Music : Chronicles: the Best of Al Stewart

Rating: - A Mastery Of Melody, Timing and Lyrical Qaulity
I first heard this album in my Dad's car on the way to Aberystwyth, a prospect that wasn't enthusing me a great deal of the time as my mother is an Al Stewart nut and a lot of his stuff I've heard to death, or the point by which I wish I was near it's sanctuary. But my prejudice aside, even though it's not my traditional music scene, I have to admire Al Stewart, and everything he has brought with his impressive array of musical history. Although most people may have only heard of the famous "Year Of The Cat," Al Stewart has written hundreds of brilliant songs which never achieved that same mainstream popularity and in my opinion are markedly superior even from the perspective of a casual fan. In particular I enjoy the haunting ballad of Nostradamus, the classics of Roads To Moscow and On The Border, the catchy and memorable Time Passages of the more commerically appealing selections, and one of my favourite outings on the album, the more unusual and highly melodic Almost Lucy. Al Stewart has outstanding skills on the guitar which are demonstrated very well by this very enjoyable best of collection, his lyrics and vocals even better. It's nice to branch out a little once in a while in my music, and Al Stewart is a very creditable addition to anyone's collection with this fine effort. If you don't own anything by the man, but have a passing interest, this is an absolute must.