Best of the 70's: Tea For the Tillerman by Cat Stevens

Sitting at number 83 on the Best of the 70's list is this 1970 release from Cat Stevens. I think you definitely need a Cat Stevens album on this list and it's either going to be this or Teaser and the Firecat.  Tea is probably the best choice as it set the stage for Teaser and established Stevens as a serious songwriter with a good pop sense. 

There is really not a misstep on this album, and he takes such a serious note throughout that it's impressive how he keeps you interested with his melodies and song construction.  I think of someone like Janis Ian who would never be able to match what Stevens did here, which is put together 11 solid songs.  In fact very few singer songwriters can duplicate what Stevens did on this album and on Teaser.

It's a brooding album and definitely works best as an album when you are in a brooding mood.  Good for listening to on headphones while walking in the snow.

Following the Rhapsody rating method I give it 3 out of 5 stars for Pretty Good.