Olivia Newton-John has given us all a most powerful, unique and compelling collection of music in this, probably her most personal album. “Gaia: one woman’s journey” is Olivia’s response to her cancer diagnosis and ultimate triumph over the illness. It is not a profound album, rather the songs are simple; but it is deeply felt, and each song, each lyric, will touch your heart. We have pieces like the assertive “Trust yourself”, where we find the answer to finally take the courage and go forth with what we really want in life, regardless of what anyone may think. “Pegasus” is full of its own mysticism. Olivia states in the liner notes she had a vision of the God in a meditation session; and this is exactly what this song stands for: it takes you to deep ends within yourself, inviting us to a period of self discovery.

She offers thought-provoking statements with “Don’t cut me down”, “Silent Ruin” and the song that gives title to the album “Gaia”; when singing about what the world is losing by letting go of its natural resources. “Gaia” is magnificent, such a powerful and sublime song, full of the dignity our planet needs everyday due to constant deprivation. “Silent Ruin” was written by Olivia for a documentary about the future of the whales. More than one parent might feel like “…I cry for their beauty I cry for their pain, and I cry that my child may not see them again…”

My favorite song in the collection is “Not gonna give in to it”. Indeed as the liner notes say, it does speak for itself. She wrote it after a chemotherapy treatment to pick herself up. This song is so infectious, has such an excellent rhythm, it’s positive energy is contagious. It is ideal to listen to when things are going really bad but one just cannot – should not – give up. Turn on those tropical maracas and give yourself a lift!

In “The way of Love”, Olivia invited her daughter’s school choir to sing as back up vocals. This song is about celebrating the differences, and it’s fittingly the perfect ending for such a heartfelt CD.

This is a very personal treat for someone with a long-term illness, who may feel depressed or unattractive. This is music that speaks to the soul, and I cannot say enough to this great artist for having poured her own into it.

I wish to express my thanks for having on this Earth, artists who can still bring us peace and comfort through their work. Thank you, Olivia.

As someone with a family history of cancer, I can appreciate the effect of music like this probably better than most people. I’d loved to have the opportunity to give it to my mother when she was undergoing treatment.

Olivia Newton-John is an Australian pop singer and actress whose many credits involve the movie "Grease" and songs such as "Physical" and "I honestly love you". In 1992 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, she is a consagrated survivor.

The packaging includes not only each song's lyrics, but a few liner notes on how and when each piece was conceived. For the cover, Olivia was photograph in luminous rainbow colors, in an environmental artwork created by Peter Erskine.

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Created Feb 12, 2004 at 11:58pm • Submit your own review...