Tea for the Tillerman

Actually listened to this yesterday. Up to a few years ago cat was 1 of those guys from the 70s that I had heard the odd hit replayed on tv or radio, or someone covered his song. Then when the rerelease campaign came up a website gave it a listen on streaming and have been listening regularly since. Great sounding recording, playing and vocal, wonderfully written pop folk rock songs, emotional resonance, 5 star.

gentle, thoughtful, art

Tea For The Tillerman ist ein zeitloses Album, das mit jeder Hörsitzung wächst. Es fängt die Gefühlswelt der 1970er Jahre ein und bleibt dennoch universell nachvollziehbar. Ob für Fans des Folk-Rock oder für Neulinge – dieses Werk ist ein Muss. Locker gesagt: Ein Album wie eine gute Tasse Tee – wärmt die Seele und regt zum Nachdenken an!

Startin my day off right thank you 1001albumgenerator.com

One of the greatest in seventies

Love cat Stevens - one of the best of all times

si señor

Qué real tipazo Yusuf

I’ve always loved this album. So clear and so soulful. And baby it is a wild world. When he belts out “lord my body has been a good friend, but I won’t need it when I reach the end” it stirs my soul. It’s so on the nose, yet so lovely.

Even if this album was just Father and Son I'd give it a high mark

Weirdly into it, 4.5. Like a young Phil Collins

Listened to this while on a plane and had to stop myself from singing out loud. Tender and timeless.

One of the best singer song writers ever. This album is all killer no filler.

Already one of my favourites

This album is very special to me. If there's one album that reminds me of my mom and dad it's this one. I remember riding in the back of my mom's volvo in the 90's listening to this on the way to the beach. Sining every word of father and son with my dad at my grandpa's house. When times got tough this album was a saving grace. I will always love Tea for the Tillerman. An all time favorite.

Great album, one of my dad's favorites

Cats rule, dogs drool. Love this album

Cat Stevens ist immer wieder gut!

Owned on vinyl! Love Cat ❤️

# Album Name: Tea for the tillerman # Artist: Cat Stevens # Rating: 5/5 # Comments: Absolutely cracking album. This is a steady as she goes album. It doesnt really move up or down the gears too much. It stays at a consistent level imo. But the quality of the songs is fantastic. Its such a smooth acoustic album full of great guitar, melodies and vocals. The lyrics are fantastic. This is a album you can listen to in its entirety. No doubt about that. I've came back to it again and again. This is an example of why i love this project. Great find. # Top Tunes: All of em. # Would I listen to it again? Fuck yeah. Cheers Cat.

Fantastic and really pretty record. Father and son is an all time great.

Listened to many times before but nice to return to this album once more.

Love Cat Stevens, just so relaxing

Firstly wild world gives this a good rating already, such a good song. Other tracks like sad Lisa, longer boats and father and son make it a 5/5

Quick and excellent folk. Not a bad song on here but a few fantastic ones, 'Father and Son' being the obvious one but it's a stone cold classic. Always a pleasure to listen to.

I knew of Cat Stevens, but it was a pleasure to stop and listen.

Some unbelievably beautiful and poetic songwriting on this album, it really just makes you stop for a second to take it all in. It's got fantastic production throughout all of it. I was very familiar with Father and Son (generational tier song btw) and I was ecstatic when I saw I got this gem. A great listen! Top 3 Favorites: Father and Son, Into White, and Wild World / SO to Hard Headed Woman and Where Do The Children Play either of these could have been my third. No bad songs on jah 4.50-4.75/5

A Masterpiece. Gently energetic, warming and inspirational.

I've listened to this album for the last 55 years, and it is a key to my musical appreciation. Yusuf's voice is gentle and lyrical, his playing is magnificent. This album plus Paul Simon,James Taylor and Carole King are the foundation of the singer-songwriter movement in the 70s. One of the best albums ever. 5/5

Buttery smooth voice, super calming and comfortable. Hard to beat Cat Stevens.

Another one that I think requires some time to sink in. Feeling a bit jagged at first, these songs slowly reveal their touches and subtleties which are quite beautiful. In a way, it seems this album stands outside of time despite that much of it's subject matter still resonates deeply for today.

Folk music. I loved this album. It was simple but excellent. The vocals, the instruments, the lyrics. Top notch.

God I love this album. A little tougher to listen to do many years later because of the bittersweet nostalgia it makes me feel.

Lovely and relaxing

Brings me into the old living room where my Dad showed me this music.

Ugh. The realness. This is what I'm talking about. Apples and oranges, sure, but this makes Paul's Boutique (my last album) feel like a Saturday morning cartoon or a lottery ticket. Cat is so substantive and enriching. Deep and light. Like photosynthesis making me stronger.

