Tea for the Tillerman

Cats rule, dogs drool. Love this album

Nice background music for a snowy woodsy afternoon.

Ålrajt första albumet! Jag skulle säga jag hade rätt så tur. Jag hade hört talas om "Tea for the Tillerman" av Cat Stevens innan och har sedan tidigare velat höra det. Det är ett trevligt album och det får man veta redan av framsidan, bara någon go gubbe som vickar på fötterna och dricker te medan den vilda världen är i fullt spel runt han. Här är Stevens 22 år gammal men ändå verkar han personifierar sig med denna gubbe. Albumet är både ytterst nostalgiskt och flera gånger går han konstigt nog in på sin förgänglighet. Dock slutar inte de glada tonerna spelas i en enda låt, precis som gubben med sitt leende. Men... Jag måste erkänna att jag var besviken när jag hörde plattan. För sedan innan hade jag hört en enda låt, det var slutspåret som också delar namn med albumet "Tea for the Tillerman". Det är en kort låt men med en av de mäktigaste uppbyggelserna jag har hört vilket också gör den till den bästa låten på skivan. De andra låtarna saknar bara detta helt och hållet, vilket är märkligt för skivan är ju döpt efter låten. Hur som helst är ju de andra låtarna 'trevliga' men de blir för uppslukade i all denna nostalgi och blir därmed entoniga. Jag tycker inte det måste inte vara det ena eller det andra och den tidigare Preservation Society av the Kinks är en exemplifiering av det och det kommer vara det album jag kommer fortsätta sätta på när jag är sugen på britternas väldiga nostalgi.

mt top

Never heard of these people but ngl his voice was really good. First 2 songs started off strong but after that only really ended up liking one more song. Solid album tho

I really enjoy Cat Stevens. He’s got a nice soothing sound. Yes, things can wander into cheese territory and the lyrics are pretty bizarre at times, but he’s got a lovely voice and he plays guitar so well. You just have to go with it. Let the corniness wash over you. Bask in its glory. There were a lot of fantastic songs on here. Father and Son is such a beautiful thoughtful song. And Where Do The Children Play is a favorite as well. More albums like this would be great please and thank you.

Father and Son forever

I enjoyed some of this, but would not put this album on again. The obvious hits of course are deserving, but one I had never heard that I thought was good was Miles from Nowhere. The Flaming Lips have a song called Fight Test that reminds me of Father and Son

This album holds up. I enjoyed it enough to already own it.

it's so relaxing and chilled.

Убедительно

Did not enjoy this one, a bit too lyrical and whoozy for my taste.

Album hits hard, man. Good stuff.

I mean... Wild World. I quite like it. Good vibes. But can I get over his "out of context" remarks on Salman Rushdie?

Stevens is a cool Cat.

Great album front to back. Lots of great memories and feelings from this one.

Very chill album. I appreciate Cat Stevens' musical talent, but I don't think I'm really into folk music.

There are just enough good songs here for 4 stars or B+.

Yes

Cat Stevens ist immer wieder gut!

Packs a big punch for a short album. This was a nice way to start my day this morning

I'd never heard any of these songs before, but it's giving a kind of David Bowie-esque style. Enjoyable, but not something that really gripped me too hard. If I was in the mood for music like this I would probably go listen to the Ziggy Stardust album instead.

A classic folk-rock album packed with beautiful songwriting, life lessons and minimal production that doesn't get in the way of the music and the message. It's too bad I kept getting distracted, thinking of other media as I was listening, remembering scenes from Guardians Of Tne Galaxy 2 or the Extras outro! Liked Songs Added: Wild World Father And Son

Милый сингер-сонграйтер фолк-поп с великими Большими песнями, и неплохими небольшими песнями. Нравится его голос. Лучшая песня - Father and Son.

Prima '70s muziek. Lekker rustig.

Owned on vinyl! Love Cat ❤️

This one gets overlooked a lot, but it was a huge folk hit, and the songwriting holds up.

# 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.

Cat Stevens’s is really not my thing

What a wonderful, beautiful recording. There are well known songs but all are well crafted and thoughtful.

