Alan Parsons Project: “Old and Wise” (1982)
Perhaps no one of his era straddled genres as seamlessly as Alan Parsons. Like all of his releases, Eye in the Sky is at least by loose definition a concept record, inhabiting the more commercial fringes of progressive rock. Beyond that it has the hooks of a pop record and the smooth sheen of an adult contemporary album.
Whatever his music is, Parsons thankfully seemed to focus on doing what he did well rather than fitting it into a niche–usually an approach that yields good results.
“Old and Wise” is a wistful, nostalgic lyric rendered beautifully by the breathy voice of none other than former Zombies vocalist Colin Blunstone.
Caution: attach this song to a personal relationship, add a pinch of goodbye, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for tears.
