Magic (Olivia Newton-John song)

"Magic" is a hit 1980 song performed by Olivia Newton-John, from the soundtrack to the film Xanadu. The song was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts for four weeks beginning on 2 August 1980. It also reached a high of #4 on the Australian charts and #32 in the UK.
The B-sides depend 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.

Chart performance

"Magic" became Newton-John's biggest Adult Contemporary hit to date, and 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.

Formats and track listings

• MCA vinyl single

1. "Magic" – 4:25
2. "Fool Country" – 2:29

• Jet vinyl single

1. "Magic" – 4:25
2. "Whenever You're Away From Me" – 4:22

Charts

2011 version

"Magic (Peach & Murphy remix)" is a new remix of 1980 song. In May 2011 the song has been remixed by two Aussies - DJ Dan Murphy and Steve Peach - to create a brand new dance version of the song. Olivia went back to the studio to re-sing the vocals and the new version is uplifting and very radio-friendly. The version was sponsored by WACCI, a humanitarian group.

Everybody working on this project has volunteered their time and talent, all proceeds are 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 22 May 2011. The song was released exclusively on australian iTunes, also on Sunday 22 May.

Music video

A video was shot for the new remix in Sydney, Australia, 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. The video is directed by DJ Dan Murphy.

Charts

Covers

• A new version of the song by Stimulator is used in commercials for Macy's.^[2] This cover was also used in the film Ella Enchanted and appeared on the film's soundtrack.
• Meaghan Jette Martin recorded a cover of this song to the soundtrack of Wizards of Waverly Place.
• Swedish singer Sanna Nielsen also recorded a cover of the song on her 2008 album Stronger.
• The song also performed on musical version of Xanadu.
• The song briefly appears during Glee's first season finale, "Journey to Regionals", when a school show choir performs a mash-up of Olivia Newton-John's "Magic" and Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up". The two also appear as judges in that episode.

See also

• List of number-one adult contemporary singles of 1980 (U.S.)
• List of Hot 100 number-one singles of 1980 (U.S.)
• Cashbox Top 100 number-one singles of 1980

References