"Distant Light" is a 1971 album by the Hollies, marking their 11th UK release and the last before lead vocalist Allan Clarke's brief departure. This album is noted for being one of the first to emerge from AIR Studios. It produced two hit singles: "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress," written by Allan Clarke, which peaked at number two in the US and number 32 in the UK, and "Long Dark Road," penned by Tony Hicks, which reached number 26 in the US. The US version of the album peaked at number 21 on the charts. Interestingly, the summer scene on the cover was transformed into a winter scene for the Hollies' next album, Romany.
The album represents the band's most significant experimentation to that point, incorporating saxophones, girl choruses, and more complex compositions reminiscent of the Moody Blues, particularly in tracks like "You Know The Score." The lyrics took on a more serious tone, addressing themes such as anti-war sentiments and dramatic narratives in songs like "What A Life I've Led" and "Hold On." Only a handful of tracks retained the traditional Hollies sound, such as "Long Dark Road," "A Little Thing Like Love," and "To Do with Love."
Guest musicians featured on the recording include pianist Gary Brooker of Procol Harum, guitarist Mick Abrahams of Jethro Tull, and saxophonist Jim Jewell. Vocals were provided by Madeline Bell, Doris Troy, and Liza Strike. Released on October 8, 1971, the album came in a gatefold sleeve showcasing a painted woodland and summer scene by Colin Elgie of Hipgnosis, a design concept developed by Storm Thorgerson, known for his work with Pink Floyd. The album cover contained various hidden messages and symbolism, many of which the artist later admitted to forgetting. The inside cover featured photographs of the band members taken at a house party in Tony Hicks' apartment.
The Hollies performed the first three tracks from the album—"What a Life I've Led," "Look What We've Got," and "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress"—on the television show "Meet the Hollies" on July 25, 1971. They later showcased "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" and "A Little Thing Like Love" on "It's Lulu." Critics responded positively to the album, with Record Mirror stating it was "sensational." While it became their biggest success in America, the reception in the UK was more modest. "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress," co-written by Allan Clarke and Roger Cook (with Roger Greenaway also credited), emerged as their biggest American hit, reaching number two, number one in Canada, and number 32 in England. "Long Dark Road" was also released as a single in the US, reaching number 26 and number 24 in Canada.
