Olivia Newton-John – Magic
A dreamy pop gem that outshined the movie
Released in May 1980, “Magic” was the lead single from the Xanadu soundtrack — a film that flopped at the box office but delivered one of Olivia Newton-John’s biggest hits. Written and produced by longtime collaborator John Farrar, the song became a defining moment in her career and a soft-pop staple of the early ’80s.
Believe in the Spark
“Magic” opens with a gentle synth shimmer and slowly builds into a lush, uplifting chorus. Olivia’s vocals are warm and airy, perfectly suited to lyrics about believing in yourself and chasing your dreams: “You have to believe we are magic / Nothing can stand in our way.” It’s a song about hope, destiny, and inner strength — wrapped in soft rock textures and a touch of disco sparkle.
Chart Stardust
The song was a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks starting in August 1980, and spending five weeks at No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart in the U.S. It also hit No. 1 in Canada on both the pop and AC charts, reached No. 4 in Australia, and landed at No. 32 in the UK. Billboard ranked it the No. 3 song of 1980 in the U.S..
Despite Xanadu’s critical reception, the soundtrack was a commercial success — thanks in large part to “Magic.”
A Pop Spell That Lasts
“Magic” remains one of Olivia Newton-John’s most beloved songs. It’s been covered, sampled, and even reimagined by Olivia and her daughter Chloe in 2015’s “You Have to Believe.” Whether you hear it as nostalgic or timeless, it still casts the same gentle spell — a reminder that belief, love, and a little bit of magic can go a long way.