When given the right material, Lulu is one of the finest singers in the history of pop music. She has recorded some truly dreadful records, the worst being Boom bang a bang, but her best work is pure magic - just listen to Rhino's From crayons to perfume compilation, which leaves out all the rubbish, and which I bought instead of any of the British compilations.
It was therefore with some doubts that I bought this collection of covers featuring duets with a varied collection of partners, some older than Lulu, but others not even born when Lulu had her last big solo hit. I needn't have worried - although I can't say I love every track, the overall impression is far better than I dared hope for. After two spins, I generally prefer the ballads, but you may prefer the uptempo rocking songs, some of which are excellent. In any case, there is plenty of variety.
All the tracks are newly recorded except Relight my fire, which was recorded with Take That in the nineties and topped the British charts. It is the last track of the album.
If you haven't got any of Lulu's music, this is a fine introduction for fans of the current pop scene. Fans of the sixties and seventies should start with From crayons to perfume. Either way, if you buy one, you may become sufficiently curious to buy the other.
Lulu obviously hopes that this collection will sell to young and old alike. She may well succeed in that aim, and certainly deserves to.
This cd is one of the best releases from last year. I am surprised the US hasn't released this title domestically? It would be a sure hit!
I have been a Lulu fan for the last 50 yrs! Don't know what more to say! So thanks for sending!
