Reviews (page 9 of 13)
It's Cat Stevens. I didn't hate it as much as I was expecting. I really don’t have anything to say.
I liked it. Ive already known of Wild World and Father and Son, but still. I appreciate its simplicity and timelessness of the message being sent.
La verdad que es lindo de escuchar, y tiene un temon. Es como dulce, tranquilo, un poco mimo al alma.
6/10
Sad Lisa 4 ever
He has a beautiful voice, and some of the songs are really stirring. Still an uphill climb for folk to really bowl me over though.
It was pretty solid. My favorites were probably Sad Lisa, Miles from Nowhere, and Father and Son. Overall, I would give this a 3.6/5! 🫤!
I couldn't tell you why. Maybe my elementary school music teacher played this album in class? But I always associate this album with children music. Not bad by any stretch but it's a weird dichotomy in my head.
Yeah it's 70s hippie folksy stuff. There're a few things I'm always a sucker for on this album. Nice rhodes melodies, interesting chord progressions (even though a few times it falls into that monotonous 1-4 thing for too long), evocative lyrics that get complex emotions from me even if I can't place my finger on what they are totally. That said, there are some things that chugged along as well. Hard Headed Woman ends up kinda aimlessly wandering, the lyrics in Wild World aren't bad but kinda strangely placed rhythmically. Miles from Nowhere has a sort of lame groove. Die Tonight and On the Road are almost skips, they're so generic classic 1970s rock. I liked all the ones I didn't just mention a lot for their depth and emotional melodies and lyrics, but that leaves the album half and half for me. I guess the highest I can give it is a 3.
It was good, but a bit too soft genre wise for me!
As singer - songwriters go, Cat Stevens or Yusuf Islam is up there. I prefer Teaser and the Firecat to this album though. But 'Father and Son' is one of those timeless songs that stands out on a solid album. The rest, apart from maybe 'Sad Lisa', don't quite have the same impact, even though some are pretty famous. As a side note, The Flaming Lips adaption of it (Fight Test) is worth a listen alongside Yusuf's.
Acoustic
Yusuf agradable
Nice slow album. Best song Sad Lisa
i adore sad lisa. and wild World, but the rest are kind of meh.
Good jolly yet forlorn old man music.
Classic
3/5 https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/cat-stevens/tea-for-the-tillerman/ Decent, but not much my thing. Starts to drag a bit even with it’s relatively short length.
Not as bad as I was expecting. Not really my thing, but a pretty decent record nonetheless. And excellent production for 1970.
Nice? Idk
Enjoyable, brief....a rarity on this list.
Good one
For some reason this album has always annoyed me. I appreciate it more now that I am older.
Solid songs, solid singing, quite good. Solid 3
I enjoy the vocal performance in the opening track, slightly unusual and original way of doing his vocal inflections. Fits his voice very well. Wild World- great single from the album. Was the only track that I had heard previously. Sad Lisa- a Nice change of pace after the more energetic Wild World. Maybe it drags on for a bit too long? The next part of songs kind of floats into eachother in my opinion. Not saying theyre bad but kind of forgettable. Longer boats kind of has an oldschool- folk song (turn of the century?), with the repetitive chorus. father and son probably the best track of the second half of the album. Beautiful. All in all its a decent album, with a couple highlights. 3/5
7/10
I felt guilty listening to it but dam he could write a song
Have heard some of this stuff before. Never appealed to me, probably better than oa lot of the other early 70s sing/songwriters but that doesn't mean much. A lof of duds on this, particularly side 2. 2.5 rounded up Heard before? Some Owned: No 60/249 (24%) Will I get: Unlikely
I vaguely know the name Cat Stevens, but I have to admit I've never listened to anything of his before. I enjoyed this well enough and will come back to it at a later date, but as of my first listen, it didn't strike me as anything truly exceptional. I prefer folk music by the likes of Simon & Garfunkel
Likeit
No es de mi agrado el estilo de Cat Stevens, si bien hay canciones que se destacan por su composición, no es un albúm que me haya maravillado, me pareció bastante aburrido.
Puedo ver cómo es un clásico. Maybe no me agarró con la concentración necesaria, porque pausé mucho y me costó terminarlo. Pero hermosa instrumentalización.
a nice acoustic time
No diría que me encantó, pero fue una escucha facil y disfrutable. Volvería a escucharlo en un futuro.
Doomscrolling lil retard like me is happy we have music to snap me back to reality of what being a human is really about.
alr
Fav song: hard headed woman/where do the children play Very quiet and calm overall, lots of guitar. At first it felt a little strange but after awhile started to sound nostalgic, the vibe stayed the same along the album. Would I be adding to be my playlist
melodías increíbles
Yes
Nice, but to slow and calm for me
normal
Really nice
vibig, sonst weniger meins
7/10
Some nice folk rock with good songwriting. It’s failing to connect with me emotionally but it is a good album.
