"Midnight Rocks" by Al Stewart

Song#:  0318
Date:  08/30/1980
Debut:  69
Peak:  24
Weeks:  13
Genre:  Soft Rock



Pop Bits:  This Scottish artist's early music leaned towards folk-rock and tended to incorporate historical events or people. He released his first album in 1967, but it wasn't until he began working with producer Alan Parsons for 1975's "Modern Times" that Stewart's sound began to transform into short story pop works. The following year's album "Year of the Cat" brought him to the peak of his fame with the #8 title track and 1978's "Time Passages" got him another title track hit (#7). But his first album of the 80s, "24 Carrots," didn't do as well and this lead single peaked outside the Top 20. It would be his last single (and studio album) to hit the chart. Stewart continued to record albums and tour while maintaining a loyal fan base.

ReduxReview:  His previous two Top 10's are really choice songs of the time. This one, not so much. It has a similar feel to the others, but the song just doesn't hook you in quite as well and overall is not as strong. The quality is there but I think it's just difficult for an artist who is not really a pop song writer to keep churning out radio hits like his two most famous songs. The sax solo is pretty great though.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  Apparently in the pre-fame days, Stewart bought his first guitar from another musician who would go on to great success - Andy Summers from The Police.

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