Monday 26 February 2024

I.G.Y. (What a Beautiful World) by Donald Fagan

Donald Fagan, keyboard player and a mainstay of rock/jazz funk band Steely Dan, released his first solo album a year after they split in 1982.  I.G.Y. opened the album and was the first single to be taken from it


The "I.G.Y." of the title refers to the "International Geophysical Year", an event that ran from July 1957 to December 1958. The I.G.Y. was an international scientific project promoting collaboration among the world's scientists. 


Fagen's lyrics discuss the widespread optimistic vision of the future at that time, including futuristic concepts such as solar-powered cities, a transatlantic tunnel, permanent space stations, and spandex jackets!



It was nominated for the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1983, losing to "Always on My Mind".


It has been covered by British musician Howard Jones and American a cappella group Take 6, who modified the lyrics to recast the song with a gospel message.


 
The Howard Jones cover version

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