Folk fans rejoice! Yusuf Islam, also known as Cat Stevens, has released a new album. Roadsinger is Yusuf’s second Western secular album since his conversion to Islam thirty years ago, the other album being An Other Cup in 2006.
Though many years have passed since his years as Cat Stevens, Roadsinger is a return to his previous musical stylings, sure to please his old fans.
Roadsinger Has Similarities to Yusuf’s Cat Stevens Days
Roadsinger does a good job of reminding listeners that despite all the changes he has undergone in his life, Yusuf Islam is still Cat Stevens, at least musically.
Songs on Roadsinger like “Thinking ‘Bout You” and “All Kinds of Roses” could have easily appeared on Teaser and the Firecat or Tea for the Tillerman, albums that preceded Roadsinger by nearly 40 years. This is not to imply that there is a lack of evolution in Yusuf’s music. For those who know the history of the man--of his spiritual progress from Cat Stevens to Yusuf Islam-- they will know that it is quite the opposite.
Near the end of 1977, Cat Stevens converted to Islam and changed his name to Yusuf Islam in early 1978. After converting, Yusuf ceased to create western music, focusing instead on his faith and devotional music. If anything, Roadsinger has brought his music back to the beginning.
Roadsinger: A Peaceful Album From a Peaceful Man
“Peaceful” is the best way to describe Roadsinger. This album is perfect after a long day at work to unwind. Or, for those like the reviewer who like to listen to music while going to bed, Roadsinger is the perfect album. Yusuf Islam has the same warm yet gruff voice that he had as Cat Stevens. The orchestration enhances rather than washes the guitar work. Roadsinger is well composed and well produced.
Roadsinger is a devotional album of sorts, but not the type that Yusuf has previously been writing. Much of his work as Cat Stevens had the tone of a man searching for peace. This ‘new’ singer, Yusuf Islam, carries the tone of a man who has found peace, and wishes to spread what he has found to the rest of the world.
Roadsinger Track Listing
- "Welcome Home" – 4:23
- "Thinking 'Bout You" – 2:31
- "Everytime I Dream" – 3:09
- "The Rain" – 3:26
- "World O' Darkness" – 2:23
- "To Be What You Must" – 3:25
- "This Glass World" – 2:02
- "Roadsinger" – 4:09
- "All Kinds of Roses" – 2:38
- "Dream On (Until...)" – 1:56
- "Shamsia" – 1:29
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