(2009–2012) Wherever You Are: "New Chapter" and "Spiritique"
Performing live in the Maida Vale Studios,[48][49] Yusuf explained that "It's 2009, I have different challenges, I've got different issues and I will not sing religious-themed music just for the sake of business – it's got to be what I feel". Yusuf released his third, official studio album named Wherever You Are in October 2010, welcomi
ng what he termed a "New Chapter" in his professional career and music.[50] "Spiritique" is Yusuf’s self-coined musical and philosophical classification of his music. Spiritique, according to Yusuf, is a blend of both the "oriental and occidental" sounds, underpinned by spirituality that "will utilize music as a facilitator for spiritual appreciation, regardless of race and religion". Yusuf considers it his new sound and "something [he] wants to stand for from now".[51] With the exceptions of songs like "No Word is Worthy", "You Came To Me" and "Salaam" (though the latter is more of a 'humanitarian ode' than religiously themed) the 12 track-set album purposely draws less upon religious content[52] leaving room for interpretation for listeners of all backgrounds. Yusuf maintains, however, that it follows the "same principles and ingredients [of] honesty, [and] sincerity".[53] Introducing the album in its official trailer as a "mini diary of events"[54] that occurred from 2007 to 2010, Yusuf emphasized that the content is essentially a reflection of his worldview: "This third album is about who I am and the reality of the day and age we are living in. It talks about the hypocrisy. ... it’s quite dark".[52] Songs like "Give the Young A Chance", featuring lyrics by Ian Brown, incorporate heavy usage of metaphors, likening the youth to "jewels" and allusions to "gardens where birds will sing lullabies" and "sweet scents fill the air".[55] British singer-songwriter Conner Reeves and Turkish singer Sezen Aksu also collaborated with Yusuf in the track "Without You".[56] "In Every Tear, He Is There" song, another track collaboration with Conner Reeves, concludes with an African choir singing "In Every Tear/ That is where/He is There" repeatedly in Zulu.[57] "Fragile World", Yusuf’s admittedly own favorite track,[58] is reflective of the "dark"[52] experiences he underwent throughout the years.[59] Though predominantly performed in English, several tracks include verses in Arabic, Malaysian, Persian and Urdu. It has been given 3.5 stars out of 4 by Rolling Stone magazine, and commended as a "beautifully produced album".[60] Sami Yusuf has visited Turkey, UAE, and Qatar to promote "Wherever You Are" and is due to travel to Egypt, Singapore, Malaysia, and Jordan in the near future,[61] plus an upcoming European tour scheduled for spring 2011.[62] In Late 2011, ETM began distributing with Sony Music Malaysia with Sami Yusuf's album "Wherever you are". The video for "In Every Tear He Is There" has been released and that for "Make Me Strong" was released on 6 April 2012.
