- 2023-05-01
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MUSIC
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Yusuf / Cat Stevens Releases New Song “King of a Land”
Last month, British singer-songwriter Yusuf / Cat Stevens announced his upcoming album “King of a Land” would be released on June 16, 2023 via BMG / Dark Horse Records.
From the album, he unveiled the title track as the second single on April 26, 2023.
The song draws a message to King Charles III. It twas written and produced by Yusuf / Cat Stevens with production by Paul Samwell-Smith.
“While politicians bicker and scrum in the basement quarters, somebody upstairs should be watching where those political party goers are taking us. Frankly, democracy needs a bit of dusting,” Yusuf / Cat Stevens explained. “One of the privileges of being an artist is to express what seems unimaginable, and then hang it up there for people to ponder; we can say things that others can't. Sure, I know full well music can't necessarily solve the world's problems, but it can help to direct the narrative. There are a few aspirations in my song, 'King of a Land,' that I hope resonate with His Majesty.”- The accompanying animated music video was animated by John Lechner, and Peter H. Reynolds who is known as NY Times #1 best-selling illustrator.
The video is the story of a small boy who imagines what he would do if he were king of a land called “Woodbee.”
Peter H. Reynolds said. “Yusuf / Cat Stevens has created a vivid world of the possible. How wonderful to imagine if children ruled the world, how peaceful and just it would be. The lyrics immediately conjured a small boy with a paper crown. His kingdom: a little train set with a miniature village. His mission: to ensure that every inhabitant of this little kingdom was free, educated, fed and able to celebrate the possible... of all that should be, could be, would be. The 'Land of Woodbee' welcomes everyone to hop on the 'Peace Train' and move forward - together - to a better world.” -
The new album comprises 12-track, produced by Paul Samwell-Smith. It is his first album in three years since the 2020 album “Tea for the Tillerman 2”.
The album is with children's music and religious music influences, and he worked on the album for over a decade.
Photo by Aminah Yusuf - source : Apple Music
