Album: The Laughing Apple

Introduction
"The Laughing Apple" is a 2017 album by British singer-songwriter Yusuf Islam, who was formerly referred to as Cat Stevens. This album marked the 50th anniversary of his music profession and the 40th anniversary of his conversion to Islam. The album is a go back to the acoustic folk-pop design that was when his signature noise throughout the late 60s and early 70s. This record integrates brand-new product with reimagined versions of his earlier tunes.

Background
Yusuf Islam had actually been away from the music market for nearly 30 years after becoming a devout Muslim and altering his name. In 2006, he made a comeback with his album "An Other Cup", which was followed by "Roadsinger" (2009) and "Tell 'Em I'm Gone" (2014). However, "The Laughing Apple" symbolizes a return to his musical roots and the original noise that made him popular.

The album's title is a nod to among Cat Stevens' early influences, William Blake, who described a laughing apple tree in his poem "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell". The album's artwork was highlighted by Yusuf himself, and is similar to his earlier album covers.

Track Listing and Song Descriptions
"The Laughing Apple" includes 11 songs, some of which are previously unreleased tracks from Cat Stevens' early career, while others are remodelled variations of his timeless songs:

1. Blackness of the Night - This tune was first tape-recorded in 1967, and the brand-new variation keeps its initial melancholic melody, however with a more modern noise.
2. See What Love Did to Me - As one of the new structures on the album, this track is a memorable, upbeat folk-pop tune that assesses the transformative power of love.
3. The Laughing Apple - The title track of the album is a whimsical, poetic song about innocence and the covert pleasures of life.
4. Olive Hill - A previously unreleased tune that takes a trip through Yusuf's childhood memories, filled with nostalgic imagery.
5. Grand sons - Serving as the conclusion of "Father and Son" trilogy, it assesses the relationship in between a grandfather and his grandchildren.
6. Mighty Peace - This track is a prayer for world peace and a plea for unity amongst nations.
7. Mary and the Little Lamb - A gentle and tender song that informs the story of Mary and her friendship with a little lamb.
8. You Can Do (Whatever) - Inspired by a conversation with his granddaughter, this song is a message of encouragement and reassurance.
9. Northern Wind (Death of Billy the Kid) - A storytelling song that narrates the awful life and death of the infamous criminal, Billy the Kid.
10. Do not Blame Them - This track promotes understanding and compassion towards others, emphasizinng the importance of not judging people based upon their actions before knowing their story.
11. I'm So Sleepy - A lullaby-like tune that concludes the album; this track was first released in his launching album, "Matthew & Son" (1967).

Reception and Legacy
"The Laughing Apple" got positive evaluations from both fans and critics. The album debuted at number 9 on the UK Albums Chart and at number 4 on the United States Independent Albums Chart. Lots of critics valued the album's classic appeal and noted how it with dignity reviewed Yusuf's early profession.

For fans who have actually liked Cat Stevens' music from years past, this album is a wonderful journey down memory lane, stimulating his timeless noise while merging it with the wisdom and viewpoint he has actually gotten throughout the years. "The Laughing Apple" stands as a testament to Yusuf Islam's long-lasting talent and his ability to reinvent himself while staying real to his artistic roots.