|
Jubilee Offer: Patriot Classics for £2.50 |
Frequently Bought Together
Product details
|
Listen to Samples and Buy MP3s
Songs from this album are available to purchase as MP3s. Click on "Buy MP3" or
view the MP3 Album.
|
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
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
Album Description
Co-produced by Yusuf and Rick Nowells (whose credits include Madonna, Rod Stewart, Dido and the Corrs) the album includes the stunning lead single `Heaven/Where True Love Goes' which shares the same rich voice with classic albums like `Tea For The Tillerman and `Teaser And The Fire Cat'. Other new songs include soon to be classics like `Maybe There's A World' and `One Day At A Time'. There is also a lush cover of `Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood'. `An Other Cup' is a welcome return for one of our greatest singer/songwriters.
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
36 of 36 people found the following review helpful
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.
33 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
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'.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 '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...responsible for much of the fine
guitar playing on the old classic albums.
Overall a beautiful album for any music lover regardless of religious background.Welcome back old friend....hope you don't go away on us again...
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'.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 '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...responsible for much of the fine
guitar playing on the old classic albums.
Overall a beautiful album for any music lover regardless of religious background.Welcome back old friend....hope you don't go away on us again...
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful
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.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
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 1 month ago by J. McCarraher
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 7 months ago by Moses abraham
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 9 months ago by inez
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 14 months ago by Jo Bennie
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 19 months ago by D. Burke
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
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
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
Cat Got The Cream.
I write this review as someone who likes Cat Stevens' music, but is not an expert on it, and as someone who is unfamiliar with his more religious releases as Yusuf Islam. Read more
Published on 4 Feb 2009 by Guitar Heroine
Very, very good
Suprisingly great comeback of my "formative" singersongwriter. Now I am waiting for his new album, I hope in 2008.!!
Published on 5 Oct 2008 by Barbie B.
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
|
|
Look for similar items by category
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
