Let Me Be There (album)

''Let Me Be There'' is the third studio album by British-Australian singer Olivia Newton-John. It was originally released in November 1973 as ''Music Makes My Day'' in the United Kingdom, by Pye International Records, and shortly after in Australia as ''Let Me Be There'', which became its most recognisable name. In the United States and Canada, ''Let Me Be There'' was released with an alternative tracklist, combining songs from the original release with other tracks from Newton-John's previous albums ''If Not for You'' and ''Olivia''.

''Let Me Be There'' marked a shift in Newton-John's career. She achieved considerable success during her early years in the United Kingdom with some folk-inspired singles, but ''Let Me Be There'' marked the beginning of her rise to great popularity in the United States, where this album is widely considered her breakthrough album. Its success also led to a career move towards a more country pop sound that would largely define her next several records. The songs "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and "Let Me Be There" were released as singles from the album.

Release

The American publication of the album by MCA Records used the cover art from Olivia's 1972 LP record ''Olivia'', which was not released by MCA. Some of its songs were taken for the US publication, such as song titles from the British publications of the albums ''If Not for You'' and ''Olivia''. The album was not released outside of North America, the UK, Ireland and Australasia. An album with the same title and cover art was released in Japan, but with the same track listing as '' First Impressions''.

Though the title song was a commercial failure in England, it was Olivia Newton-John's first American top ten hit, successfully boosting her singing career in North America. She had previously charted in the ''Billboard'' Top 40 with the song "If Not for You".

Critical reception

''Billboard'' noted that the album was a "mixture of cuts from previous LP's of this versatile Australian songstress who serves up a pleasing set of country, rock and ballads including her current hit, 'Let Me Be There.

'' Cashbox'' stated:

Olivia's new LP on MCA is as beautiful as she is, sparkling with the kind of fervent intensity rarely heard from a young performer. Definitely country flavored, the album is a slick combination of ballads and uptempo swingers. The title track is a warm, compelling piece and Olivia really delivers on versions of John Denver's, "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and Kris Kristofferson's "Me And Bobby McGee."
There's a beautifully shy but sexy cut of Johnny Burnette's "Just A Little Too Much" and an outstanding version of Dylan's "If Not For You." Olivia has it all.

AllMusic editor Joe Viglione wrote in his retrospective review: "It's early Newton-John, a bit naïve and far from the sophistication of her '' Warm and Tender'' release on Geffen, but it works, especially because it contains her first two hit records."

Chart performance

The album was released to capitalize on the success of its title track, which it did well. The song "Let Me Be There" earned Newton-John her first Grammy at the 16th Annual Grammy Awards held March 2, 1974 (in this case for Best Country Female) . The album was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1974, and it peaked at No. 54 on the US Pop chart and at No. 1 (for two weeks) on the Country chart.

Track listing

All songs produced by John Farrar and Bruce Welch.

''Music Makes My Day''

''Let Me Be There''

In the United States, the album was released with artwork from her 1972 ''Olivia'' album and some different songs from this and some earlier Newton-John albums.

Personnel

Performers and musicians
*Brian Bennett – drums
*Terry Britten – guitar
*Vicki Brown – background vocalist
*Pat Carroll – background vocalist
*John Farrar – arranger, background vocalist, instruments, producer
*Mo Foster – bass
*Cliff Hall – piano
*Jean Hawker – background vocalist
*Alan Hawkshaw – arranger, piano
*Dave Macrae – piano
*Margo Newman – background vocalist
*Olivia Newton-John – vocalist
*Kevin Peek – guitar
*Mike Sammes – background vocalist
*Trevor Spencer – drums
*Alan Tarney – background vocalist, bass
*Bruce Welch – guitar, producer
*Mark Warner – guitar

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications and sales

References

{{Authority control

1973 albums
Olivia Newton-John albums
Albums produced by Bruce Welch
Albums produced by John Farrar

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