Olivia Newton-John, who passed away on August 8, 2022, at 73, was more than just a singer; she was a cultural icon. Her career, marked by sincerity and a unique sparkle, defied easy categorization. Critics might have called her bland, but audiences worldwide embraced her authenticity. Her voice, often described as light and airy yet undeniably strong, became her signature. Newton-John effortlessly transitioned through various musical styles, from her early country roots to pop stardom and her iconic role in Grease, all while maintaining her core essence. Let’s explore 15 of her best songs that highlight her remarkable journey, presented in chronological order.
1. “Let Me Be There” (1973)
Olivia Newton-John’s foray into country music was an interesting chapter. While her crystalline voice was perfectly suited to heartfelt ballads, and she looked the part in denim, her style wasn’t typical for Nashville. Yet, “Let Me Be There” showcased her natural fit within the genre.
Featuring Statler Brothers-esque backing vocals and an infectious chorus, this track became her first top 10 single and earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. Penned by John Rostill, “Let Me Be There” proved its staying power through covers by Tanya Tucker, Ike & Tina Turner, and even Elvis Presley, solidifying its place as a country-pop classic.
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2. “If You Love Me, Let Me Know” (1974)
“If You Love Me, Let Me Know” further cemented Newton-John’s country image, with its twangy instrumentation and traditional sound. However, despite the authentic country vibe, the British-Australian singer was still viewed as an outsider by the Nashville establishment. This tension became apparent when she won the Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year award in 1973. Her acceptance speech, delivered via a pre-recorded video from London, underscored her perceived distance from the heart of country music.
This win sparked outrage among country purists like George Jones and Tammy Wynette, who formed the Association of Country Entertainers to exclude “pop stars” from the genre. Ironically, Conway Twitty, a member of this association, later covered Newton-John’s “Let Me Be There” with Loretta Lynn. Despite the Nashville drama, If You Love Me, Let Me Know reached No. 4 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and marked her first No. 1 on the Billboard 200 pop chart, proving her broad appeal. Elvis Presley’s admiration continued as he recorded the title track for his Moody Blue album in 1977 and frequently mentioned her in concerts.
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3. “I Honestly Love You” (1974)
“I Honestly Love You” marked a shift towards the softer, pop-rock sound that would define much of Olivia Newton-John’s later career. With its slow tempo, melancholic strings, and poignant piano chords, this ballad of unspoken love offered a more introspective and emotional depth compared to her earlier, sunnier hits. While perhaps more somber than her usual fare, it resonated deeply with audiences and foreshadowed her reign as a queen of soft-rock radio.
The song garnered significant critical acclaim, winning 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 like “Be My Baby,” and Peter Allen, the celebrated songwriter behind “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” and “Don’t Cry Out Loud,” “I Honestly Love You” was destined for success from its inception. Newton-John’s heartfelt and nuanced delivery elevated the song, transforming it into an enduring classic.
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4. “Have You Never Been Mellow” (1975)
“Have You Never Been Mellow” is the epitome of 70s soft rock, embodying a sense of calm and introspection that resonated with the era’s mood. As light as a delicate fragrance and as wistful as a sunset, this song became an anthem for a generation navigating the stresses of the Vietnam War and Watergate scandal. It perfectly fits into the “70s Sad Girl” genre, alongside tracks that evoke solitary walks on the beach and quiet contemplation. Beneath its gentle melody, however, lies a subtle message of personal growth and a challenge to embrace change.
Its enduring appeal is evident in its diverse covers by punk bands, lounge singers, and indie artists, testament to its enigmatic charm. Written by her frequent collaborator, John Farrar, this deceptively simple ballad solidified Newton-John’s transition from country to soft rock, reaching No. 1 in March 1975 and becoming one of her signature tunes.
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5. “Hopelessly Devoted to You” (1978)
Olivia Newton-John’s role in Grease marked a pivotal moment in her career, and “Hopelessly Devoted to You” is a standout ballad from the iconic film. As part of her contract for Grease, she was guaranteed a solo song. When no suitable song existed in the original musical, John Farrar stepped in to create “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” This poignant ballad perfectly captured Sandy’s yearning for Danny, played by John Travolta.
A moment of quiet reflection amidst the high-energy soundtrack, this 50s-inspired song transcends mere nostalgia, becoming something entirely new. Like the rest of the Grease soundtrack, it possesses a heightened, almost theatrical quality, a reimagining of the doo-wop era. Everything about the song and its visual presentation in the film is designed to evoke emotion: Newton-John’s angelic white nightgown, her signature bangs, the moonlit suburban setting, and even the dreamlike appearance of Travolta’s reflection in a baby pool.
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6. “Summer Nights” (1978)
“Tell me more, tell me more!” “Summer Nights,” another gem from Grease, is a playful and energetic duet that humorously highlights the contrasting perspectives of men and women in recounting a summer romance. This infectious back-and-forth narrative, detailing Danny and Sandy’s summer fling from their individual viewpoints, became a massive hit for its relatable storytelling and irresistible energy.
The song’s driving beat, coupled with the dynamic interplay between Danny and Sandy, and the supporting chorus of Greasers and Pink Ladies, made it an instant classic. The memorable bleacher choreography in the film further amplified the song’s exuberance, solidifying its place in pop culture history.
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7. “You’re the One That I Want” (1978)
“You’re the One That I Want” is perhaps the most transformative song in Olivia Newton-John’s discography, perfectly mirroring Sandy’s dramatic character arc in Grease. John Travolta himself played a key role in Newton-John’s casting, believing she was perfect for Sandy. Tailored to her vocal strengths and subtly adjusting the character to her Australian accent, the role and this song catapulted her career to new heights.
