Customer Reviews

New Routes

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For years I'd been waiting for "New Routes" to come out on CD. Had it come out before "The Atco Sessions," I'd have gladly purchased it and been content. But please read the reviews of Lulu's creative output during this four year period of her career--you may want to spend the extra $$ on "The Atco Sessions." You'll get all of "New Routes," and you'll be investing in a real keeper.

Lulu's NEW ROUTES album is a bonafide classic. Hearing Lulu with her unbound soulful voice and energy backed up by the Southern musicians in Muscle Shoals, Alabama is female vocalist nirvana. I always thought this album deserved the respect that DUSTY IN MEMPHIS has received. It is a classic from the hit single OH ME OH MY [ I'M A FOOL FOR YOU BABY ], and other emotive ballads like the exquisite IS THAT YOU LOVE , the loneliness of WHERE'S EDDIE and AFTER ALL [ I LIVE MY LIFE ] to the rock / soul swagger that Lulu displays on stompin' versions of FEELIN' ALRIGHT, DIRTY OLD MAN and SWEEP AROUND YOUR OWN BACK DOOR This album illustrates how Lulu had a natural affinity for letting loose in the studio, and pouring her heart and soul into song.

The only disappointment is that Rhino waited just years and years to release NEW ROUTES on CD. With Rhino UK releasing this album, plus the 1970 follow-up album MELODY FAIR in a 2 CD set , with an extra Disc 2 of UNRELEASED and SINGLES ONLY TRACKS makes this reissue too late to the market. Rhino US should have released this 10 years ago when everyone was dying for it on CD. Always a classic, but spring for the 2 CD complete THE ATCO SESSIONS [ which again, the US Rhino label screwed up by NOT releasing it in the US ].

This album captures the pinnacle of Lulu's soulfulness. " New Routes " is a classic, recorded in Muscle Shoals with the best Southern musicians, including the young Duane Allman. The songs are all stellar, and Lulu sings soul music naturally , making this album one of the highlights of her recording career.

Truly classic, just as great as any other blue eyed soul artist, Lulu just is in her element singing these songs. " OH ME OH MY [ I'M A FOOL FOR YOU BABY ]" is the big hit from here, with an amazing performance that Lulu really lets loose on. Many great ballads, but also a stunning number of r&b/pop ravers like her version of " FEELING ALRIGHT " that is a real stomper with the horns & percussion & Lulu's fierce vocal. " DIRTY OLD MAN " is a rocker featuring Duane Allman on lead guitar. Other ballads like " IS THAT YOU LOVE ", " WHERE'S EDDIE ", & " AFTER ALL [ I LIVE MY LIFE ] ", are just exquisitely sung & produced.

Atlantic/Atco wanted Lulu to record for them after her Epic label run was through because she had the voice & talent. She just excels singing with this kind of backing & producers that knew soul music & artists so well . I never understood why this album didn't reap more praise , but it rates in my opinion as one of the best female pop/r&b albums ever.

I played the CD as soon as it arrived. The packaging was excellent, so the CD looked and played like new.