Tea for the Tillerman

This is an album that defined a generation. I liked the remaster better.

A very solid album

Very folksy and soft, pleasant to listen to

I listened to this one while I was driving from Hays to Travis County this morning. I definitely liked it more than the last Bruce Springsteen one. The album started pretty strong for me and I was nodding along to the first several. The back half of the album took a dive. I didn’t recognize any of the songs but I think either the first song or Wild Woman (I think it was called) was my favorite. Not a terrible album and my favorite so far (out of two lol)

it was pretty cool

It's OK. Some are good, some are wrist slitting sad.

Amazing album. Wild world is awesome

Warm. Personal. Organic.

High density of his better-known songs: five that I know very well. If I ever get back to playing guitar I’m sure I will play these again, he’s gold for guitar and voice.

Folk melancholic album. Loved “Father and Son” and “Wild World”

I was surprised. I knew the name but but not the music will listen again very Bowie? Maybe it is the era. I knew wild world and father and son but didn't know it was him. I don't know if I can look back at this but I'll leave the note ted lasso...

"Where Do The Children Play?" and "Hard Headed Woman" are good. Learned that "Wild World" and "Father And Son" are from this album.

Where Do The Children Play?: 5/5 Although there's not a big change in melody, it feels almost nostalgic listening to this. The build up at the end wraps up the song perfectly and I think it's a great intro song to the album. Hard Headed Woman: 4/5 Love the strings and the change up in tone halfway through. Not the biggest fan of the ending but still overall pretty good. Wild World: 5/5 Hey I know this song. Idk where from but oh well. (Edit: I looked it up and apparently it's from Skins UK Series 1? Also some lawyer/cop show maybe?) Sad Lisa: 3/5 Liked the violin but overall kinda meh Miles From Nowhere: 3/5 A little more chaotic sounding that I'd prefer but still okay But I Might Die Tonight: 4/5 Actually really enjoyed it, but it was super short unfortunately Longer Boats: 4/5 Very chill, calm, and catchy. Into White: 4/5 I'm usually not into very slow repetitive songs but the instrumental in this one got to me. On the Road to Find Out: 3/5 Kind of just decent compared to the other songs on the album Father and Son: 5/5 Very emotional, make-a-me cry ;( Tea For The Tillerman: 4/5 Perfectly rounds out the album, in reference to the first track, but could be a bit longer to tie all the themes throughout the album together. So I would usually put something funny but I really enjoyed this album. Sowwy

Where Do The Children Play? - I Don't Know Stop Asking. Anyway. Omg and I said "HEYEYEYEYEYEY What's going on?!" This is the goat in Hoodwinked that can only sing. wait. is this a sad song. (3/5) Hard Headed Woman - yes we love women (5/5 women) Wild World - i feel like i've heard this before. (1/5 because I got so fucking side tracked I had to stop everything) Sad Lisa - this song is a jojo reference. lisa lisa. someone tell little caesar's about this song. (2/5) Miles from Nowhere - PIANO (4/5) But I Might Die Tonight - this is the part of the musical movie that you are watching where they all do drugs and have collective fun high and float around and stuff. (4/5 that was fun) Longer Boats - longer boats are coming to wheat us. I also want no god on my lawn. What is this hippy shit >:^[o> (<- that's me shouting.) damn that mother fucker hit that bass LOW. (5/5 what am I listening to)(this is what church music sounds like) Into White - this isn't my beautiful house. this isn't my beautiful wife. a spider doing what where?? (2/5 keep your spiders away from me. freak) On The Road To Find Out - I mean this as a compliment, i really feel like this is something i would have listened to with my great grandfather. (4/5 nostalgia) Father And Son - i knew there was something us with this album and artist. this is some hippy stuff. this guy is a humanitarian. this is a song about not being able to come out to your dad (I'm making shit up but I'd believe it)(2/5 i also have father issues) Tea For The Tillerman - It's the last song get out. that was so fast holy shit. it's giving Randy Newman. anyway (1/5 drive-by) Okay, up until now I have given each album I have not been a big fan of a 3/5 if it meets certain unknown personal criteria. This album is no where close to the kind of music I would sit and listen to actively; because of the nostalgia this brings to a corner of my brain I don't think actually exists. A 4/5 for gaslighting me into feeling nostalgia for something that never happened.

I love this, this is my favorite album we've had so far, this is my music finally

Not my normal type, but if you listen to the lyrics you get so into the songs. Its so meaningful and gets catchy after a listen or two.

Perfect album, no skips

cat stevens and yusuf are legends fr

yahoo

So far they have a nice tune, oddly the songs get really high and up beat at the end half kinda getting repetitive (I like a consistent flow for the most part), it's emotional/good imagery, oddly giving me "I can fix her" vibes from the first fee songs, Miles for no where is nice on first listen, Father And Son 😖😭 is nice and emotional so real, My top song on this album

Too sad and folksy for my tastes. I immediately forgot it when I finished listening.

Now this was good. Nice, gentle floating lyrics, amazing acoustic guitars and just upbeat all around.

Really liked Longer Boats and Father and Son. The rest were fine I guess

Calm, meditative folk songs with occasional bursts of rhythm. Only a few songs stick out but a really nice listen all in all. Best song: Father and Son

Lovely little folk album but a couple of duds (especially Longer Boats which is fucking SHIT)

This record holds a special place for me. Father and Son reminds me of my dad. One of probably many songs that will instantly bring a tear to my eyes. The lyrics are great throughout this record. The music, although, leans to the simplicity side, it pairs and complements the stories Cat Steven’s is telling.

A lovely album with a number of known songs and a few new ones I quite like.

Classic

J'aime vraiment pas

I’m surprised that I knew a few songs in this album even though I had no idea about album and artist. Very good songs !

Just simply one of the best ever. *Wild World* is top ten songs for me, ever. 11 Oct 2023

This genre of folk rock doesn't really land for me, didn't finish the album but hopped around the hits.

