Olivia Newton-John: 10 Essential Songs and Enduring Impact (Ranked and AI Expanded)

Love is all we leave when we are gone…so live on.
Olivia Newton-John

Truly, it’s difficult to comprehend that two years have elapsed since the passing of pop superstar Olivia Newton-John after her 30-year battle with breast cancer. The world feels a little colder without her radiant smile and her endearing, yet subtly humorous, personality.

As I’ve always been an avid fan, I wanted to revisit this post from one year ago today to preserve her memory and simply to put a bright spot in my (and your) day! I’ve used AI to expand and/or enhance the post, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Dame Olivia Newton-John, a 4-time Grammy winner, achieved 15 top ten singles (many of which are featured here, including her 5 number ones), and sold over 100 million records worldwide. Furthermore, she tirelessly advocated for animals, the environment, and breast cancer research.

It is an exceptionally challenging task to select just ten (or eleven, in this case) songs from her extensive repertoire of exceptional singles. Nevertheless, I made the attempt. These are my top favorites among her most significant hits. Additionally, to further acquaint oneself with her remarkable body of work, I will include a brief list of songs that I highly recommend, on par with her major hits, as well as the singles I regrettably could not include here due to the limited number.

For more on ONJ, revisit our posts below from prior years:

With that being said, here are “Our Ten” favorite songs from the late but great Olivia Newton-John.

NOTE: CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR A VIDEO PERFORMANCE OF EACH SONG

10. SOUL KISS (1985) – (TIE)

The title track to her follow-up album to the phenomenon that was “Physical”, the single “Soul Kiss” emerges as a hauntingly seductive masterpiece. The brooding, heavy bass and the tantalizing lyrics, coupled with the captivating imagery of the video, hinted at a potential chart-topping sensation in 1985. However, ONJ found herself in fierce competition with the rise of Madonna, who naturally exuded a youthful and trendy aura. Nonetheless, the single has defied time and stands as a contender for her most compelling recordings.

Peak Position in the: US #20 UK: #100

10. THE RUMOUR (1988) – (TIE)

This “comeback single” from ONJ failed to achieve significant chart success in 1988, despite the backing of the “Olivia Down Under” special on HBO and a stylish video directed by Brian Grant, known for his work on her Grammy-winning “Physical” video album in 1981. The music and lyrics were contributed by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, with Elton himself providing piano and backing vocals for the release. Cashbox magazine noted the song as “the snappiest tune that Olivia’s done in a long stretch,” acknowledging her genuine performance. Despite the artist’s admirable resilience and adaptability during a challenging period of industry transformation in the 1980s, fierce competition from the likes of Whitney Houston and Debbie Gibson hindered the song’s commercial impact. Nevertheless, it endures as an enjoyable track, reflecting ONJ’s ability to resonate with audiences while staying true to her distinctive musical style.

Peak Position in the: US #62 UK #85

9. XANADU (1980)

Create a mesmerizing song from the Electric Light Orchestra, and envision Jeff Lynne in the role of a supporting vocalist, gracefully making way for the captivating vocals of Olivia Newton-John to take center stage. The outcome? A scintillating track that, according to Billboard, embodies a truly triumphant collaboration. Serving as the title track for the soundtrack to Olivia’s underrated yet cherished film successor to “Grease”, this single dominated the music charts in over 10 countries back in 1980. The enchanting melody, peppered with orchestral arrangements and shimmering production, captured the hearts of fans worldwide, earning critical acclaim and cementing its place as a timeless classic. The ethereal harmonies and evocative lyrics transported listeners on a spellbinding journey, igniting a sense of romance and nostalgia that endures to this day. The music video, with its innovative visual effects and captivating choreography, further enhanced the allure of the song, captivating audiences and solidifying its status as a beloved masterpiece in the annals of music history.

