Australia’s first lady of song, Olivia Newton-John has enjoyed a career spanning more than 30 years. Her long list of music achievements includes 4 Grammy’s, 9 American Music Awards, the 1999 Daytime Emmy for best original song, an OBE and most recently a well-deserved entry into the Australian Recording Industry Hall of Fame.

Olivia has faced and survived numerous trials in her life including bankruptcy, divorce and a traumatic battle with breast cancer. Her seemingly unconquerable spirit and sheer courage has allowed her to get through all of these events with a sense of dignity rarely seen in the pop music world. As demonstrated on this CD, the silver lining in all of this is that these adversities have injected a depth and integrity into much of her music that was previously missing.

The Tracks

The tracks on this CD were recorded live in Atlantic City in August 1999. As the title suggests, it is intended to be a musical journey through Olivia’s life. The success of the collection, however, does not rely solely on a revisit of old hits, but also includes an impressive array of self-penned recent material. The sound quality incidentally is of the highest standards.

The early hits

When Olivia first burst onto the US music scene her early material was labeled country but consistently enjoyed crossover success in the pop market. Most of her well-known hits from this time are included on this collection, including “If You Love Me (let me Know)” (1974: US #4), “Let me be There” (1974: US #5), “Sam” (1977: US #20; UK #6), “Please Mister Please” (1975; US #3) and “I Honestly Love You” (1974: US #1), to name but a few. These songs represent country music at its finest and at the time of their release did much to dispel myths that country music was about nasal vocals and big hats.

The versions on this collection in almost every case exceed the original recordings. The reason for this is that through life experience Olivia has gained a better understanding of the material and freely admits it. This substantially impacts on her performances as she now sings them as a person who has been touched by their subject matter.

For example, when Olivia sings “Have You Ever Been Mellow”, she now knows how it feels as a parent to look at your young child and for that one selfish moment not want them to grow up. Similarly when she performs the beautiful ballad “Sam”, you can tell that Olivia has experienced the sense of loss, loneliness and insecurity that comes along with divorce, as well as the mixed feelings that occur when you again see your former partner.

Also particularly noteworthy, is the performance of the country ballad “Please Mister Please”. Backed by a crying piano and an interweaving flute, Olivia squeezes every ounce of drama and anguish out of this number. For those not familiar with “Please Mister Please” its about lost love and that feeling you get when you unexpectedly hear the love song that you and your former partner once considered to be “your” song.

The movie and video songs

For many people Olivia will be best remembered for her 1978 role in the most profitable musical of all time – “Grease”. Her three biggest hits from the movie “You’re the One That I want” (US & UK #1), “Hopelessly Devoted to You” (US #3; UK #2) and “Summer Nights” (US #5 and UK #1) are included on this set with interpretations very close to the originals.

In concert, Olivia usually dons a leather jacket for these songs and clearly takes great pride in being able to effortlessly step back for a brief moment into her former movie role. Olivia’s love for the material is very evident and this shines through these fun filled performances which are every bit as good as the movie versions.

Other movie songs included on the collection include the hit “Xanadu” (1980: US #8; UK #1) and “Magic”. Again these are fun performances. The interpretations here are given a contemporary edge through added instrumentation, particularly the saxophone.

The 1980’s video hit “Let’s Get Physical” also makes an appearance. The vocal performance is so similar to the original hit that it is hard to believe that it was originally recorded some 20 years ago. The version on this collection if anything is better than the original work. This in the main can be attributed to the fact that the musical accompaniment leans more towards rock than 80’s pop. The electric guitar solo is also particularly effective and serves to give the song a more updated feel.

The New Material

The new songs on this collection demonstrate a side of Olivia’s talents that has hitherto largely gone unrecognized – her ability as a singer songwriter. In addition to compelling lyrics and fascinating imagery, the music itself is compelling and performed in a variety of contemporary styles.

A personal favorite is “Not Gonna Give Into It”. This fast paced Latin style number is in the sort of style that we have come to expect from Ricky Martin. Although upbeat in its presentation, the subject could not be more serious. It deals with the fear and loneliness that Olivia faced during her battle with cancer and her unrelenting refusal to succumb to the disease. The song is a moving musical testament to the power of the human spirit to fight against all odds and is an absolute inspiration.

In comparison “Hover” is one of the most beautiful and touching ballads ever put to disc. Inspired by the death of a young child, the song searches from a parent’s perspective to find solace and meaning in this kind of tragedy. Its impossible not to be moved by this performance. Be warned, however, if you have ever been touched by this type of heartbreak it makes for difficult listening.

“Back with a Heart” is completely different material altogether. A medium paced honky-tonk blues number, it is typified by great guitar work and harmonica. Olivia gives the song a gutsy delivery and shows her untapped potential as a blues artist. Prior to commencing the performance Olivia explains the message behind the song as follows: “The wonderful thing about the human spirit is that we manage to bounce back - and what’s more we come back with a heart”

Another excellent performance is the environmentally friendly ballad “Don’t Cut me Down”. Inspired by the senseless chopping down of the Brazilian rainforest, the number is supported by a magnificent saxophone backdrop and is presented as if the rainforest is singing the song. This unique approach is particularly effective in bringing home the message that the cutting down of rainforest is a senseless self-destructive act that deprives us all of the unique gifts and kinship that the natural world has to offer.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

One of the classic ballads of all time, Judy Garland’s signature tune is given a superlative performance on this set. Supported by a smoky piano and a haunting harmonica, Olivia effectively captures the essence of this fantastic song. This is not surprising as in many ways “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is really what so much of this collection is all about. Specifically, the message that no matter how bad things seem to get if you just hang in there you will eventually make it through and end up “over the rainbow with your troubles far behind you”.

Rating

Without any doubt this is the best album that has ever been recorded by Olivia Newton-John. The range of material, the quality of the recording and performances, and the depth and insightfulness inherent in many of the lyrics are frankly staggering.

In short, this is a thoroughly enjoyable collection that is worthy of a 5 star rating. The performances contained on this set are a testament to the notion that great music is merely a reflection of the human spirit coming to terms with adversity and refusing to give in.


Recommended: Yes