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

If you like soft, folk, rock, then this is the album for you. Cat Stevens' (now Yusaf) songwriting is exquisite. He creates songs that are deeply personal without becoming too heavy or saccharine sweet. Sometimes, he even rocks out (especially Wild World). Most of all, Stevens/Yusaf keeps the emotional quotient in balance. He ensures that things don't get too sad or depressing but nothing is light or frothy. Hard headed Woman, Father and SOn, and Wild World were all major hits at the time and Wild World has been covered by a number of bands. 10000 Maniacs had another hit with their cover.

Un álbum que hace un excelente trabajo con su simple pero en momentos dramática instrumental junto a unas letras honestas y nostálgicas que resaltan con espiritualidad. Nunca he tenido un afán de folk pero este álbum tiene canciones memorables y te atrapa desde la primera canción para llevarte en un viaje que se siente como una caliente taza de té en una tarde de invierno que nos recuerda que todavía somos jóvenes. (En mi opinión, necesita un buen relistening de mi parte). Canciones a destacar (en ningún orden específico): Hard Headed Woman Father and Son Miles from Nowhere Wild World

6/10 Very pleasant stuff 12-08-2024

Real solid folk album. His voice bothers me sometimes, but I really like the instrumentation and arrangement of most of his songs.

I really don't like this album. But I can tell it's good if this is what you're into, I'm just not

A bunch of short songs, some with catchy hooks, mostly sounding about the same.

Really enjoyable low key folk, never really gave him a listen and I may explore a bit more.

I have fond childhood memories of his greatest hits CD. Didn't have high expectations for this album but ended up enjoying it. Lyrically kind of lightweight but the vocals are excellent and some of the songs ('Father and Son' specifically) have a real emotional punch. 'Sad Lisa' sounds like a Eurovision song. Not necessarily a bad thing. It just does.

Favorite tracks: Sad Lisa, But I Might Die Tonight, Father and Son This took me a few listens to get into, but once I did, it felt very warm and nice and peaceful and introspective - all things I like! I'm feeling a 3 for this.

Mange klassikere her. Vil egt si 3.5, men runder opp til 4

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

He has such a distinctive sound and I really like that sound. It is a really good album. With that being said, I might have a hard time telling the difference between his good album and a not so good album. However, I enjoyed this listen and will listen again.

it's a 2.5 but Wild Word and Father And Son man...

Avery pleasant little album, with some good songs.

I always thought this was a pretty good album. 3.5 if I could do half point increments

kinda mid

Very nice folk music. Standout tracks: Wild World, Father and Son

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

Brilliant album. First time listening to it in its entirety. Really coherent in terms of sound and lyrics. A real easy listening album, I can see why it's a classic. Standout for me : Wild World, Sad Lisa, Miles from Nowhere, Father and Son. This will go into my regular rotation

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.

Was ok.

Best Song: Wild World. A song I've heard many times before, often as covers, so it was nice to hear the original. Worst Song: Longer Boats. This starts to cross to far into sounding kinda "cult leader by the campfire". Overall: Not bad, but absolutely not my kind of music. Would probably be nice to listen to live in a sing-along fashion, but as an album it's just okay.

6.5/10

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

Listened to this on record with my parents 30yrs ago very sweet album with some sad undertones

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

I won't be reaching to listen again but also wouldn't be unhappy if someone else put it on. Good, gentle, hippy pop

Anything by Cat Stevens gets a 4 at the very least.

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

I don't know half of these songs half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of them half as well as they deserve. But really these songs are nice and chill. The updated version with the little number 2 after the title is a nice refreshing update too, if you accidentally listen to that first.

This album is on frequent rotation in our house. Excellent music.

Not much to say, it's Cat Stevens. It's good.

An astonishingly lovely set of songs ☺️ Some of the worst cover art 🥲

Wild world. Father and son

Good lyricist

Lots of pretty, solid moments here, but I find it to be very formulaic. Each song has the same general build up and pay off musically, and while it is a good song structure, it can be repetitive. I mean, I kept waiting for Peace Train to show up because I could hear all of that song from other pieces of songs here, but that's on a totally separate album. It was nice and soothing, but I think I'd need a bit more tonal variation to praise it much more.

Very neat album, this singer is very good at story-telling.

ok'ish

His voice was soothing. I loved that the things he sings about are relevant today. Way to stand up for social injustices.

Pretty good, I was never a big Cat Stevens fan but this was overall really pleasant

Cat Stevens doesn't do much for me, but it is very competent. 3 stars.

