Cat Stevens Albums In Order Of Release Date

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Cat Stevens’ introspective folk-rock anthems or discovering his timeless music for the first time, exploring his albums in chronological order reveals a fascinating journey. From his early pop hits in the 1960s to his spiritual explorations in the 1970s, and his return as Yusuf / Cat Stevens after a long hiatus, this discography highlights evolution, faith, and enduring melodies. We’ve included Spotify embeds for easy listening, along with track lists and insights into each release. Dive in and rediscover classics like “Wild World” and “Father and Son” while uncovering hidden gems.

List Of Cat Stevens Albums In Order By Year

Cat Stevens Albums In Order: The Complete Discography With Track Lists

Matthew and Son (1967)

Cat Stevens burst onto the scene with his debut album, blending baroque pop with youthful energy. Released amid the swinging ’60s, it showcased his knack for catchy melodies and social commentary, drawing from influences like the Beatles and rhythm and blues. Produced by Mike Hurst, the record hit No. 7 in the UK, propelled by singles like the title track and “I Love My Dog.” Though Stevens later distanced himself from its orchestrated sound, it marked the start of a prolific career, capturing the vibrancy of London’s West End where he grew up. A rarity today, it hints at the introspective depth to come.

Track List:

1. Matthew and Son
2. I Love My Dog
3. Here Comes My Baby
4. Bring Another Bottle Baby
5. Portobello Road
6. I’ve Found a Love
7. I See a Road
8. Baby Get Your Head Screwed On
9. Granny
10. When I Speak to the Flowers
11. The Tramp
12. Come on and Dance

New Masters (1967)

Hot on the heels of his debut, New Masters saw Cat Stevens experimenting with lavish orchestral arrangements, though he yearned for a simpler sound. Released just months later, it didn’t match the commercial success of its predecessor, peaking outside the UK Top 40. Yet, it birthed enduring gems like “The First Cut Is the Deepest,” later a hit for others including Rod Stewart. Produced again by Mike Hurst, the album reflects Stevens’ growing dissatisfaction with pop constraints amid artistic tensions. A transitional work, it bridges his teen idol phase to the folk introspection ahead, offering quirky, melodic insights into life’s absurdities.

Track List:

1. Kitty
2. I’m Gonna Get Me a Gun
3. A Bad Night
4. The Laughing Apple
5. School Is Out
6. Northern Wind
7. Blackness of the Night
8. Lovely City (When Do You Laugh?)
9. Here Comes My Wife
10. The View from the Top
11. It’s a Super (Dupa) Life
12. I’m So Sleepy

Mona Bone Jakon (1970)

After a near-fatal battle with tuberculosis, Cat Stevens returned transformed with Mona Bone Jakon, shifting to introspective folk-rock. Produced by Paul Samwell-Smith, it stripped back the orchestration for raw, acoustic depth, exploring mortality and spirituality. Hits like “Lady D’Arbanville” (inspired by Patti D’Arbanville) charted modestly, but the album’s vulnerability resonated, peaking at No. 164 in the US. Featuring Peter Gabriel on flute, it marked Stevens’ rebirth, blending Eastern influences with Western pop. A pivotal release, it set the stage for his golden era, capturing a man reborn and ready to question life’s big mysteries.

Track List:

1. Lady D’Arbanville
2. Maybe You’re Right
3. Pop Star
4. I Think I See the Light
5. Trouble
6. Mona Bone Jakon
7. I Wish, I Wish
8. Katmandu
9. Time
10. Fill My Eyes
11. Lilywhite

Tea for the Tillerman (1970)

Cat Stevens’ masterpiece, Tea for the Tillerman, catapulted him to stardom with its profound reflections on life, family, and spirituality. Released mere months after Mona Bone Jakon, it topped charts worldwide, earning triple platinum in the US. Produced by Paul Samwell-Smith, its acoustic simplicity shines in timeless tracks like “Father and Son” and “Wild World.” Stevens’ artwork and themes of transcendence influenced generations, even soundtracking Harold and Maude. A Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, it captures ’70s idealism while questioning modern existence. Reimagined in 2020 as Tea for the Tillerman², it remains a folk-rock cornerstone.

Track List:

1. Where Do the Children Play?
2. Hard Headed Woman
3. Wild World
4. Sad Lisa
5. Miles from Nowhere
6. But I Might Die Tonight
7. Longer Boats
8. Into White
9. On the Road to Find Out
10. Father and Son
11. Tea for the Tillerman

Teaser and the Firecat (1971)

Building on Tillerman’s success, Teaser and the Firecat solidified Cat Stevens as a folk icon, outselling its predecessor globally. Released in 1971, it topped Australian charts for 15 weeks and hit No. 2 in the US. Produced by Paul Samwell-Smith, its whimsical tales and uplifting melodies, like “Morning Has Broken” and “Peace Train,” blend spirituality with playfulness. Stevens’ children’s book tie-in added charm. A commercial triumph, it earned gold and platinum certifications, reflecting his peak creativity amid personal growth. Timeless and joyful, it continues to inspire with its message of harmony.

