Year of the Cat (Al Stewart) was one of the my early ones that intrigued me.
My dad put the album on, the first time I heard it I knew something about the progression seemed weird theory wise.

How can a D-G-D measure be the turnaround to the root Cmaj7 and then be same turnaound to change keys/mode (?)

I had to learn to play it on piano to realize how natural it felt to play, though it's not a common way to resolve back to the root maj7.
At least it wasn't to me.

There are plenty of 'different' chords in that song but they worked.
The whole song is a great example of this type of thing .. it moves from place to place and the chords are very 'un-theory' when seen.
I think I still have the book of the notation for it around here somewhere.
I used to buy those books like crazy when I was younger.
Having parents that owned a music store had its benefits. <grin>

Year of the Cat, in case it's not as 'known' as I think it is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqZc7ZQURMs

I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!