Olivia Newton-John, who passed away on August 8, 2022, at 73, remains an unforgettable icon, celebrated for her sincerity, sparkle, and uniquely feminine voice. Her ability to seamlessly transition across genres, from country beginnings to pop stardom and film musicals, cemented her place in music history. This exploration delves into 15 of the best Olivia Newton-John songs, showcasing her remarkable versatility and enduring appeal that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. These tracks are not just songs; they are milestones in a career defined by authenticity and musical brilliance.
“Let Me Be There” (1973)
Olivia Newton-John’s foray into country music was an intriguing chapter in her early career. While her delicate voice and charming persona seemed fitting for heartfelt melodies, she wasn’t a typical Nashville figure. Yet, “Let Me Be There” proved her country music prowess.
Featuring deep bass backup vocals reminiscent of the Statler Brothers and an infectious sing-along chorus, this track marked her breakthrough into the top 10 and earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. Penned by John Rostill, its appeal transcended genres, leading to covers by Tanya Tucker, Ike & Tina Turner, and even Elvis Presley, highlighting the song’s universal charm and Newton-John’s ability to interpret it with unique grace.
“If You Love Me, Let Me Know” (1974)
“If You Love Me, Let Me Know” saw Olivia Newton-John further embrace her country sound, showcasing a twangy, traditional style. Despite the authentic sound, the British-Australian singer faced resistance from Nashville’s traditional country establishment. In the year of its release, she won the Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year award, accepting it remotely from London, a move that stirred controversy.
This win angered country music purists like George Jones and Tammy Wynette, who formed the Association of Country Entertainers to exclude “pop stars” like Newton-John. Ironically, Conway Twitty, a member, later covered her hit “Let Me Be There.” Despite the genre politics, If You Love Me, Let Me Know reached No. 4 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums and became her first chart-topping album on the Billboard 200 pop chart. Elvis Presley’s continued admiration for Newton-John was evident as he recorded the title track for his 1977 album, Moody Blue, further solidifying her impact across music genres.
“I Honestly Love You” (1974)
With its melancholic tempo, poignant strings, and sorrowful piano, “I Honestly Love You” delves into the depths of unrequited love, a departure from Newton-John’s usual upbeat style. This ballad served as a precursor to her transition into the queen of soft-rock radio. The song’s emotional depth resonated deeply, earning it two Grammy Awards in 1975: Record of the Year and Best Pop Female Vocal Performance.
Co-written by Jeff Barry, known for girl group classics, and Peter Allen, celebrated for “Arthur’s Theme,” the song was destined for success. However, it was Olivia Newton-John’s heartfelt and nuanced delivery that elevated it to iconic status, making it one of her signature Olivia Newton-John songs.
“Have You Never Been Mellow” (1975)
“Have You Never Been Mellow” is as light as a summer breeze yet carries a contemplative melancholy. This song perfectly encapsulates the 70s “Sad Girl” genre, alongside tracks like “Do You Know Where You’re Going To” and “Rainy Days and Mondays,” evoking a sense of introspective solitude. Its gentle delivery subtly conveys a message of personal growth and change.
The song’s enduring appeal is evident in its diverse covers by punk bands, lounge singers, and indie artists, highlighting its enigmatic charm. Written by her frequent collaborator John Farrar, this seemingly simple ballad marked Newton-John’s definitive shift from country towards soft rock, reaching No. 1 in March 1975 and becoming one of the most beloved Olivia Newton-John songs of the decade.
“Hopelessly Devoted to You” (1978)
As part of her contract for the movie Grease, Olivia Newton-John was promised a solo song. When the original musical lacked a suitable piece, writer John Farrar stepped in and created “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” This poignant ballad perfectly captured Sandy’s longing for Danny, played by John Travolta. It provided a quiet, emotional interlude within the high-energy musical.
Though set in the 1950s, the song possesses a timeless quality. Its over-the-top, polished production, characteristic of the Grease soundtrack, enhanced its emotional impact. The filming of the song, with Newton-John in a white nightgown against a moonlit suburban backdrop, became iconic, further cementing its place as a quintessential ballad and one of the most cherished Olivia Newton-John songs.
“Summer Nights” (1978)
“Tell me more, tell me more!” “Summer Nights,” another gem from Grease, is a playful and humorous duet that highlights the contrasting perspectives between men and women in recounting a summer romance. This infectious back-and-forth between Danny and Sandy became a cultural phenomenon for its relatable and entertaining narrative.
The song’s structure, presenting the same story from two viewpoints, coupled with its driving beat, made it an instant hit. The addition of the Greasers and Pink Ladies chorus and dynamic choreography amplified its energy, ensuring its place as a chart-topping and heart-capturing classic and one of the most popular Olivia Newton-John songs.
“You’re the One That I Want” (1978)
John Travolta played a pivotal role in Olivia Newton-John’s casting in Grease, believing she was perfect for Sandy. “You’re the One That I Want,” tailored to her vocal strengths by John Farrar, became a career-defining song. Her natural charm shone through, and the role, especially this song, significantly boosted her career.
The song showcases Sandy’s transformation from innocent to confident, mirroring Newton-John’s own versatility. The dynamic interplay between her and Travolta during the carnival scene, as they express their mutual desire, is a highlight of the film and a testament to the song’s captivating energy. This track remains an iconic duet and one of the most recognized Olivia Newton-John songs globally.
