New Directions, released in 1977, was the seventh and final studio album by The Meters before their temporary dissolution. The band was experiencing creative and personal tensions, and this album reflects a search for new styles, including influences from funk, soul, and pop. Recorded in New Orleans and Los Angeles with Allen Toussaint, the album attempted to capitalize on the success of disco music but failed to connect with audiences. Reception was lukewarm, and soon after the group disbanded.
The sound of New Directions is the most polished and commercial of the band, with prominent use of synthesizers and orchestral arrangements. Songs like 'New Directions' and 'Keep on Marching' showcase a lighter funk, while 'Funkify Your Life' tries to recapture the energy of their early days. Despite the efforts, the album lacks the cohesion and spark of their previous work.
The legacy of New Directions is bittersweet: it marks the end of an era for The Meters, but also shows their willingness to experiment. Over time, it has been rediscovered by some collectors as a curiosity in their catalog. Its impact is limited, but it serves as a document of the challenges funk bands faced during the rise of disco music.