Sparks of Ancient Light is the sixteenth studio album by Al Stewart, released on 15 September 2008. Like many of Stewart's works, the album's songs deal with historical figures, including British prime minister Lord Salisbury, deposed Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and 34th U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. According to Stewart, the songs all deal with the themes of "certainty and uncertainty." A music video for "Elvis at the Wheel," shot in Arizona, was released in December 2013.

Critical reception

Allmusic reviewer Richie Unterberger praised the production on the album. He wrote: "Stewart's principal strengths – pleasant haunting melodies, mellifluous vocals, accomplished folk guitar work, and literate, historical-minded lyrics – stand at the forefront, undiminished by extraneous arrangements."

Track listing

Personnel

Musicians

Production

Allusions and historical references