Track List:

1. The Wind
2. Rubylove
3. If I Laugh
4. Changes IV
5. How Can I Tell You
6. Tuesday’s Dead
7. Morning Has Broken
8. Bitterblue
9. Moonshadow
10. Peace Train

Catch Bull at Four (1972)

Cat Stevens’ sixth album, Catch Bull at Four, deepened his spiritual quest, drawing from Zen Buddhism’s Ten Bulls. Released in 1972, it topped US charts for three weeks and reached No. 2 in the UK. Produced by Paul Samwell-Smith, its diverse sounds—from rock edges in “Sitting” to Greek influences in “O Caritas”—explore life’s struggles. Though critically mixed, it went platinum, with “Can’t Keep It In” hitting UK Top 15. A transitional work, it balances introspection and experimentation, foreshadowing Stevens’ evolving path while delivering memorable, soul-searching anthems.

Track List:

1. Sitting
2. Boy with a Moon & Star on His Head
3. Angelsea
4. Silent Sunlight
5. Can’t Keep It In
6. 18th Avenue (Kansas City Nightmare)
7. Freezing Steel
8. O Caritas
9. Sweet Scarlet
10. Ruins

Foreigner (1973)

Venturing into R&B and soul, Foreigner marked Cat Stevens’ bold departure, self-produced in Jamaica. Released in 1973, it featured the 18-minute “Foreigner Suite,” blending funk grooves with introspective lyrics. Though it reached No. 3 in the US, critics noted its unevenness compared to prior folk-rock gems. Stevens felt like an “outsider” in these genres, inspiring the title amid his Rio exile. A creative risk, it showcased his versatility but received mixed reviews. Still, tracks like “The Hurt” highlight emotional depth, bridging his classic era to experimental phases.

Track List:

1. Foreigner Suite
2. The Hurt
3. How Many Times
4. Later
5. 100 I Dream

Buddha and the Chocolate Box (1974)

Returning to familiar ground after Foreigner’s experimentation, Buddha and the Chocolate Box reunited Cat Stevens with Paul Samwell-Smith. Released in 1974, it topped charts in Australia and reached No. 2 in the US, earning platinum status. The title nods to a plane anecdote symbolizing life’s contrasts. Hits like “Oh Very Young” drove sales, blending lush production with spiritual themes. Critically praised for its melodic richness, it captures Stevens’ peak, exploring faith and youth. A ’70s staple, its warm arrangements and thoughtful lyrics remain engaging for new listeners.

Track List:

1. Music
2. Oh Very Young
3. Sun/C79
4. Ghost Town
5. Jesus
6. King of Trees
7. Bad Penny
8. Ready
9. Home in the Sky

Numbers (1975)

Cat Stevens’ ambitious concept album Numbers dives into a Pythagorean tale of a fictional planet and its number-dispensing inhabitants. Released in 1975, it marked a creative shift, inspired by musicals from his West End upbringing. Though it peaked at No. 13 in the US, sales were modest compared to predecessors. Produced by Stevens, its narrative explores spirituality through quirky tracks like “Banapple Gas.” Critically divisive, it reflects his evolving artistry amid fatigue. A bold experiment, it offers whimsical insights, appealing to fans seeking deeper layers in his discography.

Track List:

1. Whistlestar
2. Novim’s Nightmare
3. Majik of Majiks
4. Drywood
5. Banapple Gas
6. Land o’ Free Love & Goodbye
7. Jzero
8. Home in the Sky
9. Monad’s Anthem

Izitso (1977)

Blending synthpop with folk roots, Izitso revived Cat Stevens’ chart success after Numbers’ dip. Released in 1977, it reached No. 7 in the US, featuring hits like “(Remember the Days of the) Old Schoolyard.” Self-produced, it embraced electronic elements, foreshadowing ’80s trends. Tracks like “Was Dog a Doughnut” experiment with sequencers, drawing R&B influences. Critically, it was hailed for maturity, though some missed acoustic purity. A comeback gem, it reflects Stevens’ adaptability amid personal transitions, including his growing faith.

Track List:

1. (Remember the Days of the) Old Schoolyard
2. Life
3. Killin’ Time
4. Kypros
5. Bonfire
6. (I Never Wanted) To Be a Star
7. Crazy
8. Sweet Jamaica
9. Was Dog a Doughnut?
10. Child for a Day

Back to Earth (1978)

Cat Stevens’ final album before his hiatus, Back to Earth, reunited him with Paul Samwell-Smith amid his Islamic conversion. Released in 1978, it peaked at No. 33 in the US, blending rock with introspection. Tracks like “Just Another Night” express industry bitterness, while “Never” hints at a return. Recorded globally, its somber tone reflects farewell vibes. Though not a commercial peak, it earned gold status. A poignant closer, it captures transition, with spiritual undertones foreshadowing his Yusuf era.