Soft and nice and cute.
43# i heard of cat stevens, but never got into an album of his. I think he will have more than one album in here, cause this isn't his most recognized one, right? nope just this album for cat stevens. Wasnt giving this much credit, but it's a solid record. Elton John type beat
2/5. A few good songs. Nothing special
I thought this was going to be a 1 star for me, since I have a history of not liking Cat Stevens. Perhaps I'm getting soft in my old age, but this wasn't bad. Nobody tell my punk rock friends.
The songwriting here is great, but I don't think I was in the mood for this at the moment. Favourite Track(s): Father And Son Least Favourite Track(s): Where Do The Child Play?
Bit of a family favourite (or maybe compromise) Sentimental pop but I like it. Makes me want to watch Rushmore again…
A wonderful collection of folk rock songs. Great storytelling and very good instrumentation. Not really my thing however and whilst vaguely enjoyable I don’t really see myself coming back to it. Highlight was probably “Sad Lisa”, loved the strings in that.
Some classics on there, but every time I hear a cover of his songs it's better. Also he came across like a right twat on Desert Island Discs. The non-hits are non-remarkable.
70s folk-pop with slick production. The two singles are fondly regarded, as is the album as a whole, and I can't really disagree, although I do wish the backing band were given a little more to do more often. It's decent acoustic melodrama, but not something I choose to listen to often, it's a little too ponderous and aloof.
lot of nothing burger-3*
didnt have much time to listen, but from what i heard i quite like it! i'd already heard father and son before and it's such a heartfelt track, so bittersweet. might give it the proper listen it deserves if i get the time
mama used to play ts in the car, great folk tunes and some big hits, love the sound maybe a bit monotone
The first album by Mr Stevens that i have ever listened to. This was more or less exactly what I expected. You expect a certain standard, and you get it. The outstanding 2 monster tracks in Wild World and Father and Son, connected by a collection of quality folky style songs. For me it was a gnats nadger away from being worth a 4. I feel it just lacked that certain something. Can't say what, but something was missing. A very high 3, but none the less, a 3.
Lovely
it sounds pretty good, but it doesnt move me
très bien
It is good pop acoustic album. I enjoyed listening to it.
Prima album. 1 nummer kende ik natuurlijk. Die is erg leuk
Generally maudlin, but a couple of classics.
fun music
great guitarwork
fine.
Not bad but in no way memorable
I like Cat Stevens
There are some good tracks in here, but it's a bit mellow for my taste. Not bad.
3.5/5
3/5
So there are 3 stand out tunes. Wild world alone makes this 4 stars. This would be better with tighter arrangements and a better band. But it’s still good. I can’t see going back to listen other than the three or 4 songs though.
I liked this a lot more than I thought I would. A little over the top at times, but good over all.
Meh, not a big fan of Cat Stevens.
Wish someone had a recording of Seth Putnam going to an open mic night as Cat Stevens.
A little too chill. But I didn't hate it
No you’re crying.
Chill mais j'ai pas été transcendée
a calm album, pretty decent, a really good song here and there, added a few to my playlist sometimes borderline boring
very wholesome
A nice album. Good with a biscuit on a Sunday afternoon.
Good
Really enjoyed this. More of a 3.5
The Cat Stevens/Yusuf record has a lot to love but it’s not all for me. I particularly enjoy the arrangements throughout and the songwriting is good (the two biggest hits Father and Son and Wild World are quite undeniable too), but i’m not a fan of his vocal dynamics, going soft to loud in most songs feels a bit corny to me and dampens the overall quite sensitive and emotional effect quite considerably for me, going solid to high 3
all the songs sound the same and get annoying after like 5 songs but a few classics and standouts
Me gustó, lindos ambientes genera y melodías bellas.
Random thoughts: * Old Yusuf is still great! * I enjoyed this one and need to play it more frequently as I was familiar with the hits but there is so much more. * I can't listen to Father and Son without hearing the Flaming Lips "Fight Test". Great song to rip off. * I'm going to listen to this one a few more times.
#42/1001 🇺🇸 An enjoyable listen with some great songs. He is a real storyteller and i can see why this album is loved. One thing that really struck me when listening to Father and Son is that it could Eugene Levy's character in American Pie talking to Jim. Anyway, a pleasant enough listen but i won't come back to it so its getting a 3. Best Tracks: the ones that i already knew.
Folk and quite pretty
Points for the nostalgia factor (for me), and a few great tracks. Overall, a bit uneven.
very pleasant album to listen to. don't think i could have even named Wild World if you asked me what Cat Stevens had made, but instantly recognized. maybe ill find myself back in this album
It’s alright. I could listen again.
