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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk
Three decades after decisively trading fame and his superstar moniker for the spiritual devotion for which his restless '70s songs seemed a perpetual quest, the singer-songwriter born Steven Demetre Georgiou has successfully resurrected Cat Stevens's muse, if not his persona. The musician whose dedicated embrace of Islam embroiled him in controversy frequently sings its praises on An Other Cup, both boldly (the Prophet-lionizing "The Beloved") and with delicate reflection ("Whispers from a Spiritual Garden" reworks Sufi mystic Jalaluddin Rumi). Given the political and religious misconceptions that have often plagued him, he's mused for years that his theme song should be Nina Simone's "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood"; here Yusuf makes good on the promise, conjuring a cover steeped in brooding elegance with the assistance of Madonna/Dido/Rod Stewart producer Rick Nowells.Yet, as "Heaven/Where True Love Goes" attests, the musician remains as masterfully adept at blurring distinctions between spiritual and romantic ecstasies as he is at evoking his trademark idealism in the lilting harmonies of "Maybe There's a World." Fans of his vintage catalog will find intriguing riches outside the more spiritually focused works here, too, with the familiar idealism of the previously unrecorded 1968 song "Green Fields, Golden Sands" and the muscular "I Think I See the Light" further evoking the glories of Cat past. The production leans towards the spare and shrewdly contemporary, whether casting the effusive opener "Midday" in Paul Simon's spirit of cross-cultural adventure, underscoring the melodic charms of "One Day at a Time," or suffusing "When Butterflies Leave" and his autobiographical cover of Simone with graceful, neo-classical strings. Considering the career time lapse, it's a remarkably strong effort, yet one inspired by a gentility and spiritual inquisitiveness that's comfortably familiar. --Jerry McCulley
Product Description
(File: CAT STEVENS) first album of original songs since his withdrawal from the pop world. UK edition with BONUS TRACK
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
39 of 39 people found the following review helpful
By Raoul Duke
Format:Audio CD
Not pop chart material, it's more thoughtful than that. I'm not sure if the youth will get this album as it isn't as upbeat or self praising as most of the music around these days. From the opening track 'Midday' (the brass sounds like he was inspired by Curtis Mayfields Move On Up) to the last track 'There Is Peace' (sounds like it could have come off Teaser) there isn't a dud on the album, seriously. There are a couple of stand out "single" type tracks (Heaven and Midday) but generally this seems to have been aimed at an "album" type audience. Skiping a track really would spoil the the overall feel. Songs like 'When Butterflies Leave' and 'Whispers From A Spiritual Garden' help to keep the theme going strong, alowing songs that might not blend so well back to back to fit in perfectly. It's a peaceful friendly listen which leaves you feeling like there is still hope for the cooperate music industry yet. Art at it's best, with thought provoking lyrics to boot. oh...and the 44 page booklet just enhances the overall vibe. Right on and welcome back man.
34 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
After a gap of 28 years the artiste formerly known as Cat Stevens has released this offering.As a fan who bought all original albums at the time of their release I was eager to hear this album after such a long time lapse.
I wasn't disappointed as this is a wonderful acoustic offering and will make a worthy addition to any music collection.Similar in style to his last studio album 'Back To Earth', but also with many reminders of earlier glories.
The album opens with the catchy 'Midday' and then flows easily into the beautiful 'Heaven/Where True Love Goes'.This is a reworking of part of the 'Foreigner' suite(1973)and absolutely gorgeous. These are followed by what is becoming my favourite track on the album 'Maybe Theres A World' which is hugely reminiscent of his best songs off the classic 'Firecat' and 'Tillerman' albums.Sandwiched in the middle of the album is another beauty 'In The End' which would not have been out of place on the classic 'Firecat' album.
Also included are two spoken tracks 'When Butterflies Leave' and 'Whispers From A Spiritual Garden' but for all that still beautiful.There is also a reworked version of 'I Think I See The Light' and Yusufs version of 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood', both excellent.
Its great to see Cats' old musical partners back on this album...most notably Jean Roussel and Alun Davies who was responsible for much of the magical guitar playing on the old classic albums.An excellent 'return' album after 28 years.....pity it had to be such a long wait.....
I wasn't disappointed as this is a wonderful acoustic offering and will make a worthy addition to any music collection.Similar in style to his last studio album 'Back To Earth', but also with many reminders of earlier glories.
The album opens with the catchy 'Midday' and then flows easily into the beautiful 'Heaven/Where True Love Goes'.This is a reworking of part of the 'Foreigner' suite(1973)and absolutely gorgeous. These are followed by what is becoming my favourite track on the album 'Maybe Theres A World' which is hugely reminiscent of his best songs off the classic 'Firecat' and 'Tillerman' albums.Sandwiched in the middle of the album is another beauty 'In The End' which would not have been out of place on the classic 'Firecat' album.
Also included are two spoken tracks 'When Butterflies Leave' and 'Whispers From A Spiritual Garden' but for all that still beautiful.There is also a reworked version of 'I Think I See The Light' and Yusufs version of 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood', both excellent.
