With his warm voice, delicate acoustic guitar playing and deeply spiritual lyrics, British singer Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam) became one of the most beloved singer-songwriters of all time in the early '70s. Albums like Tea for the Tillerman and Teaser and the Firecat sold tens of millions of copies and defined the sound of a generation searching for peace, meaning and human connection. Vote for your favorite Cat Stevens song.
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Father and Son
His monumental masterpiece. Stevens sings both the father (in a warm, calm low voice urging patience) and the rebellious son (in a fierce, emotional cry longing for freedom). A generation-spanning story about letting go that consistently moves millions of listeners to tears.
Wild World
One of the most iconic pop songs in music history. With a mix of sincere concern and slight bitterness, Stevens sings about his ex leaving for the tempting but merciless outside world, over an indestructible piano riff.
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Morning Has Broken
His breathtaking rendition of a traditional Christian hymn, famous for the virtuoso, flowing piano part by Rick Wakeman (Yes). The fresh melody breathes the pure promise of a new dawn after a dark night.
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Peace Train
A universal peace anthem that became a big American hit in 1971. Driven by a rousing, rolling guitar rhythm and exuberant backing vocals, Stevens calls on the world to board the train to brotherhood and harmony.
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The First Cut Is the Deepest
Although later made famous worldwide by Rod Stewart and Sheryl Crow, Stevens wrote this timeless classic himself back in 1967. His own vulnerable version lays bare the raw fear of ever trusting someone again after a first heartbreak.
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Moonshadow
The ultimate optimistic feel-good song in which Stevens sings that even losing his hands, legs or eyes couldn't break his joy for life as long as he has his faithful moonshadow; a sparkling acoustic gem full of childlike wonder.
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Where Do the Children Play?
A visionary environmental song from 1970 in which Stevens warns against runaway industrialization and urbanization at the expense of nature and playing children. The build from sparse acoustic guitar to an urgent climax remains strikingly relevant.
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Oh Very Young
A gentle, melancholy reflection on youthful innocence and the realization that life is short and fleeting. Supported by comforting piano notes, Stevens sings with fatherly affection about leaving behind a beautiful memory.
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Lady D'Arbanville
Inspired by his broken relationship with actress Patti D'Arbanville. Carried by a dark, pounding bass drum and flamenco-like guitars, Stevens sings about his lover as if she has died; a haunting and theatrical early highlight.
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Hard Headed Woman
A rhythmically driving track in which Stevens sings about his longing for a steadfast, wise partner who can keep his feet on the ground. His percussive guitar playing and energetic vocals push the song smoothly forward.
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