Wild World is a familiar jam -- love the looseness of it. Sad Lisa is also solid. Something in the tone reminds me a bit of Echoes by Pink Floyd. Otherwise, this was a fine enough listen. Enjoyable, but sort of forgettable easy listening to me that at times sounded a bit like Phil Collins (especially On the Road to Find Out). That said, it was rather calming and I appreciated that energy this morning. I'm going high 3 on this one.
Sad, simple album with lots of feels (and made me tear up on "Father and Son"). However, it also feels repetitive. Top tracks: "Father and Son," "Wild World," "Miles from Nowhere"
—Where Do the Children Play?…pleasant —Hard Headed Woman…feels like a lesser “Moon Shadow” —Wild World…Classic —Sad Lisa…melodrama --Miles from Nowhere...this is funky. good stuff --But I Might Die Tonight...fun but too short --Longer Boats...love the harmonies here --Into White...cheesy lyrics but real pleasant --On the Road to Find Out...good but too long --Father and Son...a little too sweet for me but I'm not a parent --Tea for the Tillerman...sure
Not bad. A couple songs I recognize. I couple of other songs I know that were clearly influenced by this album.
Knew wild world and father and son already. It’s a nice album but I don’t love it
3/5. A pleasant listen but far from my favorite folk album from this period. A lot of it just didn’t stick out to me particularly much. “Father and Son” is one major exception though, that’s a great song.
First time listening to Cat Stevens Impressed by the beautiful simplicity from the guitar and piano Some emotional songs here and there A decent album, i would listen to again Best track: Hard Headed Woman or Tea For the tillerman
2 bangers
Not my thing, chill tho
Aardig 👍
Not my cup of tea
cute album cover other than that freaky lookin child in the tree favorite song: wild world
Wild World will always be a lovely and cute song. Album really grows into itself. Wasn't too keen on the first few songs, but after Wild World I found myself enjoying the tracks a lot more
Härligt och lekfullt. Passade bra både till långsam frukost och på nattbussen hem. Kanske lyssnar igen någon gång.
Hitsen top! Fillers nja. Tre poäng!
Blir inte så berörd men det är mysigt och innehåller en o annan bra låt.
Det här var mumma för själen an bakismorgon på Madrids flygplats. Och tamefan lika bra snuvig på väg till jobbet i Stockholms evighetsvinter. Hade ingen aning att så många av dessa hits var på samma platta, kul! Lite småsegt ibland, men mysigt som helhet. Stark trea!
Fint som snus. ”Father and son” och ”Wild world” väntade höjdpunkter. Stark 3a.
I do like a good piano ballad; I enjoyed the violin solo in Sad Lisa. Cat Stevens has a warm, weathered voice, like your favorite worn, brown leather jacket. The harmonies in Longer Boats is one of my favorite parts of this album. Lyrically, I really like On The Road To Find Out. In my current position with college and an uncertain future and a rocky past, I find myself in the story he tells. Father and Son is my favorite song on the album, though.
Not for me 5.1/10
A fine album with a few solid songs but it felt quite samey after a few tracks.
Makes you go "lalala" country music but colorful dunno if i got the "children music" vibes from the cover or the music Love the cover it tells stories wild world is cool but is it 1B listens cool ??? idk
Хорошие акустические аранжировки+ Концепция+ Посыл и смысл + Не разнообразное звучание- Скучновато-
Very good classic folk rock. Several standout tracks, as well as some I hadn't heard before. First 3 or 4 tracks are very good, as well as Father and Son. Into White was also a good discovery. Kinda of somber, but whimsical in a way. Makes sense given what Tea for the Tillerman is meant to mean.
My first time listening to Cat Stevens - I'd not realised this artist is a man! This was pleasant listening, and fairly varied, but it didn't quite do it for me. I think this album might improve on a re-listen.
Ah, Cat Stevens. Great artist. Looking forward to this one. A nice album with some good tunes. Enjoyed, but not as much as I may have expected.
I like acat Stevens but don't really get the level of others appreciation of him.
On the spectrum of Paul McCartney (good) to Paul Simon (bad), Cat Stevens is on good side of 0, if only slightly. Cooler than Billy Joel, less cool than Randy Newman. Not the worst place to be.
Jahh weet niet zo goed, wel prima, miss beetje saai haha
Fine, added 4 tracks. Basic-good 70s rock folk rock album
3/5 It was alright nothing stands out.
Its ok good indie music well written and good musical arrangements. Remember this album has always been very well talked about and got the cd as a high schooler and it disnt i press me the thought Id thrown away my money. Today it was way better and I could understand it better. Still not an can mt live without album.
I'll give this one a 3. A couple great ones! Definitely don't hate it. It's pretty decent.
