Have You Never Been Mellow review
A delightful way to fill your musical sweet tooth is Olivia Newton-John’s new album, “Have You Never Been Mellow” (MCA records). The album is a worthy successor to last year’s very good “If You Love Me, Let Me Know” album (also MCA).
The English-born, Australian-raised songstress weaves a beguiling blend of country, soft rock and easy listening vocal styles despite her rather limited vocal range. The stylishness on occasion becomes a bit silly, a bit too sweet - such as her delivery of “kick your shoes off,” in her current single and the album’s title song. But the occasional overindulgences are made up for by excellent arrangements and production.
“Have You Never Been Mellow” is a song that relles on a strong hook chorus for its appeal. The catchy phrasing easily sticks in the mind, but the song overall is more cute than good.
THE ALBUM’s best song is her version of “The Alr That I Breathe,” a great song by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazelwood that recently was a big hit for the Hollies. Her version begins soft and simple, then expands to a wall of sound arrangement.
Two other strong culs are the country rocker “It’s So Easy” (probably her next single) and the forcefully fast “Water Under the Bridge.” There also is one Rick Nelson song and two by John Denver, with “Follow Me” being the better.