Yusuf Islam Puts His Pop Hat Back On

Yusuf Islam is preparing to release his first new pop album in 28 years this fall via Polydor.

The singer-songwriter was born Stephen Demetre Georgiou but was better known by his performing name, Cat Stevens. After his gentle pop songs made him a big star in the early '70s, he left the music world after converting to the Islamic faith in 1977.

"There were 100 reasons for leaving the music industry, not least because I had found what I was looking for spiritually," Islam told The Independent.

"Today there are perhaps 101 good reasons why I feel right making music and singing about life in this fragile world again. Much has changed, but today I am in a unique position as a looking-glass through which Muslims can see the west and the west cab see Islam. It is important for me to be able to bridge the cultural gap others are sometimes frightened to cross."

The still untitled album was recorded with help from producer Rick Nowels (Madonna, Dido, Rod Stewart). It will be released on the 40th anniversary of his first record, I Love My Dog, which was released in 1966. Islam's return to pop was given a push by last year's duet with Ronan Keating on a Dolly Parton covers album.

Islam has released 10 albums of religious material featuring drum and vocal performances through his own U.K.-based label, Mountain Of Light.

Cat Stevens released 12 original albums and more than 20 greatest hits albums, compilations and reissues have also entered the market. His hits included "The First Cut Is The Deepest," "Wild World," "Moonshadow" and "Morning Has Broken."