Burning The Ground Exclusive 1988
NEW 2025 Transfer!
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration!
Original post date May 31, 2017
Released in August 1988, “The Rumour” was the lead single and title track from Olivia Newton-John’s thirteenth studio album. Known for her wholesome image and soft pop hits, Olivia took a more mature and socially conscious turn on this record—addressing themes like tabloid gossip, environmental issues, and global awareness, all wrapped in polished late-’80s pop production.
Co-written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, “The Rumour” has an energetic bounce, driven by bright synths, a punchy rhythm section, and a hook that sticks. Elton didn’t just write the song—he also played piano and contributed backing vocals, adding an unmistakable touch of his signature flair to the track.
A stylish music video was filmed to promote the single, directed by Brian Grant (known for his work with artists like Whitney Houston and Duran Duran). The video featured slick, upbeat choreography by none other than Kenny Ortega, adding a vibrant visual energy that matched the song’s pop sophistication.
The track was also remixed for clubs by the legendary Shep Pettibone, who amped up the dancefloor appeal with extended instrumental breaks and a slick, late-’80s groove. Thanks to Shep’s remix, “The Rumour” found a second life on the dancefloor—peaking at #17 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, even if it only reached #62 on the Hot 100.
The 12″ version featured here includes Shep’s extended mix, which stretches out the shimmer and lets the groove breathe—Olivia never quite sounded like this before or since. It’s a sleek, underappreciated gem that showcases her versatility and willingness to evolve her sound.
Despite not being a huge commercial smash, “The Rumour” marks a fascinating era in Olivia’s career—one where she wasn’t afraid to experiment, speak her mind, and team up with pop royalty to craft something unique.
This one’s for the fans who remember when pop stars weren’t afraid to push boundaries—and still made it sound this good.
SIDE A:
The Rumour (12″ Extended Mix) 6:42
The Rumour (7″ Mix) 4:00
SIDE B:
The Rumour (12″ Dub) 4:14
The Rumour (Instrumental) 4:00
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | The Rumour | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #62 |
| 1988 | The Rumour | U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary Tracks | #33 |
| 1988 | The Rumour | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play | #17 |
| 1988 | The Rumour | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Maxi-Singles Sales | #42 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: MCA Records – MCA-23890
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
Country: US
Released: Aug 13 1988
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Mixed By – Shep Pettibone, Steve Peck
- Photography By – Herb Ritts
- Producer – Elton John, James Newton Howard
- Remix [Additional Production] – Shep Pettibone
- Written-By – Elton John & Bernie Taupin
NOTES:
Original versions appear on the Olivia Newton-John album “The Rumour” (MCA-6245)
Remix And Additional Production By Shep Pettibone For Mastermix Productions
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon 2M Black PnP MkII
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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Thank you so much! I’ve been waiting for you to do this transfer again. Always a pleasure visiting your site. 🙂
This is one of my favourite remixes by Shep Pettibone, whoever got Shep onboard to remix made a good choice, imo.
I have the US CD Maxi Single of I Need Love from 1992 which has the A1 version. Good to compare as always with a vinyl transfer from you.
Thanks Paul.
You’re welcome, Malik 🙂
And yet another amazing surprise. I had no idea Shep remixed this song… .and it works really well! THANK YOU!!! I was never really a true fan of ONJ until I saw her live. Her performance was mind-blowing, especially considering she was in her 60s… so energetic and full of life!
Paul, I just watched that video you shared, and I must say that is EXACTLY how she looked and performed 30 years later!
Right? Shep brought his magic touch to this one—it’s such a fresh take that still respects the original. I’m so glad you enjoyed it! And wow, seeing ONJ live IS incredible. She was an amazing performer. She had such timeless energy and presence—truly a legend. Thanks so much for sharing that memory! 💜✨
Life can never have enough ONJ. Her voice remains a ray of sunshine unlike any other. I’ve loved her since I was a kid growing up in the 70’s and 80’s. Revisiting such an amazing remix (again, another one missing from the Shep Dance Masters box) just makes me fall in love all over again. With the proper choices, they could take her vocal tracks and make a wonderful remix album. Again, with the right choices and proper oversight, hey Paul how about we get this done 🤩🤓 Primary Wave: looking at you… Thanks for revising this one! Can’t wait… Read more »
Absolutely love your passion—and I couldn’t agree more! ONJ truly is a ray of sunshine, and her voice has that timeless magic that never fades. I’m right there with you—growing up in the 70s and 80s, she was such a constant presence, and hearing these remixes just brings it all rushing back. Totally with you on the idea of a properly curated remix album too—there’s so much untapped potential in her catalog. With the right touch (and some love from Primary Wave), it could be something truly special. 👀✨ I often wonder if doing new transfers is worth it—do folks… Read more »
This brought a smile to my face. Truly one of Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s lost gems! The groove and piano melody really isn’t that far off from his big hit at the time I Don’t Wanna Go On With You Like That – also wonderfully remixed for the dance floors by Shep Pettibone. I could really see this fitting in on Reg Strikes Back. If this was one of their giveaways, I can only imagine what else may be in the vault. Of course, ONJ nailed this! Everything about this, from her vocals to her effervescence in the video…… Read more »
I remember back in the day when this song was getting club play—the DJ would always mix it with Elton John’s I Don’t Wanna Go On With You Like That. The two tracks blended so well together, it was like they were made for each other. It’s a shame The Rumour didn’t become a bigger hit. Yet another case of poor promotion—this time by MCA, which is especially disappointing considering Olivia had been with the label her entire career. The Rumour ended up being her final album with MCA before she moved over to Geffen for her next release.
That’s so cool about the DJ mashing those two songs together. I would have loved to be on the dance floor for that. Yes a real shame that MCA didn’t better promote this terrific single. I have to say the sound and groove for this track and Reg Strikes Back are quite unique in Elton’s catalog. Chris Thomas had just come off producing INXS’ Kick, the biggest hit of their career, and so I think he applied some of those same dance grooves to Elton. Love it!
I am thrilled that you are revisiting this classic, Paul. For one thing, it’s, Olivia, and we all know how much you love her, but it’s great that it’s also a wonderful, Shep Pettibone remix. I had forgotten all the information regarding this track. Love how it was an Elton John production. Mr. John, along with Ms. Newton-John, are treasures. I again must praise you, Paul, for including the music videos with these records. I never saw this clip before, and it’s so playful and sexy. Olivia’s smile is so perfect and charismatic. This made my day, dear Paul!! I… Read more »
Hey Jeff! Your comment absolutely made my day! Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing in the excitement with me. You know how near and dear Olivia is to my heart—any excuse to revisit one of her gems is a good one, especially when it’s paired with a Shep Pettibone remix! He truly worked his magic on this track. I’m so glad you enjoyed the video too! That playful, radiant energy Olivia gives off—paired with that unmistakable smile—just lights everything up. And yes, Elton’s involvement is such a cool bit of music history, right? Two absolute… Read more »
I always smile seeing Olivia pop up on your site, because I believe she is one of your favorite artists, yes? This is a cool track – thanks so much for sharing!
Yes, ONJ is my absolute favorite female artist. 🙂
Awesome!!
Actually ‘Originally posted August 17, 2012’ Paul. 2017 was also you doing a new restoration.