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Early Tapes
Folk · 1993 · 12 tracks

Early Tapes

Cat Stevens

A 1993 compilation offering a rare glimpse into the formative years of Cat Stevens, showcasing his raw acoustic talent and introspective songwriting from the 1960s.

1993 · Deram

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This compilation is like finding a dusty box of old photographs, each song a sepia-toned snapshot of Cat Stevens' burgeoning artistry. It's the sound of a legend in the making, stripped back to acoustic guitar and a voice brimming with youthful introspection and melodic promise. Expect warm, unvarnished folk-pop gems that feel both intimately personal and universally resonant, perfect for quiet contemplation or a gentle, nostalgic journey.

Tracklist · 12 Tracks
01
A Bad Night
3:14
02
I’m So Sleepy
2:23
03
Blackness of the Night
2:31
04
School Is Out
2:59
05
Northern Wind
2:51
06
The View From the Top
3:35
07
Come on and Dance
2:10
08
Where Are You
3:04
09
Granny
3:13
10
Moonstone
2:18
11
Ceylon City
2:29
12
Kitty
2:23
Moments Worth Listening For
The raw, unadorned acoustic guitar work that underpins many tracks, showcasing his foundational songwriting craft before fuller arrangements.
Moments where his voice, still developing, hits a particularly vulnerable or soaring note, hinting at the iconic delivery to come.
The subtle shifts in melodic structure or chord progressions that reveal the nascent genius in his early compositions.
Any track where the sparse instrumentation allows the lyrical storytelling to take absolute center stage, creating an immediate, intimate connection.
Where This Album DepartsEach spoke is a trait. The orange shape shows where this album pulls away from — or holds to — the rest of the artist’s catalogue. Tap for more.

How does Early Tapes sound next to the rest of Cat Stevens's catalogue?

Crooning+1.3σ

The vocals lean notably further into crooning than the rest of the catalogue.

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