Customer Reviews

John Farrar

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Farrar's one solo album is a real find. I vaguely remember it being released in 1980 but it quickly sank without trace. It's very much an album of it's time and John clearly had been listening to a lot of the Bee Gees! His vocals are good but in truth aren't really distinctive enough to stand out. 3 songs here were covered by Olivia Newton-John, 'It'll Be Me Babe', 'Falling' and 'Recovery', the last two turning up a year later on her excellent 'Physical' album. To my Olivia-loving ears, her versions are far superior, particularly on the latter track, but Farrar is very much a multi-tracked vocal fan, just like Olivia!

Other standout songs include 'Reckless', 'From The Heart' and 'Cheatin' His Heart Out Again' though I do find myself wishing there were ONJ versions available. She'd do a great job on the former, especially.

'Tell Someone Who Cares' is a another strong, pacey track though 'Gettin' Loose' and 'Can't Hold Back' work less well to my ears.

Nevertheless, this short (9 tracks!) album is really good and came at possibly the creative highpoint of John's career, inbetween his producing and co-writing of Olivia's 'Totally Hot' and 'Xanadu-Soundtrack' LPs.

This re-release by See For Miles is hard to find now, but snap it up if you can.

Although only 9 tracks, they are all real class, there is plenty of variety.
For a sample of the best that music can offer check this cd out.

John is best known as Olivia Newton-John's primary songwriter and producer. This, his only solo album, was released in 1980. It includes several tracks that appeared on Olivia's albums. John wrote or co-wrote all of the tracks and plays most of the instruments, supported by a few excellent session musicians including the late great Mike Botts from Bread, Michael Boddicker and Mike Pocaro.

This album is an excellent showcase of John's talents and has stood the test of time very well. A mixture of ballads and rockers, all expertly produced.

John was also a member of the Strangers in Australia, Marvin, Welch & Farrar and The Shadows in the UK.

John Farrar was the most talented song writer of the 1970's. I hate to overshadow him in his own review, but his fame comes from being the songwriter of Olivia Newton-John's hit songs. This album is out of print, and it is a pity. John Farrar could have stood on his own. Somehow though it never happened. His version of "Recovery" is amazing and nearly as good, if not better than Olivia's. John still writes music, but not very often. Hard to find Cd, but worth it.