Yusef, the artist also known as Cat Stevens, has gradually returned to secular music after his conversion to Islam put his career on hold for a quarter century. On his new album Tell ‘Em I’m Gone - his first album since 2009’s Roadsinger - he expresses and evaluates society and faith using rewired versions of famous blues and roots tunes, as well as new material.
The 66-year-old singer, who was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame earlier this year, worked with legendary producer Rick Rubin on the album, which was recorded in Los Angeles, Dubai, Brussels, and London and features artists such as Charlie Musselwhite, Bonnie “Prince” Billy, guitarist Matt Sweeny and Tinariwen. It is, he says, a declaration of freedom: “Hidden in the background behind my renowned troubadour persona lurked an R&B alter-self waiting to be let free,” he said in a statement. “What’s powerful and profound, to me, is the overall message which emerged, lyrically. It suddenly stared me in the face: the innate struggle for Freedom! Isn’t that what most human beings dream of? Music and the blues particularly was a means of escape for many chained to the destiny of the rich and powerful.”
Beginning with the slow burning I Was Raised in Babylon, the album uses wry observations and careful intonation, turning the saccharine You Are My Sunshine into a bluesy pean to spirituality, while elsewhere there’s covers of Procol Harum’s The Devil Came From Kansas and Gold Digger, which is, unfortunately, not a Kanye cover.
It’s out on 27 October, but we’re streaming it in full ahead of its release. Let us know what you make of his latest album in the comments below.
