Don't Stop Believin' review
DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’ (Olivia Newton-John)
If I were to be stranded on a desert island with one woman for the rest of my life, it would have to be Olivia Newton John.
Aside from her absolutely breath-taking physical beauty (which would be enough on its own), she sings like a sensuous canary. Prime examples of the Australian lassie’s talents are displayed in her latest album, “Don’t Stop Believin”. It’s worth buying for the cover alone!
However, inside is a pleasing collection of ten songs, with only two of these unimpressive. Produced in Nashville by John Farrar, the album is composed of original material, penned especially for Olivia. Most of the songs seem to represent lost love or sadness, obviously designed to suit Miss Newton-John’s expressive vocalizations. She has a way of caressing her songs, tenderly delivering them in her own breathy style. Indeed, this collection is ten times more erotic than Donna Summer’s gasping on “Love To Love You Baby!”
The set opens with “Don’t Stop Believin”, an optimistic ballad in which “Lw” assures her man “bad days will hurry by”.
“A Thousand Conversations” finds our beauty losing again, but finally relishing the joyous memories of her affair. Olivia then confronts her “Compassionate Man” with the knowledge that she’s aware he is going to leave her. But, oh, how kind he is, trying to let her down easy. Things get a little brighter as Olivia fondles her “New Born Babe”. The song poignantly captures the innocence and simplicity of childhood, and lovingly sketches the small things in life awaiting the young one. Only the ending expresses sadness, as the child is “getting older every day”.
Side Two reveals a mildly funky Olivia with “Every Face Tells A Story”. It’s lost-love time again, but she seems more determined and optimistic about the outcome. Then, Olivia pleads with “Sam” to come home and give their love another chance. (In my opinion, Sam must have been crazy to have ever left!). “Love you Hold the Key” is a calypso-flavored song that conjures up images of Olivia lounging in a grass skirt under a papaya tree.
Closing out the collection is a stunning number, “The Last Time You Loved”. The initial impression is that Lw is saying goodbye to her lover, but we soon discover she’s behind him all the way, ready to accept him as he is. It represents Olivia at her peak.
“Hey Mr. Dreammaker” and “I’ll Bet You Kangaroo” round out the album, but are unremarkable on their own, although “Kangaroo” features Charlie McCoy on harmonica.
The musicians and backup vocals are top-notch professionals and provide excellent support on the album.
“Don’t Sop Believin” is not going to set any precedents on musical history, but is an extremely enjoyable album. And it reinforces one fact: Olivia, I honestly love you!
By Michael Butts