Classic

I’m so happy to see Cat Stevens on a list of essential albums. I went through a phase in my youth of being obsessed with Wild World after it was featured on Skins, and then again later when I discovered the cover by Mr Big. I adore Cat/Yusuf’s voice, so I’m looking forward to listening to this today Songs I already knew: Father and Son, Wild World, Tea For The Tillerman Favourites: Father and Son, Wild World, Into White And his was every bit as wonderful as I was hoping it would be. Father and Son never fails to make me tear up a little as it’s just such a beautiful song. As much as Mr Big did an excellent cover of Wild World, there’s just no beating Cat/Yusuf’s version. Every second of this album was just so delightful, and there is literally nothing I can fault with it. I love it. Listen to it please.

Fleetwood Mac/eric Clapton type vibes. Loved this album. Will listen to this artist again

A light, thoughtful album, didn’t really grab me

Loved it.

"Where Do the Children Play?" was a good opener. Great build up in intensity. "Hard Headed Woman" had a nice section with some dramatic drums. Good song. "Wild World" had some great music. Another good song. "Sad Lisa" was fine. Nice piano. "Miles from Nowhere" had some great contrast between the sections. Great ending to the first side. "But I Might Die Tonight" was a fine shorter song. "Longer Boats" had a good, unexpected intro that I think was better than the rest of the song. There was a great drum fill into the final chorus. "Into White" was decent. "On the Road to Find Out" has some nice backing vocals. Good song. "Father and Son" was a great song. I loved the two different perspectives represented by the two different vocal registers. The title track was a good closer, calling back to the first track and ending with a nice chorus of vocals. Decent album.

Wild World

Banger

Classic album some killer some filler

Chill music to do spreadsheets to

One of the all time greats

A classic.. I've always like Cat Stevens and this album sounded perfect today. A perfect length too.

One of the greatest guitar albums ever created. Cat is a legend.

Always was a 5 still is. Many a day and night listening to this and Elton John. Completely new and unheard sound when it was released. A big departure from cat Stevens the 60s pop singer.

beautiful songs!

Better than I thought it would be. I really enjoyed the vibe of the tunes and content of his lyrics. Cat Steven’s seems like a good guy and I’m interested to hear more.

Not bad. Could hear some similarities to other songs like Jethro Tull.

As I grow up I like this album more an more... (currently 37 y). Much wisdom, lovely intimate tunes..

Decent album. Slower than I want, but still great.

Such a wonderful album front to back. Would get a 5 for Father and Son alone.

A classic album that I used to listen to quite a bit on vinyl. Still doesn't get old on repeat listens. Imagine what other greats albums he could have produced if he didn't turn away from mainstream music for 30+ years. Highlights: Where do the children play? Wild World Miles From Nowhere

Was okay, I guess. Went by fast. + Wild World + Sad Lisa + Miles From Nowhere + But I Might Die Tonight + Father And Son

Some great songs on this album but not quite enough for a 5 star rating.

father and son is one of the most sobbable songs i've heard in a while

Wild world

Surprisingly good. Lots of enjoyable songs, overall, great time.

Really great album. Love that it doesn't overstay its welcome. Just a nice collection of songs.

Folksy Fire

9/10 amazing, unique voice

70s | Pop/Rock | Overall score: 4.5 / 90.00% 01. Where Do The Children Play? - 4.5/5 (very nostalgic) 02. Hard Headed Woman - 4.5/5 (chills with that bass) 03. Wild Wolrd - 5/5 (everyone loves this song) 04. Sad Lisa - 5/5 (sad, love it) 05. Miles From Nowhere - 4.5/5 (made me tap my foot) 06. But I Might Die Tonight - 4/5 (makes me think of the caroussel of life) 07. Longer Boats - 4/5 08. Into White - 4.5/5 (sweet lullaby) 09. On The Road To Find Out - 4/5 (is there really a bad song in this album?) 10. Father And Son - 5/5 (i always cry hearing this) 11. Tea For The Tillerman - 4.5/5 (funny tingles in my ears)

Bons clássicos, grande instrumental, chill e bom no ouvidom apesar de não ser o meu estilo

Very sweet guitar playing. It feels very warm and personal, and is the perfect album to lift my mood as im getting about my day. Wasn't expecting to like it much- not sure why I was just hesitant to press play, and im glad I did. (Press play, that is.) We all have our limits with acoustic guitar music so I cant believe that anyone has listened to this album in one sitting, but listening to a few songs at a time is making this enjoyable for me. I wrote more about this but forgot to save it so this will have to do.. overall a little bit boring as a whole but sweet all the same.

so so lovely and warm, a perfect morning album for sure. thank you for the hug, cat stevens. standout- where do the children play?

great

One of Cat Steven's best albums. I grew up on this album, and it helped shape my worldview from a young age.

Very folky, a genre that I never really listened to much. It's catchy but kind of boring.

Enjoyed this. Gentle.

Not a bad album. Had a few bangers but the backing band is incredible.

Where do the children play, Wild World

Loved every song - this was a real classic.

I'm not sure what I really want to say about this other than it's just really lovely. Lots of nice songs, quite delicate in its approach, and kept nice and short. As the songs are all well crafted and presented there's no bloat at all. 3.5 rounded down

Lovely album. I don't know his recent stuff but every 70s album is worth a listen, there are some beautiful songs here.

Great Album. Great Songs. Great Artist.

Some bloat in the middle but otherwise close to perfect. Hard to not like it.

3.5 stars. Simple yet enjoyable folk rock. Steven's voice is easy very homely. Standout is "Wild World", very catchy and has been a recurring earworm over the years.

Cat Stevens was 22 toen dit album uitkwam, kun je nagaan. Ik heb het altijd al een wonderschoon album gevonden, met Wild world, Lisa en al die andere nummers, dromerig, verstild. En dan steekt het prachtige Father and son daar nog weer bovenuit. Dit zijn de echte klassiekers in de lijst.

Muzikaal wat ingetogen. Dat geeft Cat de mogelijkheid zijn verhaal te vertellen. Dat kan hij als geen ander. En al zijn het vaak universele onderwerpen, hij lijkt te spreken uit zijn hart. Elke luisteraar zal zijn eigen nummers/onderwerpen eruit pakken, die hem raken. Dat maakt het lastig als album te luisteren.