Its great to see Cats' old musical partners back on this album...most notably Jean Roussel and Alun Davies who was responsible for much of the magical guitar playing on the old classic albums.An excellent 'return' album after 28 years.....pity it had to be such a long wait.....
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By Raoul Duke
Format:Audio CD
Not pop chart material, it's more thoughtful than that. I'm not sure if the youth will get this album as it isn't as upbeat or self praising as most of the music around these days. From the opening track 'Midday' (the brass sounds like he was inspired by Curtis Mayfields Move On Up) to the last track 'There Is Peace' (sounds like it could have come off Teaser) there isn't a dud on the album, seriously. There are a couple of stand out "single" type tracks (Heaven and Midday) but generally this seems to have been aimed at an "album" type audience. Skiping a track really would spoil the the overall feel. Songs like 'When Butterflies Leave' and 'Whispers From A Spiritual Garden' help to keep the theme going strong, alowing songs that might not blend so well back to back to fit in perfectly. It's a peaceful friendly listen which leaves you feeling like there is still hope for the cooperate music industry yet. Art at it's best, with thought provoking lyrics to boot. oh...and the 44 page booklet just enhances the overall vibe. Right on and welcome back man.
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. L. N. Taylor
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Audio CD
WOW, what a comeback album! It's been 28 years since his last mainstream album Back To Earth, but it's definitely been worth the wait. There isn't a duff track on this album, and it really is a return to the kind of form Yusuf showed during the seventies. I'm so pleased that he felt the time was right to make a comeback - his great talent has been sorely missed. Good to see that he's working with original band members too.
Whether the decision to release the album under his Islamic name Yusuf was a wise one remains to be seen. It was obviously his decision, quite rightly so, but I hope potential buyers & fans will be aware that this is the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens. Polydor must have had the same feeling - hence the gold sticker on the front of the CD case to remind us.
I hope we wont have to wait another 28 years for the next one Yusuf. Now, how about a tour??
Whether the decision to release the album under his Islamic name Yusuf was a wise one remains to be seen. It was obviously his decision, quite rightly so, but I hope potential buyers & fans will be aware that this is the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens. Polydor must have had the same feeling - hence the gold sticker on the front of the CD case to remind us.
I hope we wont have to wait another 28 years for the next one Yusuf. Now, how about a tour??
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Brian Covert
Format:Audio CD
Bravo! 'An Other Cup' by Yusuf Islam is a perfect example of an artist putting his/her ego and selfish ambitions aside long enough to reach out to mass audiences with a positive, uplifting message in uncertain times. These songs may not have quite the same vocal reach or dynamic guitar playing as those of Yusuf Islam's former stage persona, but they are all songs that do touch the heart and uplift the spirit in deep ways. Enough of the 'Welcome back, Cat' sentiment we've been seeing in the media -- we should be saying 'Welcome, Yusuf, to the new century', period. A voice and inspiration such as his are needed now more than ever, and this new work appears on the music scene not a moment too soon. A brilliant recording overall.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
bought as a gift
Can't really review this as it was bought for a gift but my mum was very happy with it so i assume it is a good product.
Published 7 days ago by geek chick
4.0 out of 5 stars
welcome back old friend
Have played this a few times now and have to say it is good not as forceful as his earlier albums like teaser and tillerman and he does draw on some of his earlier works but is... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Malcolm smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE UNMISTAKEABLE VOICE..
Thank goodness he decided to record again.
The voice is still instantly recognisable - a little older and more mellow, but it is unmistakeably 'Cat Stevens' as we knew... Read more
The voice is still instantly recognisable - a little older and more mellow, but it is unmistakeably 'Cat Stevens' as we knew... Read more
Published 13 months ago by J. McCarraher
5.0 out of 5 stars
Former Cat Steavens now Yusuf Islam has still got it.
This is former Cat Steaven now Yusuf Islam is first commercial album since he left the music seen in the 70's. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Moses abraham
5.0 out of 5 stars
exellent
I remember him as Cat Stevens in the 60's before he became ill and converted to Islam. In these troubled times he an example of how this world could be if only there were more like... Read more
Published 21 months ago by inez
5.0 out of 5 stars
Religious overtones but just don't care
What a lovely album. A lot of the songs are specifically about Yusuf's Muslim beliefs but these are woven with mysticism and Sufi wisdom and Yusuf's joyful phraseology and music... Read more
Published on 4 April 2011 by Jo Bennie
5.0 out of 5 stars
A blessing for the heart
I first came to listen to this album indirectly from Yusuf's porchester hall concert DVD which includes most of the songs on this CD - which I loved so much that I decided I needed... Read more
Published on 29 Oct 2010 by D. Burke
5.0 out of 5 stars
Time to chill
Yusuf returns with an outstanding album which will leave you with a smile after listening, buy it and spread some joy.
Published on 10 July 2009 by Harry Perkins
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Other Cup
For those who remember Cat Stevens from the 1970, there will be little disappointment.There is a subtle religious undertone which is in keeping with his lifestyle but this does not... Read more
Published on 7 July 2009 by Ce Graeme-wilson
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
I didn't take to this CD instantly but that is usually a good sign. It's great to hear that his voice is still superb and his songwriting still great. Read more
Published on 14 April 2009 by A. M. Golding
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