Very predictable songwriting, but at least he knows not to overstay his welcome for the most part. Still, I was wishing the album would end by the third-to-last song, so two stars.

Cover is cute from afar but up close is a bit odd. Music felt cozy.

Sorry all I can think ab is how my overpriced airport subway was wayyy underfilled and now I’m stilly hungy :(((( Always album was nice

7/10 - It was a pretty happy album that brought joy most of the time. It was not too long and had some songs that I had heard before. Overall enjoyable but nothing extraordinary.

Good album. Gonna have to relisten because I wasn't paying enough attention

Father and Son is one of the greatest songs ever. Really captures the sweep of inter generational angst incredibly in a 3 minute folk/pop song The rest is pretty decent but weirdly unmemorable Call it a very high 3, because I can’t think why it’s a 4 aside from F&S

Not my cup of tea.

Great singer. Great songs, and voice. Good album. All of his songs are either great or good. No bad songs.

Songs i know: 2 i think Songs i like: 2 or 3 Decent album, probably the most 70s album out there so far. Lovely vibe to accompany a morning jog round regent Park but another one in the pile of good but probably never pick it up again

Really enjoyed this. Don’t know anything of his work outside of Father and Son, so I was pleasantly surprised. One of the songs sounding like Could it be Magic? by Take That was a nice bonus.

Thought it was good. Only really knew Father and Son, Wild World and Tea for the Tillerman from Extras. Really enjoyed the piano on Miles from Nowhere thought But I Might Die Tonight. Thought this album might be a bit twee but those songs had a bit more swagger than I was expected. Standouts: Miles From Nowhere But I Might Die Father and Son Tea For The Tillerman (although wish it was longer as it just ends after that lovely gospel chorus) Low Points: None really but was a fan of the quieter folky by the numbers ones

3 songs I really like, the title track from the closing sequence of British comedy series Extras, Father and Son and Wild World. Everything else is ok. Again it’s easy listening and Cat/Yusuf has a very unique voice. Did I just dead name him?

Enjoyed a lot more than I thought. Some songs I knew thy didn’t realise was by him. Cats in the Cradle better than Father and Son though

Reminds me that I like pretty folk Music. A few duds (Sad Lisa notably) hold it back from five stars.

A wonderful collection of nice little diddleys

Just wasn’t drawn to it.

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

Bargain basement Paul Simon. I was optimistic when I put this on because I really like “wild world”, but those hopes were quickly dashed. You need to be a really talented song writer to make the flowery acoustic guitar songs work and I don’t think “Cat” clears that bar.

2.6

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.

The combination of the name Cat Stevens and this album’s cover makes for one of the best things ever. It reminds me of the old children’s books my grandmother used to read to me when I was little. And I think the music carries that same childlike, whimsical quality of those books. But also similarly to those books, these songs likely have a deeper, more purposeful meaning behind them. My mother claims I should have known who this was. But I was drawing a blank on even his biggest songs. There are just so many songwriters from the era of music that have achieved what people deem as “legend status” who I just don’t know. It has a lot to do with the music that was played around me as I grew up. Where this record excels the most is in its brevity and pacing. Which might sound like a seemingly backhanded compliment. But I mean it as an overall net positive. This is the perfect definition of short and sweet. Average song length is around 3 minutes, which is basically the most suitable length for this genre of music. And for how short these songs are, he manages to pack in a really good amount of material. Many songs feel long and dense, without actually dragging on and becoming boring. Stevens has a nice voice. And the instrumentation, while simple, works effectively. I think the reason why I’m rating this the way I am is because a few of these songs just don’t feel as complete as the best the album has to offer. And they end up falling into the category of largely forgettable 70s folk music. But generally I think what is here is pretty solid, even if it’s not the most consistent. Rating: 6/10

Cute

Beautiful album - such a delicate tenderness to it.

aaaaaand ...breeeeathe

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

One that’s in my vinyl collection but I’ve not listened to it for ages. I’d honestly forgotten how good this album is. I’ve really enjoyed listening to it today and must make a note of giving my vinyl copy a spin again soon.

