The Sha Na Na cuts document the group's deterioration from an affectionate, phonographically ineffective bunch of copycats into a repellent Vegas oldies act. The Casey-Jacobs stage songs are entertaining and condescending takeoffs on '50s readymades, a little too good for Manhattan Transfer. And the updates provided for the movie by the Stigwood combine -- Valli's "Grease" (written by Barry Gibb) and Travolta and Newton-John's "You're the One That I Want" -- are two of 1978's better hit singles. That's probably how they should be bought, too, but this is far from a disgrace. C+

- Robert Christgau, Christgau's Record Guide, 1981.

Bonus Reviews!

Sure, this disco-era ode to poodle skirts and greaser chic is hopeless kitsch, a pale imitation of '50s rock, featuring Sha Na Na's mauling of "Hound Dog." But original songs like "Summer Nights," "You're the One That I Want," and the title track are tuneful fun. For a generation young enough not to know better, these songs epitomize the blissful innocence of childhood in the '70s.

-Entertainment Weekly, 2001.

Grease will always be the word for hopelessly devoted generations of girls who wore out their record players partying with their own Pink Ladies to this soundtrack. A young, sinewy Travolta in tight pants, Olivia Newton-John singing like a bird and best thing Stockard Channing make pop culture history as they whisk us away to the '50s teeny bopper days. The high-camp classic boasts summer-loving hits that will be on karoake playlists until the end of time. * * * * *

- Zagat Survey Music Guide - 1,000 Top Albums of All Time, 2003.

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