Cat Stevens, a name that transcends just folk music. Over a vast career, the man has experimented with different ways to reach his audience, mainly with varying styles of folk, but sometimes the rock shines through, or even small hints of jazz too. Buddha And The Chocolate Box is good example of Stevens taking an experimental approach, quite different from his previous albums up to this point, and this 2026 remaster should hopefully make it shine a bit brighter in the ears of his listeners.

‘Music’ is the first song on the album, which feels like it incorporates some folk pop. And even some funk with the bassline. Stevens’ vocal doesn’t hold back, he just flows along with the track, which feels like it is always building up. It is a catchy, uplifting and energetic track to start off, and it sounds crisp and fresh. ‘Oh Very Young’ brings the energy down from ‘Music’. It is a slow, melodic tune, the acoustic guitar and piano combo standing out as a calming partnership. The backing vocals are almost like carol singers, and it works really well with the melody. ‘Sun/C79’ is another slow track, but it is so blissful. When the synthesiser comes in, and the song starts to take a stronger shape, it creates this warm fuzz in the mind. A great track, without a doubt.

‘Ghost Town’ is next, with its upbeat intro, it couldn’t sound more like a classic 70s folk tune, even some harmonica sprinkled in there too. It is quite a short track (just under three minutes), but it is a fun one. ‘Jesus’ is another melodic, upbeat track. the thing about a good few of the tracks on this album is that they are very simple and easy to listen to, Cat Stevens was always good at those types of songs.  ‘Ready’ changes the mood slightly, it is a funky folk track, the beat keeping at a steady but quick pace, the guitar riff is catchy, and Stevens’ singing is full of energy once again. The little piano section in the middle of the song is fun too; it is a solid song.

‘King Of Trees’ starts off almost like a hymn, the keyboard and piano sounds like something you would hear at a church sermon anyway. The song follows along in a calm, smooth manner, Stevens singing in that storyteller like fashion he is so used to. It does go on for quite a while though (five minutes), which wouldn’t be a criticism if the track had a bit more variety. ‘A Bad Penny’ is the penultimate track, and it keeps in line with the melodic and calmly paced theme. It does have a build up towards the end of the track, which is nice to listen to, but apart from that it doesn’t have much else going on. And finally, ‘Home In The Sky’, which starts with some acapella from Stevens and the rest of the band. Then the piano sets in, and it is quite a chilled and happy sounding ballad. The piano has definitely been the standout throughout the album, and it continues that trend on this final track.

And with that, Buddha And The Chocolate Box comes to a close. An album that takes Stevens’ music and shakes it up a little bit, fusing the folk with funk and pop. Is it a phenomenal album? Not quite, but it is a good album, especially if you enjoy the peaceful, melodic music that is so often associated with folk and pop of the early-mid 70s. In fact, especially with the piano, you will find some similarities in this album and Elton John’s early work (see Madman Across The Water). If you are a fan of Cat Stevens, you will more than likely enjoy this album, for me it can be slow and repetitive at times, but it does have its standout tracks.

Yusuf Cat Stevens: Buddha And The Chocolate Box – Released 4 September 2026

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