Cat Stevens records first pop song since 1977

CBC News ^ | January 28, 2005 | CBC

[El Conservador]

LONDON - The musician formerly known as Cat Stevens has recorded his first secular pop song in more than 35 years as part of a fundraising effort for victims of the tsunami disaster.

Yusuf Islam wrote and recorded the song, called Indian Ocean, with British musician Ed Harcourt, Travis drummer Neil Primrose, Magne Furuholmen of the band A-Ha and the Indian composer/producer A.R. Rahman.

The song will be released in February as a benefit single to raise money for children orphaned by the earthquake and tsunami on Dec. 26.

The effort marks the first time Islam has recorded a pop song since he converted to the Muslim faith in 1977.

Islam, who has recorded Islamic spiritual songs in recent years, said the return to pop music was acceptable given the charitable cause.

"It's not a return to Cat Stevens, I see it more as a natural response to express my concern as a Muslim and as an artist," Islam said in a statement on his website. "I believe both can exist side by side particularly when the cause is right."

The song includes the use of musical instruments, which he has abstained from using in adherence to his religion's beliefs.

"After I embraced Islam many people told me to carry on composing and recording but at the time I was hesitant for fear that it might be for the wrong reasons. I felt unsure what the right course of action was.

"It is only now after all these years that I've come to fully understand and appreciate what everyone has been asking of me. It's as if I've come full circle."

Islam is also headlining a benefit concert in Indonesia on Jan. 31 for victims of the tsunami.

[El Conservador]

YGBSM...

[Ruth A.]

How convenient that his 15 minutes of fame was kick-started by not being allowed into the U.S.

[theDentist]

Really. I'm still not buying it. I'll bet the $$ goes to another terrorist group.

[LauraleeBraswell]

He's a Muslim extremist now.

[Paleo Conservative]

I'm being followed by a cruise missle

[JennysCool]

"Religion of Peace Train"?

[Welsh Rabbit]

Magne Furuholmen of the band A-Ha

That band is still around?

[F16Fighter]

Are there any lyrics referring to cutting off Salman Rushdies's head?

[billorites]

I'm looking for a towel headed woman

[Borges]

That was his last hit.

[evets]

Tea for the Taliban?

[1john2 3and4]

LOL! Funny! You do know what you've started, right?

[zygoat]

New wave music.

[itsamelman]

"No-Headed Woman"

[NorCalRepub]

too bad........growing up I really liked the moon shadow man.......

[SilentServiceCPOWife]

Jihad Has Broken

[cardinal4]

"Remember the days of the old Madrassa?"

[kanecorp]

"Religion of Peace Train"?"

hahaha

[RightWhale]

So much for sticking to principles.

[Fitzcarraldo]

Rock Osama Baby