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. Mojo
    80
    Songs that any liberal-minded Cat Stevens fan will adore. [Dec 2006, p.120]
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  2. 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.
  3. 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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  5. 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.
  6. The Guardian
    70
    Forty-four minutes of welcome surprise.
  7. Uncut
    70
    Sounds astoundingly like an album from his '70s heyday.
  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. Hartford Courant
    70
    These new tunes are lovely, thoughtful and gentle, though they don't quite match his best songs.
  10. 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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  11. Billboard
    60
    It doesn't all hit home, but at its best ("Heaven/ Where True Love Goes," "In the End," "Green Fields, Golden Sands"), this record is uplifting enough to satisfy even a 30-year thirst. [18 Nov 2006]
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  12. musicOMH.com
    60
    The Cat is back, albeit more of a moonshadow of his former self and lacking some purr and bite.
  13. AllMusic
    60
    A minor but pleasantly unexpected surprise.
  14. Q Magazine
    60
    A remarkable balancing act. [Jan 2007, p.150]
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  15. Lost At Sea
    60
    Skipping over a few songs, such as "When Butterflies Leave" and "Whispers From A Spiritual Garden" — because who wants to hear spiritual babbling when Islam can sing so diatonically correct — the album flourishes into a masterpiece of sincerity to its core.
  16. Rolling Stone
    50
    Sufferable for sure, but hard to recommend.
  17. The New York Times
    50
    The old Cat Stevens, who pondered earthly loves and sorrows and spiritual yearning, has been replaced by a songwriter who finds all his answers in faith. [13 Nov 2006]
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  18. Observer Music Monthly
    40
    Though the songs are all praises to the Creator (or His prophet), there is little sense of joy.
  19. Tiny Mix Tapes
    40
    Full of spirituality and hope, these new songs lack a thrust.

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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