Begin jaren 70 kwamen er allerlei van die hippies op slippers op (tegenwoordig zijn het boomers geworden die op sandalen lopen), die met hun akoestische gitaar hun zielenroerselen tot uiting probeerden te brengen. We hebben in de 90s nog een kleine revival gehad, en een paar nummers van Cat Stevens ken ik meer van covers uit die tijd, zoals Wild World in de versie van Mr Big. Tegenwoordig zie je dit soort muziek eigenlijk nauwelijks meer. We zien wel singer-songwriters natuurlijk, maar niet met folkmuziek. Ik kan er prima naar luisteren, maar heel enerverend is het verder ook niet.

A great acoustic album by such an acclaimed artist. Really enjoyed every song on this album. Father and Son is the best song on the album by a long shot.

There's nothing wrong with this album, it just doesn't resonate with me. Favorite song: Longer Boats.

Excellent. This has aged so well. Wild World was a highlight.

Not for me. Liked some tunes, generally happy music, cat stevens sounds like neil young. Great cover art tho. 3/10

Well… kind of pleasant easy listening, but lack of nerve

Another one of these "Legends" that I'm not hugely bothered by. I heard he was quite rude as well. And "Father and Son" has been ruined over the years with so many covers... I didn't mind it.

I'd say it's perfect but I listened back to back with the new release where he re-recorded the album doing a duet with his younger self and . . . they're both pretty amazing.

Gets to **** on the strength of Wild World and Father and Son. Sad Lisa also good.

Excellent melancholic album. Some really lovely tuneful and melodic with great acoustic playing.

Have yet to come across one of these albums I haven't liked, what an icon

gostosim

So this is a beautiful record. I definitely spent a bunch of time years ago listening to this and "Buddha and the Chocolate Box". If I could give it 4.5 stars, I would. It's a bit saccharin for modern days.

Pretty good album for a genre that I’ve yet to really dig it or love it. Same instrumental and a pretty good bocals from Stevens. If I can rate this like a 3.5, I would

great story teller gotta respect the cat , but a lot of this album seems like filler

Unreal

Lovely stuff

Excellent, way better than i thought it could be

Every song on this album is decidedly different from all others, the lyrics are great and the music has a soothing feel over it.

Mom and Dad had this tape

Good album

Great classic folk album that reminds me of my childhood.

Too preachy. Basically every song is from the perspective of conceited man who has “figured it all out” and can’t wait to bless the ignorant people surrounding him with his profound life lessons.

Kept my attention, nice and clean, enjoyed it

The first half of the Album was better but I can't deny that the album as a whole was pretty fantastic and overall very uplifting and it's just nice to listen to isn't it?

There's not a single bad song on this album and it has been a favourite of mine for a while.

this makes me feel trapped in a teen indie film. Whenever people start singing about barley I am fucking out

Soft and pleasant

Meh

yep yep yep. straight gas. fav songs: where do the children play?, wild world, into white, father and son.

nice

A great album

Pretty good. Cat Stevens has a helluva voice, so even on songs where overall it wasn't my favorite, his performance always struck me as great.

Nice enough album. Goes a bit harder than I expected w/ the guitar percussion. I enjoyed it fine, but don't really see myself coming back to it. 3/5

Yeah so Cat Stevens is actually pretty cool, or at least some of his tracks are. His voice is a little too nasally for my taste in some tracks, but it’s at least sincere and he’s able to have variety in his melodies which counts for something. I get it. C

Two of the songs were alright. I can't say this is a favorite of mine. But. Yeah. I like this. Singer songwriter simplicity is good.

This one was good. The only problem was that some of the songs sort of sounded the same.

first listen it's a nice folk album, although very short

Father and son is all timer for me.

Apparently when I was an infant, I wouldn't go to sleep unless my parents put Cat Stevens on. Whether that's a mark for or against his music is debatable, but I enjoyed this album well enough. "Hard Headed Woman" and especially "Wild World" are classics, and while the rest of the album didn't wow me, it was enjoyable to have on in the background.

Something about Cat Stevens' voice sooths me. Although I'm not a big fan of mellow folk, this album was enjoyable. 3.5 stars

Just what I needed to this morning. Something calming, relaxing. His voice is just so reassuring that everything's going to be ok. Great songwriter too.

Album d'été

la sieste continue

Quaint, nostalgic, beguiling, wistful, melancholy, poignant, safe, comforting. These are all adjectives I would use to describe what ‘Tea For The Tillerman’ sounds like. It does its thing quietly and assuredly. A wonderful, legitimately excellent little album.

Meh

I was unfamiliar with Yusuf prior to venturing into this record, but I am nothing short of amazed. Every song is a banger, catchy, and downright beautiful. His vocals are great, the tones, melodies, and production all standout on this album. Favourites: All of them

"Tea for the Tillerman" is the fourth studio album by English singer-songwriter Cat Stevens. The album is, of course, in the folk rock category and contains many of his best known tracks including "Wild World" which brought him world-wide fame. The song themes seemed to focus on spirituality and transcendence using various relationships to convey. The album reached #8 in the US and #20 in the UK. The album opens with "Where Do the Children Play." A nice acoustic guitar melody with the music and vocals building emotionally throughout the song. As the world gets built up with skyscrapers and gas lines, where do the children play? Stephens' classic chorus highlight his big one "Wild World." Great emotional vocal delivery. The Spanish-influenced guitar chord sequences. His words to a parting lover who wants to go out on her own. Piano start and strings add to "Sad Lisa." A sad song about a girl dealing with emotional issues. "Longer Boats" has vocal harmonization. Acoustic guitar and clapping hands. It was inspired by the first men on the moon and UFO speculation and to look closer at the beautiful things around earth. A start/stop acoustic guitar opens his other big song "Father and Son." His deeper voice describes an exchange between a father and son who wants to break away to start a new life. The album ends with the very short "Tea for the Tillerman." Just a piano and gospel backing vocals. At the day's end, there's still spirituality left. It's hard not to like this to some extent and I did. Two iconic songs. Emotional vocals. Lyrics with imagery and probably to some dual meanings. Mostly simple acoustic guitar music accentuated with piano and strings at times. Lots to like here.

Миленько, 6/10

Not my thing but seems to be interesting and well-played. Reminds me of Peter Gabriel who is also not my thing.

