'80s Music Fun Factoid - Think Beyond the Usual Suspects for Decade's Longest-Running Top Hit

If I were asked to name spontaneously the artist who held the top spot on the pop charts for the most consecutive weeks during the '80s, I have to admit I would probably drop more than a dozen names before getting to the correct answer. Perhaps anyone would gravitate toward Michael Jackson, Madonna or Prince - the usual suspects - and with good reason. But as it turns out, the female solo artist who claimed the No. 1 spot for an astounding 10 weeks during the winter of 1981-1982 is responsible for one of the most memorable flashpoint tunes of the decade.

Many will always view Olivia Newton-John's "Physical" as nothing more than an embarrassing novelty song, but a fresh listen to the track reveals that it's an effective song quite deserving of the attention it once generated. It's reasonably racy, for one thing, especially for a soft rock star of the time like this not often tied to controversy. Nowadays, it's hard to believe that some radio stations banned the song or censored its "suggestive" lyrics, but the pop music world was just slightly more conservative 30 years ago (pre-Britney) than it is today. In addition, the song's music video defied the typical T&A template and featured dozens of hairy, overweight dudes sweating in the gym. Even more unexpectedly, it offered a rather shocking twist at its conclusion as explanation for the guys' lack of attention toward the lovely, leotarded Newton-John. Love it or hate it, "Physical" was a bona fide '80s phenomenon to a degree some of us might hesitate to admit.

• Sample or download "Physical" here.
• Watch the "Physical" music video here.
• Compare prices on Olivia Newton-John CDs here.

Album Cover Image Courtesy of MCA