Disco de Lulu: “Back On Track”

This is Lulu's greatest album! While I love her 90s releases on the Dome label, this is a Rock and Roll Lulu. She has returned to the style of music that made her a household name in the UK. Her voice is more mature and she is using it in a way that she wants to use it. It is a great voice and the compositions are perfect with superb production work. This is Lulu taking charge of her career and she is proving she is far more than a 60s icon of the British Invasion. She is a current recording artist to be reckoned with. There is not a single track that does not belong on this CD. There is nothing in the nostalgic vein. She is re-establishing herself as full-time singer/songwriter and she has what it takes. "Keep Talking, I'm Listening", "Yeah, You Love Me", "Slow Motion" are among my favourites but this album is so good that once it is over, I find myself hitting replay! After "Together" and her "Greatest Hits" (with DVD) this is the perfect follow-up. Lulu is a gifted singer and no one is telling her what to do; she knows what to do and I hope that more albums of this quality follows "Back On Track". I only wish it were a bit longer (it clocks in at some 45 minutes)

but it is well-worth the price to pay for an underrated artist showing that she never lost the rock and roll heart that was beating in her soul. You will hear that on this excellent CD. Have no qualms about this album. Lulu is truly "Back On Track"!

Lulu rocks!!!

Ten years after "Independence" was released to great critical acclaim, Lulu offers up "Back On Track", a stunning new album just out on the Mercury (UK) label. Whereas Lulu's recordings of the 90's focused on her great handling of R&B / Dance material, her new material returns to the rock roots that influenced her early career. She is older and wiser now, but her taste in good songs is still impeccable, and the inspiration she received from these compositions results in some of the best vocal performances she's ever recorded (and that's saying ALOT). Every track here is a winner; and even within the rock range that personifies this album, Lulu still manages to inject some soul and tenderness, most notably on "Supernatural", with it's Al Green / Hi Records feel, and "Sentimental Heart", with it's wistful, bittersweet melody and background chorus. Other strong cuts include "Slow Motion", "Could I Be More Blue?", "Roll The Dice", and "Yeah, Now You Love Me". The production is terrific, and reminds me of Jeff Lynne's work with George Harrison: crisp, clean instrumentation mixed with perfectly balanced vocals. Interestingly, the final cut, "Where The Poor Boy's Dance", an aching and heartfelt reflection on memory and longing, is a completely different mix than the Almighty single version, including another set of lyrics. Both versions are worth seeking out. This is a terrific album, and I would highly recommend it to new and old Lulu fans. I hope she is already working on another!

Unlike her British Birds 1960s contemporaries like Sandie Shaw and Cilla Black who have taken stabs at contemporary-style music with uneven results, Lulu has been Back On Track since the early 90s with continuous releases of great, rollicking, gutsy recordings. No slouch in the song-writing department, she co-wrote "I Don't Want To Fight", the amazing Tina Turner hit, and quite a few of her own '90s recordings. Back On Track is a change of material insofar as its much more rock'n'roll and much less club/dance than her '90s stuff. "Keep Talkin', I'm Listening" is a major hit awaiting recognition, as powerful and gutteral as any Melissa Etheridge effort. This song is ideal movie soundtrack material. As in any CD certain tracks are real standouts, some others take a few plays to grow on you, but there's not a genuine throw-away in the whole bunch. Mercury Records kept this album on hold for 2 years...WHY? It's the perfect mood-elevating CD for when you're driving to the clubs or the beach. Search for it on eBay for the best price.

Through the decades since the incredible British Invasion of the great musical sixties, Lulu has remained a strong musical force re-inventing herself each decade since with great releases and "Back On Track" show Lulu is on track but sadly the Music Industry isn't...each unique track is filled with great things and once these terrific songs grab one, you are hooked!

Hopefully this was a hit as British radio is more in tune with great music than musically pathetic United States...each song is engrossing and "All The Love In The World" is another anthem from the great singer who like fine wine has aged well...looking stunning and sounding amazing, Lulu rocks and "Back On Track" is a winning keeper...rock on Lulu!

Lulu returns to her rough and tough rock roots. This album is full of rockers and ballads. "Keep Talkin, I'm Listening" was released in the U.K. as a single. "Yeah, Now You Love Me" is perfect for Lulu's rough voice. "Slow Motion" is a real cooker and would be great for U.S. air play. "Could I Be More Blue?" has an almost "country ballad" feel. Lulu's vocal on the ballad "All The Love In The World" is rich and soulful. "Supernatural" is a "feel good" kind of song. "Roll The Dice" is one of those rousing numbers that you just have to move to. "I Love You Goodbye" could easily be a hit. Lulu's "Kiss And Tell" is like a revival. Lulu proves that she is not afraid to try new directions in her music. This project reveals that many songs were written by Lulu herself. The songs flow together very well but never sound repetitious. The only problem with this CD is that it will probably never gain airplay in the U.S. If you are a die hard Lulu fan, this one is highly recommended for your collection. While very different from Lulu's CDs in recent years, this one will grow on you fast.