"Teaser and the Firecat" is the fifth studio album by the acclaimed British singer-songwriter Cat Stevens, released on 1 October 1971. This album, issued under the Island Records label, features ten songs with a total time of 32 minutes and 10 seconds.
The album is known for its distinct folk rock sound and is often considered one of Stevens' best works. It achieved great commercial success, reaching multi-platinum status in the United States, platinum status in Canada, and gold status in the United Kingdom. It also peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 and number 3 on the UK Albums Chart, establishing it as a global best-seller.
Many of the songs on "Teaser and the Firecat" became successful singles and are some of the most recognized in Cat Stevens' discography. It includes the hit songs "Morning Has Broken," "Moonshadow," and "Peace Train." The former, "Morning Has Broken," is often remembered for its distinctive piano arrangement, while "Moonshadow" and "Peace Train" are iconic for their uplifting and introspective lyrics respectively.
The album features a cover artwork painted by Cat Stevens himself, which is reflective of his interest in artworks and illustrations. The cover art shows the characters Teaser and the Firecat from his illustrated children’s book. The story is about a young boy who uses the power of moonlight to help a young girl extinguish a roaring fire, which is a metaphor for bringing peace to the world.
"Teaser and the Firecat" not only solidified Stevens' position at the forefront of the early '70s singer-songwriter movement but also showcased his depth and diversity as a songwriter and musician.
