If you are a fan of Cat Stevens, also known as Yusuf Islam, then you are aware that the music that he created has endured the test of time. He is responsible for some of the most enduring songs in the history of the music industry thanks to the deep voice he possesses and the fascinating lyrics he writes.
In this piece, we’ll be ranking the top 10 best songs that Cat Stevens has ever written, taking into account factors such as the songs’ impact, popularity, and overall musical quality.
This compilation highlights the very best that Cat Stevens has to offer, ranging from his early folk classics to his later pop ballads. It is guaranteed to take you on a journey down memory lane.
Prepare yourself to experience some of the most iconic and memorable songs in the history of music, regardless matter whether you are a die-hard fan or just discovering his music for the first time.
1. Morning Has Broken (1972)
Cat Stevens’ ageless song, “Morning Has Broken,” was released in 1972. The song is well-known for its lulling melody and sincere lyrics that express the wonder of a brand-new day.
Stevens’ soulful voice and the song’s upbeat melody have made “Morning Has Broken” a standard in popular culture. It is routinely played at weddings, funerals, and other important occasions.
Eleanor Farjeon wrote the lyrics for the song, which was originally a Christian hymn, but Stevens gave it his spin and turned it into a memorable version. Listeners all over the world are still moved by “Morning Has Broken,” which serves as a reminder of life’s profound yet simple pleasures.
2. Matthew and Son (1967)
Cat Stevens’ 1967 single “Matthew and Son” became a hit. The song served as Stevens’ first number-one smash in the UK charts and served to announce his entry into the music industry.
The catchy tune and enduring lyrics of “Matthew and Son” portray the tribulations of working-class existence in London. It’s difficult to help but tap your feet in time to the beat thanks to the uplifting tempo of the song and the brass section’s accompaniment.
“Matthew and Son” set the door for Stevens’ prosperous music career with its financial success and critical praise, and it is still regarded as a timeless masterpiece by his followers.
3. Peace Train (1971)
Cat Stevens’ 1971 song “Peace Train” is a stirring one. The song has become an anthem for social justice movements all around the world thanks to its upbeat message of peace and unity and catchy chorus.
Acoustic guitar, percussion, and Stevens’ heartfelt vocals combine to make a captivating and uplifted sound that inspires listeners to band together and work for a better future.
A call to action, “Peace Train” serves as a reminder that everyone has a part to play in fostering a more peaceful and just society. The song’s significance and influence have only increased with time, solidifying its status as one of the most recognizable and cherished songs in music history.
4. Another Saturday Night (1974)
Cat Stevens recorded the timeless ballad “Another Saturday Night” in 1974. The song has a pleasant melody and understandable lyrics that describe the feeling of isolation and loneliness on a Saturday night.
It’s difficult not to dance along to Stevens’ distinctively soulful voice when it’s paired with an upbeat rhythm section. Numerous artists have covered “Another Saturday Night” over the years, demonstrating its enduring appeal and cultural impact.
The song is a beloved classic in Stevens’ catalog because of its ageless message about the need for camaraderie in people of all ages.
5. Oh Very Young (1974)
Cat Stevens, a British singer-songwriter, is responsible for the song “Oh Very Young,” which was released in 1974. His album titled “Buddha and the Chocolate Box” featured the song in its entirety.
The song combines the acoustic guitar and vocals that have become Stevens’ trademark, as well as lyrics that contemplate the ephemeral quality of youth and the significance of focusing one’s attention on the present moment. The line “Oh very young, what will you leave us this time?” is one of the most remembered parts of the chorus.
The song was a commercial triumph, making it into the top 10 in both the United Kingdom and the United States, and it continues to be a well-liked classic in Stevens’ catalog.
6. Father and Son (1970 and 2004)
Cat Stevens’ song “Father and Son“ was included in his album “Tea for the Tillerman” in 1970. Later, in 2004, the song was redone for the album “An Other Cup,” which was published under Stevens’ Muslim name Yusuf Islam.
The dialogue between a father and son is depicted in the song; the father expresses his desire for his son to follow in his footsteps, while the boy longs to carve out his path in life. The rhythm and lyrics of the song are straightforward but effective in expressing the universal conflict between generations and the quest for identity.
One of Stevens’ most well-known and enduring songs, “Father and Son” has been covered by a large number of different musicians and appears in various movies, TV series, and commercials. The Yusuf Islam re-recording from 2004 keeps the emotional intensity of the original while giving the lyrics a little more mature viewpoint.
7. Wild World (1971)
Cat Stevens is responsible for the composition of ‘Wild World,’ as well as its recording and inclusion on the album ‘Tea for the Tillerman.’ This single reached its highest position on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 11.
This song is about how he and Patti D’Arbanville broke up and moved on with their lives. Since its original release, this song has been covered by a great number of other musicians, some of which include Jimmy Cliff, Maxi Priest, and the Taiwanese-American vocalist Joanna Wang.
8. Lady D’Arbanville (1970)
“Lady D’Arbanville” is the only song to be released as a single from the album “Mona Bone Jakon,” which was published in 1970. It reached number two on the charts in the Netherlands, which was the country where it did the greatest business. The single was equally successful in the United Kingdom, climbing all the way up to number six there.
Patti D’Arbanville is the subject of this folk-rock song written by Stevens, who previously dated her. The lyrics of the song are about literally burying her, but the song also has a symbolic meaning.
9. Moonshadow (1971)
The song “Moonshadow” by Cat Stevens was included in his album “Teaser and the Firecat” in 1971. The tune is well-known for its cheery melody, lighthearted lyrics, and whimsical music, which incorporates Stevens’ acoustic guitar and a vivacious piano.
Stevens sings of the transforming power of nature and the delight of living in the moment in “Moonshadow,” whose words arouse awe and excitement in the listener. Oh, I’m bein’ followed by a moonshadow, moonshadow, moonshadow / Leapin and hoppin’ on a moonshadow, moonshadow, moonshadow is a notable phrase from the chorus.
With its upbeat message and memorable tune, ” Moonshadow” quickly rose to become one of Stevens’ most well-known and enduring songs. Over the years, a variety of singers have covered the song, which has also appeared in countless movies, TV series, and commercials. Its ageless message of optimism and hope still motivates audiences today.
10. I’m Gonna Get Me a Gun (1967)
Cat Stevens recorded “I’m Gonna Get Me a Gun” and it was made available as a single in 1967. The song’s cheerful, rock-oriented style is a break from Stevens’ later, more introspective work.
Stevens sings of his desire to defend himself with a gun in the somewhat ironic lyrics of “I’m Gonna Get Me a Gun.” “I’m gonna get me a gun, I’m gonna get me a gun / And all those people who put me down, you better get ready to run,” is a famous lyric from the chorus.
The song “I’m Gonna Get Me a Gun” was a small commercial success, peaking at number 10 in the UK charts despite its somewhat contentious subject matter. It is not regarded as one of Stevens’ hallmark songs and is not as well-known as his later, more introspective work.