I spent a lot of my childhood thinking this guy was a singing cat called Steven.

I love folk music and I really like his voice and the thoughtful, pensive feeling with his music.

High quality singing and songwriting right here.

did not fully absorb as much as i want due to a combination of grogginess and stress, but theres probably little else even under these circumstances that would be As Nice to listen to. life affirming in such a self-evident way it makes me feel less bad for struggling to form words about it. almost. might have to come back to this one later

Really enjoyed this. Couple of skips, perhaps, but the highs were incredible. 9 / 10

Genuinely one of my favourite albums of all time. Phenomenal as always 5/5.

Bangers, good rotational album

cool

Another familiar name

Cat/Yusuf flexing his best stuff

I remember this and think it is one of the best.

This album touched my heart so much that I listened through twice right away. An incredible, warm and thoughtful album full of rich tones and storytelling. I can’t believe I have gone this long not knowing of its existence but I’m so glad I’ve heard it now! Father and son brought me to tears, and hard headed woman had to be my other favorite.

I'm in my Cat Stevens era ✨💁‍♀️

superb, tripy!

Great album. Listened to it in the morning starting my workday, nice calm energy. Amazing melodies didn’t feel bored of the album even once. Top songs - Longer boats Father and Son

Absolutely love the album and have for years now.

Not a bad song in the album.... Weird how loads of people freaked out that he changed his name to Yusuf, when he was called bloody CAT before. I've never met a man called cat.

own

What is it about Cat Steven’s that makes this so good? From anyone else, I would hate this with a fiery passion. But this is beautiful and sincere. It feels authentic to his spirit. It’s kinda like Bob Marley. His songs are eternal, because they give voice to something universal, some part of the human soul. Like gospel, there’s a special something in this sound that reaches past the lyrics. And the music is so lovely, so gentle. It’s impossible not to get swept up. If you have a problem with Cat Stevens, the problem is you.

Absolutely beautiful. Loved it!

9/16/24. Wow, really enjoyed this one. Peaceful folk rock with soothing, slightly haunting vocals. The songwriting includes great melodies and storytelling. I'll definitely be back to listen to this one!

Arguably the quintessential 'folk-pop' album, personally I prefer this album's predecessor 'Mona Bone Jakon', but I will admit this one has more classic/culturally significant songs. Cat Stevens' lyrics and demeanour on this album inspired hope at the time of its release, and it continues to do so, regardless of how much of a "downward slope" everything in the world seems to be on.

Great voice, great lyrics, great album. Starts on a high note and keeps climbing.

A true classic.

Fantastic

Excellent

gud

A very beautiful folk album. I'm editing this with the feature as I've seen Harold and Maude for the first time, and, while this stands on its own as a creative work. I now am obsessed with Cat Stevens and his work. So beautiful/simple and positive/spiritual.

Absolutely fantastic backyard chill album. I know a few of his songs, listened to the Cat Steven’s greatest hits, but this album tops anything I was expecting. Definitely a permanent spot in the library. Strong 5.

Ich denke an die Feder von Forrest Gump am Anfang des Films. Sie schwebt leicht über längere Zeit durch die Leinwand bis sie zart landet. So geht es mir mit den Songs, dem Gesang von Cat Stevens und den akustischen Instrumenten. Ein Traum. Ich liebe diesen Liedermacher. "Sad Lisa" zeigt wie man es macht: wunderschöne Musik, zarte, keine aufdringliche Violine, eine wandelbare Stimme umhüllt mit einer Schokolade, die aber laut werden kann ohne den Ton zu verlieren und ob Piano oder Gitarre, es passt einfach haargenau. Nur macht es nicht sad, sondern einfach nur Happy.

Favourite song - Father and son

Enjoyed every song, especially Wild World and Father And Son. A well needed break from slogging through the cesspit of mediocrity that is this list

I was going to give a 4, but I’ve decided to be generous. Wild World. Banger. Father and Son. Banger. Tea for the Tillerman. Banger (and too short) Simpsons: Yes

Good stuff.

This album and I go way back and I can only give it 5 stars, even if there are two songs weaker than the others. But I agree it’s CS’s best, though for a complete experience step back one album and make sure to listen to Maybe You’re Right, I Think I See the Light, and Trouble - all songs included on the soundtrack to Harold & Maude along with some from Tillerman. An inspired soundtrack for sure.

Lots of hits on here

I had no expectations and I wish I did so that they could be exceeded.

I used to own this on vinyl and forgot what an absolute gem this album is. Great songwriting and great vocals. Gave me the feeling you get when you reconnect with an old friend...

A beautiful album.

Soothing.

Really nice album. Whole album can be listened to easily.

