Physical
Olivia Newton-John | Artist Essentials
First released: 1981 (year verified)
Original 1981 studio seven-inch single performance; not the long version or later remixes
MusicAtlas editorial note: The clipped bass and guitar rhythm gives the relaxed lead a sharp, repeating frame.
YouTube opens a title-and-artist search. The selected recording and date are identified below.
Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1981 (year verified)
The selected original studio single was released in 1981, the same supported year as its original album or soundtrack association. No album day is assigned to an earlier single, and a later annual appearance or expanded reissue does not redate it.
Recording: Original 1981 studio seven-inch single performance; not the long version or later remixes
Credit: Olivia Newton-John
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original single: Physical
Physical - explicitly identified original seven-inch single
The licensed item explicitly identifies the original seven-inch single and its 1981 release, with the same original studio performance as the album. It is separate from the expanded long version, concert performance and recent remix releases; the 2021 remaster is not a new recording date. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
Olivia Newton-John - physical original catalog
The official catalog identifies the original 1981 studio album, separate from its later expanded reissue. The original title single appeared in the same year and its independently documented single context takes precedence over the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
In the yearly lists
These are listening-list appearances, separate from the first-release date.
The actual retained original hit context and reviewed solo or full duet credit identify the selected studio performance. Earlier original years remain before later annual appearances. Original soundtrack performances, later remakes, expanded mixes and concerts are separate recording contexts.
Physical - explicitly identified original seven-inch single
The licensed item explicitly identifies the original seven-inch single and its 1981 release, with the same original studio performance as the album. It is separate from the expanded long version, concert performance and recent remix releases; the 2021 remaster is not a new recording date. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
Olivia Newton-John - physical original catalog
The official catalog identifies the original 1981 studio album, separate from its later expanded reissue. The original title single appeared in the same year and its independently documented single context takes precedence over the album day. | Reviewed 2026-10-18
About Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John was born in Cambridge and grew up in Melbourne, where television talent shows helped launch her singing career. After performing in Britain, she recorded If Not for You with producers Bruce Welch and John Farrar. Her repertoire moved through country and pop, while Grease paired her screen performance with songs including Hopelessly Devoted to You. Physical and the film Xanadu extended her later pop career.
Artist background sources
Olivia Newton-John - official career biography
Cambridge/Melbourne background, talent shows, British performing work, If Not for You production, country/pop career, Grease, Physical and Xanadu. The outdated present tense, incorrect US-album-debut claim, personal medical history and sales rankings are omitted. | Retrieved 2026-10-17
Profile reviewed: 2026-10-17. Artist background does not establish a song's creative origin or release date.
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