Cat Stevens, now known as Yusuf Islam, remains an enduring figure in music history. His journey from a 1960s teen idol to a profound singer-songwriter and later a spiritual leader is mirrored in his diverse and deeply resonant discography. His music, characterized by gentle melodies and introspective lyrics, has cemented his status as a folk-pop icon. This article delves into ten of the most significant Cat Stevens Tracks, celebrating the songs that have defined generations and continue to captivate listeners worldwide. From chart-topping hits to album gems, these selections highlight the breadth and depth of his songwriting prowess.
1. ‘Father and Son’
Yusuf / Cat Stevens performing Father & Son live, showcasing the emotional depth of this classic track.
Initially, ‘Father and Son’ was not conceived as a chart-dominating single, yet it has evolved into arguably the most poignant and timeless Cat Stevens track. Its initial conception was for a musical named Revolussia, a project that ultimately remained unproduced. The song explores the generational divide and the often-conflicting perspectives between a father and his son. Inspired by Stevens’ own relationship with his father, who envisioned a future for him within the family business rather than in the unpredictable world of music, ‘Father and Son’ encapsulates the universal struggle between parental expectations and youthful aspirations. The narrative unfolds as a dialogue, with Stevens adeptly voicing both the father’s conservative wisdom and the son’s yearning for independence. It wasn’t until Boyzone’s 1995 cover that the song achieved mainstream chart success, reaching the top in Ireland and number two in the UK. This resurgence solidified its place as a classic and introduced it to a new generation, ensuring ‘Father and Son’ remains one of the most cherished Cat Stevens tracks.
2. ‘Wild World’
Cat Stevens performing Wild World in 1971, a pivotal year for his breakthrough in the US market.
‘Wild World’ marked a pivotal moment in Cat Stevens’ career, becoming his breakthrough hit in the United States and paving the way for his subsequent transatlantic success. Penned in the aftermath of a bout with tuberculosis and a period of introspection, the song reflects Stevens’ reconsideration of his earlier, fast-paced lifestyle and his burgeoning interest in Eastern religions. Lyrically, ‘Wild World’ is often interpreted as a bittersweet farewell to a departing lover, offering a blend of tender concern and resigned acceptance. However, Stevens himself has suggested a broader interpretation, stating, “I was trying to relate to my life. I was at the point where it was beginning to happen and I was myself going into the world.” This perspective imbues the song with a sense of wider personal transition and leaving behind the familiar comforts of home and past realities. Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics resonated deeply, establishing ‘Wild World’ as one of the quintessential Cat Stevens tracks for both personal reflection and universal experiences of change.
3. ‘First Cut Is The Deepest’
Yusuf Cat Stevens performing The First Cut is the Deepest live at Festival de Viña 2015, showcasing the song's enduring appeal.
‘First Cut Is The Deepest’ holds a unique position in Cat Stevens’ repertoire as a song he wrote but did not originally perform himself. Despite this, it stands as one of his most influential compositions, achieving global recognition through numerous covers. The song delves into the emotional scars left by past relationships, depicting someone hesitant to fully commit to new love due to lingering pain. Stevens penned ‘First Cut is the Deepest’ for soul singer P.P. Arnold, and her rendition brought the song to an initial audience. Subsequently, it has been famously covered by artists across genres, including Rod Stewart and Sheryl Crow, each version adding a new layer of interpretation and further solidifying its status as a classic. P.P. Arnold, Ike & Tina Turner’s former backing singer, found a deep personal connection with the lyrics, stating that the song “encapsulated everything that I was at the time,” reflecting her own journey of overcoming an abusive relationship and building a new life. This powerful resonance and its universal theme of love and emotional healing have made ‘First Cut Is The Deepest’ one of the most covered and enduring Cat Stevens tracks.
4. ‘Moonshadow’
Yusuf / Cat Stevens performing Moonshadow live in 1971, capturing the joyful and optimistic spirit of the song.
‘Moonshadow’ embodies the optimistic and life-affirming essence that permeates much of Cat Stevens’ songwriting. According to Stevens, the song is about embracing the present moment and finding joy in one’s own life, free from the need for external validation or comparison. This philosophy of positivity became a hallmark of his work, drawing comparisons to other spiritually inclined artists like George Harrison, particularly among American audiences. While ‘Moonshadow’ wasn’t an immediate chart-topper upon its release, it gained significant traction as Stevens’ popularity grew in the US. Interestingly, after his conversion to Islam and change of name to Yusuf Islam, Stevens revisited ‘Moonshadow’ and identified it as an “optimist’s anthem,” reaffirming its core message of hope and inner peace. The song’s whimsical melody and uplifting lyrics have contributed to its lasting appeal, making ‘Moonshadow’ a beloved and frequently revisited Cat Stevens track.
5. ‘Morning Has Broken’
Yusuf / Cat Stevens in the official lyric video for Morning Has Broken, highlighting the song's spiritual and reflective nature.
‘Morning Has Broken’ stands out as a unique entry in Cat Stevens’ catalog, being a reinterpretation of a 1931 children’s hymn penned by Eleanor Farjeon. Stevens’ contribution was to set the hymn’s lyrics to music, adding chords that transformed it into a contemporary folk-pop song. The lyrics themselves draw inspiration from the Book of Genesis, referencing the biblical creation story and the dawn of the “first morning.” Given Stevens’ spiritual inclinations, the song’s themes of renewal and divine creation resonated deeply with his audience, particularly in the United States, where it became strongly associated with him. While British audiences were likely familiar with the hymn in its original form, Stevens’ rendition propelled ‘Morning Has Broken’ to top ten status on both sides of the Atlantic. Its serene melody and evocative lyrics have ensured its enduring appeal, making ‘Morning Has Broken’ one of the most spiritually resonant and widely recognized Cat Stevens tracks.
6. ‘Tea for the Tillerman’
The album cover for Tea For The Tillerman, featuring artwork that reflects the whimsical and thoughtful nature of the music within.
‘Tea for the Tillerman,’ the title track and closer from Stevens’ acclaimed 1970 album of the same name, is a concise yet beautiful musical piece. Clocking in at just 66 seconds, it demonstrates Stevens’ ability to create impactful and emotionally resonant music even in brevity. The song gained renewed attention when it was featured as the outro music for Ricky Gervais’ popular TV series Extras. Further enhancing its profile, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, in an episode of Extras in which he guest-starred, performed a cover version of ‘Tea for the Tillerman’. This exposure introduced the song to a new generation of listeners and highlighted its understated charm. Despite its short length, ‘Tea for the Tillerman’ serves as a perfect, contemplative conclusion to a seminal album, with the only minor critique from devoted fans being a wish for a longer musical exploration of its melodic themes. Its presence in popular culture and its intrinsic beauty make ‘Tea for the Tillerman’ a notable, if brief, Cat Stevens track.
7. ‘Matthew and Son’
Cat Stevens performing Matthew & Son in 1967, the song that launched his career in the UK.
‘Matthew and Son’ holds the distinction of being Cat Stevens’ breakthrough hit in the United Kingdom, reaching number two in the charts in 1967 and establishing him as a prominent new musical talent. The song’s success was more impactful and enduring than Stevens initially anticipated, solidifying his position in the British music scene. In a more contemporary context, Stevens humorously noted the sonic similarity between the verse melody of ‘Matthew and Son’ and Tears For Fears’ hit song ‘Mad World’. Reflecting on this resemblance in 2016, he playfully commented, “‘I think it’s kind of funny, I think it’s kind of strange’, yes I think it’s kind of funny, that this sounds the same!” This lighthearted observation underscores the song’s lasting influence and its place in popular music consciousness. ‘Matthew and Son’ not only launched Cat Stevens’ career but also remains a recognizable and historically significant Cat Stevens track from his early period.
8. ‘Lady D’Arbanville’
Yusuf / Cat Stevens in the official music video for Lady D'Arbanville, featuring Patti D'Arbanville in a gothic setting.
The 1970 single ‘Lady D’Arbanville’ is a deeply personal song, inspired by Cat Stevens’ then-girlfriend, the actress Patti D’Arbanville. Patti herself appears alongside Stevens in the promotional video for the song, which is filmed in monochrome in a gothic English mansion. The video’s narrative is striking and somewhat morbidly romantic, with Stevens singing to Patti’s ‘corpse,’ vowing eternal love. This dramatic and theatrical presentation of love and loss is heightened by the song’s baroque musical arrangement. Interestingly, the sentiment of eternal love proved to be somewhat premature, as their relationship ended in the same year the song was released. Patti D’Arbanville later became romantically involved with Mick Jagger and Miami Vice star Don Johnson. Despite the relationship’s brevity, ‘Lady D’Arbanville’ remains a compelling and artistically rich Cat Stevens track, notable for its dramatic flair and personal inspiration.
9. ‘Peace Train’
Yusuf / Cat Stevens performing Peace Train live at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in 2006, emphasizing the song's message of peace.
After establishing himself as a significant artist in the UK, Cat Stevens broadened his appeal to American audiences with tracks like ‘Peace Train,’ which became an anthem embraced by the burgeoning hippie movement. His gentle, introspective approach to songwriting resonated strongly with the countercultural youth of the era. ‘Peace Train’ distinguishes itself with its lack of overt political aggression; instead, its central theme is the simple yet powerful advocacy for peace and optimism. The song’s relentlessly hopeful tone, with Stevens singing about “thinking about the good things to come,” propelled it to the number one spot on the US Adult Contemporary chart. Its positive message and catchy melody made ‘Peace Train’ one of the most popular and universally appealing Cat Stevens tracks, embodying the spirit of peace and unity sought by many during the 1970s.
10. ‘Oh Very Young’
Yusuf / Cat Stevens performing Oh Very Young live during the Majikat – Earth Tour in 1976, showcasing his enduring stage presence.
‘Oh Very Young’ emerged from a period of profound personal reflection for Cat Stevens. After contracting tuberculosis at the age of 20 due to relentless touring, Stevens’ convalescence prompted him to seek deeper meaning in life. This spiritual quest permeated his music, becoming evident in songs like ‘Oh Very Young,’ which achieved top ten success in the United States. Despite being only 25 years old at the time of the song’s release, Stevens imparts a sense of seasoned wisdom in the lyric, “You’re only dancin’ on this earth for a short while.” This message of life’s brevity and the importance of cherishing each moment felt particularly meaningful and resonated more profoundly than much of the pop music of the era. ‘Oh Very Young’ stands as a testament to Stevens’ artistic maturity and his capacity to infuse his personal experiences with universal themes, making it a deeply impactful Cat Stevens track.