Fantastic album. Very soothing, relaxing album that paints a great picture in the mind with Yusuf / Cat Stevens' words

The style has changed, even if it has come around again in the musical cycles, but what hasn’t changed since the early days of blues, is the message…in a million and one voices…baby, baby, it’s a wild world! My dad had one milk crate (sometimes 2) of albums. He crammed the greatest in his eyes of 30 years of rock up until that point (late 70’s) and we listened to them all until they were utterly worn out. This was one of those sacred albums.

Cat Stevens music always takes me to a utopian place that only exists in my head

Da sind einige tolle Lieder dabei

Packed full of emotion and beautiful guitar playing, had a very enjoyable Sunday morning double listen through. The Spotify radio it generates after is prime time too.

1. "Where Do the Children Play?" 2. "Hard Headed Woman" 3. "Wild World" 4. "Sad Lisa" 5. "Miles from Nowhere" 6. "But I Might Die Tonight" 7. "Longer Boats" 8. "Into White" 9. "On the Road to Find Out" 10. "Father and Son" 11. "Tea for the Tillerman"

Perfect 5.0

One of my earliest musical experiences: My mum's "The Very Best of Cat Stevens", which was basically most of Tea for the Tillerman and some of Teaser and the Firecat. I'll always have a soft spot for those albums. Thanks mum!

Fantastic album full of hits. All time chill music. 4.6 stars

It’s the Cat and a really well produced album

I knew of Car Stevens and had heard some of his songs previously (including father and son) but I must apologize for not being familiar with this man's game. This album is a masterpiece of song writing. Every song tells a story and just flows beautifully. He never tries to step outside of the box he can perform within but pushes his abilities to maximize their effects. I can see some people finding this album slower and potentially "boring" but I think those people are wrong.

There was something about that which screamed greatness. It felt old timey and just fun to be around. He made it feel like we all knew it and a couple had the makings of camp songs

A joyful album that has aged so well.

Amazing beautiful album.

Love it. Yusuf/Cat Stevens is brilliant. Loved this album for a long time and will continue to do so.

I like it!

Always loved Cat Stevens. This was one of his best.

My first Cat Stevens! He's a great songwriter, and this album is really charming. Will visit again.

Great album, always have loved Cat Stevens

Aw. This album is real nostalgia for me. It immediately makes me think of my uncle and listening to this on vinyl with him as a kid. Warm happiness.

Awesome tracks

Gorgeous album. The melodies are simple but so effective, and his vocals are simply heavenly. The lyrics are powerful as well.

Anther artist I had previously enjoyed through their greatest hits release, and more than a few appear on here. This felt absolutely stripped back, just one man and his guitar, everything else melts away. Every song hits just right, warm feelings, even in the sad songs.

One of my favorites from the 70's. His obviously spiritual search led him places that mainstream culture really don't understand... but that spirit of openness and seeking is what makes his albums special.

Such a good album. Going into rotation. Had forgotten about miles from nowhere which I love. And also tea for the tiller man was my alarm for year. Still love it which is unusual for an alarm song

The songwriting is excellent and so is the production. The longer boats came and won me

Tea for the Tillerman ‘The Red legged chicken stands ready to strike’ One of those ‘Oh yeah he’s great’ artists that I don’t listen to as much as I should. And I really should because this is an excellent album. I love the little piano answering melody thing on Where Do the Children Play. A little bit of that bit and anger with the ‘tell us when to die’ line. Hard Headed Woman is a cousin of Peace Train, but is a great song, love the melody and the strings as it’s builds a slight sense of desperation. Wide World, absolute classic, and rightly so. Miles From Nowhere is easy to overlook, but is a great track, the piano and acoustic guitars and the gospel touches are lovely. But I Might Die Tonight. Love the feel of this one, as I do with Longer Boats, with its great harmonies. Into White may be not as good as the other songs, but is still great. On the Road to Find Out I love, a lot of conviction to the vocals and lyrics. Father and Son, it really is a very lovely song, its slight saccharine undertones have been exaggerated to death by subsequent cover versions but the original is such a beautiful and melancholic delight, shifting between viewpoints and oscillating between tenderness, regret, love and frustration. One thing I’ve always wondered, when he sings ‘You’re still young, that’s your fault’, does he mean he’s to blame for being young, or that it’s it’s just a feature of being young. It really is a great album. Musically and melodically superb, he really has a gift for melodies and hooks. And despite his hippy vibes and reputation there is a lot more to it thematically and emotionally than that, touching on happiness, sadness, despair, fatherhood, wonder and regret. Add it all together and it’s a fantastically satisfying 35 minutes. Another easy 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

gorg album made better listening w ma watching roland garros at the beach :)

Such a soft, gorgeous album. Brother Yusuf does no wrong

I just adore many of the songs from this album- "Where Will the Children Play?" will always have a special place in my heart.

