My 100 Favorite Charted Pop Songs: Year of the Cat

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What rock song will balance out a George Jones song? Well, none, because they don’t go together. Since these lists are alphabetical, some interesting combinations show up. Not today. If it weren’t for the lyrics, this might make a good country song. Here’s today’s song from the Hot 100. Year of the Cat - Al Stewart Any song that starts off with a Casablanca reference as beautiful as this one (“You go strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre contemplating a crime”) is going to make the list. A line like “she comes in incense and pachouli” is also amazing (and one of the things that would keep any country singer from covering it ). Al Stewart wrote this in the Year of the Cat, according to the Vietnamese astrological cycle. It was his breakthrough hit in America. With his pronounced Scottish accent and long historical tunes (you need to listen to songs like “The Palace of Versailles” or “Nostradamus” to get a picture of just how detailed this man’s songwriting can be) he was never made to be a pop superstar. And that’s just fine with his fans. I got to meet him ten years ago after a show. He’s a very sweet gentleman. And oh, what a song to introduce himself with! Year of the Cat Written by Al Stewart and Peter White Recorded by Al Stewart From Year of the Cat, 1976 Peak chart position: #8 Today’s country song: “The Window Up Above” You take her to find what’s waiting inside: