Rumour review
OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN “THE RUMOUR” (MCA)
The singer sounds as sweet as ever on this fairly generic collection of middle-of-the road fodder. Considering the years which have lapsed between the artist’s album projects while she set up house with her new hubby and baby, one would expect a more consistent and powerful offering here.
The Elton John/Bernie Taupin title track, chosen as the LP’s first single, is really the only gem of this package. Upbeat pop a la Elton’s own “Island Girl,” the song springs to life from the first note as Olivia’s vocals are delightfully accented by those of Elton himself. Davey Johnstone supplies the guitar lines here, which, perhaps more than anything else, give the song that vintage E.J. feel.
The break-up/make-up song, “Can’t We Talk It Over In Bed.” is a worthwhile ballad in typical Newton-John fashion. It could do well in re-establishing the artist on the adult contemporary charts and airwaves.
Let’s Talk About Tomorrow” is one of four Newton-John songwriting contributions to the album, and the only one which rises above mediocrity. Perhaps this song succeeds where the others fail because it concerns itself with environmental preservation, a subject about which Liv is most passionate.
Those who are already Newton-John fans most likely will find it enjoyable, but it would seem quite unlikely that new fans will be wooed with this one.
RATING: 2 Stars
By Tom Lounges, Times Correspondent