I only liked 4 songs out of 11. They all have potential but it’s not my taste I think. I’d rate the album 3.5/5
The very embodiment of a 3. Pleasant enough but completely lacking any edge or willingness to push boundaries. I have tried to think of more to write but I have nothing… Which is probably the most accurate critique of it.
I’m sorry Cat, but I think I have PTSD from boyzone covering ‘father and son’ and I can’t not hear them when the song was playing. Obviously a good songwriter and doesn’t seem to get the same kudos of the Dylan’s of this world, but it didn’t really take me anywhere and found I didn’t manage to connect particularly with it (perhaps it’s all Boyzone’s fault).
Thoroughly enjoyable.
I'm a hater. Too soft.
nice album
not 100% my music taste but still has some great songs! Knew Wild world before Fav songs: -Wild world -Sad lisa ♬ -Miles from nowhere least fav: -But I Might Die Tonight 6/10
Not too bad, one or two songs that stand out, a bit James Taylor.
if you want to be free, be free 'cause there's a million things to be, harold and maude soundtrack
Enjoyed, and getting back into album listening, a 35min album is just right 😅 same sort of length as Neil Young ATGR, released same year I believe. In another world maybe this rather than ATGR would be my favourite but despite almost getting there, it hasn't got the magic in every track like ATGR. It maybe gets a bit samey but maybe that's me millennial attention span disorder... Long Boats just came in as an almost Shanty surprise... Wild World was a lovely surprise to remember
I enjoyed this album except for the title track, which is ironic. I preferred the relatable lyrics on this one than the soaring optimism of some of his other popular works.
An initial groan of dissatisfaction when this first popped up. However, it's perfectly fine and typical of the genre. A few tracks seemed familiar, and by the end I was glad I listened. It won't end up on the shelves though. Heard before ❌️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ❌️ ★★★☆☆ (6/10) Total reviewed : 201 Already owned : 44 Purchased : 8 To buy list : 6 Nope : 143
Bruh was that Jack Black??
Pretty decent folk album, Cat’s voice kinda reminds me of Peter Gabriel. It’s not the most exciting music but it gets the job done. Standout Songs: Where Do The Children Play Wild World But I Might Die Tonight Longer Boats Tea For The Tillerman
Molte hittone. Piacevole da ascoltare.
I enjoyed it and I'm a big fan of folk from this era, but it doesn't catch me like Nick Drake or CSNY.
Father and Son saved the album. 3.5
Easy listening felt like floating down river on a boat of whipped cream. Although he does make a noticeable habit of mentioning kids in his first few songs. Having done a quick background check it looks like he’s in the clear. Other than that “minor” red flag enjoyed it more than I was expecting it’s good to be back.
Pretty decent, Father and Son is an unreal song.
With the advent of Sufjan, Cat isn't even my Favourite religious mystic singer with the surname Stevens, so can't really go above a 3 here.
Some cool, catchy and laid back folk rock.
Comforting
Nogle gode hits men ikke mere
Good album. But would it end up in my standard rotation? Probably not.
It was cool, I was listening to it very passively though
Quite enjoyed this, must be a secret cat Stevens fan. Nice folky, relaxing album. Nothing inoffensive. No real bite to it either.
Wild World and Father & Son are both all time classics but rest of the album doesn't hit as well for me. Love the chill guitar and vocals
enjoyed the lyricism but the music itself didn’t really grip me
Cute album but didn't manage to do anything to make me interested. At least it didn't have a blaring harmonica ruining my ears
folk/singer-songwriter isn’t usually for me, but i’m glad i listened to this album, especially a second time so i could focus on the lyrics! it’s comforting to hear that the same sentiments have been expressed over decades; where do the children play? will i be remembered when i’m all alone? it reminds me of an album my dad would’ve shown me to teach me a life lesson. top tracks: -miles from nowhere -but i might die tonight -into white
Boring
Feels nostalgic in a weird kind of way, like it feels like home.
Good album, not really my thing tho. Songs are well written, but the vocals just don´t always do it for me. Glad i have heard it tho.
Un álbum muy tranquilo sin malas canciones y algunas destacan por cierto ritmos y sin duda la mejor cancion es Father and Son y se siente en la manera en que canta
lovely but so (maybe too) fucking earnest
Musicianship is good. Songwriting is good. Not really my taste or something I'll come back to. I enjoyed the hits, but felt some of the other tracks were weaker.
Am I just old or is the son way too harsh on the father in “Father and Son”? “Just relax, take it easy.” “YO FUCK YOU DAD I’M OFF TO DISCOVER MY DESTINY OF GREATNESS!”
Tea for the tiller man 7/10
Didn't manage to listen to the whole album, but what I did hear, calm melodies and interesting lyrics
Goes well with a nice cup of tea
À handful of classic songs and the quality of writing is amazing. Ultimately though just not quite my thing.
