The laughing apple

"The Laughing Apple can in some ways be viewed as a compromise, as Yusuf makes an album that will resonate with old Cat Stevens fans, but there's never a moment where he seems less than sincere and committed, and this merging of past and present makes for Yusuf's most satisfying album since his return to popular music in 2006".

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"Yusuf marks the 50th anniversary of his first two albums, both released in 1967, by reinterpreting some of his songs from the era, including four from New Masters and others never released at the time. It helps that he's reunited with his old 1970s foils Alun Davies (guitar) and Paul Samwell-Smith (production), resulting in cleaner, less cluttered arrangements ... The new songs are no less impressive, with the philosophical Don't Blame Them unexpectedly changing gear towards its end. Throughout, there's a disarming warmth and thoughtfulness, making for a pleasantly surprising late-career highlight".

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