Come on Over

by

Olivia Newton-John

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It's one of Olivia's best covers! But that of course is not the reason this album ranks as one of her best, and most under-rated. She does a wonderful cover of "Jolene," which is more exciting that Dolly's. "Pony Ride" is a beautiful and quite unusual ballad that works well with Olivia's classic breathy voice. Her inclusion of "Greensleeves" is bold, and she does a great job with it. "Don't Throw It All Away," later covered by Dave and Sugar, is a winner. My three favorites are: "Who Are You Now," "Smile for Me," and "Small Talk and Pride." Her cover of "The Long and Winding Road" is commendable, too. Olivia worked well with John Farrar and this shows in this wonderful collection. Definitely a must for Olivia fans and those who haven't discovered her yet!

Olivia tackles it all on this 1976 effort, everything from traditional country to folk to pop to disco. She seems a little bolder here with some of the material and her voice is breathier in some cases but stronger in others. Her cover of Dolly Parton's "Jolene" is terrific and has become a standard during her rare concert performances. There's also a beautiful rendition of "The Long and Winding Road." The weaks spots are a cover of Willie Nelson's "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" and one or two other lesser songs. Some of the other ballads are stunning. They include "Who Are You Now?" "Smile For Me" and her country-tinged version of the Bee Gees' "Come On Over."