Cat Stevens Back To Earth CD

Cat Stevens' final album as a pop performer (before his conversion to Islam and subsequent rejection of most of the wicked ways of the material world) is something of a return to his early '70s form. It reunites him with TEA FOR THE TILLERMAN producer Paul Samwell-Smith, and like that early classic it's gorgeously arranged, with discreet strings and a terrific command of dynamics (as in the whisper-to-a-scream "Randy"). Other highlights include the uncharacteristic "Bad Brakes," a blues-rocker that sounds like Phil Collins fronting Bad Company, the classically influenced instrumental "the Artist," and "Just Another Night," a folkie rejection song that most explicitly harkens back to Steven's classic period.

Out of print in the U.S.! Remastered reissue of the final album recorded under the name Cat Stevens, originally released in 1978. Before his conversion to Islam, Cat issued this album that may not have fared as well commercially as his early releases but was a true classic in his musical canon. Produced by Paul Samwell-Smith (who produced Tea For The Tillerman), Back To Earth is a beautifully arranged return to a more simple musical plateau that is both aurally and lyrically stimulating. 10 tracks.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Reissue producer: Bill Levenson.

Engineers include: Declan O'Doherty, Nick Blagona, Freddy Hansson.

Personnel: Cat Stevens (vocals, guitar, electric guitar, Spanish guitar, strings, keyboards, synthesizer); Gerry Conway (vocals, drums, congas); The McCrary's, Luther Vandross, Paul Samwell-Smith (vocals); Eric Johnson (guitar, electric guitar); Alun Davies (acoustic guitar); Brian Cole (steel guitar); John Marson (harp); Jean Roussel (strings, piano, electric piano, keyboards); Richard Niles, Del Newman (strings); Graham Smith (harmonica); Don Weller (saxophone); Shire So (keyboards); Dave Mattacks, Steve Jordan (drums).

Arrangers: Jean Roussel; Richard Niles; Del Newman; Cat Stevens.

Personnel: Cat Stevens (vocals, electric guitar, guitar, Spanish guitar, keyboards, synthesizers, bass); The McCrarys, Luther Vandross (vocals); Alun Davies (spoken vocals, acoustic guitar); Eric Johnson (electric guitar); Brian Cole (steel guitar); John Marson (harp); Graham Smith (harmonica); Don Weller (saxophone); Jean Roussel (piano, Hammond B-3 organ, keyboards); Bruce Lynch, Will Lee (bass); Dave Mattacks, Steve Jordon (drums); Gerry Conway (drums, congas); Paul Samwell-Smith (background vocals).

Producers: Paul Samwill-Smith, Cat Stevens.