The Bottom Line
Pros
- Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
- Maybe There's a World
- I Think I See the Light
Cons
- Several moments that border on cheesy
Description
- After 28 years, Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) is back
- Some bright moments with a cover of The Animals' "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" and others
- Other moments, melodies and poems bordering a bit on cheesy
Guide Review - Yusuf - An Other Cup
Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of moments on this CD where his natural gift shines through, but they are overshadowed by some too-simple songs with grade school-style melodies.Occasionally, Yusuf will recite a brief poem about something easy and beautiful, like a butterfly. This could be a brilliant moment, but the cheesy instrumentation in the background is disappointing when you know how stunning his work has been in the past. It's hard to listen to An Other Cup and not long for the same artistry that inspired classics like "Wild World" and "Peace Train."
Indeed, the brightest moment on the record is "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood"—a cover song, performed originally by The Animals and covered over the years by everyone and their brother. Other indications that Islam's star hasn't totally gone out come from "Maybe There's a World," "I Think I See the Light," and the way he craftily incorporates the beautiful language of the Qu'ran.
After 28 years of not releasing records, Yusuf is off to a rusty start with An Other Cup. It's certainly not worth writing off entirely, but just don't expect the same old easy, breezy Cat Stevens record you once loved so much.
