This Christmas [Import]

INTRODUCTION:

When one mentions John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, the first thing that comes to mind is “Grease”. Their famous duets are well-known to everyone. “You’re The One That I Want” went to Number 1 in 1978, while “Summer Nights” hit Number 5. Their “Grease Megamix” also reached Number 25 in 1996. They are the biggest-selling duet in history.

This CD brings back two old friends, giving John and Olivia the opportunity to work together again on a fun and timeless project, whilst at the same time giving back to their personal charities - The Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne, Australia and The Jett Travolta Foundation.

CONTENT:

There are 13 songs in this CD, with John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John on Lead Vocals. The choice of Special Guests is indeed very special, including Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Sir Cliff Richard (my favourite), Kenny G, James Taylor and Chick Corea.

The song listing is as follows:
01 Baby It’s Cold Outside
02 Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree (featuring Kenny G)
03 I’ll Be Home For Christmas (featuring Barbra Streisand)
04 This Christmas (featuring Chick Corea)
05 Silent Night (featuring Olivia Newton-John)
06 The Christmas Waltz (featuring John Travolta)
07 Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (featuring Sir Cliff Richard)
08 Winter Wonderland (featuring Tony Bennett & The Count Basie Orchestra)
09 White Christmas
10 I Think You Might Like It
11 The Christmas Song
12 Deck The Halls (featuring James Taylor)
13 Auld Lang Syne/Christmas Time Is Here Medley

All the songs are very well recorded. One can tell that the recording sessions were quite relaxed and full of fun, with the artists calling each other by their first name. John Travolta can still sing quite well. Olivia is of course at her natural best. One special mention is that orchestration, which sounded full and warm. The sound on “Silent Night” reminded me of “You Raise Me Up”. There is one original tune in this set, called “I Think You Might Like It” written by Olivia’s mentor, John Farrar. This song reminded me of the rhythm in “You’re The One That I Want.” And I Think I Really Like It.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

There are quite a few Christmas offerings in 2012. “This Christmas” is one of the better choices, with great harmony from John and Olivia, plus the addition of so many special guests, thus making this Christmas CD very special. There is still a lot of magic between John and Olivia, after all these years. I find that I can listen to this CD any time of the year, and will still enjoy the warm and harmonious sound, and the purchase is also for a good cause. This CD is highly recommended.

My wife and I enjoyed this CD very much. The relaxed relationship between Olivia and John really came through in their recording. I also liked the quality of the musical performance and the arrangements.

I bought this as a gift for my husband he adores Olivia (who doesn't!) and one of the only musicals he really liked was Grease so when these two came together on an album I had to buy it for him. It was an excellent choice.