I've never intentionally listened to Cat Stevens yet every song is somehow etched 8n my memory

Top 3 Songs: 1 - Wild World (3) 2 - Father and Son (10) 3 - Where Do The Children Play? (1)

Well that was absolutely lovely. This could very well be the most objectively good album I've ever heard. I can't even think of any flaws anyone could find in it. I think you have to be an actual psychopath to hate this (finding it boring is acceptable). Two 5/5s in a row? Shit, maybe this "music" thing ain't so bad after all.

A sincere album with strong lyrics. Favorite songs: Wild World, Father And Son

Used to listen to songs like this around the dinner table with the family every day when I was a kid. They were easy listening then, but take on a whole new meaning for me now I can properly appreciate them. I adore this album.

Gentle folk rock. Am sure everyone knows "Wild World" but some other beautiful tracks here in a similar vein.

I could not stop hearing Jack Black in the hook of “Where do the Children Play?”. Quite entertaining that one was, although I was waiting and expecting more to be added to the song as far as instrumentals go. Cat Stevens added to it with his voice on that one instead I guess. With the rest of the songs however, I really enjoyed the music and composition. It’s a particular vibe given the singer/lyric portion

Tea For The Tillerman was a pleasant listen, and while I half-expected Puff the Magic Dragon to make an appearance by the end, I’ll give Cat Stevens a pass. “Wild World” is a classic, and listening to it deeply now I realize it sounds like both an escape down a spiral staircase and a reluctant jig on a giant piano. Either way, it seems like she wants to leave, so she better take good care. Hopefully she makes a lot of nice friends out there. One line in particular from “Father and Son” will always be relevant, and points to the Achilles heel of Gen Z: We may still be here tomorrow, but our dreams may not be. Stevens establishes himself well beyond his years, and it is a nice tune, but I do wonder how he would have thought to sing this stuff when he himself hardly had hair on his nuts. Tea For The Tillerman reminds me of a stroll through the Microsoft Windows background. You know the one I’m talking about. It’s a wonderful album, but just like I wouldn’t go out of my way to skip through a meadow, I wouldn’t go out of my way to listen to this record.

Beautiful songwriting; each of the tracks feels so earnest.

Lullaby kids music. "Wild World" and "Father and Son" I had heard before. Likely on some movie soundtracks

Acoustic folk, nice and calming

A great album.Car Steven’s voice is beautiful and all the tracks were good.Obviously wild world and father and son are the best songs. The soul in his voice on father and son is amazing.A truly great acoustic album and I don’t usually like those.Great storytelling good guitar Ana amazing voice.

The songwriting here is solid. Absolute classics all across the board and honestly there’s a reason he’s a legend. His voice is so subtle and well mixed and there’s an odd mix of folksy sensibilities and pop writing melding together.

#19: I've been looking forward to this one. Such clean guitar acoustics and soulful lyrics. Seriously thought it would be higher on the Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Albums list (205) though. Best song : Father And Son.

A beautiful, peaceful album. Full of soothing lyrics which explore love and loss. The songwriting is masterful and the instrumentation is gorgeous.

Perfect wind down music. I cant wait to listen to this on my next camping trip. It reminds me alot of the Rich Mullins stuff my dad always used to play.

What was still is. I wore out this album and still appreciate it on so many levels. "Miles to go. Guess I'll take my time to reach there"

Really good

“Wild World” and “Father and Son” are wonderful songs. But Cat Stevens doesn’t do much for me. I don’t have any persuasive reason for that opinion. I know people who absolutely love him but I don’t connect much with these songs or his style. The album just floated by for me.

"Wild World" is such a bop. The verse chord progression is amazing- if I'm hearing correctly it's mostly grounded in a minor tonality but has a great V7 chord that concludes the progression and smoothly brings it back into the first chord. That's really neat to do with a chorus that is much more major tonally and overall brighter. "Miles From Nowhere" is a cool track and sounds like a raucous folk rock Neil Young song which is always something I dig. I love how hard hitting the piano performance is. Break those keys! "Father And Son" is beautiful. Lyrics are sad and heartfelt and it's a really lovely track. Solid 3/5 for me. The other tracks outside of "Wild World" and "Father And Son" don't really do enough for me to think it's anything higher than a 3.

nice, but not my cup of tea

This was a really great folk rock album. I had first heard of it because one of my dad's favorite songs is Father and Son. I then re-heard it in the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 soundtrack and since then I have always had this as an album that I was going to listen to but never got to. I finally got to it because it was suggested to me here and it lived up to my expectations. I think this album was amazing. Consistent throughout with a few standouts like "Sad Lisa", and of course "Father And Son". I don't really see any flaws in this album except for the fact that Cat has one of those singing voices that I like but I could see getting annoying if I heard it a ton. Either way this was a great album that I definitely would recommend to anyone who likes folk music or folk rock. 9.5/10

yusuf brings the classics and doesnt let down. loving music and caring chords. a great lyricist and poignant. go get em tigah.

This felt comforting.

This is the most egregious 60s hippy dippy bullshit and I am totally here for it

Nice songs to listen to while working.

Not my cup of tea but quite good

I enjoyed it overall. Not what I’d usually listen to but it was a very endearing listen on a Saturday morning.

This was good. I don't know if I will listen to it again, however.

Never really heard any of his songs other than cats in the cradle and wild world Cool album, I like his singing. The E string on the upright is super growly Favorite songs: Wild world On the road to find out Father and son Might die tonight Where the children play

Tough to rate. not really my style of music typically but I think he is objectively an incredible songwriter. Cool sounding voice, the guitars and overall sound of the record are really great which is always a big deal for me. I love the bass tone on wild world. His music has a special place in my heart bc my guitar teacher really liked him and taught me some of his songs when I was a kid. Trouble is my fav song of his.

I felt nothing listening to this album.

Some absolute gems on this one

i understand the demographic for this album and why it was successful but i wont be listening to this ever again

"That's a good one." - my mom

I didn’t want to like this album. I’ve always written it off as boomer junk, a guy with a few radio friendly granola songs. But actually was surprised after digging into this one that it is actually very good. Sure there are some weak snoozers like Sad Lisa and Longer Boats, but the rest of the album is very good. The singing is very emotive, which at first seemed annoying, but after a few listens I really enjoyed the dynamic aspect similar to the way one can give that effect with an acoustic instrument. Wild World is a classic break up song, and there are many others that are equally as strong.

