With lyrics that will work simply in addition to poems as they do songs, ‘King Of A Land’ is introspective, at occasions autobiographical, however total one which hopes for a strategy to convey peace and like to the world. However given it’s from the legendary Yusuf/Cat Stevens, ought to we count on something much less?

Every so often ‘King Of A Land’ feels autobiographical: the rocky ‘Pagan Run’ describes somebody who was chasing a lifetime of cash and success, till God confirmed them which strategy to go; different songs, such because the title observe, which was launched across the identical time as King Charles III’s coronation, give us hints as to the best way to go about reaching true peace on this planet. Yusuf just isn’t refined within the slightest with new single, ‘All Nights, All Days’, which sees him rail towards the wealthy taxing the poor, and suggesting that we would “lock these leaders in London Zoo”. The rollicking Americana observe with its wry humour is harking back to the sound of the Travelling Wilburys, which could partially be as a result of the album was recorded at George Harrison’s non-public studio in his former residence, Friar Park. Watch the music video for ‘All Nights, All Days’ under:

Whereas Yusuf’s lyrics seem on the floor to be easy, they’re with out exception a lot a lot deeper; multi-layered and introspective. The instrumentals are additionally multi-layered, blended in such a means as to echo in a single ear after which the opposite. Seventh music, ‘Issues’, is one such observe. On the floor it appears the main target is simply on Yusuf and his guitar, however as he sings of how we are able to solely really know what we see and expertise ourselves – as a lot as we would dream of issues, reaching out to know, in the end it’s less than us, it’s less than us to evaluate what we don’t see, it’s solely God who is aware of – solely God’s will is and at all times shall be. The blending of the instrumentals in some way draw this message out extra intensely.

Coming forward of his Glastonbury debut (HOW is that this his first time?) on June 25, the place Yusuf will carry out on Pyramid Stage within the tea time legends slot, and only one month earlier than his seventy fifth birthday, ‘King Of A Land’ feels each acquainted and groundbreaking. Tracks equivalent to ‘How Good It Feels’ recall to mind such Cat Stevens classics as ‘Morning Has Damaged’ – however with a symphonic twist. Others, like ‘King Of The Land’ are deeply contemplative, at occasions feeling like a stream of consciousness. Observe 6, ‘One other Evening In The Rain’ follows somebody deep in thought on their strategy to who is aware of the place, considering their life and on the identical time fixing all the issues of the world.

‘King Of A Land’ is about for launch this Friday, June 16, through BMG / Darkish Horse Data. The album is obtainable for pre-order right here on inexperienced vinyl in a gatefold format with a 36 web page booklet that includes illustrations by Peter Reynolds. The CD additionally incorporates a booklet illustrated by Peter Reynolds.

An unique version of the album, pressed on white vinyl, is obtainable from the official Yusuf / Cat Stevens on-line retailer together with album merchandise.

Discover out extra about Yusuf/Cat Stevens and his music on-line on his official web site, Instagram, Twitter, Fb, and YouTube.

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