Have you ever been driving along, radio humming in the background, when a song suddenly captures your attention and transports you? That’s exactly what happened to me this morning when The Cars’ “Magic” filled the airwaves. It sparked a thought: how many incredible songs out there weave the word “magic” into their titles? The answer, as it turns out, is quite a few! So, prepare to be enchanted as we journey through a curated list of memorable hit songs from 1960 to today, all celebrating the allure of “magic.” Get ready to rediscover some classics and perhaps find your new favorite Magic Song.
1. “Magic” – Pilot (1975): The Debut of Musical Magic
Kicking off our magical musical journey is the aptly named “Magic” by Pilot. This Scottish band, often categorized as a one-hit wonder in the US despite further success in the UK, delivered a burst of upbeat pop-rock energy with this track. Produced by the legendary Alan Parsons, known for his work with Pink Floyd and of course, The Alan Parsons Project, “Magic” became an instant earworm. Its infectious melody propelled it to #5 on the Billboard chart, holding a spot in the Top 40 for an impressive 12 weeks. This song perfectly encapsulates the lighthearted and whimsical side of “magic songs.”
2. “Magic” – Olivia Newton-John (1980): Pure Pop Magic at its Finest
When you think of quintessential “magic songs,” Olivia Newton-John’s “Magic” likely springs to mind. This shimmering pop anthem is arguably the most successful of all songs with “magic” in the title. It reigned supreme at #1 for four glorious weeks and graced the Billboard Top 40 for a remarkable 16 weeks. Interestingly, this magical tune was born from the cinematic misfire that was the musical film Xanadu. While the movie itself may have been critically panned, the soundtrack, spearheaded by the songwriting talents of John Farrar and Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra, was a phenomenon. “Magic” became the soundtrack’s crown jewel, and while Xanadu nearly derailed ELO’s momentum, it solidified Newton-John’s pop icon status and gave us this enduring piece of pop magic.
3. “Magic” – The Cars (1984): New Wave Infused Magic
The Cars, masters of blending new wave cool with rock sensibilities, gifted us their own “Magic” in 1984. As the second single from their critically acclaimed and commercially massive album Heartbeat City, this track showcases the band’s signature sound: Ric Ocasek’s distinctive vocals, Elliot Easton’s sharp guitar riffs, and a driving rhythm section. While it may be considered a more modest hit compared to Olivia’s chart-topper, “Magic” by The Cars still charmed its way to #12 on the Billboard chart and enjoyed an 11-week stay in the Top 40. For fans of 80s pop-rock with a touch of synth magic, this song is essential.
4. “Magic” – Robin Thicke (2008): R&B Magic with a Personal Touch
Robin Thicke brought a different flavor of “magic” to the list in 2008 with his R&B infused track, simply titled “Magic.” From his third studio album Something Else, this song is notable for its personal touch, co-written by Thicke with his then-wife, actress Paula Patton, and James Gass. “Magic” resonated strongly on the Billboard R&B charts, reaching #2 on both the Adult R&B and Dance Club Charts, and #6 on the R&B/Hip Hop Chart. While it peaked at a more modest #59 on the Hot 100, its success in the R&B sphere highlights the genre-spanning appeal of “magic songs.”
5. “Magic” – Coldplay (2014): Contemporary Magic with a Muse-like Spark
Coldplay, known for their stadium-filling anthems, explored a more introspective “magic” with their 2014 single, “Magic.” Serving as the lead single from their experimental album Ghost Stories, this track marked a sonic departure for the band, venturing into a more atmospheric and electronic soundscape. “Magic” garnered critical praise for its innovative approach, though some critics noted similarities to Muse’s “Madness” in terms of chord progression and overall feel. Chart-wise, it reached #14 on the Billboard Top 40 and topped the Adult Alternative Chart, proving Coldplay’s ability to evolve and still capture audiences with their musical magic. The music video is also noteworthy, a visually stunning piece starring Chris Martin and Zhang Ziyi in a tale of love and illusion.
6. “This Magic Moment” – The Drifters (1960) & Jay & The Americans (1969): Timeless Magic Moments
Stepping back in time, we encounter “This Magic Moment,” a song that has proven its enduring appeal through two successful renditions. Composed by the songwriting duo of Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, this song first cast its spell in 1960 with Ben E. King and The Drifters, reaching a respectable #16. Then, in 1969, Jay & The Americans revived the song, taking it even higher to #6 and enjoying a solid 10 weeks in the Top 40. “This Magic Moment” perfectly captures the nostalgic and romantic essence often associated with the word “magic,” making it a staple in the “magic songs” canon.
