By [Your Name/solcat.net Content Team]
Cat Stevens, now known as Yusuf Islam, remains an iconic figure in folk-pop music. His journey through various phases, from a 1960s teen pop sensation to a profound singer-songwriter and eventually embracing Islam, has been mirrored in his consistently gentle and spiritually-rich music.
Throughout his evolution, Cat Stevens’ music has explored deeper meanings of life, resonating with listeners through melodic songwriting that cemented his status as a 1970s folk and pop icon. His legendary status was further solidified by his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 and his performance in the coveted Legends Slot at Glastonbury Festival in 2023.
Here, we rank ten of Cat Stevens’ most exceptional songs, celebrating his enduring musical legacy.
1. ‘Father and Son’
Yusuf / Cat Stevens – Father & Son
‘Father and Son’ wasn’t an initial chart-topper for Cat Stevens; it wasn’t even released as a single initially. However, this powerful song achieved widespread recognition and acclaim when Irish band Boyzone covered it in 1995. Boyzone’s rendition propelled ‘Father and Son’ to the top of the Irish charts and to number two in the UK, introducing it to a new generation. Since then, ‘Father and Son’ has become arguably the most timeless and emotionally resonant song in Cat Stevens’ extensive catalog. Originally conceived for a musical titled Revolussia, which was never produced, the song was profoundly inspired by Stevens’ own relationship with his father, who had hoped his son would join the family business instead of pursuing music.
2. ‘Wild World’
CAT STEVENS – Wild World 1971
‘Wild World’ emerged from a period of introspection for Cat Stevens following his battle with tuberculosis. This experience caused him to reconsider his fast-paced lifestyle and begin exploring Eastern religions for deeper answers. As Stevens himself explained, “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… It’s talking about losing touch with home and reality – home especially.” ‘Wild World’ marked his breakthrough in the United States, opening doors for his subsequent and significant success in America and globally.
3. ‘First Cut Is The Deepest’
Yusuf Cat Stevens, The First Cut is the Deepest, Festival de Viña 2015, HD 1080p
‘First Cut Is The Deepest’ holds a unique place in this list as it wasn’t originally a Cat Stevens release, yet it is undeniably one of his most impactful compositions. The song poignantly describes the struggle of someone wanting to fall in love again but being held back by the deep emotional scars from a past relationship. Stevens initially penned ‘First Cut is the Deepest’ for soul artist P.P. Arnold. It has since been famously covered by numerous artists including Rod Stewart and Sheryl Crow, among others. P.P. Arnold, a former Ikе & Tina Turner backing singer, felt a profound connection to the song’s lyrics, especially given her own experience in an abusive relationship. She stated, “It encapsulated everything that I was at the time. Having the courage to get out of that and create a life for me and my kids. What a blessing.”
4. ‘Moonshadow’
According to Cat Stevens, ‘Moonshadow’ is about embracing the present moment and finding joy in one’s own life without constant comparison to others. This positive and uplifting message is a hallmark of his songwriting, contributing to his appeal to American audiences, who often associated him with introspective artists like George Harrison. ‘Moonshadow’ didn’t achieve significant chart success upon its initial release but gained popularity later as Cat Stevens’ fame grew in the US. Years after his conversion to Islam, Stevens reflected that ‘Moonshadow’ was instrumental in his revisiting and re-evaluating his earlier work, describing it as an “optimist’s anthem.”
5. ‘Morning Has Broken’
Yusuf / Cat Stevens – Morning Has Broken (Official Lyric Video)
‘Morning Has Broken’ is a beautiful reinterpretation of a 1931 children’s hymn written by Eleanor Farjeon. Cat Stevens enriched the hymn by adding chords to Farjeon’s lyrics, which draw inspiration from the Book of Genesis in the Bible, referencing the creation of Earth on the “first morning.” Due to Stevens’ spiritual inclinations, the song’s themes resonated deeply with American listeners, quickly becoming associated with the singer-songwriter. While British audiences were already familiar with the hymn, Cat Stevens’ version became a top ten hit on both sides of the Atlantic, showcasing its universal appeal and timeless beauty.
6. ‘Tea for the Tillerman’
Tea For The Tillerman
‘Tea for the Tillerman’, the concluding track from Stevens’ acclaimed album of the same name, is a concise yet exquisite piece, lasting only 66 seconds. Despite its brevity, it has made a significant cultural impact. The song was notably used as the outro music for Ricky Gervais’ celebrity satire series Extras. Furthermore, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, during his guest appearance on Extras, even performed a cover version of ‘Tea for the Tillerman’. Many fans consider it a perfect and poignant ending to an almost perfect album, with the only common wish being that ‘Tea For The Tillerman’ could have been longer.
7. ‘Matthew and Son’
Cat Stevens – Matthew & Son (1967)
‘Matthew and Son’ marked Cat Stevens’ initial breakthrough in the UK music scene, reaching No. 2 in the charts back in 1967. This hit single established him as a promising British talent, and its influence has grown over time, perhaps more than Stevens initially anticipated. In 2016, Stevens humorously noted the melodic similarity between the verse of ‘Matthew and Son’ and Tears For Fears’ hit song ‘Mad World’. He playfully commented on the similarity with the lyrics, “‘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!”
8. ‘Lady D’Arbanville’
Yusuf / Cat Stevens – Lady D'Arbanville (Official Music Video)
The 1970 single ‘Lady D’Arbanville’ was directly inspired by Cat Stevens’ then-girlfriend, actress Patti D’Arbanville. Patti herself appears alongside Stevens in the song’s promotional video, which was filmed in monochrome within a gothic English mansion. In the video, Stevens sings to her as if she were a deceased figure, vowing eternal love. Ironically, this declaration of eternal love was somewhat premature, as they ended their relationship that same year. Patti D’Arbanville later had relationships with Mick Jagger and Miami Vice star Don Johnson.
9. ‘Peace Train’
Yusuf / Cat Stevens – Peace Train (Live at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert, 2006)
After gaining fame in the UK, Cat Stevens made significant inroads into the US market with songs like ‘Peace Train,’ which became an anthem for the hippie movement. His gentle, yet meaningful songwriting style resonated strongly with the counterculture youth of the era. Devoid of any overt political messaging, ‘Peace Train’ focuses on the universal aspiration for peace and harmony. The song’s unwavering optimism, with Stevens singing about “thinking about the good things to come,” propelled it to the No. 1 spot on the US Adult Contemporary chart, highlighting its broad appeal.
10. ‘Oh Very Young’
Yusuf / Cat Stevens – Oh Very Young (live, Majikat – Earth Tour 1976)
Cat Stevens’ experience with tuberculosis at the young age of 20, brought on by relentless touring, profoundly influenced his life perspective and music. This health crisis spurred him to seek deeper meaning in life, a spiritual quest that permeated his songwriting. Songs like ‘Oh Very Young’ exemplify this introspective period and became a top ten hit in the US. Despite being only 25 when the song was released, Stevens delivered the insightful and mature wisdom, “You’re only dancin’ on this earth for a short while.” This message resonated as more purposeful and profound compared to much of the pop music being produced by his contemporaries.
Cat Stevens’ collection of songs continues to inspire and move listeners worldwide. His ability to blend folk melodies with deeply personal and spiritual themes has cemented his place as one of music’s most treasured singer-songwriters.
