Olivia Newton-John, who passed away on August 8, 2022, at 73, was more than just a singer; she was a cultural icon. From roller skating through walls to soaring in a flying convertible, she embodied originality and authenticity. Her genuine nature resonated with audiences, dismissing critics who labeled her as bland. Her voice, as delicate as whipped cream, possessed a quiet strength that underpinned her diverse career.
Newton-John was a true chameleon of pop, effortlessly transitioning through genres and styles. She moved from country beginnings to 70s soft rock, embodying both the innocence of Sandy Dee and the energy of an aerobics icon. Her ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her core essence is a testament to her strong sense of self. To celebrate her remarkable career, here are 15 of Olivia Newton-John’s best songs, presented in chronological order.
1. Let Me Be There (1973)
Olivia Newton-John’s foray into country music might seem unexpected, but her pure, gentle voice was perfectly suited for heartfelt melodies. While her denim outfits were undeniably stylish, she wasn’t your typical country star, yet she sounded every bit like one on “Let Me Be There.”
This track, featuring Statler Brothers-esque backing vocals and an infectious chorus, became her first top 10 hit. It also earned her a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. Written by John Rostill, “Let Me Be There” proved its enduring appeal with covers by Tanya Tucker, Ike & Tina Turner, and even Elvis Presley.
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2. If You Love Me, Let Me Know (1974)
“If You Love Me, Let Me Know” sees Newton-John further embracing her country sound with a distinctly twangy, traditional feel. However, this authentic sound couldn’t mask her outsider status in Nashville. Despite her success, the country music establishment struggled to accept this British-Australian artist. In the year of this song’s release, she won the Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year award, accepting it remotely from London.
This victory sparked outrage among 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” with Loretta Lynn. Despite the controversy, If You Love Me, Let Me Know reached No. 4 on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums chart and marked her first chart-topping tour on the Billboard 200. Elvis Presley’s continued admiration also saw him cover the title track for his 1977 album, Moody Blue, and mention her name during concerts.
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3. I Honestly Love You (1974)
“I Honestly Love You,” a ballad characterized by its slow tempo, melancholic strings, and mournful piano, offered a glimpse into Newton-John’s transition towards soft rock. While perhaps more somber than her usual sunny disposition, this song became a defining track in her evolution into the queen of soft-rock radio.
This poignant ode to unrequited love garnered significant recognition, winning two Grammys in 1975: Record of the Year and Best Pop Female Vocal Performance. Co-written by Jeff Barry, known for girl group hits like “Be My Baby” and “Then He Kissed Me,” and Australian songwriter Peter Allen, of “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” fame, the song’s pedigree suggested success. However, it was Newton-John’s emotionally resonant delivery that truly elevated it to iconic status.
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4. Have You Never Been Mellow (1975)
“Have You Never Been Mellow” is a song that encapsulates a mood – light, airy, and tinged with a wistful melancholy. Evoking the era of 70s Sad Girl anthems, it’s reminiscent of introspective tunes perfect for solitary walks on the beach. Beneath its delicate surface, however, lies a subtly assertive message of personal evolution.
This deceptively simple ballad, written by her frequent collaborator John Farrar, marked Newton-John’s definitive move away from country and into the realm of soft rock. It reached No. 1 in March 1975 and has since been covered by artists across genres, from punk bands to indie stars, attesting to its enduring and enigmatic appeal.
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5. Hopelessly Devoted to You (1978)
As part of her contract for Grease, Olivia Newton-John negotiated for a solo song. The original musical lacked such a number, prompting writer John Farrar to create “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” This poignant ballad perfectly captured Sandy’s longing for Danny, played by John Travolta, providing a moment of quiet reflection within the energetic soundtrack.
While styled in the 50s vein, “Hopelessly Devoted to You” felt distinctly modern. Like the entire Grease soundtrack, it possessed a polished, theatrical quality. The filming of the song amplified its emotional impact – Newton-John in a white nightgown, moonlit suburban setting, even Travolta’s reflection appearing in a baby pool – all crafted to evoke a sense of romantic yearning.
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6. Summer Nights (1978)
“Tell me more, tell me more!” “Summer Nights,” another Grease classic, is a playful, back-and-forth narrative song highlighting the contrasting perspectives of men and women in recounting a summer romance. Its infectious energy and relatable theme made it a massive hit.
The song unfolds the same summer story from both Danny and Sandy’s viewpoints, driven by a beat that’s impossible to resist. The addition of the Greasers and Pink Ladies as a Greek chorus, combined with dynamic choreography, propelled “Summer Nights” to chart-topping success and cemented its place in pop culture.
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7. You’re the One That I Want (1978)
John Travolta played a crucial role in casting Newton-John as Sandy. He revealed in a 1981 interview that he convinced her she was perfect for the role. “You’re the One That I Want,” also from Grease, was tailored to her strengths, with songs written by John Farrar specifically for her. Her natural charm shone through, and the role, particularly this song, had an undeniable impact on her career trajectory.
