adminMusic Releases by Olivia Newton-John in 2024
The year 2024 brought an exciting range of music releases and re-releases connected to Olivia Newton-John, showcasing her timeless appeal and enduring musical legacy. From duets and reissues to exclusive international editions, and a long lost gem, here’s a breakdown of the releases in chronological order.
Delta Goodrem – I Honestly Love You (LP) (January 26, 2024 )
Kicking off the year was Delta Goodrem’s LP I Honestly Love You, released on translucent magenta vinyl on January 26. This album was released on CD in 2018 as the soundtrack to the movie about Olivia’s life ‘Hopeless Devoted To You’ which starred Delta as Olivia. This LP features a collection of Olivia’s greatest hits reinterpreted by the Australian songbird and actress Delta Goodrem. It also has two duets with Olivia herself: Let Me Be There and Love Is a Gift. Fans of both artists can now relish this tribute in physical LP format.
Physical Remix (Viral Remixes) (February 2024)
In February, Olivia’s classic hit Physical got a fresh spin with Viral Remixes. This three-track release is tailored for the digital age, embracing modern remix trends. Available exclusively online, as downloadable files. This dance-worthy collection re-imagines Olivia’s iconic track for a new generation of fans, keeping Olivia’s music alive around the world.
Grease Soundtrack (Japan Reissue only)(March 27, 2024)
March saw a special reissue of the Grease soundtrack in Japan. This CD version, exclusive to the Japanese market, was highly anticipated by collectors and fans of the 1978 blockbuster musical. The release features the original tracklist and artwork, with enhancements for audiophiles who want to relive every note of Olivia’s iconic performance as Sandy. Unfortunately for global fans, this reissue is only available in Japan, making it a sought-after collectible for ONJ enthusiasts.
(2) (CD-R Re-release) (March 2024)
Also in March, Olivia’s 2002 album (2), a collection of duets with artists like Cliff Richard and Keith Urban, was re-released as a CD-R on demand. This format allows fans to acquire the album directly through online retailers, ensuring that this lesser-known gem remains accessible to her audience.
Grace and Gratitude Deluxe Edition (June, 2024)
In June, one of Olivia’s most personal and spiritual albums, Grace and Gratitude, was reissued as a deluxe edition (as CD-R on demand). The deluxe edition includes additional tracks and refreshed packaging. This current release is similar to Grace and Gratitude Renewed (2010) which also had two additional tracks compared to the initial release: Todah and Help Me to Heal. G&G offers an intimate exploration of Olivia’s journey, blending themes of wellness, healing, and gratitude. This re-release came to be thanks to the help of singer-songwriter and producer Amy Sky, who co-wrote the album with Olivia and others. One downside is that they have introduced two second gaps between the tracks, which totally goes against the concept of the album.
Summer Dreams (Single) (August 2, 2024)
The single Summer Dreams, a duet between Olivia and classical guitarist Liona Boyd, arrived on August 2. Fans of Olivia and renowned guitarist Liona Boyd were treated to Summer Dreams, a serene and evocative single. This enchanting track evokes the serene beauty of summer days and highlights Olivia’s delicate, ethereal vocals. Available exclusively for streaming and download, the single is a delightful addition to Olivia’s collaborative repertoire.
If You Love Me, Let Me Know (Picture Disc) (November, 2024)
November brought a visually stunning release with the picture disc edition of If You Love Me, Let Me Know in celebration of its 50th anniversary. This special vinyl edition, featuring iconic artwork, is a treat for both collectors and vinyl enthusiasts. It serves as a nostalgic nod to Olivia’s rich country-pop era. Perfect for audiophiles and memorabilia enthusiasts alike, the picture disc is available as a limited edition release only. Each copy has a sticker with a unique number (although it must be said that some fans have received unnumbered copies, which of course is odd for a numbered limited edition).
The original If You Love Me, Let Me Know LP was released in 1974 as Olivia’s third LP in North-America. It featured tracks from Olivia previous international releases. It was her first album to top the Billboard 200 chart.
Indigo (Print-on-Demand CD-R) (November 2024)
November also saw the reissue of Indigo, Olivia’s album celebrating the great female vocalists and songwriters who influenced her. This was a project that was close to Olivia’s heart. This print-on-demand CD-R release makes the album accessible once again, giving fans a chance to experience her heartfelt renditions of beloved classics. It contains covers of songs which were made famous by such female artists as Karen Carpenter and Nina Simone. The album, was produced by renowned producer Phil Ramone.
The tracks on the album and the female artists Olivia pays tribute to are: How Insensitive – Astrud Gilberto, Love Me or Leave Me – Doris Day, Cry Me a River – Julie London, Anyone Who Had a Heart – Cilla Black, Where Have All the Flowers Gone – Joan Baez, How Glad I Am – Nancy Wilson, Lovin’ You – Minnie Ripperton, Rainy Days and Mondays – Karen Carpenter, Send in The Clowns – Judy Collins/Barbra Streisand, Summertime – Nina Simone, Alfie – Dionne Warwick
Angels in the Snow (Christmas Album) (November 22, 2024)
Just in time for the holiday season, Angels in the Snow arrived on November 22. (Although due to production issues the LP was delayed and will possibly not arrive in time for Christmas this year, disappointing many of Olivia’s fans). Based primarily on Olivia’s Christmas Wish (2007) album, this release includes classic holiday tracks and a few new surprises. It is available in CD format and as a white vinyl LP and also comes as a limited edition rare test pressing for avid collectors. This release would definitely add a touch of Olivia’s warmth to the holiday festivities.
There has been quite some debate by fans on social media whether this re-imaging of Olivia’s Christmas songs is really what Olivia would have liked herself. The updated renditions on this album incorporate new instrumentation, modern production, and modified vocals. And the modification of Olivia’s vocals is, understandably, a sensitive issue for many of her fans.
You can judge for yourself if your prefer the original Christmas Wish or the re-imagined Angels in the snow.
My Dream single (September 20, 2024)
Another special treat and definitely a highlight for fans this year was the long-lost song My Dream, co-written by Olivia and Jim Brickman. This touching single became available for download in 2024, showcasing their musical synergy in a deeply personal composition. This heartfelt piano-driven ballad captures the essence of Olivia and Jim’s songwriting. Fans can access this treasure as a downloadable single, offering a glimpse into the creative synergy between these two musical talents. All proceeds from this single will be donated to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund.
Additional Highlight
In a pop-culture crossover, Olivia’s iconic duet with John Travolta You’re the One That I Want found its way onto the soundtrack for Deadpool Wolverine. Its inclusion in the film underscores the timeless energy and widespread appeal of this iconic duet. The track’s playful and dynamic energy fits seamlessly into the blockbuster’s edgy tone.
The year 2024 has proven that Olivia Newton-John’s influence extends beyond her lifetime. It was a vibrant year for Olivia’s music, with releases spanning multiple formats and genres. From nostalgic reissues to fresh collaborations, these releases continues will continue to captivate audiences worldwide, ensuring Olivia’s voice remains a timeless presence in music history.