About This Song
Jeff Lynne crafted a sonic bridge between orchestral rock and disco for the title theme of the 1980 musical film Xanadu. The track pairs Olivia Newton-John with his band Electric Light Orchestra to create a magical atmosphere that matched the story of a Greek muse named Kira inspiring a struggling artist. While the movie received mixed reviews upon release, this specific single stood apart as a polished piece of pop craftsmanship.
Released on June 13, 1980, the song quickly climbed the charts to become a massive hit. It reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in August and held the top spot for two weeks. The track also topped the UK Singles Chart, marking ELO's only number-one single in Britain and Newton-John's third there.
Music Videos
Credits
Songwriters
Jeff Lynne, John Farrar, Dean Pitchford
Producers
Jeff Lynne
Certifications
Awards
Keywords
Sources
Song Info
- Artist
- Olivia Newton-John, Electric Light Orchestra
- Album
- Xanadu (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
- Released
- June 13, 1980
- Duration
- 246
- Label
- Jet Records
- Track #
- 1
- Peak Chart
- #1 Billboard Hot 100
- UK Chart Peak
- #1
- US Weeks at #1
- 2
- Video Director
- Robert Greenwald
- YouTube Views
- Over 250 million
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