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

I knew two songs from the album (we al do: Wild World and Father and Son) and love them. But there are no bad songs on this whole album. It brabbles along like a gentle river. Yes, it's poppy and "uncomplicated" but it just sounds great. Cat (Sufjan)'s voice is of course very recognisable with its grain and nasal tone and I like it. This album does the job very well - not a 4 or a 5 because I keep those for more innovative and creative work, but this album is near perfect in its niche of sheer enjoyable melodic pop songs.

- Geil, hab mich abseits der Top 5-6 Songs von Cat Stevens bzw. Yusuf Islam nie mit ihm beschäftigt, aber das hat mir mega gut gefallen - Also mal wieder ein klassischer Fall, wo die 1001 einem mal wieder helfen, sich mit Artists auch tiefergehender zu befassen. - Ich hatte immer eine unbegründete Sympathie für den alten Mann mit weißem Rauschebart und mochte auch alles, was ich von ihm kenne - hab einige Songs von ihm in verschiedenen Playlists. Der Mann hatte in der Vergangenheit aber auch einige radikalislamischen Ansichten, was ich nicht so wusste. Wurde aber auch Verständiger zwischen den Kulturen geehrt. Schwierig mal wieder. - Abgesehen davon, ein ganz wunderbares Album. Sehr schöne Melodien. Sehr entspannt und ruhig. Alles akustisch. Mit "Wild World" und "Father and Son" zwei Welthits auf dem Album. - Fand aber auch die anderen Tracks, besonders "Where do the Children Play?" oder "Miles From Nowhere" richtig geil Rating: 4,25/5

Irgendwie einfach ein cozy Album. Father and Son kannte ich schon (unter anderem durch Guardians of the Galaxy) - einfach ein schöner Song. Auch der Rest des Albums hat mir gut gefallen.

A truly lovely album. We used to sing Cat Stevens songs to our girls as lullabies. Would but everyone was as peaceful as these songs.

Yusuf Cat Stevens Islam är dum som inte skrev en hel låt av tea for tillerman. Märkligt med en minut. Det hade kunnat bli en sjukt bra låt! Sen tog det ett tag att komma på (efter intensiv googling) att det är intro-låten till Ricky Gervais serie Extras. Hur som helst, väldigt bra album. Cat har otroligt skön röst.

Kvalitetsskiva rakt igenom kryddad med ett par riktiga topplåtar.

Some really classic songs on this album. I love his voice and the mellow guitar playing. Very relaxing and cozy songs. I already have a few songs from the album on playlists and always love when they come up.

Top notch boomer co-worker music

This was a very nice folk/singer-somgwriter album. Unfortunately I only had time to listen to it once, but I will be coming back to it.

A chill album for comfortable chill listen. I liked it

...

As a registered folk / singer-songwriter hater, I am a little surprised that I enjoyed this album. I think the biggest thing that separates this album from the countless bland 70's folk album on this list is 3 fold: 1. He can actually sing, and is a really good at it 2. There are melodies which are complex but still memorable. 3. It has more instruments than just an acoustic guitar Probably not something I would listen too again, but I wouldn't be upset if it came on. Low 4.

****

Im actually loving this lowkey This so sweet and pleasent i love it

Yeah! fine.

Lovely and relaxing

It’s got a whimsical folksy sound that I got into, and Wild World is a nice track. Don’t think I’d relisten all the way though but nice to be exposed to.

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.

A perfectly pleasant album that I really enjoyed listen to. Nothing blew me away, but nothing turned me off either. I love the storytelling aspect of the lyrics, and the melodic sounds. It feels like a good background album while getting stuff done.

I have heard Cat Stevens before- his music is nice but typically not for me. This album was nice- his voice and songwriting style pair well together, and his songs capture part of the human experience. It was a little sappy for me, but I didnt hate it. Overall- solid album

Gorgeous stuff, though Wild Workd is kinda catty when you pay attention to it.

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

Generally enjoyed it and there are a couple top-tier songs (“Wild World” and “Father And Son”). I also listened to his 2020 re-recording, Tea for the Tillerman 2. Mix of upgrades and downgrades there - its “Wild World” sucks.

Pretty good. Short album and has a couple of jams

Pretty damn good, just wish some of the songs were more energetic

"He must be killed. The Qur'an makes it clear – if someone defames the prophet, then he must die." With comments like that about Salman Rushdie, how can you take the words of this record seriously? Luckily, I found it boring as fuck. Minus stars if I could.