What a lovely album this is. There is no one who sounds quite like Cat. Crisp guitar. Thoughtful, sincere lyrics. Unique, sensitive voice. Favorites: Wild World, Father And Son, Where Do The Children Play. 5 stars

When I go through an album for the first time and immediately like over half of the songs, you’d better believe that’s a five. Definitely gonna have to come back to this

This album was really great. I remember my dad playing a bunch of Cat Stevens, so there may be some nostalgia there,but nevertheless. Great song writing, great song structures. The production is very solid and makes this an easy listen.

Always nice to listen to

Just fantastic. So many just fun catchy songs. Love me some Cat Stevens

This one took me by surprise a little. Although I was already a fan of a few Cat Stevens songs, I’m not very fond of 70s folk. But he’s a great songwriter.

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

I love Cat Stevens. His music always puts me in a peaceful mood. This album is great. For better or worse, "Father and Son" will always make me think of Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and make me emotional. But truly all the songs here are excellent.

Simple, honest, vulnerable, emotional... the perfectionist in me sees the perfectionist in him. Four albums in one year at age 22 as a solo artist is a wild feat. It makes sense that this is the album that broke through. Somehow both nostalgic and prescient at the same time

A phenomenal album. So many great tracks. Where do the children play? is so good, Wild World is excellent. Father and Son is brilliant. And the Tea for the Tillerman has no right to be that good and only one minute five seconds long. Then all the tracks inbetween are a blast. I bloody love Cat Stevens.

Absolute classic. Nothing short of pure genius.

I have this album! Love it!

Si se trata de folk, Yusuf Islam es insuperable, más aún en este disco. Con tan solo 36 minutos, el ex Cat Stevens, logra emocionar a quien sea que escuche sus canciones, con interpretaciones desgarradoras que reflexionan sobre el paso del tiempo y las relaciones dulces, pero conflictivas que uno puede tener con su familia. Una experiencia imperdible, diría.

Excelente! Es el tipo de música que me gusta!

The songs of my childhood. Love this album

Perfect.

folk rock, s.s., 1970 -> 5

Very nice album. There are many hits inside!

This album is like a warm hug!

This is literally my second favorite album of all time lol. It's simply amazing, nothing else to say

Best Song: Where do all the children play? Worst Song: Into White Feel like they are all bangers though

Delightful. I recognized a few songs and happily listened to the album a few times today.

Enjoyed 8/10

I have always loved Cat Stevens, had never listened to the full album but I loved it.

At first, I really thought I was going to hate this, but as soon as the drums kicked in on “Where Do The Children Play?,” I was sold. This man knows how to use dynamics, he knows how to write a chorus, and he knows how to write very poetic lyrics that make you contemplate life that never distract from his pop sensibilities. Maybe I’m just old now, but this really is a warm blanket of an album, and I don’t see how anyone could hate it. My Dad is also a huge fan of this era of ‘70s soft rock from his teens and early 20s, and growing up hearing him play records by Bread and Harry Chapin, it’s funny to realize now how quickly influential Tea for the Tillerman was to a subgenre that basically defined the sound of an entire decade of music. Like, when you imagine ‘70s pop music that was actually on the charts, you’re imagining this folk-rock style that is explicitly drawing from this album. And while I think its copycats added a lot more piano and orchestration, which eventually morphed into Yacht Rock, it’s clear that this album is the progenitor of it all. More importantly, it was the high water mark for the sound, and actually holds up today, unlike those copycats. Glad I finally listened to this, truly a gem. *EDIT*: The more I've sat with this record, the more I've discovered. There are a lot of details on Tea for the Tillerman that I just didn't appreciate initially. It's also one of those records that is just so powerful and positive and almost feels healing to listen to, and that has really made me re-evaluate this and appreciate it much, much more than I did on first listen. Especially because I probably crammed this in on a day when I was passively listening between tasks because I was playing album catch-up after the Fitzgerald listen. So, yeah, Cat Stevens kills this record. I've also learned that I also love Teaser and the Firecat, so getting more comfortable with Stevens overall helped too. Just a record that sends good vibes ✨✨✨ (Re-rated from 4/5 to 5/5 on June 2nd, 2025)

Loved it, nostalgic

Melodies amazing, and what a voice. Great acoustic guitar/piano work too. It really has everything.

Stunning. Having never really given Yusuf a serious listen before I was surprised at how deep and touching this project was. The production is minimal and crisp - guitar which sounds as though the man is in the room playing just for you. Serious ponderings about faith, love and death - the whole thing reads almost like the cycle of life, with the tillerman's tea a cup of burgundy at the end. A heart-swelling listen.

