Olivia Newton-John

The Rumour

There Was A Rumour That Olivia Was Back

Review Score:

(8/10)
This album was released in 1988 at a time when the singer was at a personal crossroads. She previously was coming off a series of "failed" projects...her album "Soul Kiss" trying to be too MTV started out as a hit but went dead upon arrival...her movie career faltered with "Two Of A Kind" as she unsuccessfully reunited with John Travolta...she even had a very moderate hit with producer and record mogul David Foster called "The Best Of Me," that stalled at #80 on the charts!

On a personal front, Newton-John was more focused on motherhood and in the process began becoming more personally aware of her environment and her surroundings. This resulted in what was to become her comeback album called "The Rumour." She penned 4 of the 10 songs on this album, that reflects her new found awareness and for the first time her art reflected a social substance first and foremost, over the imaging and packaging that seemed to be evident in her professional singing career of the 1970's and early 1980's.

The album's title track was a bouncy, uplifting track written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. It's fun, livvy, most reminiscent of her early 80's hits like "Physical" and "Twist of Fate." The album and the title track stalled in the 60's on the charts mainly because the pop culture was embracing a new formula of dance music (Janet Jackson, Jody Watley, Paula Abdul). New teenage superstars like (Tiffany and Debbie Gibson) were beginning to flourish and Olivia was simply placed in the bargin bin because pop culture labeled her as "too old."

This is not to say that this is not an excellent album. It is a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience throughout. (It just didn't coincide with where popular music was at during this time.)

The songs on the collection address many social issues: AIDS ("Love And Let Live") in which Newton-John espouses the importance of getting to know your partner longer before having sex. It is almost the antithesis to her megahit "Physical." It has a great beat with a hard rock edge.

She also embraces the joy of approaching middle age (She turned 40 years old that year), with "Tutta La Vita." This sense of optimism is a wonderful way for the diva to close the album.

"It's Not Heaven," is a poignant ballad concerning children's attitudes concerning divorce and the challenges of becoming a single parent. This song is highly reminiscent of "Changes" which appeared on her 1974 album ("If You Love Me...Let Me Know.")

"Let's Talk About Tomorrow" is an upbeat tune reflecting social conscience and a foreshadowing of Olivia's responsiblity to make this planet a better place for herself and her newborn daughter, Chloe. There is a significant sense of urgency in her vocal intonation as she addresses her plea to combat pollution and social corruption.

"Can't We Talk It Over In Bed" is a saccharine ballad in which she is more vocally expressive involving the importance of communication with her partner.

"Car Games" is a fun jazzy romp, very different from other Olivia tunes from the past.

"Get Out" is a newfound personal expression of freedom and marked the first time Olivia had recorded a folk/country tinged song. It works well with the diversity within this collection.

"Walk Thru Fire" is the best ballad on the album. Written by hitmakers David and David and showcases Olivia's pristine voice quite well.

"Big And Strong" finds Olivia belting out some of the highest and longest notes in her 17 year career at that time. It is apparent that her voice (along with her songwritting abilities) are beginning to evolve.

At the time of release, Olivia made a videotape of the album titled "Down Under," which tied into Austrlia's bicentenial celebration. The video was extremely entertaining and contained bonus tracks that never made it to the album, ("Winter Angel"/"Old Fashioned Man/"Click Go The Shears.") The special was aired on HBO and the videotape was released.

Overall, this is a very strong album that marked a crossroads in which Olivia began to move from the pop culture market towards experimenting with different styles and different producers with excellent results. Buy this album and you will find yourself singing and humming along with many of the tracks.

More Reviews: