Album: Tell 'em I'm Gone

Overview
"Tell 'em I'm Gone" is a studio album by the legendry British singer-songwriter, Cat Stevens (now referred to as Yusuf), released on October 27, 2014, under the Sony Legacy Recordings labels. This album marks Yusuf's first album in 5 years, following the release of his 2009 studio album, "Roadsinger". The album features 10 tracks, that include initial compositions along with Yusuf's renditions of his favorite blues and R&B tunes.

Production and Collaboration
The album was produced by Yusuf and Rick Rubin, a distinguished American manufacturer who has actually worked with various famous artists such as Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Tom Petty. Rubin's signature production style provides a raw and natural noise to the record.

The collaboration between Yusuf and Rubin is an essential aspect of the album's success. Combining Yusuf's evocative songwriting and emotive vocals with Rubin's knack for improving an artist's initial essence, "Tell 'em I'm Gone" attains an ideal balance in noise and structure.

In addition to the collaboration with Rubin, Yusuf also worked together with a number of outstanding artists, consisting of guitarist Richard Thompson, banjo virtuoso Charlie Cushman, and accordion master Will Holshauser. This diverse line-up of musicians contributes to the album's abundant, textured noise and distinct sonic landscape.

Composition and Themes
"Tell 'em I'm Gone" showcases Yusuf's love for rhythm and blues, early rock 'n' roll, and roots music, which have actually inspired his musical profession. The album includes 5 covers of Yusuf's preferred traditional songs, such as "Big Boss Man" by Jimmy Reed, "You Are My Sunshine" by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell, and "Gold Digger" by Ewan MacColl. 5 original compositions, including the title track, "Tell 'em I'm Gone", and "Doors", are also showcased.

The styles expressed in the album are predominantly focused around liberty, love, and spirituality. The title track's lyrics talk about breaking devoid of materialism and society's expectations, a message that resonates with Yusuf's personal journey of soul-searching and self-discovery. Other tunes such as "The Devil Came from Kansas" and "I Was Raised in Babylon", check out styles of morality, temptation, and the struggle to keep one's faith in the face of misfortune.

Reception
The album got positive evaluations from music critics, who praised Yusuf's fascinating storytelling, his psychological depth, and the abundant mix of blues, folk, and rock sounds. Fans of Cat Stevens valued the album's credibility, as it stayed real to his initial musical style, while at the same time, showcased his development as an artist.

"Tell 'em I'm Gone" also collected attention due to Yusuf's shift from his popular folk-pop sound to a more blues-oriented and roots music-inspired design. The album's distinctive sound reflects Yusuf's long-standing love for American blues and R&B, honoring the music that has considerably affected his profession.

Conclusion
"Tell 'em I'm Gone" is an event of Yusuf/Cat Stevens' musical journey, showcasing his talents as a singer-songwriter and his deep connection to the music that has actually motivated him throughout his life. The album offers a perfect blend of initial compositions and Yusuf's interpretations of traditional tracks, with styles that are both thought-provoking and reflective of his life experiences. Produced by the distinctive touch of Rick Rubin and backed by an outstanding line-up of musicians, "Tell 'em I'm Gone" is a necessary album for any Cat Stevens fan and a powerful testimony to Yusuf's longevity as an artist.