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

Beautiful!

Some albums were just meant to be the way they are.

I wore this album out freshman year in college, which was over 30 years ago. Perhaps the reason why it's been so long since I've listen to it. Just a fantastic record.

I love this record as a nostalgic throwback that always brings a flood of memories from youth but it’s just a great listen. The vocals and lyrics are wistful and the production is clean and rich. Several classics that have deserved staying power.

I've been listening to Cat Stevens since I was a kid. And while he's always been pleasant, and maybe the very embodiment of soft rock, he didn't speak to me as a kid or even a teenager. But as I got older, and started revisiting him in my early 20s and into my 30s, I found that there was depth to the seemingly simple melodies. And now that I'm in my 40s with two kids, I'm starting to realize my parents might have had pretty good taste in music.

Great music. Enjoyed the earnestness and honesty of the lyrics.

Hell yes. This is an amazing album. Great sounding recording, classic songs with touching lyrics. Especially Father and Song, but first few tracks all hit hard. Might be a bit cliche but I like it a lot. Love his voice and the guitar playing. 9/10

soothing and beautiful guitar melodies with deep and thoughtful lyricism - I really like this album.

Tea for the Tillerman is the Album that made Cat Stevens a global star. "Wild World" was issued as a single before the album's release, and the song found substantial commercial success. The album includes some of Stevens' most famous songs, like "Father and Son" and "Where do the Children Play." Stevens tells dramatic stories and adds catchy melodies in his folk rock songs. His distinct, expressive voice complements his memorable story telling. Tea for the Tillerman may be his strongest album, but there are other contenders in his extensive catalog.

Cat Stevens, the epitome of sweet and serene

Overall, good. Some bangers

Loved it

Wonderful and meaningful - I’m a huge fan

A bit twee, I admit. But Cat Stevens holds a special place in my heart. There's something to the mythology of his songs, and a fairy-tale-ness to his albums—see the cover art—where his songs play like children's stories set in the much deeper, darker present. Okay, maybe not "darker," but still there is undeniable life buried between the simplicity of his lyrics. And when those songs work, they really work. Like listening to Bob Marley when I need a shot of optimism, these are songs I return too when I'm feeling a bit of despair. Here's how much I like these songs: this week I listened to Electric Ladyland, Purple Rain, Led Zeppelin's IV, and now Tea for the Tillerman. Of all the songs on all those albums, "Father and Son" is the best song I heard all week. I also love the film Harold and Maude which bumps this album up onto a-whole-nother tier via its use of Cat's music in its soundtrack. Going to give a 5 where I probably have no right too.

This is suuuuuuuch a good album. All my favorite things in one album. Great songwriting, fresh writer and perspective, peppered with a mix of 60’s psychedelic folk and this new sound, very energetic, very fun. It’s kind of like a psych folk album, in that it comes clearly from the same stock, but somehow catapults beyond the restrictions of that scene to reach new heights. And the songs!! They’re so beautiful, precious. Same kind of beautiful, wide-eyed timelessness of a Pete Seeger song, somehow takes a hazy feeling and puts a finger on it. Oh man I love this album. Perfect period of Cat Stevens for me! 5/5

One of my family's favorite albums. My wife introduced me to Cat Stevens with this record when we took my Mother in Law's vinyl collection. Tea for Tillerman, Wild World and Father and Son are obvious standouts but Miles from Nowhere is one of my favorite lesser known Yusuf/Stevens tracks.

Great Album

An all time classic for this style of music. I bought this record a long time ago. The days of lying on the floor and spinning albums, listening thru headphones. Good memories.

Great album overall. Enjoyed every song. Standout Songs: Miles from Nowhere On the Road to Find out From Father to Son

Sorry I don't have anything interesting to say except I <3 Cat Stevens

Jesus, he was 22 when this album came out.... Anyway, a couple more listens over the weekend convinced me to round up from 4.5...

Quite amazing + nostalgia for me

Beautiful album and Father and Son is such a standout. Hard to say much else to describe how good this is.

Such a unique voice and memorable sound. The compositions are so good. Doesn't feel repetitive. The length of the album leaves you wanting more. Wild World and Father and Son of course. A song I liked a lot on this listen was Miles From Nowhere. Longer Boats is the one song that kind of feels like it doesn't fit in with the rest of this album. I'm going to go with a 5 still. This album feels like a gift.

Yes, I listened twice!!!

It was a great listen. Wild World and longer boats were my favorites.

This is a legendary album. Cat Stevens’ voice is smooth and calm as butter, and the entire album feels like some long-lost nostalgic memory I never knew I had. 5/5 Fav: “Into White”, “On The Road To Find Out”, “Wild World” Least Fav: None.

a damn classic. 5 stars.

