Yusuf - An Other Cup

As Cat Stevens, he made a fortune with his gentle odes to love and spirituality. Since his conversion to Islam, Yusuf has donated his royalties to charities and Islamic schools he set up in North London. Now, with his first album of pop music in 28 years, the former Cat is back preaching his brand of enlightenment. It’s a mixed blessing: despite singer Youssou N’Dour’s inspired presence on “The Beloved” and the vigorous rock workout “I Think I See the Light,” the album suffers from excessive mellowness and sermonizing.