"Modern Times" is the sixth studio album by British folk rock musician Al Stewart, released in 1975. The album represents a leap of growth for the singer and songwriter, marking a departure from his previous folk-centric style toward more complex, lushly-produced arrangements. It is a critically acclaimed record that has often been seen as a pivotal piece in Stewart's catalog.
Al Stewart, who hails from Scotland, wrote all the songs in the album which shows his skill as an eminent songwriter. The nine tracks in Modern Times blend the personal, the historical, and the observational, resulting in a rich tapestry of stories and images that resonate with the listener.
Modern Times features an impressive line-up of contributing musicians, with lavish production from Alan Parsons, who had previously worked with The Beatles and Pink Floyd. The album is noted for its distinctive blend of acoustic and electric instruments, and for its use of complex musical arrangements.
Trackwise, the album kicks off with "Carol," a poignant song about lost love. "Sirens of Titan," drawing from the work of the same name by Kurt Vonnegut, serves as the album's science fiction-inspired centerpiece, while the title track, "Modern Times," is an introspective exploration of our society's history and future.
While Modern Times did not achieve high-charting mainstream success, it did well on the Billboard Top 200, peaking at number 30. It was generally well received by the critics and fans, cementing Al Stewart’s place in the progressive folk genre. It has since become one of his most iconic and beloved albums.
