Olivia Newton-John - Have You Never Been Mellow

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Free Music Notes for Have You Never Been Mellow

Free Music Review: A shining example of Newton-John's 1970's output
Hit: 5 Stars

A lot of the output from here on in up until Olivia's change of image in 1978 is a little patchy. Trying to bridge the gap between pop, Barbra-lite easy listening and country-folk, one gets the impression that she was almost trying too hard with a rate of two new studio albums a year. Luckily, 'Have You Never Been Mellow' manages to successfully merge the dreamy British feel of her first four records with the more commercial, FM-radio based feel of Olivia's American career.

The album is a joy from start to finish. It opens with 'Have You Never Been Mellow', still a pleasure all these years later and seemingly a favourite with Olivia too as she always seems to perform it live. Lovely lyrics and a gorgeous sentiment all wrapped up into a dreamy little package. 'Loving Arms', 'Lifestream' and 'I Never Did Sing You A Lovesong' are inoffensive radio fodder of the mid-seventies with Olivia's lamenting vocals and pleasant instrumentation. The record also includes two John Denver covers, an ingenious idea, combining Olivia's remarkable vocal strength with John's heartwrenching lyrics and melodies. 'Goodbye Again' and 'Follow Me' are definite highlights.

Olivia also tries her hand at a couple of uptempos, not uptempos by 'Physical' standards but certainly along the lines of the light and peppy pop tunes she was recording back in Britain. 'Water Under The Bridge' is 'Banks Of The Ohio' with less twang, faster pace, and better lyrics, and 'It's So Easy' is similarly pleasing. (I love the footage of Olivia singing this at a televised New Years' Eve party in 1975; she gets to the end of the song, walks up some stairs, trips, and squeals into the microphone. Ahhh, bless!)

A couple of songs of particular note include the beautiful 'Please Mr Please' which has become an Olivia standard, her breathtaking cover of the Everly Brothers' 'The Air That I Breathe' (I would go as far to say that this may be the quintessential recording of this tune) as well as a rather dark little song about one-night stands called 'And In The Morning'. Reminds me quite a bit of 'Amoureuse' from the 'Let Me Be There' (aka 'Music Makes My Day') record.

Add to that, of course, the 'Let Me Be There' copycat 'If You Love Me (Let Me Know)' which is infinitely better than its predecessor, and you have a very enjoyable summary of Olivia's early career. The album is cohesive, sharp, and lovingly warm. A definite must-have in any fan's collection.

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