An Other Cup
by Yusuf
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Nov 14, 2006
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Uncut
    70
    Sounds astoundingly like an album from his '70s heyday.
  2. Mojo
    80
    Songs that any liberal-minded Cat Stevens fan will adore. [Dec 2006, p.120]
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  3. The Guardian
    70
    Forty-four minutes of welcome surprise.
  5. Spin
    70
    Yusuf's supple folk tunes predictably take a more spiritual route, yet largely avoid cosmic corn. [Dec 2006, p.104]
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  6. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    The folky arrangements, melancholic singing, and romantic worldview of his early work are intact. [17 Nov 2006, p.127]
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  7. Sputnikmusic
    80
    Yusuf hasn't missed a beat, as this is still the same sound he made famous on 70s staple "Tea for the Tillerman" and later perfected on "Teaser and the Firecat", and while it's certainly not as impactful, I'm comfortable saying that "An Other Cup" comes pretty close.
  8. Blender
    70
    The bullying production threatens to obliterate what’s good here: A half-dozen gentle seeker’s songs with meditative acoustic textures and lyrics advocating reasonableness among humankind, which was always Cat Stevens’s domain.
  9. Los Angeles Times
    75
    Can the dedicated Muslim now known as Yusuf Islam, for that matter, recapture the welcoming seeker's voice he plied so well in nonsectarian hymns such as "Morning Has Broken"? The answer gently conveyed here is yes, despite a few zealous missteps.
  10. Hartford Courant
    70
    These new tunes are lovely, thoughtful and gentle, though they don't quite match his best songs.

Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Most Shared Album of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 49
  3. Negative: 7 out of 49
  1. bnking
    Apr 20, 2011
    6
    The melodies are basically agreeable and the voice is recognizably Cat Stevens but overall, there is a dull, lifeless - or perhaps tentativeThe melodies are basically agreeable and the voice is recognizably Cat Stevens but overall, there is a dull, lifeless - or perhaps tentative and uncommitted - feeling to the album. It could probably have benefited from better production.… Full Review »
  2. swatijr
    Jul 9, 2007
    9
    it's been too long. i appreciate this man as a being and being full of talent that needs to be expressed and heard. his message it's been too long. i appreciate this man as a being and being full of talent that needs to be expressed and heard. his message expresses what many felt before and still feel. it is a timely return and "come back." his spirituality and positivity, yet deep introspection is apparent. it's the cat we've always loved. and still do. i look forward to seeing what comes next. let's hope it's not another 28 yrs!… Full Review »
  3. catsfan
    Jul 5, 2007
    10
    I am too youbg to be a cat steven fan. but after listening to the album few times and making sense of it. i will say that the mass media I am too youbg to be a cat steven fan. but after listening to the album few times and making sense of it. i will say that the mass media didnt give cats his due. this album is terrific. the message in it is amazing. its very simple and universal. the man is muslim so its natural for him to refer to his faith. i recommend this album for all… Full Review »
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