Cat Stevens

It is impossible to compile a single-disc greatest-hits compilation for Cat Stevens that will come close to satisfying all of his admirers. The Very Best of Cat Stevens is the fifth major attempt to do so and, like its predecessors, it is challenged by its subject's success. Remember Cat Stevens: The Ultimate Collection is the longest of the five (24 tracks) and may be the most comprehensive. But The Very Best of Cat Stevens, released just a year later, has several advantages that make it more appealing. To begin with, it is the only compilation to sequence chronologically songs from every one of Stevens' albums, including the experimental Foreigner.

Completists will be happy to own many of the rarities on this four-disc set, including Stevens's first demo session, an unreleased 1970 duet with Elton John, a cover of Fats Domino's "Blue Monday," and several choice live cuts from the late '70s. And it's nice to have an overview of the artist's entire career–from late '60s pop-star wannabe to '70s folk-rock superstar–in one place. But the difference between early Cat Stevens (despite composing hits for others) and post-Tea for the Tillerman Stevens is substantial. The two follow-up LPs were part of a trilogy of brilliance–both musically and lyrically–and any Stevens collection must start there. Nevertheless, surprises and some gems are to be found throughout all four discs–even his most recent recording (as Yusuf Islam) isn't bad. This box set also offers a choice opportunity to reassess a deserving career. (All royalties go to New York City relief victims and orphans and homeless families in underdeveloped countries.)

It is impossible to compile a single-disc greatest-hits compilation for Cat Stevens that will come close to satisfying all of his admirers. The Very Best of Cat Stevens is the fifth major attempt to do so and, like its predecessors, it is challenged by its subject's success. Remember Cat Stevens: The Ultimate Collection is the longest of the five (24 tracks) and may be the most comprehensive. But The Very Best of Cat Stevens, released just a year later, has several advantages that make it more appealing. To begin with, it is the only compilation to sequence chronologically songs from every one of Stevens' albums, including the experimental Foreigner.

In retrospect, it is not hard to find hints of a coming change in the final album Cat Stevens made before a near-death experience and a religious conversion.

Even as a serious-minded singer/songwriter, Cat Stevens never stopped being a pop singer at heart, and with Teaser and the Firecat he reconciled his philosophical interests with his pop instincts. Basically, Teaser's songs came in two modes: gentle ballads that usually found Stevens and second guitarist Alun Davies playing delicate lines over sensitive love lyrics, and up-tempo numbers on which the guitarists strummed away and thundering drums played in stop-start rhythms…

Between 1970 and 1972, Cat Stevens recorded four albums in the same manner, using the same producer and many of the same musicians, painting the album covers, and assigning the records ponderous titles.

„Foreigner“, released in 1973, was Cat Stevens’ fifth album with Island Records and represents the adventurous, risk- taking streak in his character. In a departure from his largely acoustic sound, the album saw Cat explore his love of R&B and soul music, as can be heard on the record’s main single, “The Hurt.” Recorded largely in Jamaica with an all-star band and the first record to be produced solely by Cat himself, Foreigner is deep, funky and rich with layered meaning.

„Foreigner“, released in 1973, was Cat Stevens’ fifth album with Island Records and represents the adventurous, risk- taking streak in his character. In a departure from his largely acoustic sound, the album saw Cat explore his love of R&B and soul music, as can be heard on the record’s main single, “The Hurt.” Recorded largely in Jamaica with an all-star band and the first record to be produced solely by Cat himself, Foreigner is deep, funky and rich with layered meaning.

Remember Cat Stevens: The Ultimate Collection features 24 tracks culled from the popular singer/songwriter’s '60s and '70s heydays, including radio staples like “Moonshadow,” “Wild World,” “Morning Has Broken,” and “The First Cut Is the Deepest,” as well as fan favorites “Another Saturday Night,” “Here Comes My Baby,” “Oh Very Young,” and the Harold & Maude classics "Where Do the Children Play” and “If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out.” …