Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be the 100 Greatest Soundtracks of All Time, representing a varied cross-section of films and musical genres. Click “Next Soundtrack” below to explore each soundtrack in the list or for easier navigation, view the full introduction & soundtrack index here.
Grease
RSO (1978)
Selected by Justin Chadwick
“Tell me about it, stud.” As far as iconic moments in cinema history go, few can eclipse the powerful, indelible entrance of a transformed, leather-clad Sandy Olsson in the final scene of Grease. I think I was around five or six years old when my parents allowed me to watch the film for the first time, but even at such a young—albeit impressionable—age, I’m pretty sure I instantly fell madly in love (or could it have been lust?) with Olivia Newton-John the moment she uttered those five seductive words. Like Travolta’s Danny Zuko, I too had chills and they were definitely multiplying.
Admittedly, I’m not a particularly big fan of musicals. With a few exceptions (Chicago, Les Misérables), most of the musicals I’ve experienced are just a bit too contrived and over-produced for my tastes (though I suppose that’s the whole point and appeal of musicals). But Grease has always resonated, and not just because of my aforementioned boyhood crush. The accompanying soundtrack plays a huge part in my enduring affection for the musical/film, as there’s almost too much to love about the collection of songs contained therein.
Five singles were officially released from the soundtrack, including the Barry Gibb penned, Frankie Valli performed title track, the Newton-John/Travolta duets “Summer Nights” and “You’re The One That I Want,” Newton-John’s “Hopelessly Devoted To You” and Travolta’s “Greased Lightnin.’” These five songs alone constitute classic status, even before you explore the rest of the 24 featured tracks, including a handful by rock doo-wop outfit Sha Na Na and a pair sung by the film’s sassy co-star Stockard Channing.
Interestingly enough, Sandy’s transformation on screen would serve as a harbinger and driving force behind a notable pivot in Newton-John’s subsequent recording career, as her next album (1979’s appropriately titled Totally Hot) found her trading in her country-driven aesthetic for more straightforward pop, which would culminate a few years later in the form of Physical (1981), her most successful LP to date.
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