove, great use of horns and strings, deep lyrics
One of the greatest.. thanks 😊
Saw him this year, with Dave Nachmanoff. Was prepared to be disappointed, after all these years and he was captivating and wonderful and the voice was still great!
"On The Border" ... Al Stewart .. 1976.
check out a band called Lake from Europe in 70s, unreal!
Beautiful.Has it all.
Great song choice and reaction!
10cc "I'm not in love".. Todd rundgren: "hello it's me,"..
2 great songs👍
Kudos on two great recommendations.
Such a sweet song ....
Great Taste!
You would love Al Stewart On the Border.
Another great one!
You really need to discover Steely Dan & The Mark/Almond Band. They are unique & very adventurous musically. I also recommend that you look into Israel Kamakawiwo'ole doing Somewhere Over The Rainbow & his hilarious version of Theme from Gilligan's Island.
Wow this takes me waaay back! ✌️
Another great one from Al and he has many more. Try Road to Moscow, Nostradamus, Oh Carol,On the Border, Running Man, Midnight Rocks, Merlin’s Time
The Dark and The Rolling Sea, a great story!
Amazing song!
This is one enthusiastic yacht rocker :)
I think you'd really enjoy Lotta Love by Nicolette Larson.
Oh and also Fool If You Think It's Over by Chris Rea.
Yess!!
True classic 🤗
You gotta react to Life In Dark Water, One Stage Before, Midas Shadow and Songs out of clay by Al Stewart love his music.
Great choice! Produced by Alan Parsons, I believe.
Check out Al's song :End Of The Day", probably his prettiest song...you'll love it, I promise you!!
❤️❤️❤️
Not his most popular but it is IMO his best song.
Bro a must hear brown eyed girl by van Morrison another great song one live by Bob Marley great pov bro
👍👍👍👍👍
If I didnt know the high stereophonic fidelity of the song I wouldnt have enjoyed the song or your reaction so much.
You can tell this was produced by Alan Parsons.
Please react to Chuck Mangione - Feels So Good.
alan parson produced it.
Lord Grenville off the Year of the Cat album
If this song doesn't touch you then I cabt help you.
ive never heard this song before either....
Everybody Hurts. R.E.M. Please make sure it's live at Glastonbury. Thank you! ☺
Seems like you like saxophone. Check out Urgent by Foreigner.
You should react to Davina Michelle covers.. She is from the Netherlands but she got some friggin soul from somewhere.. best voice I have ever heard. Her covers are as good or better than the original
what happened to your usual good sound quality bro?
If you liked this you'll like Year Of The Cat even more!
The sound is a bit tinny bro.