Lagerfeuer Schlager mit schöner Musik.
Not my usual music taste, but a fun change. It wouldn’t be something I would willingly listen to.
Fina låtar, najs röst. Men inte så intressant instrumentation så det håller inte i längden för albumet.
I’d heard the hits from this album before, and they were just as good as I’d remembered. I now see why they are the only ones I knew.
опять забыла что Кэт мужчина (зато после много думала про Крестоманси). узнала что уайлд уорлд это он и что он любитель суровых женщин. норм)
not my type of music but still good
Tea for the Tillerman - Cat Stevens (1970) Issue - Spotify 1) Where Do The Children Play? - 4 2) Hard Headed Women - 3.5 3) Wild World - 3.5 4) Sad Lisa - 4 5) Miles From Nowhere - 3.5 6) But I Might Die Tonight - 3.5 7) Longer Boats - 3 8) Into White - 3 9) On The Road To Find Out - 3 10) Father and Son - 4 11) Tea For The Tillerman - 2.5
Very cozy album. I have no nostalgia for any track, even though I'm familiar with all the hits found on here. Ahead of its time in a sense, but I'd reach for the contemporary adjacents sooner than throwing this one back on.
Fine - tuneful folk, could be turned into bangers by people covering it
This music is beautiful and the low voice contrasts so well.
It was nice to listen to Wild World and get to know the band behind the song, but not enough to earn the 4 stars
Kenn ich
WOW i love the first song and the guitar.
wow mysigt ju!! blev glatt överraskad må jag säga
Would be 3.5 if I could
Not my favorite but not bad whatsoever. just a little slow for my liking.
I kn ew some of the songs from this but it's nice to hear the album. I'm in two minds about Cat Stevens - I like the music but for some reason a lot of the lyrics slightly give me the ick. I think they feel a bit smug and condescending.
This music is too optimistic. Nobody is this happy to exist
Not bad but also feels like it'd appeal to 80 year olds.
I'm sure it's good but I could not get into it.
3.5
au premier abord je connaissais ni l'album ni l'artiste mais finalement certains titres sont supers connus (wild world, father and son) c'est très reposant et j'aime bien sa voix titre préféré : wild world
pas mal, je connaissais déjà l'artiste avec peace train, l'écoute et agréable mais ça m'a pas marqué tres chill n'empêche, à réécouter !!
Wild world was my only exposure to Cat Stevens before this. I liked the addition of violin to a couple of the tracks including “sad Lisa”
While I can tell that for the most part this music comes from a very real and earnest place from the artist, to me it feels almost like a plastic replica of something great. It's cloyingly sweet or too polished or something. There are a few really good songs, but I feel mixed about it overall.
Better than expected.
Tctc
folky. vocals. feeling. chill.
Where Do the Children Play? is the high watermark lyrically. A withering takedown of overconsumption, environmental abuse, and greed. The rest is a pleasant enough experience.
Best track: Father and Son. Also, what's up with that Yusuf guy?
What a cool ending! Enjoyed the vibe but not all the songs were my thing. Favorite songs: long boats and tea for the tillerman
A very easy listen. The Cat Stevens most people would be familiar with.
I am more familiar with Teaser and the Firecat which has some great songs but the ballads are so soupy, they make me turn it off. This is a much better record. Plenty of 70's singer-songwriter sensitivity but it's not so wimpy. Belongs on the list as a good example of the genre.
It’s so sweet but just not for me
#201/1001. Sounds good in a car, recognisable vocal( definitely Steve Adams/Steven Demetre Georgiou / Cat Stevens / Yusuf (Islam), and I discovered some songs which I've only known as Finnish covers. Never knew Wild World was his original. Most of the songs sound quite the same and maybe it's just me (as a non native English speaker), but the lyrics don't really matter me much. All in all, something I wouldn't mind if I had to listen to it again, but wouldn't necessarily seek it. You know, classic gaussian scale medium stuff. The cover: well I'm glad he dropped art school and focused on music.
6.5 / 10
Interesting themes, album was very folk rock.
Milquetoast nursery rhymes, not really my thing. 3 stars for Wild World and Father and Son, although the latter makes me think of that godawful Ted Lasso finale and now I'm pissed off all over again.
3/5
Ils sont trop chiants avec leur 50 deux avec 68 titre et 4h Mais sinon c'est pas mal
Always surprising to hear a familiair song between all the unknown songs. It started boring, but in the end I quite enjoyed the album. It's just not my genre. 2,5/5
Cat Stevens wrote some great songs, but on the length of an album I get a bit tired of his similar voice and delivery. Other albums are better than this one.