7. “Puff, the Magic Dragon” – Peter, Paul & Mary (1963): Whimsical and Poignant Magic
Moving into folk territory, “Puff, the Magic Dragon” by Peter, Paul & Mary is a song that resonates across generations. Based on a poem by Leonard Lipton and brought to life by Peter Yarrow, this gentle and evocative song tells the tale of a child’s imaginary dragon friend. “Puff” became a massive hit, soaring to #2 on the charts and spending 11 weeks in the Top 40. While often misinterpreted as having drug references, the song’s true magic lies in its exploration of childhood innocence, imagination, and the bittersweet nature of growing up – a poignant form of musical magic.
8. “Do You Believe in Magic” – The Lovin’ Spoonful (1965): Infectious Pop Magic and Belief
The Lovin’ Spoonful, stalwarts of the mid-60s American pop-rock scene, burst onto the charts with their irresistibly catchy tune, “Do You Believe in Magic?” This upbeat and joyful song, with its jangly guitars and feel-good vibes, became their breakthrough hit, peaking at #9 and spending eight weeks in the Billboard Top 40. “Do You Believe in Magic?” is an anthem of pure pop magic, celebrating the transformative and uplifting power of music itself.
9. “Magic Carpet Ride” – Steppenwolf (1968): Psychedelic Rock Magic
Steppenwolf, the pioneers of hard rock with a biker edge, took us on a “Magic Carpet Ride” in 1968. This iconic song, with its driving rhythm, distorted guitars, and psychedelic lyrics, became a defining track of the era. Reflecting the psychedelic influences permeating rock music at the time, “Magic Carpet Ride” was a massive hit, reaching #3 and enjoying a 13-week stay in the Top 40. It’s a sonic journey, a wild ride through the soundscape of the late 60s, embodying a raw and adventurous kind of musical magic.
10. “Magic Bus” – The Who (1968): Rock and Roll Magic on Wheels
The Who, legendary for their explosive live performances and rock operas, delivered a different kind of magic with “Magic Bus.” Penned by Pete Townshend as early as 1965, during the My Generation sessions, the song wasn’t officially recorded until 1968. Despite being one of the biggest bands globally, The Who surprisingly had relatively few major Billboard Hot 100 hits. “Magic Bus,” with its distinctive stuttering rhythm and Townshend’s energetic vocals, reached #25 and spent six weeks in the Top 40. It’s a testament to their unique brand of rock and roll magic, even if chart success wasn’t always their primary measure of impact.
11. “Black Magic Woman” – Santana (1970) & Fleetwood Mac (1968): Blues-Rock Magic with a Latin Flair
“Black Magic Woman” stands as a cornerstone in the realm of “magic songs,” a rock classic with a fascinating history. While famously known for Santana’s fiery 1970 rendition, the song was originally penned and recorded by Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac in 1968. Santana’s version, infused with Carlos Santana’s signature Latin-infused guitar work, became a global phenomenon, reaching #4 and spending 12 weeks in the Top 40. Fleetwood Mac’s original, however, offers a more bluesy and introspective take, showcasing Peter Green’s guitar prowess. Both versions highlight the potent magic of blues-rock, albeit with distinct stylistic approaches.
12. “Magic Man” – Heart (1976): Hard Rock Magic with a Personal Story
Heart, fronted by the powerhouse Wilson sisters, delivered a dose of hard rock magic with “Magic Man” in 1976. As the second single from their debut album Dreamboat Annie, this track became their first Top 10 hit, peaking at #9. Ann Wilson has revealed that the song was inspired by her relationship with the band’s manager, Michael Fisher, who was older than her. Musically, “Magic Man” is notable for its innovative use of the Minimoog synthesizer, contributing to its distinctive and somewhat mystical sound – a powerful and personal form of rock magic.
