1982 Donald Fagen – I.G.Y. (What A Beautiful World) (US:#26)
“I.G.Y. (What a Beautiful World)” is a song written and performed by American songwriter, singer and musician Donald Fagen. It was the first track of his Platinum-certified debut solo album The Nightfly, and was released in September 1982 as its first single. It charted well on the Billboard Hot 100, Mainstream Rock, R&B Singles and Adult Contemporary charts.
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 reference, from the point of view of that time, an optimistic vision of futuristic concepts such as solar-powered cities, a transatlantic tunnel, permanent space stations, and spandex jackets. In retrospect the song can also be read ironically, critiquing the naïveté of such postwar optimism in America and the Western world. The “76” referred to in the song is 1976, the U.S. Bicentennial year.
Album
The Nightfly is the first solo album by Steely Dan co-founder Donald Fagen, released in 1982. It was an early example of a fully digital recording in popular music. Although The Nightfly includes a number of production staff and musicians who had played on Steely Dan records, it is Fagen’s first release without longtime collaborator […]
Musicians
| Bass | Anthony Jackson |
| Drums | James Gadson |
| Drums | Jeffrey Porcaro |
| Guitar | Hugh McCracken |
| Piano | Greg Phillinganes |
| Synthesizer | Donald Fagen |
| Synthesizer | Rob Mounsey |
| Sax | Dave Tofani |
| Sax | Michael Brecker |
| Sax | Ronnie Cuber |
| Trombone | Dave Bargeron |
| Trumpet | Randy Brecker |
| Percussion | Starz Vanderlockett |
| Percussion | Roger Nichols |
| Background Vocals | Valerie Simpson |
| Background Vocals | Zack Sanders |
| Background Vocals | Frank Floyd |
| Background Vocals | Gordon Grody |
Produced By
Gary Katz
Songwriters
Donald Fagen
Charts
US:#26
UK:# –