If you’re a fan of 1980s fantasy films, you probably already know the subject of this article. That’s right, it’s Xanadu.
Videos by American Songwriter
Xanadu, released in 1980, is a fantasy musical film that famously starred Olivia Newton-John, Michael Beck, and Gene Kelly. Unfortunately, despite its otherworldly aesthetics and unique premise (Newton-John plays a Greek muse who arrives on Earth to inspire an artist to build a disco rollerskating rink), the film was a pretty big box off bomb. It also gained more than a few negative reviews from critics at the time. The film even earned a Golden Raspberry Award, typically given out to the worst films of a respective year.
Xanadu might have bombed as a film, but its soundtrack was widely praised. The album is packed with seriously good tunes. It features music from the likes of Newton-John herself and Kelly himself, Electric Light Orchestra, Cliff Richard, The Tubes, and more. And one particular song kicked off a decades-long love for this particular soundtrack. That song is “Magic”, recorded by Newtown-John and produced by John Farrar.
The Soundtrack of ‘Xanadu’ Is Absolutely Killer, and the Film Itself Has Gained Cult Popularity Following Its Lackluster Debut in 1980
It’s pretty rare for a movie to bomb, only for its soundtrack to become an enormous success. That was the case for Xanadu’s soundtrack. The album became a global success and even earned double Platinum Certifications in the United States.
“Magic”, along with the title song “Xanadu”, topped the charts in the US and UK. The Xanadu soundtrack made it to No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 in several other countries, including Australia, Norway, Sweden, and more.
The soundtrack album’s quality and success can likely be attributed to Newton-John and Farrar’s rapport. The two had worked together for years before putting together the soundtrack for Xanadu. The decision to get ELO involved was a smart one, too. Their particular brand of orchestral pop suited the film’s fantasy vibe quite beautifully. Farrar wrote all of the songs on Side One, and Jeff Lynne took on all of the songs on Side Two. “I’m Alive” is a personal favorite.
Xanadu as a film has since gained some serious cult status and gotten a lot more love than it got back in 1980, with many fans praising the film for its originality and aesthetics. And even today, that soundtrack still slaps.
Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.