“We Go Together” (1978)
“We Go Together,” one of the few original songs retained from the stage musical Grease, perfectly captures the film’s lighthearted and slightly irreverent take on the 1950s. This exuberant group number is a sugar rush of nostalgia, both celebrating and playfully mocking the era’s music.
The lyrics, with their nonsensical yet catchy phrases, exemplify the song’s whimsical nature. Olivia Newton-John, in her “Bad Sandy” persona, leads the ensemble with Travolta, culminating in the memorable image of Greased Lightning soaring into the sky. Her joyful surprise and infectious glee at the end of the song encapsulate the film’s spirit and make it a beloved ensemble piece among Olivia Newton-John songs.
“A Little More Love” (1978)
Life imitated art as Olivia Newton-John’s career embraced a “Bad Sandy” transformation with her album Totally Hot, released shortly after Grease. The album cover featured her in head-to-toe black, signaling a bolder direction. “A Little More Love,” the lead single, echoed the energy of her Grease hits, also penned by Farrar.
This song blends pop with a hint of new wave, featuring driving rhythms and cool confidence. It’s reminiscent of Blondie with a Pink Ladies twist, marking a new phase in Newton-John’s artistic exploration. “A Little More Love” is an upbeat, catchy track that showcases her evolving sound and stands out as one of the more energetic Olivia Newton-John songs.
“Xanadu” (1980)
The immense success of Grease was followed by Xanadu, a roller-skating fantasy set in Los Angeles. Despite the film’s critical reception, the music, particularly the title track “Xanadu,” was widely praised. Co-written by Jeff Lynne of ELO and sung by Newton-John, “Xanadu” is an opulent, echoey, and somewhat bizarre track that embraces its campiness unintentionally, which adds to its charm.
This song is grandiose and majestic, perfectly capturing the fantastical and dreamy atmosphere of the movie. Its unique sound and Newton-John’s ethereal vocals made it a standout hit and a memorable entry in the collection of Olivia Newton-John songs.
“Magic” (1980)
“Bring all your dreams alive” takes on an unexpectedly eerie tone in “Magic,” arguably the most unusual yet captivating of Olivia Newton-John songs. Also from Xanadu and written by John Farrar, this track stands out with its haunting and almost unsettling vibe, reminiscent of Talking Heads and horror movie soundtracks.
Its echo-laden production, minor keys, and slightly sinister edge, combined with Newton-John’s dramatic vocals, create a unique and mesmerizing effect. Despite its unconventional nature, “Magic” spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving its strange and compelling appeal.
“Suddenly” (1980)
The vocal acrobatics in “Suddenly,” particularly Newton-John and Cliff Richard’s elongated “I” (“and aye-yai-uh-hi-hi”), showcase their professional skill and vocal range. This duet, also featured in Xanadu, is a classic 80s romantic ballad.
In the film, it’s lip-synced by Michael Beck while roller-skating with Newton-John, perfectly complementing the smooth movements and dreamy atmosphere. The song’s gentle rhythm and romantic melody, combined with the visual of them gliding through movie sets, epitomize 80s sweetness and charm, making it a beloved duet among Olivia Newton-John songs.
“Physical” (1981)
Olivia Newton-John often expressed initial embarrassment over the overtly suggestive lyrics of “Physical.” However, she cleverly reimagined the song and its accompanying video as an anthem for aerobic exercise. This conceptual shift was key to its massive success, holding the No. 1 spot for 10 weeks in 1982.
The video, resembling an SNL sketch, featured her in workout attire comically instructing a group of men. This video linked the song to the burgeoning 80s aerobics craze, coinciding with Jane Fonda’s Workout Book. Newton-John further expanded on this concept by releasing Olivia Physical, a video album with a different video for each song, earning her a Grammy for Video of the Year in 1983. “Physical” remains one of the most iconic and playfully provocative Olivia Newton-John songs.
“Make a Move on Me” (1981)
“I’m the one you want, that’s all I wanna be/So come on, baby, make a move on me,” while simple, perfectly encapsulates the upbeat and direct energy of “Make a Move on Me.” This song is pure 80s pop euphoria, an instant mood booster.
Becoming a staple in aerobics classes nationwide, this energetic follow-up to “Physical” reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became her last single to reach gold status. “Make a Move on Me” is a testament to Newton-John’s ability to deliver catchy, feel-good pop songs that resonated widely and remains a fun, upbeat entry in her discography of Olivia Newton-John songs.
“Twist of Fate” (1983)
The 80s brought electronic music and a harder edge to pop culture, trends that didn’t entirely align with Olivia Newton-John’s soft rock persona. “Twist of Fate,” written for the soundtrack of Two of a Kind, reuniting her with John Travolta, became her last top 10 hit.
However, the song experienced a resurgence thanks to its inclusion in Stranger Things season 2. While it didn’t spark a Kate Bush-level renaissance, its masterful integration into the show’s Snowball dance scene was highly effective. “Twist of Fate”‘s electronic sound enhanced the emotional scene between Steve and Nancy, solidifying its place as a memorable 80s track and a noteworthy inclusion among Olivia Newton-John songs, even decades later.
Olivia Newton-John’s musical journey is marked by her incredible ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her authentic voice. From country beginnings to pop superstardom and iconic movie musicals, her songs have touched hearts and defined generations. This collection of Olivia Newton-John songs represents just a glimpse into her vast and beloved catalog, a testament to her enduring legacy as a true original in music history.