Great album

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

It's mellow. Good sing along.

Good and weird and good. Couple bangers. And pretty chill. Enjoyed the listen.

High quality singing and songwriting right here.

Norm

Cat Stevens is an impeccable writer and showcases that talent on this Folk classic. There are some stand out tracks, and the low points are still enjoyable.

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 loved my time with this album. Just pleasant songwriting. A handful of songs are among my favourites. Maybe this is just because I love Harold and Maude. 4.5/5

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.

not bad, not exactly my taste

Because it´s not exactly my jam I had to give it a few tries before it clicked for me. Some (even too) beautiful songs on this! I can feel why many declare it a masterpiece. favourite: "Where Do The Children Play?", "Wild World", "Sad Lisa", "Longer Boats" and "Father And Son"

Solid all around. Nothing that jumped out but would listen again especially to a few tracks.

More layered and dynamic than expected, having previously only heard the hits. Many classic late 60s/early 70s studio sounds are present including Chamber strings, Rhodes, tape echo, plate reverb, piano through a Leslie speaker(!), etc. The songs are well crafted and arranged and the album is a tight and brisk 11 songs in 37 minutes without too much filler. Some points off for occasionally sloppy musicianship and a couple songs that don’t really go anywhere. All in all a very good folk-pop album, definitely of its time, and clearly a big influence for later artists.

Bangers, good rotational album

Banger

Almost fell asleep.

Not bad, easy to listen to and pleasant.

Too mellow / old

cool

Another familiar name

Cat/Yusuf flexing his best stuff

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

Classic Cat. Whimsical, folklore and lyrical crafting near the top.

Oh I just really love this one

Decent one.

Interesting album, not the biggest fan. Weird blend of 60s folk and 70s soft rock

Some of the tracks require multiple listening before they "click"

this is not really my taste but i recognize that it's executing the vibe it's going for near-flawlessly. 3.5/5

Overall, I like it. I think he's got a very unique voice. My main criticism would be that he doesn't have much range, so al the songs start to meld together a bit. I know people love Cat Stevens, so I'm glad I listened to it.

Liked: Wild World, Father and Son

I owned Teaser and the Firecat on cassette as a kid, and liked that one. I had never heard Tea for the Tillerman, only a couple of selections. I think that overall, I like Tea a bit more. I’ll give it a 4, rounded up from 3.5.

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 found myself craving the raw fury and world-weary cynicism of Simon and Garfunkel.

This is relaxing and comforting music for me. I'm not a huge Cat Stevens fan, I really like "If you want to sing out.." which resides on another album, but this was a good listen.

I wanted to like this but was left wanting more I guess.

3.5 some bangers

7/10 rounded up on the back of Father and Son, and Wild World

Cat Stevens, haven't heard from him for a long time, but wow, I was well-known high-flyers. Wild World or Farther and Son, but 'Sad Lisa'. Some days I cry my eyes out, it's unbelievable how much emotion can be contained in so few words. Beautiful album with truly exceptional songs and little filler.

I'm in my Cat Stevens era ✨💁‍♀️

Great, now I’m depressed. This is an “it’s me, not you” scenario because I know my feelings about most contemporary folk music. As a 70’s kid, folk rock has a melancholy sound that always brings me down. I’m not a fan. Objectively, I recognize the songwriting, melody and production of this album. The Cat Stevens catalog is loved by many, but not for me.

Had no idea Cat Stevens did the Extras theme for one, enjoyable record apart from that plus Father and Son is a stone cold classic, would listen again.

Cat Stevens... not bad!

6,72

Soooo good! 4/5

smooth soothing folk. not a bad song in the bunch. highlights: “wide world” “sad lisa” “but i might die tonight”

A beautiful, timeless gem. 8/10

Although not my musical taste its hard to say anything negative about this album and the cover artwork is a delight.

lekkere easy listening op de maandagochtend. Alleen is de listening wel heel erg easy en is dit het ultieme achtergrond album voor mij. Wild World is een erg bekend nummer en ook echt lekker, maar eerlijk ; verder springt er niet echt veel uit. Het is allemaal heel erg lief, heel zacht, heel rustig. Dit was een lekker album dat ik absoluut nu alweer vergeten ben en waarschijnlijk nooit meer ga horen. Prima album. FAVO: Wild World, Father and Son

I've never listened to this album before. I like several Cat Stevens songs but I actually dislike the only song I know from this album- "Wild World" As soon as I heard "Father and Son" my first thought was "Holy Shit, this sounds just like Flight Test, I bet the Flaming Lips had to pay up for that one!" - lo and behold the lawsuit has its own section on the wikipedia page. Beautiful song, an album standout even though I had a backwards nostalgia for it.

