Back to Earth

Released in 1978, Back to Earth serves as the final statement of the 'Cat Stevens' era before his 28-year hiatus from secular music. Recorded shortly after his formal conversion to Islam and name change to Yusuf Islam, the album was a contractual obligation for Island Records. To complete it, Stevens reunited with his most essential collaborators from his 'Tea for the Tillerman' era, including producer Paul Samwell-Smith and guitarist Alun Davies. This choice resulted in a sonic return to form after the experimental, synthesizer-heavy 'Izitso'. The recording sessions took place across the globe, from London to Quebec, and were marked by Stevens' new religious practice, with sessions pausing for daily prayers. Critically, the album is viewed as a dignified exit, blending his signature acoustic folk with sophisticated orchestral arrangements by Del Newman. It stands as a unique temporal marker: the sound of a 70s superstar gracefully dismantling his own myth.