Mona Bone Jakon - CAT STEVENS*****

Lady D'Arbanville/Maybe You're Right/Pop Star/I Think I See The Light/Trouble/Mona Bone Jakon/I Wish I Wish/Katmandu/Time/Fill My Eyes/Lillywhite

After a two year hiatus due to illness Cat Stevens comes storming back with Mona Bone Jakon, comprising a collection of introspective songs quite different from his earlier bouncy pop style. Includes the UK No. 8 hit single Lady D'Arbanville. (US:164 UK:63)

"Cat Stevens really comes into his own here and begins to develop his own voice and distinctive folk style. There are some lovely undiscovered gems here."

"Coming back from a period of sickness, Cat Stevens released a pretty different sounding album. Using basically acoustic guitar, the music was more stripped giving room for his voice and lyrics. This is a strong but overlooked album, including some great songs.”

"A fabulous album from start to finish. Not hesitant to say that this just may be Cat's best. The songwriting is superb. The love affair Maybe Your Right with its simple piano touch is fantastic. Katmandu is obviously great with its slow building base line and acoustic picking."

"Overall, this is a demonstration of Stevens' talent for great songwriting, far away from soupy arrangements or concessions to the demands of commercial pop songs."

"Cat Stevens is one of the most original singer-songwritters. Just listen to the delicate sounds of Fill My Eyes, or the spiritual sound of Lady D'Arbanville. If you want to feel good then listen to these songs. Lilywhite, will make you feel sleepy, and that is how you need to feel if you are to continue listening to the other songs because they are like medicine for the mind."

"I have always loved this man's music, and I wish he was still creating it. Mona Bone Jakon has songs of such haunting beauty that they remain with you forever. The genius of Cat Steven's orchestration, arrangements and playing make him a special favourite of many listeners."

"This is a great album. The songs are so pure and simple. They are great feel-good songs. This album was made back when music wasn't so complicated. Too bad I am only discovering Cat Stevens now after all this time. Because of this album, though, I am planning on buying more from this amazing artist."