Great soundtrack to a horrible movie

Review Score: (8/10)
Even by liberal-schmaltz eighties standards, the film "Xanadu" was unbelievably bad. I suspect the powers that be at Paramount knew this, and made sure the soundtrack would be killer. Fortunately, it is. The combination of Olivia Newton-John and ELO may sound weird, but it actually works quite well. John Farrar, Olivia's long-time producer, outdoes himself on the hypnotic "Magic," while Jeff Lynne and his cohorts kick in the rousing "I'm Alive" and "All Over The World." The Tubes make an appearance on "Dancin'", a strange juxtaposition between '40's swing and power pop (again, a combination that works well), and the obligatory duet, "Suddenly," between Olivia and Cliff Richard, is a lovely ballad with surprisingly intelligent lyrics. Things come to a climax with the Olivia/ELO title track, where Olivia lets as loose as she can ("Physical" aside, she's never been a belter). Watch the movie only if someone bets you, but the soundtrack is definitely worth your time.

More Reviews:

• Sheila DeGrande doesn't know SQUAT about this movie/album!!
• ELO shines brightly on 5 tracks
• ELO in the soundtrack biz
• another wonderful soundtrack
• Soundtracks don't come better then this
• Don't spend extra!
• Olivia's the Best!!
• Amazing
• XANADU The Movie is a GEM!
• The CD doesn't have all the best songs of the movie.
• ELO needs some credit to!!!
• Well...yeah, I like it.
• Short Shorts and Roller Skating at it's best!
• A Perfect Sountrack That Should Have Been A Disaster
• I believe in MAGIC
• xanadu
• Love this cd!!
• Forget the movie - the soundtrack is a definite 'Xana-do'
• Love It!
• 5 stars for ELO
• the best of the 80's movies or one of the best
• A Superb Mix of Genres, Voices and Styles
• NO NEED TO SEE THE MOVIE!
• Classic pop album/weird movie
• WONDERFUL MUSIC! ADORABLE FILM
• WOW
• Have to believer we are Magic...
• Grew up to this...
• Intangibly intoxicating!!
• I Finally Found "All Over The World"
• A far better bet than the movie...
• one star for every song I liked
• You Have To Believe This Is Magic
• An Overly Maligned Film
• Really long, long, long time fan
• Wonderful and nostalgic
• Xanadu: A True Masterpiece, In every sense of the word
• Potent "Magic" from 20 Years Ago
• Xanadu: "Don't Walk Away"
• Simply Great!
• accept no goddesses other than olivia.
• John Farrar, Olivia Newton-John, and Jeff Lynne
• this cd is great!
• Xanadu, Your Neon Lights Will Shine ...
• Outstanding Music from some Outstanding Artist
• Great talents; musically interesting and entertaining
• Great 80s music!!!
• A PLACE WHERE NOBODY DARES TO GO (but should!)
• The best soundtrack of the 80's
• EXCELLENT
• Xanadu inspires!
• Spectacular and Nostalgic
• Xanadu soundtrack is pure magic!
• MY FAVORITE ALBUM OF ALL TIME
• ELO + ONJ = AOK
• truly magical
• I only wish they had put more music on the album!
• One of Olivia Newton-John's better works
• I love this soundtrack, and I'm not ashamed to admit it!!!
• Xanadu fans unite!!
• Ignore the film reviews, immerse yourself in the music
• An excellent soundtrack for fans of the genre.
• A great soundtrack for fans of this genre.
• E.L.O+Livvey=Perfect composition