Famous Last Words (1993)
Al Stewart’s “Famous Last Words” was an unbelievable listening experience for me. It’s filled twists and turns that kept me hooked from start to finish, and honestly has one of the greatest trio starts to any album I’ve ever listened to.
The albums opener, “Feel Like” kicks things off with high, vibrant energy, and man, the musicianship is nothing short of brilliant. There is so much going on in this song that it leaves me speechless. “Angel of Mercy” takes a darker tone initially, but then, bam! This rich, Americana vibrance sweeps in. That fiddle is the unsung hero making this song, to me again, one of Al’s greatest songs ever.
Moving on to the third song of the records opening trio, “Don’t Forget Me.” It starts with these tropical sounding maracas, and evolves to a down-tempo jazz lounge styled song. The piano playing is rich, and Al’s vocals? Wonderful in every aspect of the word. And let’s not forget that saxophone – just wow.
“Peter on the White Sea” slows it down with a piano-driven ballad. Technically amazing, but maybe not the one you find yourself itching to revisit. The more and more I hear it the more I enjoy it, though. Not a song at all worth skipping, but might not be a song to throw on all of your playlists. Still, it’s a musical gem in its own right.
“Genie on a Table Top” brings back the high energy, complete with revving organs. It’s the musical pick-me-up that keeps the momentum going. Then “Trespasser” enters the room with its Spanish guitar/flamenco styled vibes – it’s impossible not to tap your foot to this ‘Spanish gold’. (Icehouse reference? Anyone?)
Now, “Trains” I have read isn’t originally written by Al, but it sure as hell sounds like his style of writing. Al hits us with accordion, piano, and acoustic guitar. A mid-tempo beauty that showcases incredible musicianship and poise. “Necromancer” takes a darker turn with more atmospheric vibes. Floor toms drive the song with rich and deep synths. Then a 180° turn with “Charlotte Corday” – the most Al-sounding song on the album. It sticks to the signature Al formula, and boy, can he make the accordion an interesting instrument. It’s Al doing what he does best.
Now, “Hipposong” – a track that grows on me with every listen. It’s like Al took a silly children’s tune, added his trademark flair, and made it interesting for adults. And guess what? It worked. It is fun. “Night Rolls In” is a mid-tempo ~grand~ epic. It builds into this incredible guitar solo that feels like Al’s own spin on a Pink Floyd moment. More like something from “A Momentary Lapse of Reason” than anything else Pink Floyd did.
Then there’s “In The Dark” – a piano driven track that would be a crime to turn off. Then “Blow Your Mansion Down” has a poppier vibe than we are used to with Al, but hey, he is not afraid to play around with styles. Similar energy and poppy to that of “Princess Olivia.”
The album closes out with “Mixed Blessing.” Electronic drum floor toms are deeply embedded in this song. It has an eerie, even comic booky atmosphere to it. The keyboard filter even gives off that ’90s X-Men cartoon feel. It’s a quite unique musical experience in itself.
“Famous Last Words” is Al Stewart still doing what he does best, weaving stories with melodies and incomparable musicianship. It’s not just an album; it’s a No Skip Album. Absolutely one I wish I could listen to again for the first time. And if that’s not the sign of a killer record, I don’t know what is.
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Highlight Songs:
Feel Like
Angel of Mercy
Don’t Forget Me
Trespasser
Trains
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
Without any doubt, this record must be owned. Stream it until you can find a copy and then buy every copy of it.
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Overall Rating:
5 Stars
