Once upon a time, long before he adopted an unforgiving, wrong-headed and ultra-conservative brand of Islam, Cat Stevens was one of the best singer/songwriters on the planet. Say what you will about Cat Stevens' adoption of the Islamic faith (he's now known as Yusuf Islam), 'Tea for the Tillerman' is one of the greatest acoustic albums ever recorded, as well as being part of one of the best film soundtracks ever made (4 songs from the album can be heard in the touching black comedy 'Harold and Maude', along with several other Stevens songs).
Cat Stevens' recording history can be seen as a spiritual journey in search of the Truth (which led him eventually to becoming a Muslim), and nowhere is this more plain than on 'Tea for the Tillerman'. Songs such as "Wild World", "On the Road to Find Out", "Father and Son" and "Miles From Nowhere" all speak to a yearning for internal peace and harmony. Add in the achingly beautiful "Sad Lisa" and the social conscience of "Where do the Children Play?", and 'Tea for the Tillerman' is one of the best acoustic rock albums in both instrumental artistry and sublime melodies, with a lyrical depth and meaning for the lost generation after the Vietnam War who, like Cat Stevens, were searching for themselves. You may disagree with his current views, but 'Tea for the Tillerman' is a truly remarkable achievement.
By: Dark_Elf