Just relax, take it easy. All know these magnificent songs. What a beautiful lyrics. More than 50 years already. Magic is here.

great

Swift and straight to the heart. This album is one of my mom’s favorites and mine for extension. Love it.

I love this album. It feels like a gentle breeze on a road trip, borderline spiritual in its simplicity. The melodies are memorable, the lyrics are touching, and the whole affair doesn't outstay its welcome. All in all...it's pretty perfect to me.

A lot of sleepy songs, but the second half of the album really picks up; Father and Son is an obvious standout.

Fave tracks: Where Do The Children Play?, Hard Headed Woman, Wild World, Miles From Nowhere, Father and Son, Tea For The Tillerman 4.5/5

Legendary album from a legendary songwriter.

AJ: My dad loved this album. I’ve known it since I was young. Used to think Wild World was the coolest song ever. Lol But really, one of my all time favorites… Miles From Nowhere. 🩵 It’s funny how songs change and mean more the more you grow and change. Oh, and… Father and Son. 💙 Shot to the heart every time. Even when he was physically still here. My best friend, and still managed to bang heads once in a while. Just the way it is. Cat Stevens really seemed to sing his soul from the soles of his feet. Band feels like a tribe. Spiritual force. Maybe a little to spiritual at points. For me, anyway. Love his voice. Love when he randomly decides to sing hard. Makes me smile every time. Cat: Just really beautiful music and really beautiful messages. Very much enjoyed the whole thing. Don’t think I’ve heard it all before.

While this is a very calm record, this is one of the best. Tea for the Tillerman is not for everyone and I do recognize that fact; some people just don’t like folk music. But this is one of the greatest in my opinion. This is some of the most calming folk music there is and on vibes alone, this album is great. However, the instrumentation is also so good. The guitars are amazing and the appearances of the piano, drums, bass, and strings are just so, so good. The vocal performance by Yusuf (formerly Cat Stevens) is also so moving on pretty much every track. While this record doesn’t reinvent the folk music wheel, it perfecta folk music to a degree that’s indescribable. And how could you forgot the song Father and Son; this song is an absolute classic song dealing with themes of wanting to move away and grow contrasted with staying and embracing roots. Easily the climax instrumentally and lyrically to this masterpiece record. While every song holds some ground for whatever reason, Father and Son is the absolute best of the bunch and one of the greatest songs of all time. While I was not planning on giving this album this high of a score, the more and more I think about it, I think a 10/10 is in order for this record.

OK

jaggu

Prøve egentlig å holda meg unna cat stevens i livet mitt

Definitely not a fan of the voice. It isn't that big issue in more dynamic songs, but ballads with guitar and vocals only are hard to listen to.

Yeah, this album has one or two more recognizable songs. And what? Is that all?

This probably says as much about my music preferences as it does about this specific album, but I really enjoyed it. It’s simple folk rock, the whole album is short, and it just is consistently good. Includes a couple of top tier songs too, so hard to find any major complaints. Cat Stevens seems like a bit of an odd dude and he oversings a little occasionally, but neither of these things really impacts my thoughts on the album as a whole. This will make its way into the rotation for me. Favorite song: Wild World Other: Miles From Nowhere, But I Might Die Tonight, Into White, On The Road To Find Out, Father and Son

Such sweet sentiments in a pretty little package. This feels l like high folk and it's pretty great.

some of these songs r such a slog. his voice bothered me at first but it rlly grew on me. the happy up beat tunes REALLY light up this album and put a smile on my face. the guitars were soooooooo beautiful. I appreciate the artistry n musicianship but idk maybe if I was in a different mood it would hit better but sadly I will be giving this a 2. sorry kitty cat!!! fave tracks : wild world OBVI, but I might die tonight, into white least fave : sad lisa 🥱🔫 would I listen again ?? no sorry... some songs...perhaps ..

What a songwriter. Gets right what so many others get wrong. Personal but not self-indulgent. Universal but not cliched. Gentle but not twee. Father and son should be slop. In a lesser pair of hands it would be. Even the little snippet of the song which is also the title track at the end is the perfect concousion to the album (as it was when it played over the end credits of The Office (UK))

Early Cat Stevens. It could be a 2 or a 5 depending on your mood and sensibilities. its slow and dated but not annoying or boring. He was a bit of a heretic even ealry on it seems. His lyrics are commentary. Father & Son. he has such a warm style, and voice, and still cuts through with a universal voice and appeal... I enjoyed somethign less jangly today.

When I was 9 to 10 years old I truly thought the world was populated by swarthy dark haired moustachioed men; Dennis Lillee/Jim Croce/Elliot Gould et al. It was a popular cultural look which I think morphed into porn star, c'est la vie. Shame really, for a while there is was happening thing and perhaps the last time swarthy moustachioed men felt cool, we were only a couple of years away from Ian Curtis. Cat was one of those swarthy dudes looking back at me on album covers and cinema screens as I started my musical journey and he was a key part of that huge 70's surge of male singer songwriters. An important difference being that he was British and had come up through the touring ranks of the 60's, pretty sure he played with Hendrix, and he'd learned his songwriting and performing chops on the road. This is an absolutely brilliant record, you marvel at the quality of the songwriting, an astonishing meditation on the human condition by a very young man. Fantastic lyrics, he has something to say Cat, and it's universal. He's got a great sense of justice and being working class, he's thinking about fine feathered friends who he knows are going to walk away if he takes a fall. And as with all great pop music, be it Cole Porter or whoever, these lyrics are sustained by superb melodies. I've not listened to this properly since I had my last glass of Tang, but the songs just came flying at me like a Proustian rush (and no I'm not wearing Proustian Rush by Chanel, but thanks Woody, I hope you are ok out there somewhere..) just magnificent. Yes Robert Caro fans this holds up and would be a great soundtrack to your last moments before you slip off into the eternal nothingness that is the end of your conscious being.

