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Xanadu (soundtrack) by Electric Light Orchestra

Xanadu (soundtrack)

by Electric Light Orchestra

Released: June 27, 1980

Pop rock, disco, soft rock

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

01

The Album

"Xanadu" is the soundtrack to the 1980 musical film of the same name, featuring Olivia Newton-John and Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). Released in June 1980 in the US and July 1980 in the UK by MCA Records and Jet Records, respectively, the album's original LP format showcased Newton-John's songs on side one and ELO's on side two. Despite the film's lukewarm reception, the soundtrack achieved significant success.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Overall, the "Xanadu" soundtrack was the fifth most…

Overall, the "Xanadu" soundtrack was the fifth most popular soundtrack in the US for 1981, solidifying its commercial impact and enduring popularity beyond the film's initial reception.

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Electric Light Orchestra - Xanadu (soundtrack)

Electric Light Orchestra - Xanadu (soundtrack)

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Then

Reception

It received positive reviews from critics and earned double platinum certifications in the US and Canada. The singles "Magic" and "Xanadu" topped charts, with "Magic" reaching No. 1 in the US and "Xanadu" in the UK. Additionally, "Magic" became Olivia Newton-John's ninth No. 1 single in the Netherlands, while "Xanadu" topped charts in Italy.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Xanadu" is the soundtrack to the 1980 musical film of the same name, featuring Olivia Newton-John and Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). Released in June 1980 in the US and July 1980 in the UK by MCA Records and Jet Records, respectively, the album's original LP format showcased Newton-John's songs on side one and ELO's on side two.

Despite the film's lukewarm reception, the soundtrack achieved significant success. It received positive reviews from critics and earned double platinum certifications in the US and Canada. The singles "Magic" and "Xanadu" topped charts, with "Magic" reaching No. 1 in the US and "Xanadu" in the UK. Additionally, "Magic" became Olivia Newton-John's ninth No. 1 single in the Netherlands, while "Xanadu" topped charts in Italy.

Overall, the "Xanadu" soundtrack was the fifth most popular soundtrack in the US for 1981, solidifying its commercial impact and enduring popularity beyond the film's initial reception.

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