A simple album with tracks that aren't long nor musically complex. Just a simple album you can put on without really thinking about what you should listen to.

4/5

4.5

superb, tripy!

It was chill, not really my vibe. It was a quick listen.

Really good. I knew a couple of these songs but didn’t know who Cat Steven’s was.

What’s there to say, it’s a classic Cat Steven’s record! Favorite Track: Father and Son

Kind of a snoozer for me but it was fine. Im sure Yusuf/Cat is well respected for his playful lyricism but I just wasnt in the mood for the easy-breezy hippy-dippiness of it all. I prefer others in this genre a little bit more. Father and Son is a great track though.

Wild World and Father And Son are of course great songs. I wanted to like the rest of the album more than I did. It's just not hitting me right now

Actually, Cat Stevens' music is exactly the kind of music that was strummed around the campfire by zeitgeist-moving teenagers in my day. I found it quite annoying back then. So I had rather low expectations of this album. But I was wrong. I liked it a lot. I had almost forgotten about Wild World and Father And Son. And it was nice to hear them again. The music won't make it into my daily stream, but I'll be happy to listen to it again in between. 4/5

Very melancholy while also cheery. Some songs made me sad, others made me happy. There's a folk charm to this that I enjoyed. A few songs however sounded roughly the same with similar guitar cords/tempo. I would rate it a 3.5/5

Easy listening. Puts me in a mellow mood. Father and Son gets me every time.

Enjoyed it. Simple but effective. Wanting something more challenging but enjoyed it all the same

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.

A unique voice that's tender, vulnerable, deep, and strong at the same time

Set the scene for modern folk. Well done.

Not for me.

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.

Totale découverte de l'artiste et du genre. J'aime bien. Beaucoup d'instruments qui rendent l'album "vraie" pour accompagner les propos. Très rythmé.

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.

I liked it. It's one I bought when it came out, we all listened, sang along. It was good fun!

The second half was pretty amazing folk music. Pity it took a while to get there. Stand-out: Miles From Nowhere, Longer Boats

Lovely album and must listen. Beautiful lyrics and melodies to describe life.

Absolutely beautiful. Loved it!

Love me some Cat Stevens. Kind of a surprise on this list, but a nice listen.

First time listening to a full Cat Stevens album, and it's just a nice chill time with good tunes.

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!

birth of the twee

See? Proof that just because I own an album on vinyl doesn’t automatically mean it gets 5 stars.

The music has a very folksy feel that perfectly matches the simple illustration for the album art. A very sincere album, although overall I would say to be a tad repetitive in tone and sound, except for a few songs that add a violin. Favorite song: "Wild World" Best representation of the album: "On the Road to Find Out"

Where Do the Children Play? 3.4 Hard Headed Woman 3.5 Wild World 3.8 Sad Lisa 3.6 Miles from Nowhere 3.3 But I Might Die Tonight 3 Longer Boats 3.1 Into White 3 On the Road to Find Out 3.2 Father and Son 3.8 Tea for the Tillerman 3.6 Score: 3.390909091

This is hipster music before hipster music was a thing.

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.

Solid folk songs, while I liked the Teaser and the Fire Cat album better, this wasn't bad.

A little slow for my liking, but I can respect his songwriting and acoustic ability.

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

Two big and wonderful songs. The Album stays strong during the Listen. But in my experience of joy i fell its personally on a range from 3.0-4.0

Wild World is one of my favorite songs...period. That alone warrants a 4 for me. The rest of the album is solid...not spectacular.

A true classic.

Fantastic

Lovely!

this was a pleasant listen. i had heard wild world a few times going into this, but none of the others. there's a good vibe throughout and the songs are all the right length. i'm sure i'll listen to these tracks again later on. favorites: where do the children play, wild world, sad lisa, father and son

Excellent

gud

Kinda reminiscent of McFly, particularly Tom Fletcher’s solo written work. A couple songs - the ones I had hear before - stood out but the rest was kinda eh. I can see myself tolerating this if someone else put it on but it’s not something I would ever reach for myself. 2.5 I guess.

