Ysuf / Cat Stevens was the musical guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Wednesday, where he dusted off his old hit “Wild World” and added some new flair.
The appearance comes following the release of Stevens’ Tea for the Tillerman 2. The record, released earlier this month, celebrates 50 years since the celebrated singer-songwriter’s hit album, and revisits its many classic songs with a pair of fresh eyes and ears.
In the performance, Stevens plays alongside a pianist and bassist in a quasi-coffee shop environment. The setting syncs with the stripped-down, feel-good nature of Stevens’ music and contains Tea for the Tillerman iconography. Through the first verse, this rendition of “Wild World” seems almost identical to the one released 50 years ago on the original album.
However, once they come around for verse two things get different. With a piano breakdown that leads to a drop in the BPM, Stevens takes on an almost lounge-singer vibe. The different rhythm of the words provides new emphasis and stresses on the classic lyrics. Then to top things off, a mysterious horn solo which is intriguing because there isn’t anybody in the room with a wind instrument.
Watch Yusuf / Cat Stevens perform an updated rendition of “Wild World” on Colbert.
Yusuf / Cat Stevens – “Wild World”
[Video: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert]