Back with a Heart

Back with a Heart
Back with a Heart
Studio album by Olivia Newton-John
Released	12 May 1998
Recorded	October 1997 – February 1998
Studio	Ocean Way, Soundshop Recording Studios, Masterfonics, Emerald Sound, SoundStage Studios and Sony/ATV Music Publishing Studio (Nashville, Tennessee); Chartmaker Studios and Moonee Pond Studios (Malibu, California); Ultrasound Studios (Los Angeles, California)
Genre	Country
Length	42:38
Label	Festival
Producer	Tony Brown ; Gary Burr ; Don Cook ; John Farrar ; Chris Farren ; David Foster ;
Olivia Newton-John chronology
Singles from Back with a Heart
	"I Honestly Love You '98"; Released: May 1998; "Precious Love"; Released: June 1998; "Back with a Heart"; Released: October 1998;

Last updated August 31, 2024

Back with a Heart is the sixteenth studio album by British-Australian singer Olivia Newton-John. It was released by MCA Nashville on 12 May 1998 in the United States. Her first album in four years, it marked her return to country music after two decades. The album peaked in the Top Ten Country charts in both the U.S. and U.K. In America, it was her first album to crack the Billboard Top Country Albums charts since Totally Hot in 1978.^[1]

Production and release

Back with a Heart was recorded in Nashville and marked Newton-John's return to the US Country chart after an absence of almost twenty years. "When I decided I wanted to record again, the kind of music I was listening to was country, and I thought I wanted to go back to my roots. It seems like all the good melodies and the good songs are on country radio," Newton-John said in an interview with Billboard . "I started going to Nashville and meeting people, and I really liked [MCA Nashville president] Tony Brown," she says. "I met everybody, and everyone was wonderful, but also I'd been with MCA a long time, and they have my catalog. So it makes sense for me to be there."^[2]

Singles

Back with a Heart was preceded by the single "I Honestly Love You", a re-recording of Newton-John's 1974 number-one hit. MCA Nashville initially intended to release "Precious Love" as the album's lead single to country radio but eventually settled on the updated version of "I Honestly Love You".^[3] Selected by Newton-John, David Foster agreed to produce the remake, who in turn asked Babyface to contribute backing vocals to the song.^[3] "I Honestly Love You" was released in two versions; the album version for pop and adult contemporary radio, and a remix for country radio. "Precious Love" was eventually released as the album's second single, while title track "Back with a Heart" was issued as a vinyl 45 RPM single in the United States. Album cut "Love Is a Gift" won a 1999 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Song after appearing on the American television soap opera As the World Turns .^[4]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	^[5]

AllMusic editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine rated the album three stars out of five and found that Newton-John "put a great deal of effort into the making of Back with a Heart – the record is her best in years. It's much slicker than even her polished country-pop from the '70s, but a team of producers [...] have created an appealingly smooth sound that gives her a platform to showcase her mature craftsmanship. None of the songs immediately stand out, but the album has a consistent quality that is thoroughly winning."^[5]

In their review of "I Honestly Love You", Billboard noted that "rerecording a classic is risky business, especially when the artist doing the cover is the original hitmaker. However, in re-cutting 'I Honestly Love You' for her new album, Back With A Heart, Newton-John tackles the challenge head-on and wins. As charming as the original was, on this new version, 49 year old Newton-John sounds like a woman who has experienced life and fully conveys the depth of emotion in the lyric. Her vocal performance com-bines passion and vulnerability in a heady emotional cocktail."^[6]

Track listing

*Back with a Heart* track listing
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Producer(s)	Length
1.	"Precious Love"	Olivia Newton-John Anne Roboff	Don Cook	3:24
2.	"Closer to Me"	John Farrar	Farrar	4:17
3.	"Fight for Our Love"	Newton-John Victoria Shaw	Cook	3:51
4.	"Spinning His Wheels"	Newton-John Gary Burr	Gary Burr	3:30
5.	"Under My Skin"	Farrar	Farrar	3:32
6.	"Love Is a Gift"	Newton-John Shaw Earl Rose	Tony Brown	4:18
7.	"I Don't Wanna Say Goodnight"	Al Anderson Robert Ellis Orrall	Cook	3:59
8.	"Don't Say That"	Newton-John Chris Farren	Farren	4:45
9.	"Attention"	Newton-John Roboff Steve Seskin	Brown	3:33
10.	"Back with a Heart"	Newton-John Burr	Burr	2:59
11.	"I Honestly Love You"	Peter Allen Jeff Barry	David Foster	4:04

