[2] The box set came in the wake of renewed interest in Yusuf's work[citation needed], following a highly-rated exposé on VH1's Behind The Music[3] and remastered CD reissues of his back catalog the year before.

[4] Yusuf was heavily involved in the production of the box set,[5] writing a new essay on his early life and spiritual journey[6] for the included booklet.

[citation needed] Entertainment Weekly's David Browne and Los Angeles Times' Robert Hilburn both thought the box set was inferior to The Very Best of Cat Stevens.

"[15] Miami Herald's Howard Cohen thought there were far too many tracks in the box set, and wrote that the new songs "fail to advance one's appreciation of the artist".

[19] A contemporary review by The New Rolling Stone Album Guide states that it "offers just about all the Cat Stevens anyone should ever need, including a handful of rarities.