Nearly thirty years ago Cat Stevens left the music world at the height of his career. Now, forty years after his first album “Matthew & Son”, he brings us under a beautiful album cover, “An Other Cup” as Yusuf.
Now this is a completely bias review as I am a huge Yusuf fan. Though I must honestly say this is hands down the best comeback album ever. Yusuf’s voice is a deeper tan but manages to create the same pop melodies that made him famous in the 70’s all the while resorting to beautifully woven acoustic pieces that make me want to pick up my guitar and play. No doubt the man can still pluck the heart strings of his listeners. You would just need to listen to the first single “Heaven/Where True Love Goes”.
The album opens with “Midday (avoid city after dark)” that sets the stage for what’s to come. “Greenfields & Golden Sands” is another great track that went unrecorded since the 1970’s. “I See The Light” is the very Cat Stevenesque 70’s track that holds the secret to most of his old hits like “Wild World”. There are doses of Islamic spirituality most notably on “The Beloved” which beautifully blends what sounds like English folk with Arabian elements.
A memorable favorite is probably Yusuf’s cover of Nina Simone’s “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”.
This is just a great contemplative album and I give it my absolute highest recommendation. You can listen to the entire album for free by clicking here (for as long as the link remains unbroken)
Bottom Line: 5/5
that may be the chance for you to be safe.
And if you make it through the trouble and the pain,
that may be the time for you to know his name”
Heaven/Where True Love Goes – Yusuf
Naseem,
Yusuf was always active during those 30 years, I have his A is for Allah album.
I am wondering about the impact of returning to instruments as he has left them a long while ago, and is back with no apparent statement on this issue.
Sari: yes he released a few religious albums (nasheeds), some for children, but this is his first mainstream pop album on a major label in 28 years.
His position on instruments and music is basically that the haram of it is haram and the halal of it is halal. His position on it has obviously changed since he first converted but being who he is I’d say it’s a safe bet he knows more about the issue than the majority of people.
But I don’t intend on directing the discussion in that direction. Muslims tends to be adamant about their perspective on this issue for some reason so I tend to avoid the discussion.
i dont think intrumental anasheed are haram… especially when they will only increase ur feeling of spirituality… sami yusif anasheed are amazing yet some ppl think he is goin away from the “Right” path cause instruments are haram.. im not a mofti but i personally dont think they are… yusif islam is a legend for he has gone through drastic changes in his life.. and to thikn of all he has accomplished after he converted and how much he has done.. im ashamed of myself cauase we are born muslim and speak arabic fluently.. yet are not doing much for our religion… *sigh*
ive listened to the album, his heavenly voice has amazed me once again! i shall be buying it without a doubt.
I have never heard such simpistic sentimental Pap. What a waste of a great talent.
Considering this to be the first blog that I have ever read, I enjoyed the authorâ??s critique. However as of yet the CD has not grown on me, notwithstanding Yusufâ??s earlier albums as Cat Stevens, which were aimed at a mainstream audience. I would have appreciated some semblance of the historical narrative contained herein as an insertion on the sleeve of the â??Another Cupâ?Â. Of note, the CD has entered at position number 20 in the British Album chart this week.
I was a fan of Cat Stevens in my pre-Islamic days (I converted to Islam seventeen years ago)and was always disappointed that he felt the need to dress like an Arab and give up music to be a good Muslim. I respected his right to do whatever he felt was necessary to stay on the straight path, however. We all have our own weaknesses to battle. I truly believe he will be a much better ambassador for Islam by showing the world that you don’t have to renounce the good of your culture when embracing Islam. We are supposed to be a “balanced” nation, but rarely exhibit it.
I bought his new CD and like it better each time I play it. I like music but seldom buy it because of the lyrics. I wish there were more choices for good, wholesome, Islamically acceptable music.
This is what I have to say ” If it makes you happy do it, as long as nobody gets hurt” NO! It’s not an original statement, but one I believe. Cat sang from his heart and seemed to enjoy himself much more back in the day. GREAT!You became a Muslim because it makes you happy BUT you don’t sing with the passion that I see in your older videos, I’d rather watch and listen to you in the older days. It’s all about having a great spirit. Oh and a sense of humor is oh so important.I hope you haven’t lost that. Example( Oh I’d like to introduce the band, Oh I’ve already done that.Never stop being funny. Life is hard enough)God Bless.
i have heard about yusif islam long ago when i was in primary school.the dilema that led his conversin to islam always give me courage and served as an inspirational guide to my worldly affairs.