Japanese bonus track
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Producer(s)	Length
12.	"What's Forever For"	Rafe van Hoy	Farren	4:07

Personnel

Performers and musicians

Olivia Newton-John – lead vocals, backing vocals (6, 8–10)
Steve Nathan – keyboards (1–3, 5–7, 9), Hammond B3 organ (3)
Dennis Burnside – acoustic piano (1, 3, 7)
Sean Callery – Synclavier (2)
Barry Walsh – synthesizers (4), acoustic piano (10)
John Hobbs – acoustic piano (8)
David Foster – keyboards (11), arrangements (11)
Felipe Elgueta – synthesizer programming (11)
Mark Casstevens – acoustic guitar (1, 3, 7)
Brent Mason – electric guitar (1, 3, 7), lead electric guitar (10)
Bruce Bouton – pedal steel guitar (1, 3, 7), lap steel (4), slide guitar (10)
Larry Byrom – electric guitar (2, 5, 6, 9)
Steve Gibson – acoustic guitar (2, 9), electric guitar (5, 6)
John Farrar – electric guitar (2, 5), backing vocals (5)
Paul Franklin – steel guitar (2, 5, 8)
Gary Burr – acoustic guitar (4), backing vocals (4)
B. James Lowry – acoustic guitar (4, 10)
Dan Dugmore – electric guitar (6), steel guitar (9)
Chris Farren – acoustic guitar (8), mandolin (8), backing vocals (8)
Darrell Scott – acoustic guitar (8)
Brent Rowan – electric guitar (8)
Cary Park – electric guitar solo (8)
Chris Leuzinger – electric guitar (10)
Dean Parks – guitar (11)
Michael Thompson – guitar (11)
Michael Rhodes – bass guitar (1–3, 5–7, 9)
Duncan Mullins – bass guitar (4, 10)
Joe Chemay – bass guitar (8)
Eddie Bayers – drums (1–3, 5, 7, 10)
Paul Leim – drums (6, 8, 9), percussion (9)
Terry McMillan – percussion (4, 10)
Mark Leggett – percussion (8), programming (8)
Rob Hajacos – fiddle (4, 10)
Larry Franklin – fiddle (8)
Ronn Huff – string arrangements and conductor (8)
The Nashville String Machine – strings (8)
Wes Hightower – backing vocals (1, 3, 7)
Liana Manis – backing vocals (1, 3, 7)
Dennis Wilson – backing vocals (1, 3, 7)
Christina Nichols – backing vocals (2)
Tabitha Fair – backing vocals (6, 9)
Kim Fleming – backing vocals (6, 9)
Chris Rodriguez – backing vocals (6, 9)
Babyface – backing vocals (11)

