Very Best of Cat Stevens

Performer: Cat Stevens
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Producers include: Mike Hurst, Paul Samwell-Smith, Cat Stevens. Compilation producer: Bill Levinson. Digitally remastered by Ted Jensen. Personnel: Cat Stevens (vocals). Audio Mixer: Paul Hicks. Liner Note Author: Malu Halasa. Photographers: G. Hanekroot; Michael Putland; David Redfern. Before converting to Islam in 1978, the British-born Cat Stevens blazed the trail for the sensitive singer-songwriter movement that got its start in the earlier part of the decade. Containing both early and late representations of Stevens' impressive canon, VERY BEST OF surpasses the wildly popular GREATEST HITS collection that preceded it. Starting with the more lushly orchestrated material of the late 60s ("Matthew & Son," "The First Cut Is The Deepest" which Rod Stewart turned into a mid-70s hit), this collection captures Stevens' transformation into an introspective artisan who succeeded with a unique brand of folk-pop. Moving from a rumored ode to actress Patti D'Arbanville ("Lady D'Arbanville" featuring flutist Peter Gabriel), Stevens quickly moved into weightier matters of introspection and spirituality ranging from the global ("Wild World," "Peace Train") to the familial ("Father And Son"). In addition to writing about the plight of the younger set ("Where Do The Children Play?") and looking to religious hymns for inspiration ("Morning Has Broken"), Stevens' joyful love of pop emerged on a smash cover of Sam Cooke's "Another Saturday Night." One major highlight is 1970's previously unreleased "I've Got A Thing About Seeing My Grandson Grow Old," a twangy nugget saturated in joy and hope.

Q (12/03, p.159) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Among these 24 tracks are some of the best-loved songs of the past four decades..."

Cat Stevens's debut single found its way to the U.K. charts while he was still in his teens. He became an international star with 1970's TEA FOR THE TILLERMAN, which showed an evolution in his style. With his distinctive voice, memorable melodies, and sensitive, socially conscious lyrics, Stevens typified the singer-songwriter aesthetic of the early '70s. His records from that period were incredibly successful, familiar to anyone growing up at the time. Over the years, his music grew a little less accessible, and by the end of the '70s he had converted to Islam, changed his name to Yusuf Islam, and retired from pop music. A 2006 comeback album, recorded under his new name, was a lovely return to form.

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