Magic (Olivia Newton-John song) 1980
“Magic” is a 1980 song performed by Olivia Newton-John, from the soundtrack to the film Xanadu. The song was number 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks beginning on August 2, 1980. It was her 25th American chart hit, and her 10th of 12 records which went Gold or higher.
“Magic” was also her biggest pop hit until “Physical” ruled the Hot 100 for ten weeks beginning in November 1981. Billboard magazine ranked “Magic” as the third most popular single of 1980, behind only “Call Me” by Blondie and “Another Brick in the Wall, Part II” by Pink Floyd. In Canada, the song spent two weeks at number one. It also reached number 4 in Australia and number 32 in the UK.
The song became Newton-John’s biggest Adult Contemporary hit to date, spending five weeks at the top of the American chart, and also topped the Canadian AC chart for a week.
John Lennon commented about “Magic” shortly before his death in the “complete Newsweek interview from September 1980”. The only 2 songs he specifically mentions that he likes are “Magic” and “All Over the World” both on the album Xanadu.
The B-sides vary, depending on the label: “Fool Country” (also from Xanadu but not on the OST) is the B-side of the MCA release; “Whenever You’re Away from Me” (with Gene Kelly) is the B-side of the Jet release.
Single by Olivia Newton-John from the album Xanadu
B-side “Fool Country” (MCA)
“Whenever You’re Away From Me” (with Gene Kelly) (Jet)
Released 23 May 1980
Format 7″ vinyl
Genre Pop, pop rock
Length 4:25
Label MCA, Jet Records
Writer(s) John Farrar
Producer John Farrar
Certification Gold (US)
“Magic (Peach & Murphy remix)” is a remix of the 1980 song. In May 2011, the song was remixed by two Australians, DJ Dan Murphy and Steve Peach, to create a dance version. Olivia went back to the studio to re-sing the vocals. The version was sponsored by WACCI, a humanitarian group.
Everybody who worked on the project volunteered their time, with all proceeds being donated to Olivia’s charity, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre.
Olivia was presented the world premiere of the song on Australian Dancing with the Stars on Sunday May 22, 2011. The song was released exclusively on Australian iTunes, also on Sunday May 22.
Music video
A video was shot for the new remix in Sydney in an attempt to break the Guinness Book World Record for largest cast in a music video by featuring 350 people. Newton-John does not appear in the video, which was directed by DJ Dan Murphy.