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.

An absolutely brilliant album that has some all time classic songs on it. Listening to the album just fills my heart with joy and puts a smile on my face.

Kinda vibed with this one tbh

Yllättävästi tykkäsin! Ei tylsää genressään (mies ja kitara). Koukut sai kuuntelemaan sanat tarkkaan. Heräsin tosin tietty erityisesti Wild worldin takia, se liikuttaa edelleen (Skinsin 1. kauden takia). Kakkoskuuntelulla vois mennä neljään tähteen, heti en uskalla antaa sitä koska inanen monipuolisuuden puute ehkä oli.

Artisti on vähän lipevä äijä, mutta hänen musiikkinsa ei ole esteettisesti TÄYSIN mautonta. Lisäksi hän esittelee yhden nerokkaan kertsin/koukun. Sanoitukset taas...

Not my cup of tea

Fav: Father And Son Least Fav: Tea For The Tillerman

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.

Un classique je crois. Du pur Folks, a reecouter for sure. 3.8/5

Thoughtfull music with heart and some real classics that makes you realise he was very talented lyricist and song written.

Andrew: Nice! 7/10

Peaceful and sweet. Put me at ease.

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.

Unlike most of his contemporaries, at least Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam knew how to write folk songs with solid instrumental hooks, instrumentation choices, and arrangements. It is solid enjoyable songwriting, even if I personally don't agree with his lyrical points of view.

Lots of hits on here

I am a split personality when it comes to Cat Stevens. I love his song writing, I like how most of the songs are performed - but I hate listening to his records. All the same, becomes boring after the second song. This one is no exception. Great individual songs, but I cannot stand listening to more than two in row

Lots of classics, some good sing alongs and some good relaxed tracks

Too much of a classic.

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

4 stars

A nice album to listen on a weekend morning. Father and son was especially cute

Pretty unoffensive but a lot of very samey sounding songs across the album

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.

Such beautiful songs. I'm not crying.

Pwetty instruments

I think is album is just swell. Mikes from nowhere was revelation this listen around. Someone commented ’you can learn about 90% of what it means to be a good person simply by listening to Cat Stevens songs’, and that strikes a chord for me.

pleasant, nothing more nor less

Once in an interview Seal was asked, “What’s the most important part of a song?” And his answer was, “It’s the song… And the voice. but if you REALLY pushed me, it’s the song, because a good enough song will transcend the voice.” I’d agree with that. A good enough song will still be good even with a bad voice. Unfortunately, in my opinion, none of these songs were good enough to do that. Stevens’ voice was nails on a chalk board, the songs were dull and monotonous, and this was the first record where I was actively waiting for it to be over. It reminded me of Arlo Guthrie’s work. Guthrie is a folky singer who doesn’t have a tremendous voice, but he knows how to write a song that belongs around the campfire, and he’s a master at making the most of his humble instrument. I know Cat Stevens means a lot to a LOT of people, but for me, I just didn’t get it at all.

warm and cozy like a cup of cocoa in the winter.

Grew up with this in high school, pure love 4stars

Such a pleasant album. Cat's got some great pipes and every song is an enjoyable listen. 8/10 (4/5)

#313. Makes you wish all those songs were as good as Wild World. 3/5: acceptable. Song added to playlist: Wild World I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link

Pleasant. Father and son is a masterpiece:

Soothing.

66 = 3,3 = 3 stars A rare folk rock entree, but overall really boring, generic and repetative, and not really a fan of the vocalist, although the album has some nice fresh and comfortable atmosphere

