This album was praised by critics as more mature, with Newton-John addressing topics such as AIDS ("Love and Let Live"), the environment and single-parent households.

[3] Rolling Stone, noted that "it's a bit of a jolt to hear Olivia Newton-John sing about AIDS, single parenthood and a better environment.

Just as surprisingly, she connects with rock producer Davitt Sigerson's unsweetened settings and delivers believable, unstrained conviction, whether she's championing a cause, romping through the title cut or exposing a vein or two...For fifteen years, Olivia Newton-John has been one of pop music's prettiest faces; now she just wants a little respect, and with The Rumour she earns it.

"[2] In their review of the album, Billboard commented that "the woman who once revived her career with a double-entendre invitation to "get physical" now asks "Can't We Talk It Over In Bed."

Ever-changing Newton-John has a sound perfectly packaged for the late '80s; leadoff title single, featuring Elton John, is off to a nice start.