The number one song in America this week back in 1982 was Physical by Olivia Newton-John. The song spent 10 weeks at the top spot from November 21, 1981 to January 23, 1982. It was also Billboard’s number one song of the year as well as being the top song of the decade.
Physical was Newton-John’s biggest hit. It was her fifth and final #1 on the Hot 100. The song also reached the top spot in five other countries. It was also a cross over hit and went to #28 on the American R&B charts.
The song was originally intended for Rod Stewart. It was also offered to Tina Turner who took a pass on it. With its suggestive lyrics and controversial music video, Physical forever changed the squeaky clean image that Newton-John has had since bursting on the music scene in the early seventies.