The song captures Sandy’s metamorphosis from a demure innocent to a confident, leather-clad rebel. This cinematic transformation, from “Sandy 1” to “Sandy 2,” showcased Newton-John’s surprising versatility. The dynamic chemistry between her and Travolta, especially during the carnival scene, as they playfully express their mutual desire, is pure movie magic and a testament to their on-screen charisma.
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8. “We Go Together” (1978)
“We Go Together,” a Grease classic, highlights the film’s lighthearted and slightly irreverent take on the 1950s. While Grease originated as a grittier stage musical set in Chicago, the movie adaptation retained only a handful of original songs, “We Go Together” being a fortunate survivor. This song perfectly encapsulates the film’s blend of nostalgia and playful satire of the era.
The song’s nonsensical yet catchy lyrics, filled with 50s-inspired vocalizations, contribute to its infectious energy and enduring appeal. Newton-John, in her “Bad Sandy” persona, leads this energetic group singalong with Travolta, delivering a performance full of joy and enthusiasm. The film’s finale, with Greased Lightning soaring into the sky, and Newton-John’s expression of pure delight, creates a memorable and uplifting cinematic moment.
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9. “A Little More Love” (1978)
Olivia Newton-John’s post-Grease career saw a “Bad Sandy” inspired transformation, evident in her Totally Hot album, released shortly after the film’s success. The album cover itself, featuring Newton-John in all black leather, signaled a shift in image. “A Little More Love,” the lead single, echoed the energy of her Grease hits while exploring a more confident and slightly edgier sound.
Imagine Blondie channeling the Pink Ladies – that’s the vibe of “A Little More Love.” The song blends jittery energy, a driving beat, new-wave influenced keyboards, and a newfound coolness in Newton-John’s delivery. It’s an undeniably catchy pop-rock track that showcases her evolving artistry and post-Grease confidence.
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10. “Xanadu” (1980)
The immense popularity of Grease couldn’t prevent the box-office disappointment of Xanadu, a roller-skating musical fantasy set in Los Angeles, co-starring Gene Kelly in his final film role. Despite the film’s critical panning, the soundtrack, particularly the title track “Xanadu,” was a resounding success.
Written by Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) and performed by Newton-John, “Xanadu” is a unique blend of grandiosity, ethereal echoes, and a touch of the bizarre. Its unintentional campiness is part of its charm, making it a beloved guilty pleasure. The song’s majestic and otherworldly sound perfectly complements the film’s fantastical themes.
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11. “Magic” (1980)
“Bring all your dreams alive” takes on an unexpectedly eerie tone in “Magic,” arguably Olivia Newton-John’s most unusual and most captivating song. Also from the Xanadu soundtrack and penned by John Farrar, “Magic” stands out with its haunting atmosphere and strangely addictive melody. It hints at influences from Talking Heads and evokes the soundtracks of classic horror films.
The song’s echo-laden production and minor key create a sense of mystery and intrigue. Newton-John’s vocals, both ghostly and dramatic, enhance this effect, making “Magic” a truly unique entry in her catalog. Despite its unconventional sound, “Magic” spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving its undeniable allure.
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12. “Suddenly” (1980)
Stretching the single syllable “I” into a multi-syllabic vocal run (“and aye-yai-uh-hi-hi”) is a vocal technique best left to professionals like Olivia Newton-John and her duet partner Cliff Richard. “Suddenly,” another track from Xanadu, showcases their vocal synergy in a sweet and romantic ballad.
In the film, the song is lip-synced by Michael Beck and Newton-John during a roller-skating sequence. The smooth flow of the skating, the melody of the song, and the visual aesthetic of 80s movie sets create a moment of pure 80s romantic perfection, gliding effortlessly into our hearts.
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13. “Physical” (1981)
Olivia Newton-John often expressed initial reservations about the overtly suggestive lyrics of “Physical,” the lead single from her album of the same name. Perhaps this discomfort led her to conceive the now-iconic music video, reinterpreting the song as an anthem for aerobic exercise. This clever conceptual shift was key to the song’s immense success, holding the No. 1 spot for 10 weeks in 1982.
The music video, reminiscent of a Saturday Night Live sketch, features Newton-John in a headband and leotard comically instructing a group of sweaty men. This visual forever linked “Physical” to the burgeoning 80s aerobics craze, coinciding with the release of Jane Fonda’s influential Workout Book. Further solidifying her innovative approach, Newton-John released Olivia Physical in 1982, a video album featuring a different video for each song, predating Beyoncé’s Lemonade-style visual albums. Olivia Physical earned her a Grammy for Video of the Year in 1983.
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14. “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” – the lyrics of “Make a Move on Me” may not be profound, but as a pure pop confection, the song is undeniably effective. This upbeat and infectious track served as an instant mood booster, becoming a staple in 80s step-aerobics classes across the country.
As the follow-up single to “Physical,” “Make a Move on Me” reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became her last single to achieve gold certification. Its energetic rhythm and catchy chorus cemented its place as a quintessential 80s pop hit.
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15. “Twist of Fate” (1983)
The 1980s brought the rise of electronic music and a harder-edged sound, trends that didn’t entirely align with Olivia Newton-John’s established soft rock persona. “Twist of Fate,” written for the soundtrack of Two of a Kind, the 1983 film reuniting her with John Travolta, became her final top 10 hit.
However, “Twist of Fate” experienced a resurgence in popularity after being featured in season 2 of Stranger Things. While it didn’t reach the same level of cultural phenomenon as Kate Bush’s Stranger Things-fueled revival, “Twist of Fate” was masterfully integrated into the show’s narrative. Its electronic-tinged sound perfectly underscored the emotional tension of the Snowball dance scene, particularly Steve’s longing glance at Nancy, and the song’s powerful guitar and drum interlude amplified the drama of Steve’s departure.
