Lulu -- yes, the "To Sir With Love" vocalist -- shines on this collection of British dance-floor tracks, including the big hit "Independence." Lulu has a terrific, soulful delivery, and the songs are mature and wise, the kind of material Dusty Springfield should have been doing. And Lulu proves herself to be a first-rate songwriter: Her composition, "I Don't Wanna Fight," later recorded by Tina Turner, is included here in its demo version. A neat, surprising collection.
We in the U.S. know Lulu as a singer who had a hit song "To Sir With Love" in the late 60's. But most of us are ignorant to the fact that Lulu's career has spanned several decades in the U.K. Her career began officially in 1964 with "Shout" which was probably the most raw version ever recorded from any teenager. She has at least 20 albums to her credit, not to mention the tours she has done in the U.K., and a number of television shows that she has hosted in the U.K.
From the opening number "Goodbye Baby And Amen", a rousing anthem that Lulu had a hand at writing, this collection was destined to be one of Lulu's best. A heavy vocal, "Every Woman Knows" is a cooking number that Lulu penned in a collaberative venture. "This Time Baby" is another uptempo dance number that is full of gutsy vocals plus a soulful arrangement. There is a mature openess in the emotion of "Independence". With good reason, this dance number went to number one in the U.K. for several weeks. "Save Your Soul" is in fact as you might expect, very deeply felt. One of the few ballads, "Don't Break My Heart" is a gospelly gorgeous vocal. Lulu hits musical notes that drive this to the essence of your being. "I Don't Wanna Fight" written in a collaberative venture by Lulu was nominated for a Grammy and originally recorded by Tina Turner. Lulu gives it her own compassionate interpretation. One of the truly best duets, "I'm Back For More", with Bobby Womack is the hottest experience on this cd!!! Lulu's vocal texture complements this brilliant rocker. "Let Me Wake Up In Your Arms" written by the 3 brothers Gibb and recorded in Miami has all of the ingredients of being a hit single. (And SHOULD have been!!!) This one was produced by Barry Gibb and remixed by Maurice Gibb, Lulu's ex-husband. Listen to the background voices and you will hear the Gibb Brothers' contribution. Another great thing about this cd is there is a remix of 3 of the best songs. The first one is "Every Woman Knows" and the heat is turned up to burn. The next is a remix of "Independence" that is as hot as the original but an interestingly cooking arrangement plus a good dance number. The heavy percussion and soulful keyboards in the remix of "Goodbye Baby And Amen" becomes a searing scorcher!! "Relight My Fire" will definitely do that! It was a number one song from Take That, this time remixed with Lulu in the vocal lead. Check out the hot trumpet solo near the end.
This is one of Lulu's best projects of her career. She holds nothing back in her vocals! The arrangements work perfectly with Lulu's raw voice. The productions are fully developed for this blue-eyed soul singer. For those who love Lulu, this cd is a must-have! An all-out winner!!!!
