A solid collection of mainstream pop duets between Olivia and a roster of big international names: Cliff Richard, Barry Gibb, Delta Goodrem, Richard Marx, Keith Urban, Jann Arden and Olivia's long-time producer, John Farrar. This is probably the most pop-oriented new studio album Olivia has produced since the late 80s, and so is likely to find favour amongst fans who remember those days with fondness.
The song choices are very strong, and offer a pleasing variety which showcases Olivia's vocal talents very well. A particular highlight is "Reckless", a track originally recorded on John Farrar's eponymous 1980 album, and a song that fans have wanted ONJ to record for years. Here, she adds her vocals to Farrar's original recording, giving the track a heady, timeless feel. This one wouldn't be out of place on her "Physical" album.
The Barry Gibb and Cliff Richard duets are similarly classic ONJ fare, and the beautiful acoustic "The Water Is Wide" (a 3-hander with Amy Sky and RyanDan) and the ethereal "Angel In The Wings" (with Jann Arden) are likely to become new favourites.
Also contains the rousing "Right Here With You", a power-ballad duet with Delta Goodrem and the theme to Olivia's recent charitable Great Walk To Beijing 2008, which raised thousands for her Melbourne cancer treatment centre.
Don't let a prejudice against charity records deter you from experiencing a very high-quality, inspiring, and perfectly executed pop gem from one of entertainment's evergreen performers.