Yusuf, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer formerly known as Cat Stevens, has announced the release of his first music in five years. Titled, Tell 'Em I'm Gone, the effort is due out October 27 via Sony's Legacy Recordings. The release is part of a deal that covers future releases of new recordings, exisiting catalog titles, previously unreleased live material, and new videos. Yusuf will also perform six North American shows in support of the album during the early winter.
The 10-track album features covers of classic songs such as "Big Boss Man," Edgar Winter's "Dying To Live," and Procol Harum's "The Devil Came From Kansas," as well as five new original pieces, Rolling Stone reports.
Rick Rubin co-produced the album, which was recorded in Los Angeles, Dubai, Brussels, and London and features Charlie Musselwhite, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, guitarist Matt Sweeny, and the group Tinariwen, Billboard notes.
The album's sound leans toward the R&B music of Yusuf's youth.
"Hidden in the background behind my renowned troubadour persona lurked an R&B alter-self waiting to be let free," he said in a statement. "What's powerful and profound, to me, is the overall message which emerged, lyrically. It suddenly stared me in the face: the innate struggle for Freedom! Isn't that what most human beings dream of? Music and the blues particularly was a means of escape for many chained to the destiny of the rich and powerful."
Listen to Yusuf's cover of Edgar Winter's "Dying To Live" here and check out the tracklist below. Let us know what you think in the comments section!
Tell 'Em I'm GoneTracklist:
01. I Was Raised in Babylon
02. Big Boss Man
03. Dying to Live
04. You Are My Sunshine
05. Editing Floor Blues
06. Cat and the Dog Trap
07. Gold Digger
08. The Devil Came From Kansas
09. Tell 'Em I'm Gone
10. Doors
Tour Dates:
12/1: Toronto @ Massey Hall
12/4: Boston, MA @ Citi Performing Arts Center, Wang Theatre
12/7: New York City, NY @ Beacon Theatre
12/9: Chicago, IL @ The Chicago Theatre
12/12: San Francisco, CA @ The Masonic
12/14: Los Angeles, CA @ Nokia Theatre
