| The Rumour | |
| Cover: | ONJ The Rumour Single Cover.jpg |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Olivia Newton-John |
| Album: | The Rumour |
| B-Side: | Winter Angel |
| Released: | April 1988 |
| Recorded: | 1987 |
| Label: | Mercury |
| Prev Title: | The Best of Me |
| Prev Year: | 1986 |
| Next Title: | Can't We Talk It Over in Bed |
| Next Year: | 1988 |
"The Rumour" is a song recorded by Australian singer and actress Olivia Newton-John for her thirteenth studio album of the same name (1988). It was released as the album's lead single in April 1988 through Mercury Records. The song was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, and it features backing vocals and piano by John.
Billboard commented that the single was "benefiting from aggressive pop production and songwriting aid from label mate John, the distinctive songstress is set for a comeback."[1] A reviewer from Cash Box said that "The Rumour" is "the snappiest tune that Olivia's done in a long stretch and she rises to the occasion delivering a heartfelt performance."[2] Jonh Wilde from Melody Maker wrote, "Okay, I'm not trying to suggest that she's The Monkees or anything, but when she gets rocking like this, it's 23 skidoo and away before you know it. Stars like this are not going cheap. We have to give in. It's our duty. I'm entirely serious about all this. Boom, boom, boom. That's me humming the second verse."[3]
| Peak position | |
| US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[4] | 33 |
|---|---|
| US Cash Box Top 100[5] | 79 |
| US Hot Dance Club Songs[6] | 17 |
| European Airplay (European Hit Radio)[7] | 40 |
| Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[8] | 92 |