Billboard 10/13/06

OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHNGrace and GratitudeProducer: Amy SkyONJ ProductionsRelease Date: Oct. 3

“Grace and Gratitude” has a purpose—the long-lived artist’s belief thatmusic can boost the body’s healing processes. As a long-term breast cancersurvivor, Newton-John aligned with Walgreens for the exclusive release ofthis set along with a line of breast health products. In collaboration withproducer/writer Amy Sky, Newton-John puts her spin on diverse influences,from Tibetan chants and Islamic prayers to a Latin benediction. Not exactly“Heart Attack” or “Physical,” huh? Newton-John is soulfully committed toevery word she sings, and fans will be taken by the plush arrangements,melodic warmth and, of course, the artist’s regal vocals. Among the 10songs (complemented with an interlude between each track), “Pearls on aChain,” “To Be Wanted” and “Let Go Let God” are as formidable as anythingNewton-John catapulted to the single charts way back when.—Chuck Taylor