Very Best of Cat Stevens (CD - 2000)

Compilation producer: Bill Levinson.

Digitally remastered by Ted Jensen.

Personnel: Cat Stevens (vocals).

Audio Mixer: Paul Hicks.

Liner Note Author: Malu Halasa.

Photographers: G. Hanekroot; Michael Putland; David Redfern.

Before converting to Islam in 1978, the British-born Cat Stevens blazed the trail for the sensitive singer-songwriter movement that got its start in the earlier part of the decade. Containing both early and late representations of Stevens' impressive canon, VERY BEST OF surpasses the wildly popular GREATEST HITS collection that preceded it.

Starting with the more lushly orchestrated material of the late 60s ("Matthew & Son," "The First Cut Is The Deepest" which Rod Stewart turned into a mid-70s hit), this collection captures Stevens' transformation into an introspective artisan who succeeded with a unique brand of folk-pop. Moving from a rumored ode to actress Patti D'Arbanville ("Lady D'Arbanville" featuring flutist Peter Gabriel), Stevens quickly moved into weightier matters of introspection and spirituality ranging from the global ("Wild World," "Peace Train") to the familial ("Father And Son").

In addition to writing about the plight of the younger set ("Where Do The Children Play?") and looking to religious hymns for inspiration ("Morning Has Broken"), Stevens' joyful love of pop emerged on a smash cover of Sam Cooke's "Another Saturday Night." One major highlight is 1970's previously unreleased "I've Got A Thing About Seeing My Grandson Grow Old," a twangy nugget saturated in joy and hope. minimize