March 16, 2009 16:02

Yusuf channels former self Cat Stevens for new album

Plus record features a raft of special guests

Yusuf, the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens, is going back to his roots with an all-new album.

The veteran singer-songwriter returned in 2006 with 'An Other Cup', his first pop record in 26 years.

But the follow-up has arrived a lot sooner, with 'Roadsinger (To Warm You Through The Night)' set for release on May 4 through Island.

"I was absent from my audience for so long, people thought another album would never come," said Yusuf of the new record. "The 2006 album was a surprise. With this new album, the distance is much less. I'm back to doing what I do best – painting pictures with music and storytelling on a very human, positive, intuitive level through lyrics and song, so I can help people feel good again. I guess in some ways the new album picks up where the Cat Stevens the public knows left off."

The album, which Yusuf describes as "more folk tale oriented," was self-produced with the help of Martin Terefe, and was recorded in London, Los Angeles and Nashville. Guests include James Morrison, Michelle Branch and Holly Williams, granddaughter of Hank.