Nice. Didn’t really speak to me, but I’m hardly the target audience!

My old man, Bodgie Bill, had a very old friend, Vince Emery, who I only ever knew as Gunga (as in Gunga Din). Both men had spent some time working on the wharves in Sydney. In the early 70’s, Gunga had opened a pet-shop in Bankstown. In early 1971, I went with my old man to visit the pet-shop one afternoon. While we were there, Gunga pulled out a box of records, all brand new, lots of multiples. All for only $1.00 each, at a time when albums cost $5.95 in Australia. I think I parted with $5.00. I know I grabbed a Peter Sarstedt album, but the 2 prizes were Elton John’s breakout 2nd LP & Cat Stevens’ Tea For The Tillerman. One of the many times during my childhood/youth that I asked the question “Where did this stuff come from?” & was told “It fell off the back of a truck”. My parents’ house was full of such goods. Anyway, I hadn’t yet heard the Cat Stevens album. I only knew him from his mid-to-late-60’s pop output - Matthew & Son, I Love My Dog, &, most notably, The First Cut Is The Deepest. His career had been put on hold in 1969 when he almost died of TB, & I’d missed his 1970 album release, Mona Bone Jakon, which had heralded a change in style (they called it folk-rock). My sister Deborah was onto it, but I have no memory of hearing it, so Tea For The Tillerman was definitely my introduction to the juggernaut that would be Cat Stevens career in the first half of the 70’s. And I loved it. Still do. I wasn’t familiar with any of these songs when I first played it, although I had heard Jimmy Cliff’s version of Wild World. Look, this was hippy-shit. By 1972, I was wearing kaftans, and my favourite cult flick that year was Harold & Maude, which had stiffed on release in 1971, but was doing the art-house circuit the following year - I saw it at the Union Cinema on Sydney Uni. It’s soundtrack was built around Stevens’ recent output & featured 4 tracks from this LP, which is very much an album of its time. And every time I listen to it, I’m 20 years old again. The early 70’s in Australia were our version of the 60’s in the rest of the west. However, the fact is that now, every time I pull this vinyl out to play, I’m reminded of the fact that Yusuf Islam (ex-Cat) totally endorsed, in public, the death fatwa against Salman Rushdie in 1989. A fact that’s been magnified by the vicious attack on Rushdie last year. Stevens has back-pedalled on it over the decades but the proof of what he said & continued to say is there to be seen. To this day, I have good friends who refuse to play his records, because of what he said. I also still watch my favourite Woody Allen & Roman Polanski films. It’s the art v. the artist thing. Gervais used the title track of this album as the closing song to every episode of his series Extras. (Except for the episode where Chris Martin sang the song).

I understand that this was super popular in the 1970s, but so was Mogadon, for for many of the same reasons. Boring cod-philosophy, inoffensively produced to the point of torpor. Occasional sexism (Wide World). For me, this one crosses the line from merely bland to actually aweful.

Never hits any real heights, thoroughly alright

nem bom e nem ruim

This album really evokes my childhood in the 70s - it's deeply embedded. It has been a long time since I listened to it, and I enjoyed it. There is some substance here.

Perfectly crafted songs, beautifully performed. Though, having just listened to the whole album for the first time in years, I’m not sure how much I have missed it.

Trevligare än när han dömer Salman Rushdie till döden i alla fall. Duktig låtskrivare med en lätt frikyrklig ton.

We're certainly in Dad Rock Heaven now! I'm conflicted about whether to give this a 3 or a 4. On the one hand, it has three genuinely brilliant songs, and his melodies are great throughout the album. But on the other hand, several of the songs have terrible lyrics and made me physically cringe (particularly Long Boats). I don't see myself returning to this anytime soon, but I won't be too upset if it comes on the radio. I'm feeling rebellious so I'm going to go with a 3. 6/10

Almost unbearably twee and naive — takes a child to know a child as in “Wild World.” But the nursery rhyme quality sticks with you, infiltrating your mind, until one day you’re doing the dishes and unknowingly humming the title track to yourself.

Own this one on vinyl. Really good tunes.

This gave me some "Silvio Rodriguez" vibes, in the way that it´s tecnically a man with a guitar, making such beautiful songs. I have to admit that not all the songs were too interesting, but the ones that where, they really where heartouching. Also, I have a personally history with "Wild World" so it has been a song that has been with me, during many years. The second half of this record, is where I consider the strongest part, since the songs doesn´t need to be energetic or upbeat, but the magic is on the feeling they transmit. I would say this is now going to be one of my "comfort" albums, because of the way this thing made me feel. Pd: Father and son is one of the most beautiful songs ever made. Fav Tracks: Where do the children play?, Wild World, Longer Boats, Into White

Shit man Father and Son

Fantastic songs. Thoughtful, introspective, a really good listen.

incredible album.

Il faut passer par-dessus le petit côté paternaliste/donneur de leçon du folk de ces années-là; mais mélodiquement parlant, et du côté de la voix, c’est impeccable

Wild World bien merece un 5. Una de mis canciones favoritas de siempre.

A great album well worth a listen

Excellent.

Good vocals and good melodies. "Wild World" is always awesome.

I can tell this is really great, and I enjoyed it. It's not my thing, but I can tell it's full of excellent musicianship, and with a harder edge than I thought.

Great songwriting and of deep personal significance to me

I mean you can't really go wrong with this

Don't know why but not really feeling it. Not bad of course, but doesn't really do anything for me either. Also heard "Wild World" too many times, so it has lost its magic.

I feel this album is a strong four. Where do the children play is a great intro to the album and Cat Stevens songwriting in general. It's just one of those relaxing albums. Wild world is a classic too and I really enjoyed the other tracks such as "Sad Lisa". Then "Father and Son" came on. I think it's a strong contender to be on any any top song of all time list. Can a single song warrent an extra star? I feel in this case it can. A five it is, a weaker one but still a five.

Great folk rock by Yusuf. His most well known songs are on this album.

Wild World and Father and Son are such great songs.

