The Rumour is the thirteenth studio album by Olivia Newton-John on 2 August 1988. The title track was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, features backing vocals and piano by John. The album featured the singles "The Rumour", "Can't We Talk It Over in Bed" (originally recorded by Grayson Hugh, whose version was released after Newton-John's) and the Australian-only promo-single "It's Always Australia for Me", which was released for the Australian Bicentenary in 1988. This was also her first album not produced by long-time producer, John Farrar.
The Rumour | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | 2 August 1988 | |||
Genre | Pop | |||
Length | 40:42 | |||
Label | Mercury | |||
Producer | ||||
Olivia Newton-John chronology | ||||
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Singles from The Rumour | ||||
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Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [1] |
The Rumour features the return of Olivia Newton-John after a two-year break due to the birth of her daughter Chloe Lattanzi in 1986. It has a careful production with the collaboration of some well-known songwriters, but it was a commercial failure. It marks a notable decline in Newton-John's popularity, being her lowest charting since If Not for You in 1971. It was her last studio album via Mercury.
This album was praised by critics as more mature, with Newton-John addressing topics such as AIDS ("Love and Let Live"), the environment and single-parent households.[2]
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "The Rumour" | 3:55 | ||
2. | "Love and Let Live" | Alan O'Day | Davitt Sigerson | 3:25 |
3. | "Can't We Talk It Over in Bed" |
| 3:53 | |
4. | "Let's Talk About Tomorrow" | Sigerson | 3:18 | |
5. | "It's Not Heaven" |
|
| 3:58 |
6. | "Get Out" |
| Sigerson | 3:55 |
7. | "Big and Strong" | Mark Heard | Sigerson | 4:32 |
8. | "Car Games" |
|
| 4:45 |
9. | "Walk Through Fire" | Sigerson | 5:30 | |
10. | "Tutta La Vita" |
| Sigerson | 3:31 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
6. | "It's Always Australia for Me" |
| Sigerson | 3:19 |
7. | "Get Out" |
| Sigerson | 3:55 |
8. | "Big and Strong" | Heard | Sigerson | 4:32 |
9. | "Car Games" |
|
| 4:45 |
10. | "Walk Through Fire" |
| Sigerson | 5:30 |
11. | "Tutta La Vita" |
| Sigerson | 3:31 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
11. | "Winter Angel" |
| Sigerson | 3:40 |
12. | "It's Always Australia for Me" |
| Sigerson | 3:19 |
Notes
Performers and musicians
Technical
Chart (1988) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australian Albums (ARIA)[3] | 30 |
Canada Top Albums/CDs (RPM)[4] | 94 |
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[5] | 96 |
Japanese Albums (Oricon)[6] | 31 |
US Billboard 200[7] | 67 |
US Cash Box Top Albums[8] | 120 |
Olivia Down Under | ||||
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Video by | ||||
Released | 1989 | |||
Recorded | 1988 | |||
Genre | Music video | |||
Length | 60 minutes | |||
Label | PolyGram | |||
Director | Brian Grant | |||
Producer | Paul Raphael | |||
Olivia Newton-John chronology | ||||
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Olivia Down Under is a compilation of music and clips from the album The Rumour released in 1989, featuring Newton-John performing songs from The Rumour against a backdrop of Australian scenery. For the special, Newton-John was nominated for a CableACE Award for Performance in a Music Special in 1989.[9]