Yusuf / Cat Stevens has unveiled a new song “All Nights, All Days,” the latest to be taken from his upcoming album ‘King of a Land’, due for release via BMG / Dark Horse Records on June 16, 2023. Pre-order here.
The track is another ear-catcher from Yusuf with a rolling, Traveling Wilburys-styled groove and an Americana country feel. Yusuf says: “I like to take on different genres, ‘All Nights…’ just felt naturally born for that - but it could easily have ended up somewhere else!”
The lyrics rail against how “the rich tax the poor” and, with wry humor, Yusuf suggests a real solution for the world, which is to “lock those leaders in London Zoo”. “The only way that we can get on in peace is to get rid of most of them. Not all, perhaps. But most …”
Accompanying the track is a vibrant and colorful mixed media video produced by Studio Linguine that references the cult classic film Harold and Maude, for which Yusuf provided the iconic soundtrack.
Harold and Maude appear as main characters in the clip, which brings the narrative of the song to life in a child-like manner. Politicians are depicted as evil characters who chase Harold through a forest, ultimately getting their comeuppance as they are captured and locked up in London Zoo.
The new single follows ‘King of a Land’, which coincided with the crowning of King Charles III. "I wish they'd give him a bit more power actually. I despair a bit about politics. I think it’s great to have someone who oversees things and maybe walks in and reminds everyone how they should behave. If they don’t, then I would suggest that he takes the initiative and locks up all the troublesome ones - in London Zoo, as opposed to the Tower.”
The release of Yusuf’s new album ‘King of a Land’ arrives amidst a wave of celebratory activity, closely following the announcement of his Glastonbury Festival debut. Set to take place on June 25th, where he will perform the coveted Sunday legends slot at the Pyramid Stage, the performance will come just one month ahead of Yusuf’s milestone 75th birthday, and closely follow the anticipated release of his seventeenth studio album.
In a 8/10 review, Uncut raves that ‘King of a Land’ presents “Lyrically teasing exercises in self examination…Yusuf breaks ground.” First single “Take The World Apart” has been tipped as “an optimistic work of which this closing track is the hopeful pinnacle” by The Times, seen Yusuf described as “an icon” by the NME, and "King of a Land has royalty in its sights" by MOJO Magazine. Vulture highlighted the album as a “Best Upcoming Release,” adding that Yusuf “blends his usual gorgeous folk stylings with children’s music that simplifies these complexities for all to hear, learn, and hopefully put into practice.”
King of a Land is set for release via BMG / Dark Horse Records on June 16, 2023. The album is available for pre-order on green vinyl in a gatefold format with a 36 page booklet featuring illustrations by Peter Reynolds. The CD also features a booklet illustrated by Peter Reynolds - Pre-order here. An exclusive edition of the album, pressed on white vinyl, is available from the official Yusuf / Cat Stevens online store along with album merchandise - visit the official store here.
