(11 December 2000) While her earlier albums date back to 1976, JaneOlivor's first new album in eighteen years is an eleven track collection entitledLove Decides (Varese Sarabande (USA) 302 066 198 2, 2000). The album wasproduced by Steve A Addabo, whose guitar parts grace all but one of the selections.While there are tww Olivor originals, "However Dark The Night" and "In The Moment," written by Olivor with Rede and Addabbo respectively, the majority of the tracksare covers of tunes written by others. October Project's Marina Belica providesbacking vocals to "Night Song," Olivor's interpretation of "Bury My Lovely" and"In The Moment."

Jane Olivor's singing naturally dominates the album. She says,"This is my first album in 18 years and it's finally here. I'm thrilled to beable to share it with all of my fans and I am so grateful for your loyalty andlove. I think you with all my heart. I excitedly welcome new fans who I hopewill become old friends." The album effectively balances uptempo, midtempo and slowly sung heartfelt ballads.

While "Warm," title track "Love Decides" and "Half Heaven, HalfHeartache" provide a lovely introduction to the artist's repertoire, the uptempo 1997 Olivor / Rede track "However Dark The Night" is the first trulystandout track on the album. Jane sings in a mid- to low-register and, whilesoaring vocal excursions do occur, she doesn't go into the stratosphere. Hervocal work is consistently evocative, sensual with a mature emotional delivery outweighing the need for a vast range. "However Dark The Night" has a lovelyalternative rock arrangement and Marina Belica's backing vocals add a lovely texture to the choruses. Jane's emotional vocal delivery and both sax and guitar solos during the instrumental bridge is highly notable.

Jane Olivor's interpretation of the Emil Adler/Julie Flanderstrack "Bury My Lovely" originally performed by Mary Fahl and Marina Belicawith October Project on the band's debut album is the standout trackon the album. Vocally stunning in every respect, Steve Gabour's keyboardarrangement and guitars by Steve Addabbo give the cover a truly unique, somewhat Celtic touch. While backing vocal work by Marina Belica and Emil Adler in Olivor's interpretation of the song adds a lovely texture, the lead vocal is most evocative and sensual, adding a new dimension to this October Project classic. Jane's soaring lead in the chorus while sunglower is also reminscent of Karnataka's Rachel Jones and further justifiestheir comparison made to October Project made by our readers.

Production quality perfectly compliments vocal performanceand instrumental arrangements in the heartfelt ballads "I Had This Man"and "I Believe In You." The uptempo "In The Moment" is a more highly accessible song with lovely multi-tracked backing harmony vocals adding texture most effectively. "Colors of the Wind" is a theatrical styleballad and most effectively illutrates Jane Olivor's ability to transmitan emotional message within her singing. The album concludes with thelightly accompanied ballad "I'll Be There" further illustrating thesinger's sensitive delivery.

Clearly Jane Olivor's Love Decides is a wonderfully produced return to the mainstream album for this extremely talented singer songwriter.Standout tracks on the album are balanced with emotively sung ballads anddemonstrate the range and depth of the artist. You can find other albums by Jane Olivor, and read reviews, hear soundbites and order the album from amazon.comhere. October Project enthusiasts will be delighted to hear Jane's interpretationof the classic "Bury My Lovely," and while the entire album is excellent, thisone track will certainly justify its purchase. Worth a journey and lots offurther exploration, the album is a very nice listen!