Album Info
| Artist: | Cat Stevens |
| Album: | Mona Bone Jakon |
| Released: | Australia, 1970 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Lady D'arbanville | 3:40 |
| A2 | Maybe You're Right | 3:20 |
| A3 | Pop Star | 4:10 |
| A4 | I Think I See The Light | 4:00 |
| A5 | Trouble | 2:50 |
| B1 | Mona Bone Jakon | 1:38 |
| B2 | I Wish, I Wish | 3:45 |
| B3 | Katmandu | 3:17 |
| B4 | Time | 1:26 |
| B5 | Fill My Eyes | 2:58 |
| B6 | Lilywhite | 3:40 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $150 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid cardboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- We almost always ship in stock vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
"Mona Bone Jakon" was a seminal work, released in 1970, marking a transformative point in the career of Cat Stevens. This album was Stevens' third studio album, and it signaled a departure from his previous pop-oriented music, leaning more towards folk and acoustic music, embracing a more mature, reflective musical persona.
"Mona Bone Jakon" could be considered a showcase of the depth of Stevens' artistic abilities and his capacity to traverse through different musical landscapes. He doesn't just deliver songs; he paints rich, melodic canvases layered with emotive lyrics, intricate guitar work, and profound themes.
The lyrical content of "Mona Bone Jakon" is introspective, often revealing a vulnerability and a sense of searching. Songs such as "Trouble" echo with an earnest quest for solace and peace amidst inner turmoil and external chaos. Stevens' voice is raw and genuine, lending an authentic touch to his deeply personal narratives.
One of the standout tracks on the album is "Lady D'Arbanville," a hauntingly beautiful ballad driven by Stevens' crisp, poignant vocals and intricate, delicate guitar work. The song explores themes of love and loss, and it's bathed in melancholy and nostalgia, projecting a vivid, emotive image to the listeners.
The arrangement of the songs within the album is also noteworthy. Each song flows seamlessly into the next, maintaining a cohesive sonic landscape. It's this meticulous attention to detail that elevates "Mona Bone Jakon" to a timeless masterpiece, resonating with audiences across different ages and musical preferences.
The instrumentation in "Mona Bone Jakon" is simplistic yet powerful, allowing Stevens' voice and lyrics to take center stage. The acoustic guitar is a constant companion throughout the album, woven intricately with subtle touches of piano and percussions, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere. This stripped-back approach lends a raw, unadulterated quality to the music, allowing the listeners to experience the emotions in their purest form.
While the album leans heavily towards melancholic, introspective musings, it also offers glimpses of hope and resilience. The juxtaposition of somber melodies with uplifting messages creates a balanced, nuanced musical journey, reflective of the human experience with all its complexities and contradictions.
"Mona Bone Jakon" also heralds the evolving musical identity of Cat Stevens, positioning him as a thoughtful, introspective artist capable of exploring and expressing the deepest realms of human emotions. This album is not just a collection of songs but a reflection of Stevens' philosophical musings and his exploration of life, love, and the human condition.
From a production standpoint, the album benefits from its unembellished, authentic sound, allowing the raw, inherent beauty of the music to shine through. The production doesn’t overshadow the organic essence of the songs but complements it, enhancing the overall listening experience.
In conclusion, "Mona Bone Jakon" is a seminal work, a musical tapestry woven with profound emotions, thoughtful reflections, and exquisite musicality. It stands as a testament to Cat Stevens' artistic evolution and his ability to create timeless music that continues to resonate with listeners, transcending temporal and musical boundaries.
Each song in "Mona Bone Jakon" is a piece of a larger puzzle, a snapshot of Stevens' soul, offering a glimpse into his thoughts, struggles, hopes, and dreams. It's a deeply moving, intensely personal album that invites listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery and reflection, echoing with the universal truths of human existence.
In its essence, "Mona Bone Jakon" is not just music; it's poetry, philosophy, and art intertwined, a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and captivate, reminding us of the transformative power of music.