Cat Stevens, born Steven Demetre Georgiou in 1948, is a British singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1970s with his distinctive voice and introspective, poetic lyrics. Stevens began his career as a teen pop star in the mid-1960s, but it wasn’t until he began writing his own songs that he truly found his voice.
Stevens’ music is known for its melodic simplicity and emotional depth, often exploring themes of spirituality, social justice, and personal transformation. Some of his most beloved songs include “Wild World,” “Father and Son,” and “Morning Has Broken.”
In the late 1970s, Stevens converted to Islam and changed his name to Yusuf Islam, and he took a hiatus from music to focus on his faith and humanitarian work. He eventually returned to music in the 1990s and has continued to record and perform, often blending his spiritual beliefs with his music.
Stevens’ music has been influential to generations of musicians, and his voice and style remain instantly recognizable to this day. His timeless songs continue to resonate with listeners around the world, and he remains one of the most beloved and influential singer-songwriters of the 20th century.
1. I’m Gonna Get Me a Gun (1967)
“I’m Gonna Get Me a Gun” is a song by Cat Stevens that was released in 1967 on his debut album “Matthew and Son”. The song features a catchy pop melody and upbeat instrumentation that belies its dark and satirical lyrics, which criticize the glorification of violence in society. Stevens’ distinctive voice and sharp wit are on full display in this early track, which stands out in contrast to the more introspective and spiritual themes that would come to define his later work. “I’m Gonna Get Me a Gun” remains a fascinating and memorable example of Stevens’ early career as a songwriter and performer.
2. Moonshadow (1971)
“Moonshadow” is a song by British singer-songwriter Cat Stevens, released in 1971 as a part of his album “Teaser and the Firecat”. The song’s lyrics are about the power of positive thinking and the importance of maintaining a hopeful attitude in the face of adversity. It features a joyful and upbeat melody, with acoustic guitar and piano instrumentation, and Stevens’ distinctive vocals. “Moonshadow” became a hit for Stevens and is considered one of his most enduring and popular songs, with its message of positivity and hope resonating with listeners of all ages.
3. Lady D’Arbanville (1970)
“Lady D’Arbanville” is a haunting and melancholic ballad by Cat Stevens, released in 1970. The song features Stevens’ delicate acoustic guitar playing and emotive vocals, accompanied by a string section and a distinctive piano riff. The lyrics describe the mourning of a lover for his departed lady, with references to death and the afterlife. The song’s evocative melody and poignant lyrics have made it a beloved classic of Stevens’ discography, and its inclusion on the album “Mona Bone Jakon” helped establish his reputation as a sensitive and introspective singer-songwriter. “Lady D’Arbanville” remains a moving and timeless tribute to lost love.
4. Wild World (1971)
“Wild World” is a song by Cat Stevens that was released in 1971 on his album “Tea for the Tillerman”. The song features a gentle acoustic guitar melody and Stevens’ trademark soulful vocals, with lyrics that reflect on the end of a relationship and the uncertain future that lies ahead. “Wild World” became a huge hit for Stevens, reaching the top 20 on the charts in both the US and the UK, and has since become one of his most beloved and enduring songs. Its timeless melody and poignant lyrics continue to resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
5. Father and Son (1970 and 2004)
“Father and Son” is a song by British singer-songwriter Cat Stevens, first released in 1970 as a part of his album “Tea for the Tillerman”. The song’s lyrics are a conversation between a father and son, with the father trying to impart wisdom and advice to his son. The song explores the generational divide and the struggles of communication between different ages. The song features acoustic guitar and Stevens’ distinctive vocals, with a memorable melody that has become a classic. In 2004, Stevens re-recorded the song as a duet with Ronan Keating, which became a hit and introduced the song to a new generation of listeners.
6. Oh Very Young (1974)
“Oh Very Young” is a song by Cat Stevens from his 1974 album “Buddha and the Chocolate Box.” The track features a gentle and upbeat melody with Stevens’ trademark acoustic guitar playing and warm vocals. The lyrics reflect on the fleeting nature of youth and the importance of cherishing life’s precious moments. The song’s memorable chorus and positive message have made it a popular and enduring favorite of Stevens’ discography. “Oh Very Young” is a touching reminder to appreciate life’s simple joys and to live in the present moment, making it a timeless classic of Stevens’ oeuvre.
7. Another Saturday Night (1974)
“Another Saturday Night” is a song by Cat Stevens that was released in 1974 on his album “Buddha and the Chocolate Box”. The song features a catchy melody and upbeat instrumentation, with Stevens’ warm vocals delivering lyrics that lament the loneliness of Saturday nights spent alone. Originally written and recorded by Sam Cooke in 1963, Stevens’ cover of “Another Saturday Night” became a hit for him, reaching the top 10 on the charts in both the US and the UK. The song’s catchy chorus and relatable lyrics continue to make it a favorite among fans of Stevens’ music.
8. Peace Train (1971)
“Peace Train” is a song by British singer-songwriter Cat Stevens, released in 1971 as a part of his album “Teaser and the Firecat”. The song’s lyrics are a call for unity and peace, with Stevens urging people of all races, religions, and backgrounds to come together for a common goal. The song features an upbeat and optimistic melody, with acoustic guitar and percussion instrumentation, and Stevens’ distinctive vocals. “Peace Train” became a hit for Stevens and has become an anthem for peace and unity, with its message of hope and inclusivity resonating with listeners around the world.
9. Matthew and Son (1967)
“Matthew and Son” is a song by Cat Stevens, released in 1967 as his debut single. The track is a catchy and upbeat pop song, featuring brass instrumentation and Stevens’ energetic vocals. The lyrics describe the struggles of a working-class man trapped in a dead-end job, with themes of social and economic inequality. The song’s memorable chorus and driving rhythm helped establish Stevens as a rising star in the British music scene. “Matthew and Son” remains a classic of Stevens’ early career, showcasing his talent for crafting catchy and socially conscious pop music that resonates with audiences to this day.
10. Morning Has Broken (1972)
“Morning Has Broken” is a song by British singer-songwriter Cat Stevens, released in 1972 as a part of his album “Teaser and the Firecat”. The song’s lyrics celebrate the beauty of a new day, with Stevens describing the natural world and its rejuvenating power. The song features an arrangement of traditional Gaelic melodies, with piano and acoustic guitar instrumentation, and Stevens’ distinctive vocals. “Morning Has Broken” became a hit for Stevens and has since become a beloved classic, with its joyful melody and optimistic lyrics capturing the spirit of a new beginning and a fresh start.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
