An Other Cup is Yusuf Islam's first album of modern pop songs since his last album in 1978. Of his return to the pop music world, Yusuf Islam says, "I feel right about making music and singing about life in this fragile world again.  It is important for me to be able to help bridge the cultural gaps others are sometimes frightened to cross."

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A spiritual master received a learned man who came to gain deeper insight into the mysteries of life.

The master prepared tea. While serving the tea he began to explain, but the learned professor kept on interrrupting with his own opinions. So the master poured his visitor's cup full, and then kept on pouring.

The learned man watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself, "It is overfull. No more will go in!"

"Like this cup," the master said, "you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you anything unless you first empty your cup?"