The Rumour is the thirteenth studio album by Olivia Newton-John on 2 August 1988. The title track was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin and features backing vocals and piano by John. The album featured the singles "The Rumour", "Can't We Talk It Over in Bed" (originally recorded by Grayson Hugh, whose version was released after Newton-John's) and the Australian-only promo-single "It's Always Australia for Me", which was released for the Australian Bicentenary in 1988. This was also her first album not produced by long-time producer John Farrar.
Background.
"The Rumour" features the return of Olivia Newton-John after a two-year break due to the birth of her daughter Chloe Lattanzi in 1986. It has a careful production with the collaboration of some well-known songwriters, but it was a commercial failure. It marks a notable decline in Newton-John's popularity, being her lowest charting since "If Not for You" in 1971. It was her last studio album via Mercury.
This album was praised by critics as more mature, with Newton-John addressing topics such as AIDS ("Love and Let Live"), the environment and single-parent households.
Reception.
"Rolling Stone", noted that "it's a bit of a jolt to hear Olivia Newton-John sing about AIDS, single parenthood and a better environment. It's as if, now that she's forty and a first-time mother herself, she suddenly cares about the world. Just as surprisingly, she connects with rock producer Davitt Sigerson's unsweetened settings and delivers believable, unstrained conviction, whether she's championing a cause, romping through the title cut or exposing a vein or two...For fifteen years, Olivia Newton-John has been one of pop music's prettiest faces; now she just wants a little respect, and with "The Rumour" she earns it."
In their review of the album, "Billboard" commented that "the woman who once revived her career with a double-entendre invitation to "get physical" now asks "Can't We Talk It Over In Bed." Project doesn't rely solely on flirtation, however. Ever-changing Newton-John has a sound perfectly packaged for the late '80s; leadoff title single, featuring Elton John, is off to a nice start.
"Cashbox" called it "her best album in years," commenting that "one of the world's favorite songbirds returns from an extended hiatus with an album that explores the many sides of love in a refreshingly adult manner. The first single is "The Rumour," an Elton John/Bernie Taupin composition that recalls Elton's bouncy, piano hits of the '70s (and which will probably lead to a lot of guessing about what "the rumour" really is). Another noteworthy cut is "Love and Let Live," a safe-sex anthem." 
Track listing.
Notes
Personnel.
Performers and musicians
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Technical
"Olivia Down Under" video.
Olivia Down Under is a compilation of music and clips from the album "The Rumour" released in 1989, featuring Newton-John performing songs from "The Rumour" against a backdrop of Australian scenery. For the special, Newton-John was nominated for a CableACE Award for Performance in a Music Special in 1989.
References.
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