There were two artists that I grew up on. My father played Springsteen, and my mother played Cat Stevens, and I guess you could argue that Fleetwood Mac was up there as well. However, some of my strongest memories are listening to Cat Stevens records over and over again as a kid. A few years down the road the LP’s would turn to cassettes and I again remember Cat Stevens being wonderful music that I could listen to as the world rushed by my backseat window.

I never really stopped listening to Cat Stevens and like the rest of his fans was a little disappointed that he chose to walk away from music some 28 years ago. Now in addition to a new name, Yusuf Islam, Cat Stevens at least musically has returned. With this week’s release of An Other Cup, it’s hard for me not to say that I’m pretty excited.

My initial reaction is filled with somewhat of surprise being that his voice remains as distinctive and endearing as I always remember it being. The songs on the album sound as if it’s something that would have been put out during my younger years. There are a few hints of religious tones throughout the album, but honestly it doesn’t come off distractive or anywhere near the extent I was envisioning.

Even though now released under a new name, it’s nice to have the music of Cat Stevens back. After all that’s what I’ve always been a fan of in the first place.

Myspace: Yusuf