Lulu - Lulu (1981/2020)

"I Could Never Miss You" (More Than I Do)" is one of those exquisite singles that you can just think of years after having heard it on the radio, and the melody will swim around in your head all day. Coming 14 years after "To Sir With Love," it is a triumphant return to the charts for Lulu her biggest American hit next to the aforementioned title track to the Sidney Poitier film. Composed by songwriter N. Harrison, "I Could Never Miss You" is a pop blues song about the one that got away. When Lulu sings the classic line "I've had my share of backing nothing but losers," you get the feeling she means it, and she's missing the one winner. N. Harrison contributes two more titles, "Can't Hold Out on Love" and the Bee Gees-esque "Don't Take Love for Granted." One only wonders if Albhy Galuten, producer of Lulu's ex-husband Maurice Gibb, had directed this tune (and album) instead of Mark London, perhaps there would have been additional hits. Ahh, but then we might not have the sweeping strings and lush arrangement of the opening track, "I Could Never Miss You," so significant that Melba Moore put a faithful version on vinyl as well. The album concludes with the singer doing a rare piano and vocal reading of "If You're Right," a sparse production with touches of strings, very much like what the late Nik Venet cut with Harriet Schock on 1991's American Romance. In between they cover a lot of ground the opening track on side two, "You Win, I Lose," is a disco/funk tune, smart adult contemporary pop dramatically different from the rest of the album with a performance by Lulu which goes from sweet to growling. "If I Were You" is a nice AC smooth selection, with Lulu's voice just perfect for this format. "Loving You" is straight blues, and either producer Mark London or the record label had this artist dipping into different musical bags. The quasi-bossa nova take on the Rolling Stones "The Last Time" just doesn't work, and it's a pity because she brought the cover songs included on the 1973 Chelsea album so much life. Along with the Chelsea Records disc from eight years prior, there are numerous other albums of the artist's which were named Lulu by the labels issuing them. It does create confusion, especially since her unique vocal sound and impressive range has really never been appreciated by the masses. "Can't Hold Out on Love," "Who's Foolin' Who," and "You Are Still a Part of Me" all make for a solid effort from this star. Her 1970 hit "Oh Me Oh My" (I'm a Fool for You Baby)," like the hit included here, is one of those songs that is more than just memorable, they are extraordinary singles. Lulu is one of those artists that could come back at any time, and this Alfa release is a worthy addition to her important catalog.