"Route 101" by Herb Alpert

Song#:  1081
Date:  06/26/1982
Debut:  71
Peak:  37
Weeks:  10
Genre:  Pop, Adult Contemporary



Pop Bits:  Thanks in part to being featured on the soap "General Hospital," Alpert enjoyed a late-career #1 with the title-track to his 1979 album "Rise." His two follow-up LPs didn't make much impact, so Alpert returned to the Latin-esque sound of his earlier recordings with the Tijuana Brass and issued "Fandango." The album was received well and this first single returned him to the pop Top 40 and the AC Top 10 (#4). It would be Alpert's last instrumental single to reach the Top 40.

ReduxReview:  Combining his earlier Latin-based sound with the sophisticated AC of his later tracks paid off quite well. I liked "Rise," but thought it was a bit cheezy with the disco beat and hand claps. This song suits my style much better and I consider it one of his best singles.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  Before his career began with the Tijuana Brass, Alpert wrote (or co-wrote) and produced songs for other artists. One song he co-wrote was Sam Cooke's 1960 hit "Wonderful World." The song reached #12 at pop and #2 R&B. Later generations may recognize the tune as the one being played during the start of the famous lunchroom scene in the 1978 film "Animal House."

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