LONDON — London’s 2012 Olympics opening ceremony wowed viewers with an eclectic mix of popular songs from world-renowned British artists whose combined output spanned decades of achievement. Olympics enthusiasts can now keep the opener’s flame alive by grabbing a copy of the official soundtrack album, as thousands already have.
The soundtrack album, which went on sale as a download minutes after Friday’s ceremony ended, has topped the iTunes album chart in Britain, France, Belgium and Spain, and has reached No. 5 in the United States.
It’s No. 5 on the overall British album chart less than two days after its release.
Director Danny Boyle’s spectacular opening ceremony was a rollicking celebration of British music. The album includes tracks from – among others – David Bowie, The Pet Shop Boys, Chemical Brothers, Dizzee Rascal, Emeli Sande, Arctic Monkeys and Underworld.
Universal Music will also release an album of the London Olympics’ Aug. 12 closing ceremony, which will feature British acts including The Who.