Roadsinger (To Warm You Through The Night)

Well, what a real treat this album is. I saw Yusuf perform a couple of songs on BBC's "Later With Jools Holland" and they sounded pretty good, so I was looking forward to receiving my pre-ordered copy of "Roadsinger", but I honestly wasn't expecting an album this great. As much as I enjoyed his 2006 return to contemporary music, "An Other Cup", to me "Roadsinger" is a full return to the classic acoustic guitar singer/songwriter music which won Yusuf his army of fans and, without any hyperbole, this is a piece of work equally as good as Yusuf's very best releases as Cat Stevens. It's wonderful that he has embraced his past as wholeheartedly as he has on this album, even to the extent of borrowing the intro from "Sitting" (from "Catch Bull At Four") for the intro to "Be What You Must", a gently inspirational song augmented by a tasteful children`s choir. Also, an instrumental based on the musical theme of this track appears at the end of the album as "Shamsia", a tribute to a young girl who was blinded by the Taleban but refused to give up on her education.

This is a very thoughtful album, tackling issues of selfishness (The Rain), isolation (Every Time I Dream), rejection (Roadsinger) and diversity (All Kinds Of Roses) whilst the music remains creative, melodic and truly beautiful. His acoustic guitar work is really quite lovely throughout the album and each of the tracks are arranged and instrumentally embossed perfectly. The wonderful opening track, "Welcome Home" seems entirely appropriate, as this album is a return to a musical home all of Yusuf's fans will recognise and appreciate. There is a sadness about the state of our world, highlighted in songs such as "World Of Darkness", which runs as a recurring theme throughout the album and yet Yusuf's hopes for peace and harmony seem to speak for more voices than just his lone vocal, so the tone is always hopeful, no matter how bleak things may seem.

If you have enjoyed any of Cat Stevens' music or albums, then this is an essential purchase. This is a tremendous piece of work and will thrill every single fan of his wonderful 70's albums. Those unfamiliar with his earlier work but who appreciate the singer/songwriter style will also be likely to fall in love with "Roadsinger", as it is one of the finest examples of this genre from this decade. The only (minor) disappointment is that "Boots & Sand", a song about being refused entry into the US in 2004 which features Paul McCartney, Alison Krauss & Dolly Parton on backing vocals, is not included on this disc because it was deemed not to fit in with the rest of the album. So, if you want that, you will have to download it from iTunes. Still, what is on this album is excellent - every single brilliant track.

A welcome return to the acoustic sound that made this artist great.I enjoyed "An Other Cup" for its vibrance and sincerity. This album is perhaps a little more thoughtful and contemplative, but each song still carries a message, without falling into the trap of becoming self indulgent.
Yusuf has the gift of communication with his audience and can pull off songs such as "Be What You Must" with a children's choir without being twee.
The opening track, "Welcome Home" sets the scene for the title theme, and Yusuf takes the listener on his musical journey with both depth and simplicity.
This album is beautifully crafted and produced, and Yusuf gives food for thought to all of us with his observations on real life.
I particularly liked the subtle use of brass in "Every Time I Dream", the tuba in particular is haunting underpining the accompaniment harmony."The Rain" carries is a particularly powerful message about greed in the world.
Whilst this is undoubtedly music for grown-ups, my 8 year old (Discerning soul that he is !) already loves "Thinking 'Bout You" and the hymn like chorus of "Be what you Must" a recommendation if ever there was of the way Yusuf's music can touch us all.

What a pleasure to listen to a new Cat Stevens / Yusuf album with such a strong collection of songs. The man proves he can still write fine tunes and incisive lyrics. By brother heard this and thought it was an old Cat Stevens album which is hopefully a compliment. 'Roadsinger' contains 11 new songs; most of them very strong. Tracks like 'Welcome Home', 'Thinking 'bout You' and 'All Kinds of Roses' confirm that he has lost none of his ability to write. There are some occasional examples of progress in the use of electric guitars and choirs but the formula is similar to that used on Tea for the Tillerman and Catch Bull at Four. It is almost like these songs have been found in a vault and dated 1971! Yusuf avoids any religious overtones which is to his merit; instead he sings to you in tones of concern, despair, thought etc. without getting religious about the world around him. This album is only 31 minutes long so is very short but it is still worth every penny.