Track List:

1. Just Another Night
2. Daytime
3. Bad Brakes
4. Randy
5. The Artist
6. Last Love Song
7. Nascimento
8. Father
9. New York Times
10. Never

An Other Cup (2006)

After a 28-year hiatus, Yusuf (formerly Cat Stevens) returned with An Other Cup, bridging cultures post-9/11. Released in 2006, it debuted at No. 52 in the US, earning platinum in Germany. Produced by Rick Nowels, it revisits folk-pop with Islamic nuances, covering “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.” Tracks like “Heaven/Where True Love Goes” echo his ’70s style. Critically acclaimed for warmth, it symbolizes reconciliation, emphasizing unity. A thoughtful comeback, it invites reflection on life’s fragility.

Track List:

1. Midday (Avoid City After Dark)
2. Heaven/Where True Love Goes
3. Maybe There’s a World
4. One Day at a Time
5. When Butterflies Leave
6. In the End
7. Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood
8. I Think I See the Light
9. Whispers from a Spiritual Garden
10. The Beloved
11. Greenfields, Golden Sands

Roadsinger (2009)

Yusuf’s Roadsinger continues his gentle return, focusing on journeys and faith. Released in 2009, it hit No. 41 in the US and No. 10 in the UK. Acoustic-driven, it evokes ’70s vibes with tracks like “Boots and Sand,” humorously nodding to his 2004 US entry denial. Produced by Yusuf, it blends introspection with optimism. Critically warm, it emphasizes peace amid personal anecdotes. A soothing listen, it reinforces his timeless appeal.

Track List:

1. Welcome Home
2. Thinking ‘Bout You
3. Everytime I Dream
4. The Rain
5. World O’ Darkness
6. Be What You Must
7. This Glass World
8. Roadsinger
9. All Kinds of Roses
10. Dream On (Until…)
11. Shamsia

Tell ‘Em I’m Gone (2014)

Yusuf’s blues-infused Tell ‘Em I’m Gone explores freedom and roots. Released in 2014, it features covers like “You Are My Sunshine” alongside originals. Produced by Rick Rubin, guests include Richard Thompson and Tinariwen. Peaking modestly, it reflects his influences from Lead Belly to Edgar Winter. Themes of escape resonate with his life. Engaging and rootsy, it’s a nod to early inspirations.

Track List:

1. I Was Raised in Babylon
2. Big Boss Man
3. Dying to Live
4. You Are My Sunshine
5. Editing Floor Blues
6. Cat & the Dog Trap
7. Gold Digger
8. The Devil Came from Kansas
9. Tell ‘Em I’m Gone
10. Doors

The Laughing Apple (2017)

Celebrating 50 years, The Laughing Apple revisits early songs with fresh arrangements. Released in 2017, it reunites Yusuf with Paul Samwell-Smith and Alun Davies. Grammy-nominated for Best Folk Album, it blends nostalgia with maturity. Tracks like “Blackness of the Night” gain depth from his aged voice. Warm and thoughtful, it’s a late-career highlight.

Track List:

1. Blackness of the Night
2. See What Love Did to Me
3. The Laughing Apple
4. Olive Hill
5. Grandsons
6. Mighty Peace
7. Mary and the Little Lamb
8. You Can Do (Whatever)!
9. Northern Wind (Death of Billy the Kid)
10. Don’t Blame Them
11. I’m So Sleepy

Tea for the Tillerman 2 (2020)

Reimagining his 1970 classic, Tea for the Tillerman 2 updates tracks with bluesy twists and fresh lyrics. Released in 2020 for the 50th anniversary, it reunites Yusuf with original collaborators. Charting modestly, it reflects maturity, like a darker “Wild World.” Critically praised for reinvention, it’s a reflective companion piece.

Track List:

1. Where Do the Children Play?
2. Hard Headed Woman
3. Wild World
4. Sad Lisa
5. Miles from Nowhere
6. But I Might Die Tonight
7. Longer Boats
8. Into White
9. On the Road to Find Out
10. Father and Son
11. Tea for the Tillerman

King of a Land (2023)

A decade in the making, King of a Land crowns Yusuf’s career with utopian visions and peace anthems. Released in 2023, it features orchestral flourishes and childlike wonder. Produced by Paul Samwell-Smith, tracks like “Take the World Apart” emphasize harmony. Critically acclaimed for optimism, it’s a mosaic of his journey, inviting hope in turbulent times.

Track List:

1. Train on a Hill
2. King of a Land
3. Pagan Run
4. He Is True
5. All Nights, All Days
6. Another Night in the Rain
7. Things
8. Son of Mary
9. Highness
10. The Boy Who Knew How to Climb Walls
11. How Good It Feels
12. Take the World Apart