Tea for the Tillerman is Cat Stevens fourth studio album, and marks his explosion into popularity on the global music forefront. Instead of his normal fare up to this point, this album is more of a solo, minimalist folk effort, featuring Cat Stevens dabbling on the piano and guitar, and not much else. During the writing of this album, Cat Stevens came down with a severe case of tuberculosis and had to he hospitalized for a time. This time of solitude and silence allowed him to finish writing and scoring the album. That sense of solitude can really be felt in this music. Another point of interest is that Cat drew his own album cover artwork. Wild World and Father and Son are two absolute bangers, and couple that with the fact that there is absolutely no filler on this album, and it launches this review all the way up to a 5 star album. I have listened a few times today, and will absolutely listen again!! Beautiful work!! Favourite songs: Father and Son, Wild World, On the Road to Find Out, Into White, Longer Boats, Where Do the Children Play?, Miles From Nowhere, But I Might Die Tonight, Sad Lisa Least favourite songs: Hard Headed Woman 5/5

Pretty relaxing and tells some good stories in the lyrics, not my main genre but a fun listen.

Nice album to wake up and have a cup of coffee with

Not my taste, but definitely chill music I can get behind so yeah it's ok

It was ok

Nice album!

More fun than expected for most of the album

Great folk album!

Great all the way through.

Las letras carrean el disco, las melodias a veces se sienten fuera de contexto, demasiado agresivas o esperanzadoras, no esta esa sensacion como si sucede con algunos de sus contemporaneos como lo es joni mitchel por ej. igualmente es un gran disco que resalta por lo anteriormente dicho y por su clasico wild world. Los silencions estan bien trabajados tmb y suenan interesantes y abarcativos casi 7/10.

This is the best album that Cat Stevens ever made. It's where he best combined his gift for a melody and hook with the downplaying of his orchestral (and I would call, overblown) sound. He's at his best when he does folk rock and telling a narrative through song. Some of his earlier albums seemed to meander at times and feel like prog-folk rock, which was not a sound that Cat Stevens really wanted to pursue. This is a must-listen, not only for the hits, but for the album tracks.

Very fine

It's decent, especially compared to a lot of the other circa 1970 nonsense that's on this list.

Yusuf/Cat Stevens is here to steal your folk girl.

I guess the talent is there, but the whole thing leaves my emotionally empty. Two hard headed women out of five.

Just ok. Not my thing.

I liked this a lot more than I thought I would...

Solid album

This album is awesome. It's triggering to me because an ex tourtured me with it, but it's undeniably good in just about every way.

I truly enjoyed this record, although starting off amazing it lost some of that throughout. Father and son came at the right time but overall simple experience nothing special or bad. best song: wild world worst song: longer boats overrated song: none underrated song: sad lisa

I like this one.

It's always a good day on this website when I get to listen to one of these albums on vinyl. Today is one of those days, this was 29th album I bought when I started collecting. It's just a great album! "Wild World" and "Father and Son" are all time classic songs and the latter has made many a strong man cry! It is a constant debate for me if this or Teaser and the Firecat are the better album, either way both are great! It's a disappointment that one isn't on the list.

Wild world is one of my all time favorite songs. 4/5 for just that. Rest of the album pretty good and listenable. Would listen again.

Feel-good music

Always a bit weedy and nerdy for me. And the last bloke you'd want to end up being stuck in the kitchen with at the end of a party, man.

Really enjoyed listening to this.

An easy 4 for me. Lots of really well written songs and excellent performances. The recording of the guitars on this record really impressed me on this listen, as did the vocal echo on Miles From Nowhere. On that song in particular, I liked it on this listen much more than I remember. Def one I'll come back to.

Good album, some throw aways, but big songs stand up

I don't know what more you can ask for from a Singer Songwriter album, every song is memorable so many classics. Each time I come back to this album I remember how great it is, seems to always catch me at the right time.

I thought this was just ok. Not horrible by any means, but if felt like a lot of the songs were similar enough to play all at one almost in perfect harmony. I think this would be a solid album if I were into this type of music

This album doesn’t really get me purring. Cat lost me when he kept asking where the children are playing in the first song. Concerning question. Some moments here but this one just a little too folky and mellow for me. I have a limit over how much acoustic guitar I can handle and this surpasses that by a mile.

Such a solid album. Really enjoyed getting back to this one. Great songs from start to finish.

This was a wholesome album. A lot of really heart warming and blissful songs here. It's impressive that this is over 50 years old! He was 22 when he made this. I remember liking Wild World as a kid. I was glad to see that in the rest of the songs on this album, the artist (call him Cat) is imparting life lessons to kids and younger folks (Into White and Father and Son). There is some bittersweetness here in the Tea that the Tillerman is drinking and I'm okay with saying that I'm glad that I listened today!

Musicianship on point. Wild World and Father and Son are very good. Nice sounding stuff but boring at times.

Catscratch Stevens. I’ve never really sat down and listened to Cat Stevens before, just a few songs here and there. But I was happy to just throw this on and get on the road to find out if this is any good. This album is perfect for throwing another log on the fire, while calling for helicopter assistance, at a secluded cabin miles from nowhere. Even though most of Cat’s songs are slower paced folk tunes, the guy knows how to write lyrics and his singing style is second to none. This record has some songs that get right in the feels. One being Sad Lisa, my favourite on the record. I live when the acoustic guitar gets a little rough on the strum and Cat starts belting, that’s when he’s at his best. I’ll be honest, I’m 100% into this. I’ll be integrating some more Cat into my playlist repertoire. But I might die tonight, so who knows

Classic folk album. Love it! Pairs well with playing board game at the lake

Off to a slow start but the opening track just grows into a great little number, and shows off what you can expect from the album as a whole. Some slow sections, some fast sections, and a range from forgettable to absolute classics. The songwriting is on display here, with some real nice chord progressions on many tracks. Instrumentation is for the most part simply arranged, typically centering on one or two acoustic guitars and the vocal melody. Overall the album is pretty great, with few tracks that are boring enough to merit displeasure, more than counterbalanced by the brilliance that is Wild World and Father and Son. Besides the aforementioned two amazing songs, other highlights include: the piano riff on Sad Lisa, the crescendo in Miles from Nowhere, the play between when his voice gets intense on On the Road and the na na naaa, and the fantastic denouement that is the title track. This is how you put together an album. Doesn't need to be super complex, just needs to be a good set of a variety of tracks that flow well with each other with a couple top tier tracks to hold it all together.

