He often tells the story of the moment in his life whilst nearly drowning off Malibu Beach, at the height of his previous fame. He believes he was saved by God’s intervention when he cried out for help. It changed his life. He became Yusuf Islam, married into a Muslim family and raised his lovely family in the faith.
A couple of years back my wife bought me the studio album that marked his first real return to music. An Other Cup contained songs, some of which were written during his heyday, a rare cover track, and some new material. As soon as that first track “Midday (Avoid The City After Dark)” opened and I heard that voice the hairs on my neck and arms physically lifted.
It was great to have him back. The best part of course was that he was back on his own terms, in his own time, having escaped the madness of being one of the world’s most in demand performers and finding a true purpose in life.
Then came Yusuf’s Café a delightful live performance on DVD during which he performs wonderful versions of the old, “Father And Son”, “Peace Train”, “The Wind” and the new “The Beloved”, “There Is Peace”, and many more.
One of the most telling tracks on An Other Cup was his version of “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”. Cat Stevens didn’t do covers, he didn’t have to, he wrote some of the most memorable music of his genre and of his generation.
This one though is different and it tells, through someone else’s words, just how his conversion and chosen path has been misunderstood over the years. Dare I say, he would have been hard pushed to write a more apt lyric.
Sure, he has made mistakes, who doesn’t? Finding himself pushed forward too early following his life change as some sort of ‘celebrity’ spokesman on all things Islam and theology was perhaps not his best move.
However, at the heart of all of this has been a maturing devotion to all things Islamic. The track “The Beloved”, from An Other Cup, is a good example and reveals his deeply held passion and belief, this time through his own words.
This year recently saw the release of Roadsinger (To Warm You Through The Night) his second album since his return. Again it strikes the emotional heart with some memorable music and intensely revealing lyrics. This is nothing new of course and his search for meaning and purpose can be traced back through those albums and songs that we know so well from so long ago.
Article comments
1 - beryl
I thought your article was excellent and I experienced exactly the same feelings not noticing the Edge etc due to Bono 's presence. The Baaba Maal set was incredible but then Yusuf appeared. I was one of the 2 ladies crying and I have never been to a concert like it. We stood for 5 hours and I could have done it all again . It was life affirming and totally special and I have terrible withdrawal symptoms this week now that the high has worn off. Yusuf seems the most gentle thoughtful loving person and it is a privilege to have been a part of the evening.
2 - Jeff
Thank you so much Beryl !
You are so right when you say, 'It was life affirming and totally special and I have terrible withdrawal symptoms this week now that the high has worn off. '...........
I know exactly what you mean - I have been going to concerts all my life - but there was something magical going on that night. It was joyful, emotional, and inspirational. If only I could have expressed it better in the article. We were indeed privileged to experience it. If you are in the UK he is live on Radio 2 tomorrow night Weds 3rd June - not sure of the time. Thank you for taking the time to read this and most of all for posting such a lovely feedback. Jeff Perkins - Eurorock, Classic Eurorock.
3 - Jeff
Yusuf Live on Radio 2 - slight correction - it's being recorded Weds 3rd June but is being transmitted on Saturday 6th June - not sure of the time. Don't miss it.