The Very Best of Cat Stevens
Cat Stevens · 1990
72 min · 22 tracks · pop music
A soothing blend of folk-inflected melodies and introspective lyrics that encapsulate a transformative era in popular music.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wild World — This track showcases Stevens' ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with catchy melodies, becoming one of his signature songs that resonates across generations.
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Father and Son — A poignant dialogue between father and son that captures intergenerational conflict and longing, making it a timeless exploration of familial relationships.
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Morning Has Broken — This hymn-like song exemplifies Stevens' spiritual themes while also showcasing his melodic prowess, bringing together religious sentiment with universal appeal.
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(Remember the Days of the) Old School Yard — With its nostalgic lyrics and playful rhythm, this track represents Stevens' lighter side while reflecting on childhood innocence and joy.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This compilation effectively highlights Stevens' songwriting while presenting a mix of hits and lesser-known tracks.
What we noticed
- Each song is characterized by gentle acoustic instrumentation and introspective lyrics that reflect personal and universal themes.
- The running time is extensive, with 22 tracks that include both well-known hits and deeper cuts, creating a comprehensive overview of his career.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 melodic journey throughout
- introspective moments of reflection
- morning coffee listening experience
- gentle sing-alongs with friends
- soothing background for relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Starting Point — This compilation showcases Stevens' most impactful songs, ideal for new listeners.
- Career context
- Released in 1990, The Very Best of Cat Stevens arrives after a significant hiatus from the music industry following his conversion to Islam in the late 1970s. By this time, Stevens had established himself as a beloved figure, having produced classic hits like Wild World and Father and Son during the 1970s. This compilation reflects both his enduring legacy and the eclecticism of his musical journey.
- Stylistic neighbors
- James Taylor· Nick Drake· Simon & Garfunkel
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Where Do the Children Play? 3:53
- 2 Wild World 3:20
- 3 Tuesday's Dead 3:37
- 4 Lady d'Arbanville 3:43
- 5 The First Cut Is the Deepest 3:01
- 6 Oh Very Young 2:34
- 7 Rubylove 2:36
- 8 Morning Has Broken 3:19
- 9 Moonshadow 2:50
- 10 Matthew and Son 2:41
- 11 Father and Son 3:40
- 12 Can't Keep It In 3:00
- 13 Hard Headed Woman 3:49
- 14 (Remember the Days of the) Old School Yard 2:44
- 15 I Love My Dog 2:19
- 16 Another Saturday Night 2:29
- 17 Sad Lisa 3:42
- 18 Peace Train 4:05
- 19 Kathmandu 3:22
- 20 May Be You Are Right 3:26
- 21 Popstar 4:13
- 22 I Think I See the Light 3:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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