Yusuf / Cat Stevens has announced a reissue of his album, Foreigner. Originally released in July 1973 on Island Records, Foreigner was the first album written and produced solely by the legendary artist.
The record features the single “The Hurt” along with “100 I Dream” and the 18-minute long “Foreigner Suite.” Available on vinyl for the first time since its original release, the reissue is out July 26 via A&M and UMe.
The remaster will be available on 180g black 1LP vinyl, limited edition 180g blue vinyl (exclusively via D2C), and CD. The initial runs of CD and LP formats will feature a rare color-front cover that originally appeared on the first US pressings in 1973. Vinyl formats feature a replica 12” lyric card insert while CDs include a 20 page booklet.
Regarding the release, Yusuf / Stevens said: “We’re all foreigners. Say to an American or a European, that he’s a foreigner and he’ll say, ‘No, you’re the foreigner!’ But we’re all foreigners here, in a wider sense. We’re all looking for freedom and accommodation within humanity.”
Foreigner marked a shift in sound for Yusuf / Cat Stevens, who by 1973 had established himself as a largely acoustic folk artist on classic albums including 1970’s Mona Bone Jakon and Tea for the Tillerman, 1971’s Teaser and the Firecat, and 1972’s Catch Bull at Four.
In 1971, Yusuf / Cat Stevens provided music for Hal Ashby’s beloved film Harold & Maude. The film utilized a handful of instrumental and alternate versions of previously released songs including “Where Do the Children Play?” and “Miles From Nowhere,” alongside two original songs composed for the film, “Don’t Be Shy” and “If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out.”
Foreigner was largely recorded in Jamaica and brought a new group of musicians into the fold as Yusuf / Cat Stevens explored his love of R&B and Soul music. The feeling of being an outsider in these genres as well as in his new home of Rio de Janeiro inspired the album’s title.
Earlier this year, Universal Music Publishing Group signed Yusuf / Cat Stevens to an exclusive, global administration agreement.
Pre-order the remastered edition of Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ Foreigner.
