"Xanadu" is the title song from the soundtrack of the 1980 musical film of the same name. Written by Jeff Lynne of the English rock band Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), the song is performed by British-Australian singer, songwriter and actress Olivia Newton-John, with ELO providing the instrumentation and backing vocals. It was Lynne's favourite of his own songs. Released as a single in June 1980, the song reached number one in several different European countries and was the band's only UK number-one single when it peaked there for two weeks in July 1980. It was certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry. It also peaked at #8 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Background Sung by Newton-John"The Story Behind the Song Lyrics: "Xanadu" By Olivia Newton-John" American Songwriter. Retrieved 2023-03-29. as the film's main female character Kira, it peaked at number one in Austria, Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom and West Germany.
Reception
Billboard′s reviewer described the song as a "sizzling track", writing: "Essentially it's Olivia taking Jeff Lynne's usual spot as lead singer of ELO. The combination is a winning one".
Personnel Olivia Newton-John – lead and backing vocals Jeff Lynne – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals Bev Bevan – drums, percussion Richard Tandy – keyboards Kelly Groucutt – bass guitar, backing vocals James Newton Howard – synthesizers Louis Clark – strings
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1980–1981)PeakpositionAustralia (Kent Music Report)2Canada Top Singles (RPM)9Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM)2Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)1Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)4France (SNEP)3Ireland (IRMA) 1st result when searching "Xanadu"1Japan (Oricon)18South Africa (Springbok)20Spain (AFE)1UK Singles (OCC)1US Billboard Hot 1008US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)2US Cash Box Top 1009US Record World Singles4US Radio & Records (R&R)2Zimbabwe (ZIMA)1Quebec (ADISQ)1
Chart (2022) Peakposition Japan Hot Overseas (Billboard Japan) 18U.S. Digital Song Sales (Billboard) 40
Year-end charts Chart (1980)RankAustralia (Kent Music Report) 53Canada Top Singles (RPM)71Spain (AFE)9UK Singles (OCC) 34US American Top 40 93US Opus 26
Olivia featuring Paula version
In late 1995, two Australian dance performers released two versions of the song. Sydney singer Olivia featuring Paula (on the MDS label) released a dance version first, followed by Kirsty K. (on Central Station Records). Both versions charted on the ARIA Singles and Dance Charts in the first half of 1996.
Charts Chart (1996)PeakpositionAustralia (ARIA) N.B. The HP column displays the highest peak reached.55
Kirsty K. version
Charts Chart (1996)PeakpositionAustralia (ARIA) N.B. The HP column displays the highest peak reached.71
New Electric Light Orchestra version In 2000, ELO's Jeff Lynne re-recorded the song, with his own vocals, for the box set Flashback and the All Over the World compilation. Though it was billed as an ELO selection, the song was recorded by Lynne with Marc Mann on keyboards, but without input from his former bandmates Richard Tandy, Bev Bevan and Kelly Groucutt.
Sharleen Spiteri version
In 2009, Scottish singer-songwriter Sharleen Spiteri recorded the song for her second studio album titled The Movie Songbook which was released on 1 March 2010 worldwide. "Xanadu" was released as the lead single from the album in February 2010.
Charts Chart (2010)PeakpositionUK Singles (OCC)71
References
External links In-depth Song Analysis at the Jeff Lynne Song Database (jefflynnesongs.com)