Perfect morning music. Calm and relaxing. Favorite track: Wild World
Cool calm vibes. Was only familiar with wild world previously, and nothing stood out more than that
A cozy jacket over saddness, nostalgia and longing. Sometimes optimistic, sometimes despairing. But, I think, never really hopeless. A genuine voice and rolling guitar & keyboard keep you nodding your head. Reminds me a lot of Colin Buchanan. Least favourite track: 'Sad Lisa'. Equal emotion to all the others, but felt like it had the most prominent and umderwhelming lyrics. It dipped in amd out of stirring my heart rather than carrying me through on feelings. Favourite track: 'Miles From Nowhere'. Upbeat music and a song of contentment. Travelling, but always having a home. Most intriguing track: 'Into White'. Simple descriptions of natural beauty always emptying into white. Surprise: knowing 'Father and Son'. I'm grateful we found where the children play.
This was pretty good. Kinda chill. Father and Son sure hit hard today. With Gabi being in jain and all. :( I'll give this 3 stars
There's really no one else like Cat Stevens. Wise music.
I like Cat Stevens. I don't know why, since the first thing I ever heard of his was a hymn. That hymn isn't on this album (Morning Has Broken of course), but there are some other tracks I've heard before. Good voice, good songwriting and no duds. Nice to fall asleep to. 3½
Enjoyed it. Some great tracks.
Perfect for a sunny day, unfortunately it’s November, but I think sitting in the sun with this on would work nicely. Some tracks lapse into a bit of a nursery rhyme feel which puts me off, but there’s some great stuff on here.
Folky calm music. Wild World in a lot of soundtracks
Helt okej! Ganska mysigt och härligt att ha i bakgrunden typ :)
I only listened passively; it was non-offensive.
was kinda boring, sounded like a child album. not awful
I always find it fun when in these random albums there's a couple of songs that I recognize but had no idea who the band was. I remember hearing wild world in a show or movie somewhere and I liked it now I can revisit it! The album was chill, really liked the mellow folksy vibe yesterday especially with the rain. I might revisit that album again this season.
I enjoyed it!
Apparently Cat designed his own album covers, according to Wikipedia. ‘Wild World” was the big hit off this album, while there were a few minor hits including “Where Do the Children Play”, “Father and Son”, and “Longboats”. Overall the album was pleasant listening and rates a solid three stars. Teaser and the Firecat is a slightly better record, maybe that one will come later.
2.7 2x
Gut im Hintergrund, keiner hat was dagegen, eher chillig, ganz gute songs aber nichts aufregendes
Few goood songs
Discovered in BHS music appreciation class—what?—almost 40 years ago? Spoke deeply to me then, less now. It’s a bit kitschy, I wouldn’t just go grab it for a listen these days, but it’s lovely and earnest and still worth appreciating.
Stevens' earnestness, occasional weak lyrics, and something about the timbre of his voice make me want to find him cringey, and sometimes I do, but other times I can appreciate the attempt to explore genuine questions. "Father and Son" is of course strong, but even there I'm not sure how deep the feelings go. One reviewer said he relies too much on dynamics for emotion, and I hear that in this album.
This was a stretch for me. I very rarely enjoy the type of earnest folk music Yusuf Islam is known for, and his voice has always felt affected to me. But, since I've probably never listened to a full Cat/Yusuf album, I went in with as open of a heart as I could. The instrumentation and dynamic range is far more varied than I expected. I didn't know he wrote "Wild World." It's not shocking to me that Mr. Big didn't create it from scratch, but I never engaged with it enough to discover its origins. Around track 4 I had to reckon with whether or not I *could* like this album, or if it was another example of a very good thing that's not for me. I lost almost all interest by track 7 and got actively annoyed around track 8. The more recent update of "Father and Son" where modern Yusuf duets with the original vocals, poignantly mirroring his younger self with his aged voice, has a tension that elevated that song for me. Alas, this is the original, and I felt ashamed of how much eye rolling was happening on my end. Am I so jaded that I can't appreciate this on its face? I was grateful and relieved that the last track was mercifully short, essentially just a sketch of an idea for a song. Not entirely clear what its purpose was. It feels weird to give this less than 3 stars, so here is where I have to wrestle with whether this collection of ratings is meant to be a reflection of my taste or a reflection of an album's objective worth. The former would be a 2-star record, maybe less. The latter a 3-star record, maybe more. In an effort to not be dead inside, I'll go with 3.
No private session used for Spotify. On a business trip, still at the hotel and this was a nice one to play while getting ready for the day. I will have to remember this mellow, thought provoking album future mornings.
Knew the big songs and they are classics, feels like when cat gets everything right he makes brilliant songs. Found the stuff I didn't recognise a bit ropey, I think the quite simple style of the songs means if they dont land they sound clunky. All in all it's okay but big swings in quality throughout.
