Yusuf Cat Stevens's new album Tell 'Em I'm Gone will be released Oct. 27, but NPR is currently streaming the record in its entirety.
After converting to Islam and changing his name, Yusuf decided to give up music in 1977. It took nearly 30 years for the singer to return to recording with 2006's An Other Cup.
"I had to get a life and get off my high horse and join the human race," Yusuf told Billboard about coming back to music.
His newest effort, a follow-up to 2009's Roadsinger, was produced by Rick Rubin and features a handful of covers. The lead single, "Dying to Live," is from a 1971 Edgar Winter album while Yusuf also reworks the standard "You Are My Sunshine" and Procol Harum's "The Devil Came from Kansas." Check out the full track list below.
Yusuf described the album last month in a statement.
"Hidden in the background behind my renowned troubadour persona lurked an R&B alter-self waiting to be let free," he said. "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."
The singer will also hit the road briefly after the album is released. Those dates are below.
Tell 'Em I'm Gone Tracklist:
1. I Was Raised in Babylon
2. Big Boss Man
3. Dying to Live
4. You Are My Sunshine
5. Editing Floor Blues
6. Cat and the Dog Trap
7. Gold Digger
8. The Devil Came From Kansas
9. Tell 'Em I'm Gone
10. Doors
Tour Dates:
12/1/14 - Toronto, Canada @ 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