LETS FUCKING GOOOO NEVER LISTENED FULLY BUT THIS WAS JUST AS GOOD AS I HOPED FATHER AND SON IS ONE OF THE GREATEST SONGS EVER WRITTEN

Beautiful perfect album.

Really enjoyed the early work of Yusuf Islam! Sweet melodies of the early 70's without the late 60's insistence on being heard. Can melt into this and dream of children, peace, and self-discovery.

Much to my delight, I really enjoyed this album. Cat Steven’s voice is something I’m shocked I didn’t get annoyed by however I think it perfectly executed his songs and made me feel comfortable. I have no complaints for this album. Although it’s hard to give 5s for me, and I don’t usually give them out to albums I listen to once, I’m pleasantly surprised.

Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this album. One of my favorites from a great singer song writer

One of the first albums I owned on vinyl. Good vibes from Yusuf every time.

Ab-so-lu-tely marvellous. There's a strong argument that Cat/Yusuf is in the top few songwriters of all time. I guess the fact that whenever some schmuck like Rod Stewart covers a Cat song it's so terrible is testament to the fact he also performs them immaculately as well. The big hits on here really stand out, Sad Lisa is tremendous, Father and Son is one of the most emotional and moving songs on record IMHO (and I will be taking no questions on that), while Wild World is both poignant and toe-tapping. That little guitar run after the title line gets me every time. It loses 0.1 for reminding me of the existence of Rod Stewart and Boyzone, but this album is close to perfect. Actually, forget that. FIVE POINT NOUGHT STARS.

Easy 5

Perfect album. Problematic person. It’s difficult to reconcile. Do we separate the man from his art? Can we commend one while banning the other? It’s a fine line to walk. This is one of, if not the, best folk album ever recorded.

I liked this one. The dreamy and sometimes energetic folk is very fun, calming, charming. The acoustic guitar, playing is intricate and overall very good. The same goes for the vocals, which are also very good. This one’s one I didn’t know if I’d like or not, but I’m glad I did!

Great album. Not the best to listen to while lifting weights, but that doesn't detract from it.

4.5/5, 💙 personal favourites: • where do the children play? • on the road to find out • father and son

An important album, then and now. 50+ years later, it remains relevant. Every. Single. Song. Musically and lyrically, this album is close to perfect.

Excellent

Cat Stevens is arguably the artist that had the most profound impact on me as a songwriter. Memorable melodies, inventive harmonies, and just all around excellent acoustic rock. It’s easy to think he’s simply another folk artist, but just listen to those choruses on “On The Road to Find Out” and tell me that he isn’t rocking. This album features several of his best and most well-known songs: “Where Do The Children Play,” “Wild World,” “Hard Headed Woman.” But my favorite is “Father and Son”—beautiful, heartbreaking, impassioned, clever. I love Cat Stevens and this is without a doubt his crowning achievement. An easy 5/5 for me.

I grew up on this one.

Thank you for bringing this back to me!

Absolutely loved it from start to finish. I can see this becoming a favourite album.

No notes. Perfection.

An emotional and hard hitting acoustic pop album. You can feel so much emotion in most of the songs. The melodies and songwriter are top tier. I also love that there is some variety on the album. Variety in style and a variety in instruments. It's an interesting album all the way through. It opens so strong with Where Do The Children Play? Wild World is another amazing song. On Spotify, But I Might Die Tonight and Longer Boats are the least popular songs on the album which is surprising to me. I feel like they're both underrated. I think my least favorite song is probably Sad Lisa mostly due to how he says the word Lisa. Father and Son is just one of the best songs ever written.

There are only a few artists that can cut me with sincerity, sadness and optimism. Yusuf's song are always full of journey, wonder and longing. His music is always telling the story of the evolving quest that he is on. We're lucky enough to be able to join that quest via song and album. Nowhere is more true than Tea of Tillerman. - It starts out with the building and thoughtful "Where do the Children Play?" a good reminder to slow down. - Hard Headed Woman always kills me. I'm right there with him as he's looking for that hard headed woman. - Wild World. Classic and always relevant. - Sad Lisa though a less popular one has elements on HHW and is a good palate cleanser as the album progresses. - Miles from Nowhere reminds us that we're back on this journey. Another thoughtful relic. - But I Might Die Tonight just makes sense after Miles from Nowhere. Am I listening to a musical?? - Longer Boats is somewhat obscure, but one of my favorites. It reminds me of Sloop John B in island inspired sound. Again, the lyrics ground you. - Into White another palate cleanser and we lead into the final third of the record. - On the Road to Find Found another one of my favorites. Let's hit the rowdy road! I love how this builds. - Father and Son don't make cry. This song is important. - Tea for Tillerman one of the best ways that I've ever heard an album finish. A one minute choir anthem?? Its so rad. I want more, but its also perfect.

