Yusuf/Cat Stevens King of a Land LP (Green Vinyl)

King of a Land is an epic body of work. More than a decade in the making, its 12 songs are full of extraordinary surprises. Unique and transportive, Yusuf's music, words and melodies paint a vivid picture of a world which embraces the lost lands of truisms and stainless youth, and brings it into touching distance. His poetical storytelling invites the listener on a journey towards the gates of an alternative universe to that which we presently inhabit - where happy endings can possibly happen. From the gloriously unexpected hard-rock intensity of "Pagan Run" to the Tchaikovsky-inspired orchestration on "How Good It Feels," the delicate acoustic balladry of "He Is True" through to the driving Phil Spector-goes-gospel vibe of "Highness," the Travelling Wilburys-styled rolling Americana groove of "All Nights, All Days," and the ornate, atmospheric "Son of Mary," King of a Land is an prodigious piece of work. The album's artwork was created by Peter H Reynolds, the award-winning children's illustrator. As well as the cover art, Peter has created illustrations for each song portraying the album's lyrical themes that feature in the record's accompanying booklet. The vinyl and booklet are housed in a gatefold sleeve.

...on King of a Land Yusuf writes melodies that are more artful than his best-known hits but have a very recognizable warmth, and a mood that finds room for both joy and gravity....a well-crafted and often moving album that mixes a bit of Cat Stevens' sound with Yusuf's heart and soul, and it honors both with skill and sincerity.