Search - Yusuf :: An Other Cup

Refill my cup

Tim Brough | Springfield, PA United States | 02/09/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The artist formerly known as Cat breaks a 30 year silence with an album that shows a man now comfortable with his middle age and with peace in his soul. While the younger Cat Stevens often sought answers in his music with tension and a singing style that was as aggressive in its quest, the mature Yusef sings songs of discovery in a more soulful and satisfied voice. If you have wondered what Yusef has been doing beyond the tabloids and the Government scare tactics, "An Other Cup" provides some answers.



The liner notes hint at a musical called "Moonshadow" that would include "Heaven/I Go Where True Love Goes" and "Maybe There's a World." And yes, he did become a Muslim. He even courts that in his re-write of a song from "Foreigner," changing the word girls to souls on "Heaven/I Go Where True Love Goes" and the new song "I Think I've Seen The Light." His version of Nina Simone's (or The Animals') classic "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" sure sounds like a sly nod at the controversy...and it is the weakest song here!



The new songs are not as strong as his classic works we first heard on "Tea For The Tillerman" and "Teaser And The Firecat." Those were, after all, albums that defined a decade and a genre. But if you found room in your heart for "Catch Bull At Four" or "Izitso," then you will be able to enjoy "An Other Cup." The contentment of songs like "Heaven/I Go Where True Love Goes" is contrasted with a few of the younger voice of the searching Cat, like "Maybe There's a World." In the end though, it is the mature voice that ultimately wins out. The music is also reflective of Yusef's newfound tranquility. Like those classic albums, "An Other Cup" is filled to the brim with folkish and cross-cultural music (especially with Youssou N'Dour vocalizing on "The Beloved" - shades of Peter Gabriel and Paul Simon - and also the most blatantly religious piece here). The album's closing hymn to peace, "Greenfields, Golden Sands," is the kind of music you (by you, I mean people old enough to have followed Cat Stevens/Yusef through the decades) came to treasure then. With "An Other Cup," Yusef returns to let us know that peaceful and meaningful music is still here to treasure.



One of 2006's best."

An Other Cup - Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens)

Henry Rosner | Philadelphia, Pa United States | 02/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a refreshing release. After 30 years of self-imposed secular musical exile the Cat emerges with a breath of fresh air. Equally as fresh as any of his mid-career LPs. If you enjoyed Cat Stevens in the 70s you won't be disappointed."

Wow, wow, wow and more wows

03/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had been a great fan of Cat Stevens. He is back better than ever as Yusuf Islam. All the songs are awesome but "Heaven-Where True Love Goes" is something. I can listen to it repeatedly many times. he has perfected his style 30 years after "It is a Wild, Wild World". This album is worth purchasing as it is destined to be a classic. This is one of the best albums of this year. Thanks Cat/Yusuf......Well done !"