#205 Cat Stevens, 'Tea for the Tillerman' (1970)

Previously #208

Off the top of my head probably the album closest to its previous listing. Cat Stevens is an artist whose voice I’ve never really loved. I don’t quite hate it but there’s just something about the timbre of it that puts me off. I guess kinda like how some people inexplicably hate coriander. Voice aside, he really has a knack for melodies and lyrics, and that’s the key to this album. The album features one of the most beautiful songs ever written in ‘Father and Son.’ Originally intended to be part of a musical project about the Russian Revolution, that project faded away when Stevens contracted tuberculosis. During his year of recovery he also suffered a collapsed lung. The song, however remained and became the lead single of this album. The song features a poignant and heartbreaking exchange between the titular father and son.

Second single, ‘Wild World,’ was written about girlfriend and Andy Warhol actress, Patti D’Arbanville. In terms of songwriting, this song is perfect. Incredible melody, great lyrics. Other highlights on the record include ‘Where Do The Children Play?’ (Garbage did a great cover of this in 2017), ‘Sad Lisa’ and ‘Into White.’ Four of the tracks would soundtrack the 1971 film, ‘Harold and Maude.’ His voice, while not the worst I’ve heard, still just doesn’t appeal to me, which is a shame because I really do enjoy the songs on this record.

#rs500albums