Customer Reviews

Grace And Gratitude

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I've been a huge Olivia fan since she began recording, many moons ago.

However her last few albums were tepid offerings at best. After buying them, I'd give them a spin or two and then they were off to the CD shelf to gather dust. Her voice sounded rather raspy, and tired, with many songs oversung. The selections weren't terribly inspiring either.

THEN Santa dropped "Grace and Gratitude" in my Christmas stocking, and it is one of the best albums I've ever heard. Period. Instead of trite, 'heard it coming and going' love song lyrics, it is moving, well written, and meditative. The melodies are haunting, and compliment the words beautifully.

I'm delighted, and relieved to say that Olivia's back!

Her voice is once again silky smooth, restful, pure, and soaring. The lyrics obviously meant a great deal to her, because she sings them with tenderness, and spiritual abandon.

To the best of my knowlege, this CD is only available from Amazon sellers or Walgreens-either at one of their stores or online at Walgreens.com

I'd not wait another day to buy it if I were you. You won't be sorry.

On this, her third album in as many years, Olivia Newton-John achieves another milestone, in a career already paved with so many. What makes this feat so amazing, is that she has done so WITHOUT the help or support of a major US label NOR radio support. Instead, she has focused on the positivity of life and the human experience, co writing some of her strongest songs to date, and waxing it all with the unmistakably clear, emotionally nuanced voice that time has been powerless to dilute. Check out "Love Is Letting Go of Fear", "Learn To Love Yourself", and the title track and you will, no doubt, be powerfully moved. Other standouts include "Pearls On A Chain", the chant-like "Gate' Gate', and perhaps the album's standout track, "Instrument of Peace" which has already found airplay during this holiday season, and deservedly so. If you are a fan of this iconic entertainer, or someone in search of a truly meditative, soul inspiring CD, move mountains to find this album...and then, take the time to truly drink it all in. Olivia Newton-John and producer/co writer Amy Sky have created one of this year's finest works of art.

Olivia Newton-John has been long respected as a singer, and on this intensely personal yet universal offering, she displays her fine talents as a song-writer, too.

With lush, ethereal arrangments, and impeccable production by Amy Sky (who also co-writes several of the tracks) this is an album which reveals its treasures to you layer by layer, listen after listen.

Based on a meditative progression through the seven major chakras - energy centres in eastern philosophies - ten songs are woven together with instrumental interludes to create an unbroken cycle of music which is nothing short of captivating.

And what songs they are! As memorable as many of her biggest chart hits, jewels like "Learn To Love Yourself", "Grace and Gratitude", "I Will Lift Up My Eyes", "Pearls on a Chain", and the stunning "Instrument Of Peace" are worthy additions to the ONJ repertoire.

However, what stands out most on this album is the sheer luminosity of Olivia's vocals...light, strong, ethereal, earthy, soul-stirring, playful, serene, and full of power...she can count her performances here amongst her finest work.

Brilliant and beautiful - a must-have album.

I have been a fan of this amazing, beautiful lady for many years. Olivia takes us on a spiritual journey from start to finish on this stunningly beautiful album. There are many standout tracks ,"To Be Wanted" an ethereal soaring ballad, Let Go Let God, a powerful song with inspirational lyrics, . To hear Olivia like you've never heard her before try listening to " I will Lift Up My Eyes", a haunting song wrapped in melodic chants, Just breathtaking. To experience this journey for yourself, do yourself a favour and buy Grace and Gratitude. You'll love it.

It is incredible that with so many mediocre albums this masterpiece must be only in limited outlets. The music, the lyrics and Olivia compose the year's best album. PLEASE buy this record, is a magical journey. Olivia is stronger than ever. Some of the interludes remind me of Brokeback Mountain, with that reflective and melancolich spirit. Follow the Billboard Magazine advise and hear the regal voice of Newton-John and see why she is timeless and one of the handful pop performers that achieve greatness these days.

If you are looking for music that is meant to convey the emotions of the artist, then look no farther. There is no doubt that this music reflects what Olivia wants to convey to all of us. It is music with hope, and most definitely, music that inspires. It reflects healing that she has clearly experienced. I know that sounds kitschy, but it's true. You won't find any traditional pop or dance vocals here, but you will be uplifted and refreshed-- I guarantee it! This music doesn't bring tears to my eyes-- and I don't believe that is the intent. It relaxes me, but it also helps me focus on the things that matter in life. I don't know how Olivia keeps giving us "something" new with every recording, but somehow her creative juices keep flowing. This is a "must-have" collection-- too bad it has such limited availaibility. SO get it whenever and wherever you can find it.

I never thought Olivia would top Warm and Tender, her cd of standards and children's songs from the 80's, but this cd really is a work of art. The music, songwriting, her amazing voice, etc. are all top notch. She should stick to this spiritual/ new age/ world music arena for future releases. It suits her and it is heartfelt. Go see her live. You'll be amazed at her voice, as pure and breathtaking as it was 30 years ago.

If you're looking for Olivia's best, beside this perfect cd, check out Warm and Tender, Totally Hot, Xanadu, Don't Stop Believin', and of course, Gold.

This CD is the most incredible musical journey I have ever experienced. From start to finish. I have been a fan of Olivia for many years but this is her best work. It is like she was re-born. Every note and every word will melt through your body. I can not stop thinking about this CD. I can not stop listening to this CD. I just love the way I feel when listening to this masterpiece. I LOVE IT. Take the journey, buy this CD. You'll be amazed at the places it will take you spiritually. I'll be listening to this for the rest of my life. I did not think any song could replace my favorite song of all time, Don't Stop Believin" by Olivia, but now I have a whole CD, Grace and Gratitude. And to Olivia Newton-John I say "Thank You!"

Dear O has rather found her form again in recent years. Her covers album, 'Indigo', which debuted in 2005, was her strongest release in 15 years and 2006's 'Stronger Than Before' was a return to her lovely mid-70's hey day. When Olivia decided to release a 'healing' album that tied in with her body, mind and spirit wellness products, I couldn't hide my lack of excitement. Fearing a reprise of her 1994 self-written and produced 'Gaia' CD, an album filled with clunky lyrics and syruppy melodies, I nearly didn't get this album...

Well, luckily I was hopelessly wrong. This album ranks as one of Olivia's best ever. Over the past 10 years or so, Olivia's voice has suffered a little, but this could have been recorded 25 years ago. It's beautiful.

There are no real standouts, it's all wonderful and totally works as a soothing 60 minute CD with no tracks you'll want to skip.

That at 58 years old Olivia can come up with something of this quality is an inspiration to us all. I've often written her off but have to eat my words here. If the album only had a decent release, some strong airplay, I honestly believe it could go through the roof. Well done, Olivia!

I never had any particular opinion about Olivia's talent, but when a friend at work gave me her C D, "Grace and Gratitude," I listened to the whole thing on my drive home, and I was enthralled. From the sound of the music, with its Indian flavor, to the lyrics, I can't praise it enough. My favorites are: "Learn to Love Yourself," "Love is Letting Go of Fear," "Let Go, Let God," and "The Power of Now." The words are inspiring, and Olivia's voice is a perfect vehicle for them. I listen to the CD now every morning on my way to work and on my way home. In the morning it sets the tone for my day, and on my way home, it helps to unwind me. Brava, Olivia! Brava!