Olivia Newton John – John Travolta’s second film, ‘Two of a Kind’ simply didn't capture the magic of ‘Grease’, lacking the humor, style or great music of that musical landmark. While the latter offered a host of goodies to the listener, with dozens of infectious songs on its double album, there was relatable music and ballads galore, ‘Two of a Kind’ has more mainstream pop and soft rock, not much of which is even as memorable as the hits from Newton-John's debut album ‘Physical’.

The album includes 4 Olivia Newton’s originals and a host of other guest’s artists contributing in. The highlight of Olivia’s side being Twist of Fate a great pop tune that conjoins her cinematic reunion with John Travolta. From the first beat, it is an energized piece with the tone of the song quite uplifting. The song was Olivia's last top 10 single (it peaked at #5 in 1983.) On her duet Take A Chance with John Travolta, the song is slow and mushy but nowhere close to the duos previous duets Summer Nights or You're The One That I Want on the ‘Grease’ soundtrack. Shaking You is a tender, emotionally charged ballad that beautifully showcases Newton-John's angelic voice. It’s a stunning love ballad of trying to get over an ex-lover. Accompanied by a piano, Olivia shines on this one. A tear jerker for sure. Living in Desperate Times is an energetic, upbeat tune that is rather monotonous at times and a bit loud.

As for the rest of the album, the soundtrack varies from high powered energy dance music by Patti Austin filling a bit of R & B in It's Gonna Be Special, to Journey's rock and roll Ask the Lonely which is trashy mainstream pop and Chicago's Prima Donna. Both bands fall into the category of their own and display similar sound as on their albums. Pop ballads come in with Boz Scaggs The Perfect One to the closing instrumental composition David Foster's Night Music which is definitely one of the top tracks here. Catch 22 by Steve Kipner is a high on energy tune. Kipner incidentally is the man responsible for writing many of Olivia classics Physical/Heart Attack, as well as Christina Aguilera’s smash Genie in a Bottle.

As an 'Olivia' album, this 1983 album is hardly amongst the best, though the soundtrack did go platinum, it was the last time the artist was to receive that honour.

Don’t miss the gatefold cover presentation of Olivia Newton John and John Travolta.

Label: EMI Records Ltd.

Release date: 1983

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira