Audio CD review:
Olivia Newton-John - Stronger Than Before

Olivia Newton-John - Stronger Than Before

Band: Olivia Newton-John Title: Stronger Than Before Rating: Release Date: 20 March, 2006 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Stronger Than Before 2: When You Believe 3: Phenomenal Woman 4: Under the Skin 5: Pass It On 6: That's All I Know for Sure 7: When I Needed You 8: Can I Trust Your Arms 9: Don't Stop Believin' 10: Serenity

Customer Reviews Inspiration! As a big ONJ fan, I was entertained but not inspired by her last two more traditional studio cd's ("(2)" and "Indigo/Women of Song"). I'm coming back to this cd two years after its release because I've been listening to it consistently for that long. Both were well crafted, and found Olivia in typically good voice. But I had to go all the way back to 1998's "Back with a Heart" for a record that I really really loved. Then came "Stronger than Before," a sort of more inspired cousin to "BWAH. " It has a great country/pop feel, and seems a little like a throwback to her records of the 1970's. "Can I Trust Your Arms," written by Olivia and her daughter Chloe is a particular standout, and one that I was so moved to hear her perform live. Like last year's "Grace and Gratitude," "Stronger" benefits from Olivia's inspiration after surviving cancer. She has turned her inspiration into something beautiful and moving on both records. Now it's time for a major label to pick up ONJ (and this cd!) again. Inspirational! While written to provide hope and comfort to those battling cancer, the music certainly holds a wider appeal, and anyone struggling with adversity can relate in some way to the message of healing. I awaited with great anticipation this CD from Olivia Newton-John. Olivia approaches some of the more difficult and rarely discussed aspects of cancer and illness, including death (When I Needed You) and the physical changes that illness can bring (Under the Skin). A heartfelt, encouraging message from a truly gifted music icon, I would recommend this to anyone facing difficult personal challenges. . Olivia Truly Is 'Stronger Than Before' Fans have been loyal through the stream of endless greatest hits packages, and now find themselves rewarded with a consistent string of albums, many co-written by Olivia herself, and dealing with themes much more challenging than any of her 70's pop hits might have hinted. If the last twenty years proves anything at all, it is that Olivia Newton-John does not need commercial radio or video support to maintain her nearly forty year career. Stronger Than Before musically continues her spiritual quest following her successful battle with breast cancer, with a series of interesting tracks. On "Phenomenal Woman" (adapted from Maya Angelou's poem of the same name,) she is backed by a capable chorus featuring Patti LaBelle, Beth Nielsen Chapman, and Diahann Carroll, celebrating the spirit of womanhood. "Pass It On" and "That's All I Know For Sure" are bouncy, positive songs about sharing the love and experiences of life with others. "Under the Skin" co written with Amy Sky, is a tender, moving affirmation about loving someone for who they are, not what they look like. "When You Believe" and the title track, are both testaments to the power of positive energy, and that going through life's hardships only makes us stronger. Two standout tracks are the stunning "Can I Trust Your Arms?" (co written by Olivia and her musician daughter Chloe) and the moving "Serenity", a musical adaptation of the serenity poem, composed by Amy Sky. As with any album, there are a few missteps. "When I Needed You" is tedious and overly well-meaning, and while a new Bossa Nova reworking of her 1976 John Farrar penned hit "Don't Stop Believin' features a captivating new arrangement, Olivia's vocals feel strained and bit raspy. Overall, a triumph for the artist, and a gift to any music fan needing a spiritual lift. . . You can see a complete list of all Olivia Newton-John discography, or go back to the Olivia Newton-John tabs