Technical

Producers – Don Cook (tracks 1, 3 and 7); John Farrar (tracks 2 and 5); Gary Burr (tracks 4 and 10); Tony Brown (tracks 6 and 9); Chris Farren (track 8); David Foster (track 11)
Production assistance on tracks 1, 3 and 7 – Scott Johnson
Project coordinators – Patty Nichols (tracks 2 and 5); Jessie Noble (tracks 2, 5, 6 and 9); Bill Nemuth (Tracks 4 and 10); Kelly Giedt (Track 8); Felipe Elgueta (track 11)
Executive producers – Rory S. Kaplan and Bill Neighbors
Recording – Mike Bradley (tracks 1, 3 and 7); Chuck Ainlay (tracks 2, 5, 6 and 9); Greg Kane (tracks 4 and 10); Steve Marcantonio (track 8); Felipe Elgueta (track 11)
Assistant recording – Mark Capps (tracks 1, 3 and 7); Tim Roberts (tracks 1, 3 and 7); Aaron Swihart (tracks 1–3, 5–7 and 9); Mark Ralston (tracks 2, 5, 6 and 9); King Williams (tracks 4 and 10); John Saylor (track 8); Chris Davie (track 8);
Additional recording – Mike Bradley (tracks 1, 3 and 7); Mark Capps (tracks 1, 3 and 7); Tim Roberts (tracks 1, 3 and 7); Pat McMakin (tracks 1, 3 and 7); Al Grassmick (tracks 4 and 10); John Saylor (track 8); Shawn Allan (track 8); Steve Marcantonio (track 8); Tom Harding (track 8); Alejandro Rodriguez (track 8); Dan Shike (track 10)
Overdub tracking – Steve McMillan (tracks 2 and 5); Al Grassmick and Steve Marcantonio (tracks 6 and 9)
Additional overdub recording on tracks 6 and 9 – Tony Green and Russ Martin
Mixed by Chuck Ainlay at Masterfonics (tracks 1, 3 and 6–11) and Moonee Pond Studios (tracks 2 and 5), assisted by Mark Ralston
Editing – Don Cobb
Encoding by Jeff Levinson and Ric Wilson
Technical support – H.G. Hollans and John Saylor
Mastered by Denny Purcell at Georgetown Masters (Nashville, TN), assisted by Jonathan Russell
Art direction – Gabrielle Raumberger
Design – Joseph Kiely
Photography – Michelle Day, Caroline Greyshock and Patrick McDermott
Stylist – Mini DeBlasio

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (1998)	Peak position
Australian Albums (ARIA)^[7]	66
Canada Country Albums/CDs ( RPM )^[8]	14
US Billboard 200 ^[9]	59
UK Country Albums (OCC)^[10]	4
US Top Country Albums (Billboard)^[11]	9

Year-end charts

Chart (1998)	Position
US Top Country Albums (Billboard)^[12]	73

Release history

Release history and formats for *Back with a Heart*
Region	Date	Format	Label	Ref(s)
United States	12 May 1998	CD cassette	MCA Nashville	^[3]
Japan	21 May 1998	CD cassette	MCA Nashville	^[3]

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References

↑ "Olivia Newton-John | Biography, Music & News". Billboard .
↑ "With MCA Comeback, 'Country' Is The Word For Newton-John" (PDF). Billboard . 18 April 1998. p. 26. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
1 2 3 Taylor, Chuck (30 May 1998). "A Refreshed Olivia Newton-John Courts AC, Country Radio With Updated 'Honestly'". Billboard . Retrieved 18 August 2022.
↑ Flippo, Chet (5 June 1998). "Bill & Audrey Receive Classic Duet Sound Down Under; 'World' Theme Nets Emmy". Billboard . Retrieved 18 August 2022.
1 2 "AllMusic review: Olivia Newton-John – Back with a Heart". AllMusic . Retrieved 2 October 2017.
↑ "Reviews & Previews" (PDF). Billboard. No. 16 May 1998. p. 24. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
↑ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 202.
↑ "RPM Country Albums for June 1, 1998". RPM . 17 July 2013. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
↑ "Olivia Newton-John Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
↑ "Official Country Artists Albums Chart Top 20". Official Charts Company.
↑ "Olivia Newton-John Chart History (Top Country Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
↑ "Top Country Albums – Year-End 1998". Billboard. Retrieved 1 December 2020.

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[1] "Olivia Newton-John | Biography, Music & News". Billboard .

[2] "With MCA Comeback, 'Country' Is The Word For Newton-John" (PDF). Billboard . 18 April 1998. p. 26. Retrieved 22 July 2024.

[Billboard-3] 1 2 3 Taylor, Chuck (30 May 1998). "A Refreshed Olivia Newton-John Courts AC, Country Radio With Updated 'Honestly'". Billboard . Retrieved 18 August 2022.

[Billboard2-4] Flippo, Chet (5 June 1998). "Bill & Audrey Receive Classic Duet Sound Down Under; 'World' Theme Nets Emmy". Billboard . Retrieved 18 August 2022.