Peak Position in the: US #8 UK #1

8. YOU’RE THE ONE THAT I WANT (1978)

One of the most sensational singles in history, “You’re the One That I Want”, delivered a riveting performance during the climactic scene of the iconic 1978 film “Grease”. This electrifying moment allowed Olivia Newton-John to truly embody her character of Sandy, propelling her own musical career to new heights. The transformation of her soft adult contemporary ballads into bold, irresistible pop hits resulted in an artist that would ultimately reign supreme throughout the entire 1980s. It’s important to note that this achievement occurred before the era of Shania Twain, Faith Hill, and most recently – Taylor Swift. Olivia Newton-John’s impact extended beyond the music industry, as her portrayal in “Grease” solidified her status as a cultural icon and fashion influencer. Her timeless style and charisma continue to inspire generations of fans, and the enduring popularity of the film ensures that her legacy remains vibrant and influential. Additionally, Newton-John’s philanthropic work and advocacy have further secured her place in the hearts of many, demonstrating that her influence reaches far beyond the realm of entertainment.

Peak Position in the: US #1 UK #1

7. I HONESTLY LOVE YOU (1974/1998)

Winning both “Record of the Year” and “Best Pop Vocal Performance – Female” at the 17th Grammy Awards, Olivia’s breakthrough single “I Honestly Love You” became her signature song and a timeless classic throughout her illustrious 50-year career. The poignant lyrics and emotive melody resonated with audiences around the world, propelling the song and its parent album, “If You Love Me (Let Me Know),” to the number one spot on the charts in the United States. The ethereal original rendition, which captured the hearts of millions, has been covered by a diverse array of artists, from iconic crooners like Andy Williams to alternative rock musicians like Juliana Hatfield, each bringing their own unique interpretation to the beloved track. However, it was Olivia’s own transformative remake of the single in 1998 that truly captured the essence of the song in a new light, infusing it with a profound sense of maturity and depth. Collaborating with the renowned artist Babyface, Olivia delivered a captivating rendition that stood the test of time, solidifying “I Honestly Love You” as a thoroughly iconic piece of music that continues to enrapture audiences across generations.

Peak Position in the: US #1 UK #22

6. PHYSICAL (1981)

“Rumour” has it that the song was originally intended for Rod Stewart, then offered to Tina Turner, and eventually found its home with pop princess Olivia Newton-John. After recording it, she panicked upon its release and desperately pleaded with executives to pull it, resulting in its ban in several countries. However, she managed to counter the song’s sexual innuendo with a cutting-edge fitness-themed video, propelling it to the #1 spot for 10 consecutive weeks (apologies to Foreigner #2 hit “Waiting for a Girl Like You”), and solidifying its status as a cultural touchstone for decades to come. Cheesy, perhaps, but sometimes a bit of cheese is just what you need. The song’s catchy melody and memorable lyrics resonated with audiences worldwide, earning it a permanent place in the annals of pop music history. Its success also inspired a wave of similar upbeat, energy-driven music videos, contributing to the evolution of music and visual storytelling in the entertainment industry. The impact of “Physical” extended beyond its initial release, sparking debates and discussions about the intersection of music, art, and societal norms, leaving a lasting impression on popular culture.

Peak Position in the US #1 UK #7

5. HAVE YOU NEVER BEEN MELLOW (1975)

Written by long-time producer and friend John Farrar, “Have You Never Been Mellow” secured Olivia’s second consecutive number one single when it climbed to the top of the charts in March of 1975. Despite being nominated for a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, it was bested by Janis Ian’s “At Seventeen”. The inspiration for the song came from the repeated use of the word “mellow” by the guys on her touring bus, which sparked the creative process for Farrar and solidified ONJ’s status as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. One lingering question remains after research: why does it seem that the song was not released in the UK? The decision not to release the song in the UK may have been influenced by various factors, including market conditions, promotional strategies, or even contractual agreements. Additionally, cultural differences and music trends in the UK at the time may have played a role in the decision-making process. Despite this, “Have You Never Been Mellow” continues to be a beloved classic amongst Olivia Newton-John fans worldwide, showcasing the enduring impact of her music across different regions and cultures.

