Peace Train
by H.notes Staff Writer - Patti Cash erin7005@hanson.net

With hopeful optimistic lyrics, an interesting stop-start rhythm, and urging yet unpretentious vocals, "Peace Train" is one of the early 70s most memorable yet understated anthems. Giving the now-iconic Cat Stevens his first major U.S. hit, "Peace Train" is the song Hanson performed as their encore at their preview show in New York City in early March 2007. Joining Hanson on stage for the celebration were Andrew W.K., Adam Green, Pedro Yanowitz, and a gospel choir.

Something Good Has Begun
As 1971 dawned, British-based singer-songwriter Cat Stevens was enjoying moderate success in the U.K. His success spread across the Atlantic in February when his album Tea for the Tillerman reached the U.S. Top 10. Featuring the hit song "Wild World," the album went gold and Stevens was upheld as a kingpin in the then-popular folk-rock world.

In June of that same year, Stevens released a new single ("Moon Shadow") from his forthcoming album. Making the Top 40 on both sides of the Atlantic, he released a second single. "Peace Train," a captivating tune in which Stevens encourages spiritual and social awareness, made it to Number 7 on the U.S. pop chart and Number 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Boasting powerful lyrics, an upbeat groove, and quiet energy, the song was an instant folk-rock classic. As evidenced in the opening lines, "Peace Train" is a song of hope and optimism:

Now I've been happy lately, thinking about the good things to come
And I believe it could be, something good has begun

Oh I've been smiling lately, dreaming about the world as one
And I believe it could be, some day it's going to come

Cause out on the edge of darkness, there rides a peace train
Oh peace train take this country, come take me home again

Glide on the Peace Train
On the heels of both critical and commercial success with "Peace Train," Stevens released the album Teaser and the Firecat. An instant gold-seller, the album reached Number 2 in the U.S. and the Top Five in the U.K. In addition to "Moon Shadow" and "Peace Train," it contained "Morning Has Broken." An adaptation of an Irish hymn, the song was Stevens second major hit. With his unique brand of sentimental, poignant yet restrained folk-rock, Stevens earned the adulation of critics and the masses with songs such as "Sitting," "Can't Keep It In," "The Hurt," "Oh Very Young," and his cover version of Sam Cooke's "Another Saturday Night." Converting to Islam in the late 70s, Stevens changed his name and retired from the music industry. After years of controversy, he eventually returned to recording in 2006 and his compilation albums have continued to sell well.

Everyone Jump Upon the Peace Train
Since making its debut in 1971, "Peace Train" has appeared on about 25 compilation and live albums. It can also be heard on the soundtracks for Remember the Titans, The War, and We are Marshall. Still frequently played on classic rock radio, "Peace Train" has been covered by Sam Harris, Richie Havens, Melanie, Dolly Parton, 10,000 Maniacs, and the Ventures. Appealing to a universal audience with its message of hope for a better world, this gem remains one of the early 70s most unforgettable heartfelt anthems.

References
AllMusic.com
Amazon.com