[allmusicrev-5] 1 2 "AllMusic review: Olivia Newton-John – Back with a Heart". AllMusic . Retrieved 2 October 2017.

[Billboard19610828-6] "Reviews & Previews" (PDF). Billboard. No. 16 May 1998. p. 24. Retrieved 11 August 2024.

[7] Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 202.

[8] "RPM Country Albums for June 1, 1998". RPM . 17 July 2013. Retrieved 2 October 2017.

[ac_Billboard200_Olivia_Newton-John-9] "Olivia Newton-John Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 2 November 2014.

[ac_UKCountry_Olivia_Newton-John-10] "Official Country Artists Albums Chart Top 20". Official Charts Company.

[ac_BillboardCountry_Olivia_Newton-John-11] "Olivia Newton-John Chart History (Top Country Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 2 November 2014.

[12] "Top Country Albums – Year-End 1998". Billboard. Retrieved 1 December 2020.

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v t e Olivia Newton-John
Albums Singles Videography Tours Awards and honours
Studio albums	If Not for You Olivia Let Me Be There Long Live Love Have You Never Been Mellow Clearly Love Come On Over Don't Stop Believin' Making a Good Thing Better Totally Hot Physical Soul Kiss The Rumour Warm and Tender Gaia: One Woman's Journey Back with a Heart 2 Indigo: Women of Song Stronger Than Before Grace and Gratitude Christmas Wish A Celebration in Song This Christmas Liv On Friends for Christmas
Compilations	If You Love Me, Let Me Know First Impressions Greatest Hits Greatest Hits Vol. 2 Back to Basics: The Essential Collection 1971–1992 The Definitive Collection Magic Gold 40/40: The Best Selection Hopelessly Devoted: The Hits Just the Two of Us: The Duets Collection (Vol. 1) Just the Two of Us: The Duets Collection (Vol. 2)
Live albums	Love Performance Highlights from The Main Event One Woman's Live Journey Olivia's Live Hits Two Strong Hearts Live
Soundtracks	Grease Xanadu Two of a Kind A Few Best Men
EPs	Hotel Sessions
Video releases	Olivia Physical Olivia in Concert Twist of Fate Soul Kiss Olivia Down Under The Main Event Video Gold Live at the Sydney Opera House
Singles	"Till You Say You'll Be Mine" "If Not for You" "Banks of the Ohio" "What Is Life" "Just a Little Too Much" "Take Me Home, Country Roads" "Let Me Be There" "Long Live Love" "I Honestly Love You" "If You Love Me, Let Me Know" "Have You Never Been Mellow" "Please Mr. Please" "Something Better to Do" "Let It Shine" "Come on Over" "Jolene" "Don't Stop Believin'" "Every Face Tells a Story" "Sam" "Making a Good Thing Better" "You're the One That I Want" "Hopelessly Devoted to You" "Summer Nights" "A Little More Love" "Deeper Than the Night" "Totally Hot"/"Dancin' Round and Round" "I Can't Help It" "Rest Your Love on Me" "Magic" "Xanadu" "Suddenly" "Physical" "Make a Move on Me" "Landslide" "Heart Attack" "Tied Up" "Twist of Fate" "Soul Kiss" "The Best of Me" "The Rumour" "Reach Out for Me" "When You Wish Upon a Star" "The Grease Megamix" "Grease: The Dream Mix" "I Need Love"
Featured singles	"You Have to Believe"
Other songs	"Me and Bobby McGee" "If" "Help Me Make It Through the Night" "If You Could Read My Mind" "Angel of the Morning" "Everything I Own" "God Only Knows" "The Air That I Breathe" "Love Is Alive" "Ring of Fire" "Slow Dancing"
Concert tours	Physical Tour One Woman's Journey Tour Heartstrings World Tour A Summer Night with ONJ Summer Nights Two Strong Hearts Live
Related articles	Toomorrow (soundtrack) Olivia Newton-John: Hopelessly Devoted to You Max Born Pat Carroll John Farrar Tottie Goldsmith Chloe Lattanzi (daughter) Matt Lattanzi (first husband) Emerson Newton-John (nephew)
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