Olivia Newton-John & ELO – Xanadu
Disco dreams, symphonic synths, and roller-skate fantasy
Released in June 1980, “Xanadu” united the airy vocals of Olivia Newton-John with the lush, electric soundscapes of Electric Light Orchestra, resulting in one of the most distinctive pop singles of the decade. Written and produced by Jeff Lynne, the track served as the title song for the musical fantasy film Xanadu, blending disco, synth-pop, and orchestral rock into a futuristic swirl of glamour and melody.
A fantasy built in sound
Recorded at Musicland Studios in Munich in 1979, the song’s sweeping strings, catchy synth riffs, and danceable beat make it feel like a soundtrack for a neon-lit roller rink in the clouds. Newton-John’s clear, joyful vocal floats effortlessly over ELO’s symphonic arrangements, creating a sonic world that’s dreamy and cinematic.
It’s classic Lynne underneath: rich layering, quirky transitions, and theatrical flair—all grounded by Olivia’s signature charm.
Xanadu: film flop, soundtrack gold
Though the Xanadu movie—starring Newton-John and Gene Kelly—got panned by critics, it became a cult favorite over time. The soundtrack, on the other hand, was an immediate commercial success. Split between Newton-John’s solo songs (produced by John Farrar) and ELO tracks (produced by Lynne), the album hit double platinum in the U.S. and remains one of the biggest-selling soundtracks of 1980.
“Xanadu” was the jewel of the project, and the only track to feature both Newton-John and ELO together.
Chart magic
The single was a major international success, climbing to #1 on the UK Singles Chart, where it stayed for two weeks—making it ELO’s only chart-topper in Britain and Olivia Newton-John’s third. It also reached the top spot in West Germany, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, and Spain, spreading its roller-disco magic across Europe. In the United States, “Xanadu” peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, further powering the soundtrack to platinum success. With its vibrant blend of pop and fantasy, the song captured the hearts of listeners worldwide and solidified its place in 1980’s chart history.
Lynne’s love-hate and pop longevity
Despite its success, Jeff Lynne has called “Xanadu” his least favorite song from his own catalog. But audiences disagreed—over the decades, it’s been covered, sampled, and remixed, and it remains a favorite among fans of ELO, Newton-John, and retro pop in general.
Whether it’s a guilty pleasure or a synth-pop treasure, “Xanadu” is a shimmering snapshot of a moment when pop dared to be magical.