1977 2LP in gatefold. Al Stewart’s "The Early Years" album is a compilation that brings together key tracks from the first three albums in Stewart’s career: "Bedsitter Images" (1967), "Love Chronicles" (1969), and "Zero She Flies" (1970). Released in 1977 by Janus Records, the compilation represents a period before Stewart achieved mainstream success with "Year of the Cat." The songs reveal Stewart’s evolution from a folk artist steeped in British tradition and narrative songwriting to a more expansive composer experimenting with longer song forms and historical themes. The album includes landmark tracks like "Love Chronicles," which was notable at the time for its confessional lyrics and extended running time, reflecting the influence of the burgeoning singer-songwriter movement in the late 1960s.