To be honest I've never heard it. I think it was a top 30 hit for him back then.
Olivia Newton-John. Physical-The Album. It's 36 years old. Let's give it some love!
- Thread starter Tommy Johnson
- Start date
I like the bit in the video especially where she stumbles around drunk in that big fur coat!
Cliff's version was released as a single in 1971 reaching number 27 in the UK charts....
What a terribly 'Cliff' performance!
I like Cliff, but I much prefer Olivia's version to that.
Somehow, I think I will stick to Olivia's version he he.
My copy of Gold has been dispatched, so I'm waiting for it to arrive before I start commenting on ONJ. Love these anniversary threads, even if the dates might be a bit odd. My only concern is who will host the thread for the 30th anniversary of Kylie's debut album next year. Is there a forum member with the sufficient amount of knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for such a task?
There's probably a few devout Kylie fans who'd do a superb job with that. I tip @WhatKindOfKylie? for this important task!
....
I actually thought Physical was 35 years old. As I was putting it together I realised it was 36! I decided to go ahead as the people who read it won't care.
Ha, record companies don't care with the accuracy of these things. We do, but love our favourite albums and artists no matter what age they are.
@WhatKindOfKylie?, did you ever see this live version of Silvery Rain from her 1982 tour? I always liked as it's a bit rockier. She's actually a really good live singer.
I will hold on until 'Rhythm of love is 30!'
I didn't want to wait 4 years until it's 40!
We'll soon need a sub-forum for all the anniversary threads!
Really looking forward to your thoughts on Gold, BTW. It's a lot of Olivia to ingest!
Olivia's 'movements' during the instrumental break on this bring to mind the "What the fuck do I do now?" motions of the diminutive Dame Nicolai of Kershaw on the recent TOTP shows. Outside of this, she's a bit hammy and Cliff-esque the rest of the time. Good vocal, though.
OOOh, thanks for this and no I haven't!
Thanks! Shall aim to give it a go! 4th July 2018 it is!
I'm a little surprised that Olivia Newtown-John is not more beloved on Popjustice. I think some people forget just how HUGE she was, especially 1978 to 1983. You could blame Madonna, or perhaps aging, for turning the tide for Olivia in the '80s but Physical was such a massive single. Wasn't it the longest running number one song in the US for a long time, and perhaps the biggest song of the '80s, US-wise?
Having said that, I must say, I have always preferred "Make a Move On Me" to "Physical". To me, that song is pop perfection.
As big as the song "Physical" was, I barely remember the album outside of the singles and Herb Ritts' gorgeous cover and album photos.
It's also interesting that "Physical" was such a smash that, in a way, it kind of signalled the end of Olivia's chart fortunes. In the U.S., it was one of her last big singles aside from "Make a Move on Me" and "Twist of Fate".
Having said that, I must say, I have always preferred "Make a Move On Me" to "Physical". To me, that song is pop perfection.
As big as the song "Physical" was, I barely remember the album outside of the singles and Herb Ritts' gorgeous cover and album photos.
It's also interesting that "Physical" was such a smash that, in a way, it kind of signalled the end of Olivia's chart fortunes. In the U.S., it was one of her last big singles aside from "Make a Move on Me" and "Twist of Fate".
She's not one of the biggest pulls here! The majority of her success happened between 1971-1985, which is perhaps too early for many Pop Justicers. I think most people will know the Grease songs and Physical, but perhaps don't recall much outside of that.