13. “Could It Be Magic” – Barry Manilow (1975) & Donna Summer (1976): From Ballad Magic to Disco Magic
“Could It Be Magic” is a song that has traversed genres and styles, proving its magical adaptability. Written by Barry Manilow and Adrienne Anderson, with a melody inspired by Chopin’s Prelude in C Minor, the song was initially released in 1971. However, it was Manilow’s re-recorded 1975 single that truly captured the public’s imagination, reaching #6 and spending 13 weeks in the Top 40. Then, in 1976, disco queen Donna Summer transformed the ballad into a pulsating disco anthem for her album A Love Trilogy. While Summer’s version only reached #52 on the Hot 100, it soared to #3 on the Dance Chart, showcasing the song’s surprising versatility and its ability to conjure magic in both ballad and disco forms.
14. “Strange Magic” – Electric Light Orchestra (1976): Symphonic Rock Magic
Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), masters of symphonic rock, added their unique “Strange Magic” to the musical lexicon in 1976. From their concept album Face the Music, this beautiful and ethereal track became their third charting single, peaking at #14 and spending nine weeks in the Top 40. “Strange Magic” exemplifies ELO’s signature sound: lush orchestrations, catchy melodies, and Jeff Lynne’s distinctive vocals. It’s a dreamy and captivating example of symphonic rock magic.
15. “You Made Me Believe in Magic” – Bay City Rollers (1977): Teen Pop Magic
The Bay City Rollers, the tartan-clad kings of teen pop in the 70s, contributed “You Made Me Believe in Magic” to our list in 1977. This song became their fifth charting single and, for some, perhaps their most tolerable (as the original author humorously notes!). It reached #10 and spent 12 weeks in the Billboard Top 40, proving the enduring power of teen pop magic, even for those who might be more resistant to the genre.
16. “If It’s Magic” – Stevie Wonder (1977): Uncharted but Undeniably Magical
Stevie Wonder, a musical genius, graced us with “If It’s Magic” in 1977, from his magnum opus album Songs In The Key Of Life. While surprisingly, this song never charted as a single, its inclusion on this list is undeniable. “If It’s Magic” is a testament to Wonder’s unparalleled songwriting and vocal ability, a beautiful and deeply moving track that deserves recognition even without chart accolades. It’s a quieter, more soulful form of magic, but magic nonetheless.
17. “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” – The Police (1981): New Wave Magic with Piano Accents
The Police, icons of new wave rock, delivered one of their many masterpieces with “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” in 1981. From their critically acclaimed album Ghost in the Machine, this song stands out for its inclusion of the piano, an instrument not typically associated with The Police’s signature sound. “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” became a major hit, reaching #3 and spending 15 weeks in the Top 40. It’s a sophisticated and lyrically clever example of new wave magic, showcasing the band’s versatility and songwriting prowess.
18. “You Can Do Magic” – America (1982): Pop-Rock Magic of Longevity
America, known for their harmonies and mellow pop-rock sound, proved their staying power with “You Can Do Magic” in 1982. Released a decade after their massive hit “A Horse With No Name,” this song became their seventh Top 10 single, peaking at #8 and spending 15 weeks in the Top 40. “You Can Do Magic” is a testament to their enduring appeal and their ability to craft catchy and uplifting pop-rock magic that resonates across decades.
19. “Magic Stick” – Lil’ Kim & 50 Cent (2003): Hip Hop Magic with a Provocative Edge
Lil’ Kim, a force in hip hop, teamed up with 50 Cent for the undeniably catchy and provocative “Magic Stick” in 2003. From her album La Bella Mafia, produced by Carlos “Fantom of the Beat” Evans, this song defied conventional release strategies. Despite lacking a physical single release or a music video, “Magic Stick” became a massive hit, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s a bold and explicit example of hip hop magic, proving that even without traditional promotional avenues, a song’s sheer infectiousness can propel it to the top.
20. “24K Magic” – Bruno Mars (2016): Modern Funk Magic
Bringing us to the contemporary end of our magical musical journey is Bruno Mars with “24K Magic” from 2016. This incredibly funky and upbeat track, brimming with retro vibes and Mars’s undeniable charisma, became another smash hit for the R&B superstar. “24K Magic” is a celebration of extravagance, good times, and pure musical joy, proving that “magic songs” continue to evolve and captivate audiences in the modern era.
This journey through “magic songs” from the past decades reveals the diverse ways artists have interpreted and woven this enchanting word into their music. From pop anthems to rock classics, from folk tales to hip hop bangers, the magic of music is undeniable.
What are your favorite “magic songs”? Did we miss any spellbinding tracks? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