Cat Stevens or Yusuf, his now adapted stage name, had already a couple of projects released when this dropped but this hit like a bomb. Especially 'Wild World' was and still is a huge success. The album is full of peacefull and soft Folk Pop tunes that are all really cute and interesting. 'Where Do the Children Play?' opens the album with soft guitar notes and slowly builds up into more and more but not anxious tension that releases into a final vocal climax. A beautiful song with a great structure and sound that keeps you interested throughout. This is an incredible song with many great moments both lyrically and instrumentally. The following 'Hard Headed Woman' is a much softer approach with the strings that at one point take most of the attention before the vocals explode out of nothing and completley contradict the start. It is a lovely song but I feel that at times it is a little streched rather than needed especially near the end. The already mentioned 'Wild World' follows and I do think that it's the best song on the album. The chorus is super catchy and the structure is a great mix between conventional and special. The same can be said about the tension that it creates and releases perfectly for the chorus to start again. A perfect song with perfect execution. This is how a Folk Pop song should be done. The more sentimental 'Sad Lisa' switches the guitar with a piano and creates a very sad sounding and emotionally dense track that is amplified even more with the mourning strings that let the song flow through the bridge. 'Miles From Nowhere' closes the albums first half with another great song that really shows the more fast-paced side of the album. It is a really great blend between the Folk Pop of before with more Rock influence. The only thing that I criticise about this song is that the verse can feel a little bland compared to chorus and bridge. The short but sweet 'But I Might Die Tonight' starts the second side with another really good song that again has a little bit of Rock sprinkled in. The "ah-ah-ah" part is really good and for being so short, the song has quite the moments. 'Longer Boats' starts by sounding a lot like a Beach Boys inspired song and that typical vocal harmony style is kept throughout even if it is much less present than what is standard with the Beach Boys. But overall the song is much more average and isn't all that interesting compared to most this project offers. The much more classic Folk inspired 'Into White' is a similar case of being not bad but much more average than most other songs. It's really cute and all but a very peaceful guitar and vocal sound but I'm just not widely interested with what is going on. The by far longest song is 'On the Road to Find Out' is again a rather uninteresting song with the few moments that are being pretty overshadowed. But the length doesn't really matter here which is a pretty good sign because it doesn't get super tiring. Just before the album finishes we get another classic. This time 'Father and Son' is a really simple but hypnotising song that shows the lyrical and songwriting abillity Cat Stevens has in the fullest potential. It's a really lovely song that really sticks out in this second half. This is a really emotional and deeply connecting song. The one minute long title track 'Tea for the Tillerman' closes the album as a kind of outro that mainly plays with piano to create a song that sounds like a final symphonic end to this album. favourites: Wild World, Where Do the Children Play?, Father and Son least favourites: On the Road to Find Out, Into White Rating: decent 8 https://rateyourmusic.com/~Emil_ph for more ratings, reviews and takes

Not bad, some earnest hits that have fallen out of the zeitgeist on here

Beautiful vocals and lyrics but overall a little forgettable other than Wild World and Father and Son.

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

I always remember seeing this album sitting in my dad's collection. I always thought it looked a bit lame. A lame title and naff artwork. What we need to remeber is that small children don't know shit.

It's better than I imagined it to be. It's pretty dull, but in comparison to his contemporary James Taylor that I listened to last week its like a hurricane. Nothing I'd listen to again, but I understand the cultural significance a bit more now.

Wild World is good song... but the orignal here is sadly not the best version I've heard. Otherwise a super boring experience 1/5

Very relaxing. But has to catch you in the right mood

A soft and almost sentimental folk album, Cat Stevens has an excellent voice and the vibe becomes Immaculate because of that. A fun all-round album, with a pair of well known singles to showcase the album's might. 4.2/5

Wild World makes it for me. I was never a Cat Stevens fan, but glad he was there.

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

goated, kind of banger after banger here

This is a quality album from Cat Stevens, with some of his most personal writing and well-crafted storytelling out there, and while I can’t say every track perfectly hit for me, I found myself enjoying the experience through.

Idk not for me

Great album

Love this album.

Solid folk, but doesn't stand out for me.

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.

Warm and bright folk album with lots of charm. But my issue with Cat Steven's contribution to the genre is its usually largely forgettable.

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"

This was really good! Easy listening.

very relaxed and good

Perfect 5.0

A perfect soundtrack for Waldorf PTA knitting circles...

This was okay. I hadn't listened to it in quite a while. Some good songs, but it didn't hold up as well as I thought it would. Perhaps an album for a different time in your life.

Très bon album folk, très relax, un peu (trop) tristounet par moment, mais une bonne écoute somme toute

Pretty good

All over a nice album, not only the well-known songs

Familiar, but a little to cute for my ears these days

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!