Los Comienzos De Olivia: A Country Gem from 1989 That Still Kicks Dust
Alright, buckle up, y’all. We’re diving into Los Comienzos De Olivia, a delightful slice of country heaven dropped by Olivia Newton-John in 1989. Released under EMI in Mexico, this album is like flipping through an old photo album—nostalgic, warm, and full of stories you didn’t know you needed. With tracks that span her career highlights, it’s part Folk, part World vibes, but mostly just straight-up Country gold.
Now, I’ll be honest (pun intended), there are some real bangers here. But two tracks stuck with me like gum on a boot heel: “I Honestly Love You” and “Take Me Home Country Roads.” Let’s break ‘em down.
“I Honestly Love You” hits different. It’s one of those songs where you think, “Wow, she really means it,” even if you’ve never been on the receiving end of such raw sincerity. The melody sneaks up on ya—it starts soft, almost shy, then swells into something so big it feels like your heart might burst. And hey, who doesn’t love a good power ballad? This track reminds me why Olivia became a legend. She could sell emotion like nobody else. Plus, let’s not ignore how smooth her voice sounds—it’s like melted butter over toast, except better because… well, no calories.
Then there’s “Take Me Home Country Roads.” Oh man, this cover gives me all the feels. John Denver may have written it, but Olivia makes it hers. There’s something about her version that feels more personal, like she’s inviting you along for the ride instead of just singing about it. When she belts out “West Virginia, mountain mama,” you can practically smell the pine trees and hear crickets chirping. If this song doesn’t make you wanna grab a guitar, hop in a pickup truck, and drive down some dirt road, then buddy, we’re living in different universes.
The rest of the album? Solid as a rock. Tracks like “Me And Bobby McGee” and “Help Me Make It Through The Night” keep things interesting without stealing the spotlight. Honestly, it’s kinda wild how seamless everything flows together. Even though these songs were originally released years apart, they gel like peanut butter and jelly.
But here’s the kicker—the whole thing feels timeless. Yeah, it came out in ’89, but slap this baby on at a barbecue today, and watch heads turn. People will start asking, “Who is this?!” Spoiler alert: It’s Olivia. Duh.
So, what’s the takeaway? Well, Los Comienzos De Olivia isn’t just another compilation; it’s a reminder of why Olivia Newton-John was—and still is—a force to reckon with. Whether you’re a diehard fan or someone who stumbled across this gem, it’s hard not to appreciate the magic she brings. And honestly, if listening to this album doesn’t make you want to hug someone or cry into your coffee, maybe check your pulse.
Final thought: Whoever decided to release this in Mexico deserves a medal—or at least a tequila shot. Cheers to that!