Loved this!!! Great album

I like tea with Cat.

Yes. More like this please!

Classic. I love his vibe, his voice, his guitar work, his life's work.

Very cute, very emotional. Being lost in such a fast moving world and just wanting to be happy and live your life. I feel that! Wild World, Father and Son, Where the Children Play, Miles from Nowhere, and Hard Headed Woman are amazing and a great first exposure to a full funk album. Not perfect, but 5/5 either way

10/10 - love it

This album is nice.

Favorites: where Do the Children Play? & Hard Headed Woman & Wild World & Father and Son

Love it. Even the non-hits are solid and Father and Son pushes it over the edge. Will never leave my collection

Cat Stevens is great. The album is a very mellow listen of beautiful guitar music and lovely lyrics

I like Cat Stevens. Especially the sound track for Harold and Maude :)

Sounds like a mix of Genesis and Jethro Tull, two big favorites of mine. Immaculate vibes and rich instrumentals really sold it for me 9/10

Flowery classic psychedelic. Probably inspired a lot of future music. Father and son. Very diverse musically. Whimsical story telling. Probably inspired Fleet Foxes.

Great folk classic, I already knew Cat Stevens before this listen

Has a couple of songs that I really love. Good singer.

Amazing

Loved it. Songs still resonate.

I like it. Nice vibes

Beautiful.

The string arrangements are so good. Robert Christgau can suck it. This album is amazing. Perfect length and every song is good. Any longer and I think I would have tired but I think Cat absolutely nailed it.

Back when I was a young metal head, I had this girl I was seeing around to my place. So there's this chick with purple hair and piercings going through my cd collection looking for something to listen to. She found this album and freaked out, calling me fake, poser etc. That may be the only time in history Cat Stevens' music ever broke up a relationship. A truly classic album. 5 stars.

Wow, what a great storyteller. I didn't realise how many Yusuf / Cat Stevens I knew but I really like at least 5 of the 11 tracks. It's not just the lyrics but the way he sings too, it's so captivating.

Lawd, the song writing chops on this guy! THE CHOPS! I couldn't name any Cat Stevens songs before getting this album in the project, but upon listening I definitely recognized a couple of them, and I'm pretty sure I've heard some cover versions too... Each of those first three tracks sound like they could be the soundtrack for a pivotal movie moment.... and then you have "Father and Son" later on, that's like that but even more so! Fave tracks - "Where Do the Children Play?", "Wild World", "Father and Son". It's weird that the title track sounds like it's an epic into for something longform, and then it just stops after a minute!

Another album I had listened to before. Fairly big fan of Cat Stevens. Love this album especially.

Gear: Fostex TH610 Mische (2000 Remaster): greifbar ortbare Gitarrensaiten, spärliche abner knackige Drums, zarte Streicher ("Sad Lisa"), Vocals angenehm trocken mit überraschender Dynamik ("Where Do The Children Play?") Mugge: wunderschön emotionales Folk-Meisterwerk *chef's kiss* Wertung: 5/5

This is just delightful really, it's simple but has remarkable depth, compelling stories, memorable songs, and Father And Son is just one of the best songs of all time.

wonderful smooth music :-)

🐈

great classics

The title "Father And Son" alone makes this album worthy of 5 stars. Added to this is Yusuf's very beautiful voice.

Classic. Beautiful voice.

All time classic.

Great gentle songwriting. Whoever remastered this did an amazing job as it sounds like it could have come out last year. “Wild World”’s verses sounds like when ppl make acoustic versions of rap or r&b songs to me lol. I’d do a 4.5 if possible but I can’t so ill give it a low 5

Excellent!

this is an album i fell in love with about a decade ago during a bad spat of depression. this album is so cozy to me, and i adore it. it got me through some tough times. if i can be a little overly critical, a lot of the songs are pretty samey. side one is great, side two is not as great. but! it's still a great album.

I love this album; I think I learned 80% of the songs on my guitar!!!! 5 stars!

What

It's not time to make a change Great album

Very short album. I really enjoyed this. I’d heard Wild World before and always loved it. Sad Lisa also stood out a great track. I guess I like Folk because this is the second album I’ve rated 5 and the other was Bob Dylan.

What a perfect acoustic pop album. Just an emotional trip.

Now this is some great music right here. After getting my first 1/5, I was really hoping that I would get something that was at least decent to follow it up. Luckily, Tea for the Tillerman is a great album. I really don't have any complaints. Cat Stevens is a very unique singer, but I definitely like his singing. I like how he's able to vary his singing depending on the song (or in the case of the absolute classic that is "Father and Son", depending on who's speaking in the song). The writing is meaningful and goes over various topics that are both personal and still relevant to many people to this day. The instrumentation is pleasant, with there being some variety in what instruments are used for different songs. Overall, this is an amazing album that, because I'll probably grow to like it even more over time, deserves a 5/5.

Cat Stevens throws down some really good folk rock on this album. It sounds correct for the era, but the wings have stood the test of time. Iconic album.

Great feel good music, classic Favorites: -Where do the Children Play -Hard headed Woman -Wild World -Father and Son

4.5. I've never listened to the whole album and there's some great tracks I had never heard!

Learned his songs when I was in 3rd grade

Growing up my dad was a big Cat Stevens fan but I found him dull. But listening again all these years later I finally fucking get it. A beautiful moving album

Best album

Heading into this album, the only Cat Stevens song that I was familiar with was "Wild World," which I was delighted to see was on Tea for the Tillerman. Even though I was unfamiliar with most of this album, I was immediately blown away by its beauty. The guitar, piano, strings, and percussion were in perfect harmony, and Cat Stevens's singing was fantastic too. I loved how so many songs built to these booming crescendos, and sometimes multiple crescendos, and Stevens's singing matched each rise and fall perfectly. The lyrics were full of raw emotion, and I love that Stevens drew on multiple things for inspiration for these songs. As it turns out, I had actually heard "Father and Son" before today; I think I've heard it several times (or maybe I've just listened to The Flaming Lips' "Fight Test" a lot), but I know that I recently heard it during the finale of Ted Lasso, and hearing it today, just made me want to bawl. What a wonderful album this was. I really need to get a copy of it on vinyl to have around the house.

If an album was a much needed hug during a hard time in life, this is it. Warm and gentle, yet still so grand in it's presentation, I was pleasantly surprised by how much of this album I liked! There wasn't a single song that was a real let down to me, though I will say stand out tracks are easily it's opening track "Where do the Children play?" and "Father and Son", it's title track "Tea for the Tillerman" is also a phenomenal closer to such a beautifully somber and cozy album. Definitely recommend it to anyone who likes albums like Bob Dylan's "Freewheelin' Bob Dylan". Love this and I've definitely become a new Cat Stevens fan!

This sounds like exactly how the album looks. Supreme vibe will probably listen to it again.

Another perfect record, and always nice when I can listen to my own vinyl copy. A friend of mine once described the title track as the perfect song, it’s the exact length it’s supposed to be.

One of my favorites. My favorite Cat song is Peace Train, but this has a few of his hits on it. And they’re very good. So are the other songs.

Rating albums can seem redundant when they're all amazing

This is a wonderful album, and a great example of Cat Stevens’ distinctive style.

You can only give it 5 starts. It still one of the records that I could listen to every day. And I have it as a shirt :D

This was so good! As soon as I started it, I had a feeling I might be heading to my first 5-star ever! This did not disappoint, I was hooked. This mellow tone and folk sound is just my style. A truly great album that I would listen to again!

Heerlijk album. Met Wild World en Father and Son twee absolute knallers, en de rest mag er ook gewoon wezen. 5 sterren.

Dude this album is frickin ridiculous. I get it if its not your taste or something like that but you can't deny the musicality of this album. The only song I don't like is Sad Lisa but even then it is still seeping with talent. This is exactly what I wanted from this 1001 albums "you must listen to before you die" because I have never heard of this person or album and I was blown away at how varied and unique the music was.

Well this one sure hits allot different at age 41 then at 31 or 21 or 11 which is roughly when I would have first heard my parent's LP copy. Longer Boats is the song I remember from back then with its sing along chorus. Wild World, On the Road to Find Out and of course, Father and Son are all classics

Super chill, soulful album. Didn't know Father and Son was by Cat Stevens... what an incredible song. Loved it

Klassík. Hlusta oft á þessa plötu. Alinn upp við þessa plötu. Instafimma

Agalega fín plata

An undisputed masterpiece. For some reason I've never listened to all of it before. But it's clear from the very first track the people weren't wrong. Inferior, popped up covers of the most famous songs here fail to dim the frail majesty of the originals.

Wow 😮

Love cat Stevens

Amazing album. Wild world is awesome

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

Perfect album, no skips

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

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

Loved it.

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.

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

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

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)

great

Loved every song - this was a real classic.

Great Album. Great Songs. Great Artist.

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.

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

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.

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

Unreal

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.

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

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.

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.

Beautiful songwriting; each of the tracks feels so earnest.

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.

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"

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

Shit man Father and Son

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

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

Excellent.