John Stewart's 1982 album,
Blondes, on Allegiance isn't one of his spectacular works, but it maintains his pop-inflected folk-rock solo consistency. There's one notable exception, however -- that's the leadoff track, "Tall Blondes." It's quirky and brimming with jumpy energy. Frankly, it smacks of new wave, although there are no keyboards. These are musical descriptions not expected of an alumnus of folk gods
the Kingston Trio, but it was 1982 after all. The nine other songs fall into more familiar
Stewart territory. The breezy "The Queen of Hollywood High" features
Linda Ronstadt on background vocals. "Judy in G Major" is spry, and
Stewart's singing is edgier and more forceful than usual.
Fleetwood Mac vocalist/guitarist
Lindsey Buckingham contributes background vocals on "Jenny Was a Dream Girl." The supple "Blonde Star" nevertheless has a dark feel to it. Although
Stewart produced and wrote all of the songs on
Blondes, vocalist/rhythm guitarist/production assistant
Chuck McDermott was integral to its creation. [Note:
Blondes was reissued on CD by the German record company Line in 1990. Many of
Stewart's solo albums from the 1970s and 1980s are available on CD through German labels.]