King of a Land
Cat Stevens · 2023
43 min · 12 tracks · pop music
A reflective journey blending folk melodies with contemplative lyrics that echo the wisdom of a lifetime.
Top tracks — play these first
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Train on a Hill — The opening track sets the tone with its gentle melodies and thoughtful lyrics about life's journey, encapsulating the album's introspective nature.
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King of a Land — This title track weaves together themes of identity and belonging, showcasing Stevens' signature storytelling style and lyrical depth.
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Son of Mary — A poignant reflection that blends spiritual themes with personal narrative, illustrating Stevens' unique ability to intertwine faith and self-exploration.
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How Good It Feels — This track radiates warmth and gratitude, serving as an uplifting anthem that resonates with listeners seeking solace in positive reflections.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, though it remains somewhat conventional in its style.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of acoustic instrumentation, with guitar and piano leading most tracks.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich, warm sound throughout.
- The lyrics often reflect personal introspection and philosophical themes, with a narrative style that connects the tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- gentle melodies for thoughtful listening
- philosophical musings for introspection
- gradual development through each track
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance after a long hiatus.
- Career context
- Released on June 16, 2023, 'King of a Land' marks Cat Stevens' first studio album since 'An Other Cup' in 2006, showcasing his return to music after a lengthy hiatus. This album comes during a phase where Stevens has embraced both his musical legacy and spiritual reflections, signaling a deep connection to his roots while appealing to contemporary audiences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- James Taylor· Nick Drake· Simon & Garfunkel
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Train on a Hill 3:10
- 2 King of a Land 4:14
- 3 Pagan Run 4:33
- 4 He Is True 1:40
- 5 All Nights, All Days 2:22
- 6 Another Night in the Rain 3:53
- 7 Things 3:05
- 8 Son of Mary 4:39
- 9 Highness 3:56
- 10 The Boy Who Knew How to Climb Walls 4:26
- 11 How Good It Feels 4:35
- 12 Take the World Apart 2:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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