Matthew & Son / New Masters

Absolutely! "Matthew & Son" was the debut album of Cat Stevens, released in 1967. This album showcases the early stages of his career, blending folk-pop with a touch of baroque pop flair. The titular track, "Matthew and Son," was a huge hit, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart. The song itself is a critique of the mundane life of a typical office worker, demonstrating Stevens' penchant for storytelling through his music.

An interesting tidbit about the album is that it was produced by Mike Hurst, one of the original members of The Springfields, who later became known for discovering acts like Shakin' Stevens. The album also features the song "Here Comes My Baby," which was later covered by The Tremeloes and became a chart success.

Following "Matthew & Son," Stevens released "New Masters" in the same year. Unfortunately, "New Masters" did not replicate the commercial success of its predecessor. Despite this, the album includes "The First Cut Is the Deepest," one of Stevens' most enduring compositions. This song has been covered by numerous artists, including Rod Stewart, Sheryl Crow, and Keith Hampshire.

Musically, "New Masters" is considered more ambitious and experimental compared to "Matthew & Son." It features a mix of various styles, including jazz and Eastern influences, hinting at the eclectic direction Stevens' music would take in subsequent years. This period was crucial for Stevens, as it helped him refine his craft, eventually leading to his breakthrough classic albums in the early 1970s, like "Tea for the Tillerman" and "Teaser and the Firecat."

Fun fact: At the time of recording these albums, Stevens was still a teenager, showcasing his prodigious talent and potential as a budding singer-songwriter. His early work provided a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of an artist who would go on to become a significant figure in the folk-rock genre.