Top 5 Cat Stevens Albums: Essential Listening Guide

What sound instantly transports you back to a simpler time? For many music lovers, the gentle guitar and soulful voice of Cat Stevens bring back cherished memories. His albums are like time capsules filled with thoughtful lyrics and beautiful melodies. But if you’re new to his music, or just looking to revisit a classic, the sheer number of incredible albums can feel overwhelming. Which one holds the perfect blend of his folk roots and philosophical depth?

It’s easy to get lost trying to decide between the raw emotion of *Tea for the Tillerman* and the introspective peace of *Teaser and the Firecat*. You want the album that truly speaks to you right now, but navigating his extensive discography feels like a quest in itself. Don’t worry; we are here to guide your journey through his most essential works.

By the end of this post, you will have a clear understanding of Cat Stevens’ landmark albums. We will break down the must-listens, highlighting what makes each one special so you can confidently pick your next favorite record. Get ready to rediscover the magic of a true musical storyteller as we dive deep into the essential albums of Cat Stevens.

Top Of Cat Stevens Album Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

Cat Stevens: Greatest Hits

Shrink-wrapped
Audio CD – Audiobook
English (Publication Language)
09/26/2000 (Publication Date) - A&M (Publisher)

Bestseller No. 2

Tea For The Tillerman[LP]

Following his spiritual and artistic rebirth - and hot on the heels of his incredibly well received release, Mona Bone Jakon - Cat Stevens unveiled his second album of the year in November 1970, and it was to become one of the defining musical statements of the new decade

Bestseller No. 3

Teaser And The Firecat[180g LP]

Teaser And The Firecat, Stevens' third album in a mere 18 months, was released in September 1971

Bestseller No. 4

Greatest Hits

1975 RCA Club Edition

SaleBestseller No. 5

Mona Bone Jakon[50th Anniversary] [Deluxe 2 CD]

With the original release of `Mona Bone Jakon' came a new sound that forged Cat Stevens' signature sound
Audio CD – Audiobook
12/04/2020 (Publication Date) - A&M (Publisher)

Bestseller No. 6

On The Road To Findout: Greatest Hits[2 LP]

On The Road To Findout: Greatest Hits welcomes you into the imaginative universe of one of the world's stellar musical talents, Yusuf/Cat Stevens

Bestseller No. 7

The Very Best Of Cat Stevens (CD)

Audio CD – Audiobook
Import (Publisher)

Bestseller No. 8

Teaser And The Firecat (50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) [2CD]

Cat Stevens' hit CD Teaser And The Firecat (50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)!
Audio CD – Audiobook
11/19/2021 (Publication Date)

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Perfect Cat Stevens Album

Cat Stevens, now known as Yusuf Islam, made some of the most beautiful and thoughtful music of the 1970s. Buying one of his classic albums can bring joy to any music lover. This guide helps you choose the right record.

1. Key Features to Look For

When you look at a Cat Stevens album, certain things make one copy better than another. You want the music to sound clear and strong.

Original Pressing vs. Reissue: Original pressings are the very first copies made. They often cost more. Reissues are newer copies. Good reissues sound fantastic, sometimes even better than old ones because the technology improves.
Tracklist Completeness: Check the song list on the back. Make sure all the famous hits you want are there. Some special editions might have bonus tracks.
Album Art Quality: The cover art is a big part of the experience. Look for bright colors and no major damage to the sleeve.

2. Important Materials and Condition

The physical state of the record matters a lot for sound quality.

Vinyl Record Material

Most classic albums use standard 120-gram or 140-gram vinyl. Heavier vinyl (180-gram) is often used for high-quality reissues. This heavier material resists warping and can sometimes offer better sound stability.

Sleeve and Inner Liner

The outer cardboard sleeve protects the record. Look for strong corners. The inner sleeve holds the record itself. Paper sleeves can scratch vinyl over time. Plastic or anti-static inner sleeves are better for keeping the record safe.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

The history of the album greatly affects how it sounds today.

Factors Improving Quality:

Careful Storage: Records stored upright, away from heat and dust, sound much better.
Remastering: If the album was professionally “remastered” recently, the sound engineers cleaned up the old tapes to make the music sound richer and clearer today.

Factors Reducing Quality:

Scratches and Scuffs: Deep scratches cause loud pops and skips in the music.
Warpage: If the record looks bent or wavy, the needle cannot track the groove correctly, leading to distorted sound. This often happens when records are stored incorrectly or exposed to high heat.
Surface Noise: Dust caught deep in the grooves creates a constant, soft “hiss” or “crackle” during quiet parts.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

Why are you buying this album? Your reason changes what you should prioritize.

For Casual Listening:

If you just want to play the music while relaxing, a modern, well-made reissue is perfect. They are easy to find and sound great on most modern turntables. You focus on getting a clean, scratch-free record.

For Collectors and Audiophiles:

Serious collectors often hunt for first pressings, especially those made in the UK or US during the original release year. These collectors examine the matrix numbers etched near the center label to prove authenticity. They pay extra for Near Mint (NM) condition copies.

As a Gift:

For a gift, choose a popular album like Tea for the Tillerman or Teaser and the Firecat. Ensure the cover art looks pristine. A nicely packaged reissue often makes the best presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cat Stevens Albums

Q: Which Cat Stevens album should I buy first?

A: Most people start with Teaser and the Firecat (1971) or Tea for the Tillerman (1970). These albums contain his biggest hits like “Wild World” and “Father and Son.”

Q: Is an old record always better than a new one?

A: No. New reissues often use better mastering techniques. An original record that has been played many times and is scratched will sound worse than a brand-new, high-quality reissue.

Q: What does “NM” condition mean for a record?

A: “NM” stands for Near Mint. It means the record looks almost brand new. It has very few, if any, visible flaws, and plays perfectly without noise.

Q: Are Cat Stevens albums expensive?

A: Standard reissues are usually affordable, costing about the same as a new CD. Rare, first-pressings in perfect condition can be quite expensive, sometimes costing hundreds of dollars.

Q: How do I clean my new Cat Stevens vinyl?

A: You should use a special record cleaning brush before every play. For deep cleaning, use a dedicated record cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth. Always wipe gently along the grooves, not in circles.

Q: Do I need a special turntable for these records?

A: No. Most modern turntables will play these standard LPs fine. However, avoid very cheap, all-in-one suitcase players, as they can damage older or delicate grooves.

Q: What is the difference between a single LP and a double LP?

A: A single LP holds about 40 minutes of music. Some longer albums, like Buddha and the Chocolate Box, are released as double LPs (two records) to ensure the music doesn’t sound too squished onto one side.

Q: Can I skip the vinyl and just buy the digital version?

A: Yes, you can buy digital versions. But vinyl offers a unique, warm listening experience that many fans prefer for Cat Stevens’ acoustic style.

Q: Where is the best place to buy used Cat Stevens records?

A: Local record stores are great because you can inspect the condition yourself. Online marketplaces are also popular, but always check the seller’s rating carefully.

Q: What does “original mastering” mean?

A: Original mastering means the sound engineer used the earliest available tape copies and followed the exact mixing instructions from the 1970s. This gives you the sound the artist originally intended.