Peak Position in the: US #1 UK n/a

4. TWIST OF FATE (1983)

Although the ill-fated reunion between ONJ and John Travolta in the form of the 1984 film “Two of a Kind” didn’t recapture the “Grease” magic, the soundtrack to the film went platinum, led by Olivia’s hit single “Twist of Fate”. Produced by David Foster (Whitney Houston, Earth Wind & Fire, Josh Groban and so many more), the single hit #5 in January of 1984, becoming one of her final top-40 hits. The song experienced a resurgence in the fall of 2017 when it was featured in the season finale of the Netflix series “Stranger Things”. This unexpected resurgence brought a new wave of appreciation for the song, reintroducing it to a whole new generation of listeners and adding to its enduring legacy. The combination of Olivia Newton-John’s distinctive voice and the timeless quality of the song’s composition contributed to its ability to transcend decades and connect with audiences across different eras. As a result, “Twist of Fate” continues to be a beloved track, showcasing the enduring impact of Olivia Newton-John’s musical contributions.

Peak Position in the: US #5 UK #57

3. MAGIC (1980)

Alongside ELO’s “I’m Alive”, this single kicked off the original motion picture soundtrack to “Xanadu”, with the single reaching the summit of Billboard’s Hot 100 for 4 weeks in August of 1980. Admired by John Lennon, the single was displaced from the top of the charts by Christopher Cross’ “Sailing”, but it remained a favorite among music enthusiasts for its catchy melodies and timeless appeal. The song’s success was not only evident in its chart-topping status but also in its lasting impact on popular culture and its influence on subsequent artists. As the year came to a close, “Xanadu” emerged as a significant musical phenomenon, with the single securing its place in the year-end countdown as the #3 song of the year, solidifying its status as a timeless classic. The magic of “Xanadu” and its music continues to capture the hearts of audiences, establishing a legacy that transcends generations and musical trends.

Peak Position in the: US #1 UK #32

2. HOPELESSLY DEVOTED TO YOU (1978)

The outpouring of grief worldwide two years ago at the passing of this English/Australian and yet somehow all-American girl was epitomized perfectly in the form of this solo single from the soundtrack to “Grease”. Nominated for an Oscar as Best Original Song, the single lost to Donna Summer’s “Last Dance” from “Thank God It’s Friday” but peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at #3. Interestingly, the song was not originally included in the musical, but ONJ’s contract stipulated she perform a solo. As producer Allan Carr wasn’t about to have his leading lady singing “It’s Raining on Prom Night” while being drenched onscreen, John Farrar quickly came up with this tune (although the lyrics took some time with extensive use of a thesaurus), and it was recorded after the film had wrapped. An instant classic. The impact of this single was felt across generations, with its infectious melody and poignant lyrics resonating with audiences worldwide. Its timeless quality continues to captivate listeners, cementing it as a beloved piece of musical history. The song’s success not only solidified Olivia Newton-John’s status as a music icon but also contributed to the enduring popularity of the “Grease” soundtrack, ensuring its place in the pantheon of cinematic music achievements.

Peak Position in the: US: #3 UK – #2

1. A LITTLE MORE LOVE (1978)

Fresh off her career-making turn in “Grease”, Olivia Newton-John created what I feel is the best release of her career. Clad in black leather and stilettoes coupled with dark eyes and a come-hither look, “Totally Hot” marked a decided change from her previous studio album “Making a Good Thing Better” just a year or so before it. This lead single, with it’s grittier bassline and lyrical lines like “Where, where did my innocence go? How, how was a young girl to know?”, the track signaled this was a new ONJ that “Grease” only hinted at. The singer took full advantage and became an even greater international star than ever before. This single peaked at #3 on Billboard’s Hot 100, but I still feel it’s tops in her catalogue of great music. The album itself showcased Olivia’s versatility as an artist, delving into various musical styles while maintaining a cohesive and compelling sound throughout. From the infectious energy of the title track “Totally Hot” to the tender balladry of “Borrowed Time”, each song demonstrated her vocal prowess and emotional range. Moreover, her stage presence during this era was unparalleled, as she commanded attention with every performance, captivating audiences worldwide. The impact of “Totally Hot” and its accompanying album reverberated across the music industry, solidifying Olivia Newton-John as a pop icon and setting a new standard for artistic reinvention in the late 1970s.

Peak Position in the: US – #3 UK – #4

Because this is a “casual” listener list, it consists of mostly hits by the artist. There are so many classic songs by Olivia Newton-John that it truly is difficult to narrow them down to ten (similar to my experience with Billy Joel, Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles, and ABBA). What are some of the other songs that should have been included? What album tracks should have been released as singles? Here’s my secondary list: