Tunes Du Jour Presents Olivia Newton-John

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When you think of Olivia Newton-John, what’s the first image that comes to mind? For millions, it’s the transformation at the end of Grease—the leather jacket, the confident stride, the electrifying duet with John Travolta. But as a quick journey through her song catalog reveals, that iconic moment is just one chapter in a much broader and more fascinating story. Her career wasn’t a single note, but a series of distinct, evolving sounds, all held together by one of the most recognizable and endearing voices in pop music.

Listening to her early work, you can hear an artist with a clear, gentle sensibility rooted in the folk and country music of the era. Songs like her cover of Bob Dylan’s “If Not For You” and the narrative-driven “Banks of the Ohio” established her as a gifted interpreter. This was soon followed by a wave of soft-rock hits that defined the sound of mid-70s radio. With the earnest plea of “If You Love Me (Let Me Know)” and the gentle reassurance of “Have You Never Been Mellow,” she carved out a niche as a vocalist of immense warmth and sincerity. This period culminated in her signature ballad, “I Honestly Love You,” a masterclass in quiet vulnerability that became her first number-one hit in the U.S.

Then, of course, came Grease. The 1978 film wasn’t just a career boost; it was a global phenomenon that showcased her versatility. She effortlessly handled the sock-hop fun of “Summer Nights” and the plaintive, heart-on-her-sleeve performance of “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” But it was the film’s finale, with “You’re the One That I Want” and “We Go Together,” that signaled a change. The energy was bigger, the attitude was bolder, and it set the stage for a musical pivot that would redefine her image for a new decade.

She didn’t wait long to capitalize on that new energy. Her very next album, 1978’s Totally Hot, continued the transformation, trading in the gentle ballads for a tougher, more pop-rock sensibility. A track like “A Little More Love,” with its driving guitar riff and assertive vocal, made it clear that the leather-clad Sandy was here to stay. This embrace of a more contemporary pop sound continued into projects like the soundtrack for Xanadu, which gave us the dreamy, roller-rink-ready perfection of “Magic.” Her most definitive transformation, however, arrived with the 1981 album Physical. The title track, with its pulsing beat and cheeky lyrics, was a world away from her past, and this era gave us energetic, synth-driven tracks like “Make a Move On Me” and “Heart Attack.”

What’s remarkable, looking back at this collection of songs, is not just the stylistic shifts but how natural each one felt. The common thread through the country-folk beginnings, the blockbuster duets, and the slick pop productions is the voice itself—pure, emotive, and instantly recognizable. Whether she was collaborating with Andy Gibb on “I Can’t Help It” or delivering the confident, rhythmic pulse of “A Little More Love,” Olivia Newton-John possessed a rare ability to connect. This playlist isn’t just a random assortment of hits; it’s a document of an artist’s graceful evolution and a reminder of the enduring appeal of a truly great singer.

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Tunes Du Jour Presents 1978

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The year 1978 was a pivotal moment in music history, showcasing a striking contrast between the mainstream hits dominating the airwaves and the underground sounds bubbling beneath the surface. This year offered a rich assortment of genres, from disco and pop ruling the charts to punk and new wave carving out their own rebellious niches.

Disco was undoubtedly the dominant force in popular music. The Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” became an anthem of the era, while Chic’s “Le Freak,” A Taste of Honey’s “Boogie Oogie Oogie,” Donna Summer’s “Last Dance,” and Alicia Bridges’ “I Love the Nightlife (Disco ‘Round)” kept the dance floors packed. Even rock legends like the Rolling Stones couldn’t resist disco’s pull oor, as evidenced by their hit “Miss You.”

But 1978 wasn’t all about disco. Pop music thrived with ABBA’s timeless “Take a Chance on Me” and Electric Light Orchestra’s upbeat “Mr. Blue Sky.” Queen’s anthemic “We Are the Champions” became a staple at sporting events worldwide. In R&B, the Commodores’ soulful ballad “Three Times a Lady,” Funkadelic’s anthemic “One Nation Under a Groove,” and Chaka Khan’s empowering “I’m Every Woman” showcased the genre’s range. The soundtrack to Grease, featuring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John’s “You’re the One That I Want,” dominated both radio and cinema.

While mainstream pop and disco ruled the charts, a counter-cultural revolution was taking place in underground venues. The Clash’s “(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais” blended social commentary with irresistible hooks, while the Buzzcocks’ “Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve)” captured the essence of punk’s raw emotional energy. The Undertones’ “Teenage Kicks” embodied the unbridled spirit of youth, and Siouxsie & the Banshees’ “Hong Kong Garden” showcased the emerging goth-punk sound. Public Image Ltd.’s self-titled track “Public Image” signaled the evolution of post-punk.

1978 also saw the emergence of artists who defied easy categorization. Kate Bush’s haunting “Wuthering Heights” introduced a unique voice to the pop landscape, blending literary references with art-rock sensibilities. Kraftwerk’s “The Model” pushed the boundaries of electronic music, influencing countless genres in the decades to come. Patti Smith’s “Because the Night” (co-written with Bruce Springsteen) bridged the gap between punk poetry and mainstream rock. The year also saw reggae making inroads with Althea & Donna’s “Uptown Top Ranking,” while Randy Newman’s misunderstood “Short People” showcased his brilliance in crafting satirical, thought-provoking pop.

Looking back, it’s clear that 1978 was more than just a year of disco balls and safety pins. It was a time of musical diversity and innovation, where chart-toppers and underground icons coexisted, each pushing the boundaries of their respective genres. From the dancefloor anthems to punk’s raw energy, from synth-pop’s early days to reggae’s growing influence, 1978 offered a rich and varied soundtrack that continues to resonate today. This dynamic interplay between mainstream and alternative sounds would continue to shape the musical landscape for years to come, making 1978 a truly unforgettable year in music history.

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Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 8-27-23

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The Captain & Tennille’s “Love Will Keep Us Together” was a huge hit in 1975, but not everyone agreed with its message. Ian Curtis, the leader of Joy Division and a newlywed in 1975, was one of them. His composition “Love Will Tear Us Apart” could be seen as a response to the cheerful song, expressing his disillusionment with love and life. He took his own life in 1980, a month before his song was released as a single, on its way to becoming a classic.

Daryl Dragon, better known as The Captain, a nickname given to him by The Beach Boys’ Mike Love, was born on this date in 1942. A few of his duo’s hits are included on today’s playlist.

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Throwback Thursday: 1976

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This week’s Throwback Thursday playlist focuses on 1976. It’s easy to remember some of the cheesier songs to make the pop chart (I’ve included examples of those), though there were a lot of great hits as well. Disco was still growing in popularity and having an influence on r&b and pop music. Punk rock was now on major labels, though it wouldn’t influence the pop chart for a while. Pick out the gems of 1976’s output and you’ll have a nice selection of tunes, as evidenced below.

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