Some great songs on this album.

The good songs are good, the less interesting songs are a little dull.

The first few songs had me worried, but it picked up pretty fast. Not much of note here for me, but an enjoyable, relaxed listen. My favourite song was Wild World.

Ye

Folk rock sucks.

This voice has very strong pathways to childhood memories for me. An epic songwriter and a wonderful album. I'll say thank you to Cat Stevens for this one, just because that's what you went by at the time.

Wow. There is not a bad song on this album. In fact, there's at least three or four amazing ones. This is a singer-songwriter at the height of his creative powers. Love this so much. Check out the 2020 re-issue and re-recording of the album where 2020 Yusuf duets with 1970 Cat on Father and Son.

It’s just fine. I would say most of the songs don’t do much for me, but a few were quite good and memorable. 5/10

I have a history with this album. One of the founding albums in an old romantic relationship. Which did eventually fall apart and then be built back into a good friendship. Cat's music has this loose, shambling rythym, which does well with his voice and subjects. Hard Headed Woman is a great song. Miles from Nowhere is another good one. The ending of the album I wish let its triumphant harmonies breathe a little more on the back end but such is life.

He wrote some popular pop songs. Here's an album. He seemed pretty bitter about his lady leaving him, that sort of thing. Not terrible overall, but I wasn't really feeling it.

So good

Reconozco el mérito, pero no es mi estilo.

Nothing bad, but nothing special. Too folky for me in general

What can you say? This is classic Cat Stevens. The man is a legend and his music unique.

Så sprød en akustisk guitar. Fantastisk sommermusik. Den er gemt.

Cool

Nice and short. Wild world is a banger.

Would listen to some of it again

kitaran rämpsytttelyä...laulun lorinaa... kynäveikko...veikka...veke...osaa esseitä tehä.. varmana lautkaunta...lautakunt.a..tuomaristo...lautamiehet.... tykkäisi father and son

I was happy to see Tea for the Tillerman come up as my suggested album. I have listened to this and other albums from Cat Stevens / Yusuf Islam, and many of his tracks individually. Perhaps my all time favorite track from Cat Stevens is on this album ("Father and Son"), which is in a close competition with my second favorite ("Peace Train" - not on this album). It was good to hear some old favorites like "Where Do the Children Play?", but I found some two new favorites with this listen ("Longer Boats", "On the Road to Find Out"). A couple tracks ventured in to "okay" territory, but I could easily listen to the whole album again. I like Stevens' voice, his music, and the journey of mood and storytelling that he takes the listener through.

Classic Cat Stevens / Yusuf - solid album, Wild World is the star

-First track is fun( WHERE DO THE CHILDREN PE-LAYYYY ) - Otherwise not memorable

Like your best old jumper; comforting and reassuring

another american acoustic/sof rock. Don't like it.

I love it. Gentle vocals, plucky and sweet guitars, nostalgic and reminiscent lyrics. It all works so well together.

One of my all-time favorite albums

Some simple acoustic tunes that can really hit those emotional buttons even better so than other tracks

Well how about that. As fate would have it I gave Cat Stevens a proper listen for the first time just the other day. And y’know what? I’m a fan. Good, clean songs with good, clean, positive messages, earnestly performed. Wild World and the title track will always remind me of Skins and Extras respectively, but that’s no bad thing. 4 / 4.5

My favorite Cat Stevens album. A masterpiece.

Genres: Folk Rock Formed: London in 1966 Run time: 11 songs, 36 min 48 sec I haven’t listened to the whole album, but the first half was very chilled and relaxing.

I have heard some of the songs to this album and they are good. So I am curious to hear the whole album! Omg This albums is so good! I love the album. I want a vinyl of this. Amazing album!

I love this album he has a great tone quality and fantastic lyrics.

Fun, folksy, and Cat Stevens voice is incomparable.

Bit one paced but pleasant enough

Not my fav stevens album, but great. sad that teaser and the firecat isn't a part of 1001 as that album's 5 stars for me. 4 stars.

4.2 - A tightly composed, simply arranged suite of songs worthy of its standout hit "Wild World." Stevens sings about wanderlust and the restlessness of youth with the wisdom of a world-weary traveller who's experienced his own joys and sorrows.

Pleasant but not super interesting very much a product of its time.

Great album.

Just my cup of tea ☕️ 🫖

Great album. New to me. I know Cat Stephens, but as a cultural figure and not by his songs. Totally listening to this one again. 5/5 90/100

Couple good songs but mostly slow stuff

Enjoyed this more than I expected. Great song writer.

I had expected better from Cat Stevens, but then after a few tracks I remember that even his most famous songs are quite whiney. I also didn't like the sudden loud bits for literally no reason. Felt like I had to change the volume a few times. I guess 2 stars but I'll give it 3 for the few better songs.

Kinda nice, kinda boring, kinda mean-spirited sometimes.

Super soothing album that doesn't feel dated at all. 4.5/5

I've started liking folk more due to this challenge and I like some songs off of this but it kind of becomes samey after listening to the whole thing Saved tracks: Wild World, Longer Boats, Into White

One of the strongest beginning/ending combos of any album I've ever heard. There's a little bit of a lull in the middle but there is so much lyrical and musical imagination on display here that it's hard to believe he was only 22 when this came out. Every song has a good message without being overly preachy (I'd argue the advice is offered humbly, in fact) or trite, which is incredibly hard to pull off.

He has such an evocative voice! I really liked Hard Headed Woman. Sad Lisa was true to its word! And I added Longer Boats to my Seas Shanties playlist (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2op2rhKMidaMSxuYbm4s1x?si=6db5a1b1299840a3).

cinematic folksy protest-y music for a moody evening

I only initially recognized "Wild World" from the tracklist. Enjoyed this one far more than I expected (and quite enjoyed it, at that!). This a beautiful collection of acoustic songs that offers impassioned performances about spiritual discovery. It may not be ambitious for envelope-pushing, but this kind of sincere songwriting is more than enough to leave a lasting impression.

Did not expect to rate it this high coming into it, but it really is a beautiful album that I enjoyed listening to