Physical
Pin-up fans around the world are ecstatic once again. Every year, MCA recording artist Olivia Newton-John comes up with a new sound, a new image and, most graphically, a newer more sensual wall poster. This time out Olivia has taken the look of a sea nymph.
And her music has become, dare we say it, more rock-oriented. It’s the most clearly defined change in her illustrious musical career, and lovely Livvy is up to the task, handling a new progressive adult pop direction with true panache. Songs like “Landslide” and “Strangers” have an almost hard rock intensity, but producer John Farrar creates a glossy sheen that makes them just ripe for Top 40.
The public also seems to be accepting Olivia’s alluring new image and sophisticated sound as the album has already shot to the #28 bullet position on the Cash Box Pop Albums chart in its second week of release. The LP’s title track is no slouch either, as it’s rocketing toward the Top 10 of the Cash Box Pop Singles chart at #12 bullet.
Other songs of interest on the bold new LP are the self-penned “The Promise (The Dolphin Song)” and “Silvery Rain.” The former was inspired by her love and concern for dolphins, which is also reflected in the graphics of the album. The latter, which was written 10 years ago, deals with pollution and is as relevant in the ’80s as it was then.
Ever since the comely lass (who was born in Manchester, England and raised in Australia) hit the U.S. with her country hit “Let Me Be There,” she has been bathed in gold and platinum. All of her LPs have gone gold and “Let Me Be There,” “If You Love Me Let Know,” “Greatest Hits,” “Have You Never Been Mellow,” Grease, “Totally Hot” and Xanadu have gone platinum.
Her wildly successful recording career has also given way to leading roles in Grease, one of the biggest grossing film musicals of all time, and Xanadu. Olivia has made the transition to the video medium as well. Her “Physical” vid is one of the most stunning promo films to spring forth from the fledgling field yet, featuring the lithe lady frolicking in a gym motif. Oh, and the pin-up market is doing pretty well too.