The song marked Sandy’s iconic transformation from innocent newcomer to confident “Bad Sandy.” This cinematic moment showcased Newton-John’s range, and the playful chemistry between her and Travolta during the carnival scene made “You’re the One That I Want” a truly unforgettable musical experience.
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8. We Go Together (1978)
Before the Grease film, there was the original musical, a more gritty and Chicago-based production by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. While many original songs were replaced for the movie adaptation, “We Go Together” thankfully remained. This song perfectly captures the movie’s idealized version of the 50s with its joyful and slightly absurd lyrics.
Newton-John, now in her “Bad Sandy” persona, leads this high-energy group number with Travolta. The final scene, with Greased Lightning taking flight, is pure cinematic joy. Newton-John’s infectious glee as they ascend into the clouds, leaving their earthbound friends waving below, offers a perfect and lasting image of her vibrant spirit.
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9. A Little More Love (1978)
Life imitated art when 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, and the lead single, “A Little More Love,” echoed the energy of her Grease hits.
This track hinted at a Blondie-esque vibe, blending new-wave keyboards with a driving beat and a cool confidence. “A Little More Love” became a signature song of this phase, showcasing Newton-John’s evolving musical style and proving incredibly catchy.
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10. Xanadu (1980)
The immense success of Grease didn’t translate to Xanadu, a roller-skating fantasy set in Los Angeles, co-starring Gene Kelly in his final film role. Despite the movie’s lukewarm reception, the soundtrack, particularly the title track “Xanadu,” was exceptional.
Written by Jeff Lynne of ELO and sung by Newton-John, “Xanadu” is a unique blend of grandiosity, dreaminess, and camp. Its self-aware theatricality is part of its charm, making it a beloved and slightly bizarre classic.
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11. Magic (1980)
“Bring all your dreams alive” takes on an unexpectedly eerie tone in “Magic,” perhaps Olivia Newton-John’s most unusual and yet most captivating song. Also from Xanadu and written by John Farrar, “Magic” stands out with its haunting, almost unsettling atmosphere.
With its echo-laden production, minor keys, and a subtle dark edge, “Magic” evokes comparisons to Talking Heads and horror movie soundtracks. Newton-John’s ethereal vocals enhance the otherworldly feel, making this strange and wonderful track a chart-topping success, spending four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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12. Suddenly (1980)
The vocal acrobatics in “Suddenly,” specifically the extended “I” (“and aye-yai-uh-hi-hi”), are a testament to Newton-John’s and duet partner Cliff Richard’s professional skill. Featured in Xanadu, though lip-synced by Michael Beck in the film, the song’s smooth flow mirrors the roller-skating sequences.
The song’s gentle rhythm, combined with the visual of Newton-John and Beck gliding through movie sets, encapsulates the sweet perfection of 80s pop culture. “Suddenly” is a charming and memorable duet that further enriched the Xanadu soundtrack.
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13. Physical (1981)
Olivia Newton-John confessed to feeling some embarrassment about the overtly suggestive lyrics of “Physical.” However, her clever concept for the music video transformed the song into an anthem for aerobic exercise. This brilliant move was key to its phenomenal success, holding the No. 1 spot for 10 weeks in 1982.
The video, reminiscent of a SNL sketch, featured Newton-John in workout gear leading a class of men. This cemented the song’s association with the 80s aerobics craze, coinciding with the release of Jane Fonda’s Workout Book. Expanding on this visual concept, Newton-John released Olivia Physical, a video album in 1982, earning her a Grammy for Video of the Year in 1983.
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14. Make a Move on Me (1981)
“Make a Move on Me,” the follow-up to “Physical,” might have simple lyrics, but as an upbeat pop song, it’s undeniably effective. Its infectious energy made it a staple in 80s aerobics classes across the country.
This mood-boosting track reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her last single to achieve gold certification. “Make a Move on Me” showcased Newton-John’s knack for creating fun, energetic pop hits.
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15. Twist of Fate (1983)
The 80s brought a shift towards electronic music and harder sounds, which didn’t perfectly align with Newton-John’s soft rock style. “Twist of Fate,” written for the Two of a Kind soundtrack, 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 revival, “Twist of Fate” was masterfully used in the show’s Snowball dance scene. Its electronic vibe amplified the emotional tension, making Steve’s longing gaze at Nancy and his dramatic departure even more impactful. “Twist of Fate” provided a memorable and poignant moment in the series.
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Olivia Newton-John’s musical legacy is a vibrant tapestry of genres and styles, unified by her unmistakable voice and enduring charm. These 15 songs represent just a fraction of her remarkable career, but they highlight her versatility, her impact, and the timeless appeal of her music. Her songs continue to resonate with generations, ensuring her place as a true music icon.