My father in law plays Cat Stevens all the time, I've been somewhat brainwashed as I've heard it so much. It is all very nice in fairness. A few standout tracks being "where do the children play", "wild world" and "father and son". Wild world is my favourite. I think 3.5 is about right as I do like it but it's a bit too sweet for me generally
Da sind schon ein paar Klassiker bei, als songwriter scheint der ganz gut zu sein
Joa, ganz nett
Großartige (hard headed woman, sad Lisa, into white) und langweiligste (longer boats, father and son) Momente im Wechsel - insgesamt aber tolles (pathetisches ;)) Songwriting. (Das schrecklich hässliche Cover verleitet mich fast dazu, einem extra-Stern abzuziehen …)
Mellow listen.
Album was ok. Had some interesting melodies at times, some catchy-ish songs. Not really my thing, but pretty good. A pleasant listen but probably not anything I'd revisit much. Standouts were "Where Do The Children Play?" "Longer Boats" and "Father and Son"
i love the style and voice of Cat Stevens. Although this is not my favorite album, it feels right
It's alright. I mean that in a positive light. Glad I got to listen to it. I really see how Cat Stevens got big. I'll give it a 3 to 3.5
Gostei do álbum. É um folk bem intimista e acústico. Moondrop May.
I always got an eerie feeling with Cat Steven’s. Like something is hidden behind the folky facade
not that into his voice but some of the songs were awesome
another 3 for the road, the HITS are incredible but the rest are kinda blah Fav song: Where Do the Children Play?
Hey it's fine. Quintessential 70s singer-songwriter/folk rock. "Wild World" and "Father and Son" are the best and best-known tracks. I found "Sad Lisa" sounded a lot like Peter Gabriel-era Genesis; Cat sounds soooo close to PG on that one. It's fine for what it is, it just isn't my bag, baby. Also - for some of these genres - maybe we don't need a hundred examples of the style, just maybe four or five? I don't know. THREE STARS
*I liked this more than I thought I would *Some songs were too mid-slow tempo but the hits were great
A few of his most familiar songs on this album
Oh baby, it is a wild world
I was surprised how much I liked this. Very pleasant despite it's 70's folk easy-listening style.
Really liked Miles from Nowhere. Sad Lisa is a sad bummer after one listen. Recognized a few. Maybe a good weekend morning listen.
It was fine. I’m not as big on male singer songwriters, as I much prefer female voices in this style. Still it wasn’t a bad album and I found some enjoyment
This guy seems like he'd be a great grandfather. Lyrically has the feel of listening to a story you've heard hundreds of times. Wasn't crazy about a couple of tracks but overall liked it.
I liked this a lot. Great easy listening vibes with nice and nostalgic writing. Album doesn't take itself so seriously and definitely has some catchy tunes. I'll be back for a few of them from time to time
6/10
Like this more than I expected to, but not sure I'll be going back to it.
Had forgotten how much I enjoyed Sad Lisa.
Some very good songs
Not really my typical genre, but glad to be exposed to it.
Nice easy listening. A little too folksy even for me. Father and Son is an all-timer
Cool, rainy day album
Not bad
great
Cat Stevens is one of those artists I’ve always overlooked due to some bad memory associations, but after giving this album a listen, I have to say it was a decent folk rock record. It had a few well known hits and recognizable tracks, along with a couple of songs that didn’t do much for me, but overall, it flowed well from beginning to end.
I liked it! As long as I aggressively don't listen to the lyrics, it's quite nice! If I do listen to the lyrics, it's corny as hell. Where do the Children Play? is a stone's throw away from They Paved Paradise and Put Up A Parking Lot.
I didn’t realize how much Cat Stevens I knew. I really enjoyed this listen and will probably add many of the songs to my “in the background while working” list.
Pleasant sounding. Catchy songs that I found myself sing later.
God it gets samey after a bit. STill pleasant enough of an initial listen though. Everything sounds like it could break out into peace train, and his lyrics are incredibly nonsensical if you listen to it. But reasonable enough.
The songwriting on this is obviously very good but i found his voice week, the playing poor and the sound very thin. When the best songs are better in covers, it tells the story
Ohh baby baby it's a folk record
Fine.
This was pretty calming
Nice acoustic songwriting sound, nothing particularly stood out to me though.
Some good, some bad.
Another artist where I’ve heard the hits but never listened to a full album. The only song I was familiar with was Wild World, which is a fantastic track. I’m pretty sure my dad liked Cat Stevens. This was a pleasant listen overall, but I didn’t much care for the sappy orchestral stuff (Sad Lisa). Not sure if I’d revisit this in the future.
Ok
I'm not gonna like it. it bored me.
eh it was okay. nothing amazing here. 3/5
Wild World and Father and Son are the obvious hits here, but I feel Cat Stevens is more famous for being Cat Stevens than anything else. Rest of the album is fine, if not somewhat repetitive.
Good classic stuff
I enjoyed the first several songs, but found most of the second half unmemorable.
When compared to the background instruments, the voice tends to be rather loud, which is a shame. Luckily, this only affects a few of the songs. Overall, the songs are fine though. Rather simple harmonic devices. Some songs are great, others are kind of repetetive. I enjoyed the string accompaniment in Into White. I enjoyed Wild World the most; it is one of the most well-known Cat Stevens songs for a reason after all.
Long hair, conversation pits, and a liiiiiiiittle bit of black tar heroin. Best track: Father And Son
It's ok for me. I don't really like folk, except for the occasional crossover that breaks some traditional folk rules. I've heard the singles from this hundreds of times and I probably like them just because of mere exposure. Don't like the folksier tunes here and there's just something about his voice that I like and dislike. I like that it's distinctive and has an odd lilt to it. But then I can't stand it after just 2 or 3 songs. Like a good appetizer, but not good for a whole meal. I'll give it a 3 recognizing that in the world of pop rock it usually gets and deserves a 4 or more. But on here, this is what I like and would I listen again. It's a 3 Probably will never listen to this whole album again. It's fine, but it's just not for me.
Not massively for me. Didn't dislike it though. Extra star for the Extras theme song.
Fairly middle of the road for me. Not great but certainly not bad. Wouldn't put it on myself but wouldn't complain if someone else put it on.
I like folk, so this was good!
Yeh
Meh
Nice cozy album to listen while you snuggle a cat
Into it but not in love with it
6/10 Favorite: Miles From Nowhere
An okay Folk album.
Var en fornøyelig opplevelse å høre på, men ble ikke blåst av banen. Var en del fine harmonier, spesielt på de partiene med høyest dynamikk, som nok var det beste aspektet ved dette albumet. Middels + i rating tror jeg
Probably had this on vinyl at some point as I can imagine picking it up from a Goodwill for a buck or from a local record shop's used section for $5. Been ages since I've given this a listen. Been a long time since I've seen Harold and Maude, too. I love Hal Ashby but I don't think that particular effort will hold up well. Afraid my review is gonna be nothing much more than Nick Drake did it better and he didn't sound try-hard doing it. How come Cat Stevens sounds like a 50 year-old man at 22? My Dad got me into Cat Stevens so I guess "Father and Son" is a vibe. First few tracks are sorta better though.
how many songs did this man write about his father over the course of his life....like was everything ok at home....
1. Where Do The Children Play? - 6 Decent song. Very good lyrics and the guitar is great. It's not anything phenomenal but it's not poor by any stretch. 2. Hard Headed Woman - 6 Decent song. I'm not a huge fan of how notes are held vocally both on this track and in Where Do The Children Play? Overall it's not bad though. 3. Wild World - 4 Vocally it just doesn't sound as good at the previous two tracks. 4. Sad Lisa - 3 Not a great song lyrically, especially the opening verse. Strings in the bridge are a wonderful addition to the track. 5. Miles From Nowhere - 8 Lyrically brilliant. Fantastic building and digressing of the instruments throughout the song. 6. But I Might Die Tonight - 5 Average track. Very short but still effective. Not anything too much either way. 7. Longer Boats - 7 Solid track. Vocally brilliant even if the chorus is very repetitive. Introduction of the drums at the end is excellent. 8. Into White - 1 Lyrically too random. Instrumentally very simple. Boring track. 9. On The Road To Find Out - 9 The drums are fantastic and compliment the song so wonderfully. Guitar sounds great and the clash of the percussions add a huge flavour to what is otherwise an excellent track. Lyrically it's superb. Best track on the album. 10. Father And Son - 3 Instrumentally fantastic, the song has lyrics which don't keep pace or structure. The concept of the song is nice but the lyrics are so overly simply it's hard to get through it. 11. Tea For The Tillerman - 6 Decent track to end on. Very very short track as well. Choir is an excellent effect on the end of the track. Average Rating: 5.27 Adjusted to 5-Point Scale: 2.64 Rounded Up: 3 Stars
I enjoyed this back in the day, but it’s dated now. Simple, well written tunes. Dated, hippie worldview that I embraced at the time. Seems quaint now. But, he hit the mark for his time. I still enjoy some of the tunes.
I've a soft spot for Yusuf/Cat Stevens because I listened to a lot of his Islamic children's music (under the name Yusuf Islam) growing up, so his voice has a real nostalgic feel for me. That said, I find this kind of folk music a little boring. Wild World and Father and Son are classics, but in between it's kind of a lot of filler
nista spec
Father and Son and Wild World are perfect, others are fine but nothing amazing.