Is New Routes a good place to start with Lulu?

Yes, New Routes is recommended as a starting point for new Lulu listeners. A vibrant blend of pop and soul, showcasing powerful vocals over catchy melodies and engaging arrangements. Released in 1970, New Routes was Lulu's fifth studio album, marking a period of artistic exploration following her earlier hits like 'To Sir With Love.' At this time, Lulu was transitioning from her initial teen idol status into a more mature artist capable of tackling diverse musical styles and themes.

Who is New Routes for?

New Routes works well if you're into playful arrangements that invite dancing, steady mid-tempo flow throughout and heartfelt melodies for sing-alongs.

How many songs are on New Routes?

New Routes has 11 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

New Routes

Lulu · 1970

32 min · 11 tracks · pop music

A vibrant blend of pop and soul, showcasing powerful vocals over catchy melodies and engaging arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Marley Purt Drive Start here — The opening track captures the album's upbeat spirit with a catchy hook and showcases Lulu's dynamic vocal range right from the start.
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Dirty Old Man — This track stands out for its playful lyrics and infectious rhythm, reflecting the album's blend of fun and sophistication while addressing themes of attraction.
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Mr. Bojangles — Lulu’s rendition of this classic adds depth to the album, highlighting her ability to interpret poignant lyrics with emotional resonance and compelling delivery.
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Feelin’ Alright — This cover showcases Lulu’s commanding voice and ability to infuse energy into well-known songs, serving as a testament to her versatility as an artist.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy melodies with strong vocals, but its reliance on covers limits its distinctiveness.

What we noticed

Lulu's vocal delivery is consistently powerful, often employing dynamic shifts between softer verses and more forceful choruses.
Several tracks, such as 'Feelin’ Alright' and 'Mr. Bojangles', incorporate rhythmic variations that keep the listener engaged throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

playful arrangements that invite dancing
steady mid-tempo flow throughout
heartfelt melodies for sing-alongs
short tracks for quick enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy, immersive albums
seek intense emotional depth

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified Lulu's position as a pop icon with commercial success.
Themes: playful attraction· 1970s pop sophistication· emotional resilience
Career context: Released in 1970, New Routes was Lulu's fifth studio album, marking a period of artistic exploration following her earlier hits like 'To Sir With Love.' At this time, Lulu was transitioning from her initial teen idol status into a more mature artist capable of tackling diverse musical styles and themes.
Stylistic neighbors: Petula Clark· Dusty Springfield· Cilla Black