Yusuf
Roadsinger
Eder Music/UME
By David Chiu
Coming off of his return to pop music in 2006, Yusuf Islam, the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens, is back with his latest Roadsinger, whose folk sound carries the tradition of Stevens’ classic works from the ‘70s. Collectively the lyrical content of the songs seems to convey a journey of spiritual truth and enlightenment, and effectively does so without proselytizing. Some of the tracks, especially the somber “World O’ Darkness” and “The Rain” are quite rather timely in this uncertain world of fear and negativity; yet the majority of the introspective songs like “Thinking of You,” “All Kinds of Roses” and “Welcome Home” are very spiritual and uplifting. Yusuf hasn’t lost a step when it comes to his distinctive soulful vocals and his gift of melody and lush arrangements. Roadsinger is both exquisite and heartfelt, a fine outing from an artist whom the public would have never expected to return to mainstream music.
NewBeats 