Olivia album sugar coated
Olivia Newton-John’s Greatest Hits, Olivia Newton-Joan MCA 3028
“Olivia Newton-John’s Greatest Hits” is an easy album to categorize. If you have no Olivia Newton-John records (or maybe just one or two) and happen to like the way the lady sings, then this greatest hits package is for you. If you have a sizeable collection Olivia’s material, then don’t buy this record because it would only of be a duplication.
We have talked at length this year of Newton-John’s career, musical abilities, concert performances, etc. There is no need to go any further. However, this album aptly symbolizes the reality that Olivia’s career is moving toward a more bland, middle-of-the-road phase. Songs such as “Come On Over”, “I Honestly Love You”, “Please Mr. Please”, “Sam”, “Something Better to Do” and “Have You Never Been Mellow” are representative of the candy-coated songs that have sold so well for Newton-John.
Still, the “Country” Olivia is not completely forgotten. Such favorites as “Let Me Be There”, “If You Love Me (Let Me Know)” and “Let It Shine” are included in the album. It is regrettable that this record fails to expose more of Olivia’s “country roots”.
Newton-John’s own composition, the effective ballad “Changes” is surprisingly among the selected numbers, I have to tip my hat to.
Reviewed By Van West