Songs about magic can range from simple visual tricks to complex spells and potions that transcend natural phenomena. Through songs about magic, we often explain things beyond our comprehension that lie outside of reality.
Stevie Nicks often incorporates ethereal themes into her music, such as Rhiannon from her song Rhiannon which draws inspiration from a Welsh goddess legend.
1. Smashmouth
For those seeking a bit of magic in their lives, there are plenty of songs that can help. Whether you need love magic to attract your crush or are under an evil spell, there is sure to be a song perfect for you.
Smash Mouth have been around for two and a half decades, with their debut album Fush Yu Mang released in 1997 and quickly becoming a classic hit.
Their second album, Astro Lounge (released in 1999) was also a major success and certified platinum by the RIAA.
Their third album, Smash Mouth (Self-Titled), was released in 2001 and marked their most daring venture yet. Additionally, it remains their highest charting release to date.
2. Helen Reddy
Helen Reddy was born in Melbourne, Australia to show business parents Max Reddy and Stella Lamond. She began singing at an early age and soon after followed in their footsteps into the entertainment world.
Her career in music began with winning a talent contest. She then traveled to New York City to audition for Mercury Records.
She was rejected twice, yet still believed the American market was her destiny. After moving to New York City and meeting Jeff Wald – a talent agent who would become her manager – she felt guided towards success.
Reddy’s debut single, “One Way Ticket,” was released in 1968 through Fontana Records and enjoyed success in her home country but failed to gain momentum in America. It wasn’t until 1974 that Reddy finally achieved major success with her song “Delta Dawn,” written by Alex Harvey and Larry Collins and featuring Reddy on lead vocals.
3. Jay and the Americans
Jay and the Americans were one of the most successful vocal groups of the ’60s, taking doo wop harmony into modern pop music with their clean-cut showbiz image and doo-wop-influenced vocals that set them apart from other 1960s acts.
Jay & the Americans were formed by Howard Kane, John Traynor, Kenny Vance and Sandy Yaguda in the early 1960s at New York University. Signing with United Artists in 1961, they released their debut single “Tonight” (from Broadway musical West Side Story).
After several failed singles, Traynor left the group and David Black (born David Blatt), guitarist Marty Sanders and Kenny Rosenberg joined as a trio. This new line-up recorded “Only In America”, originally written by The Drifters’ Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller but adopted by Jay & the Americans as their own composition.
4. Coldplay
Coldplay are renowned for their upbeat pop production and captivating songs about magic. Members Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion all hail from musical families and each brought unique influences to the group.
Despite their success, they have never allowed their music to be used for advertisements or endorsements. Instead, they choose to support charity organizations that assist vulnerable children and young people.
In October 2011, Mylo Xyloto released their fifth studio album and quickly went to number one on charts around the world. Additionally, it earned them numerous awards and accolades for the project.
5. Bruno Mars
Mars’ musical style is diverse, spanning pop to R&B, funk, soul and reggae. He has sold 130 million records worldwide and earned 11 Grammy nominations.
He is renowned for his stage performances and retro showmanship, as well as a diverse range of musical styles. Additionally, he works as a producer and has collaborated with numerous artists.
Peter Gene Hernandez was born on October 8, 1985 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Puerto Rican and Ashkenazi Jewish parents. His paternal grandparents are Peter Hernandez and Bernadette San Pedro Bayot.
Before moving to Los Angeles, Mars was a member of a local band in his hometown. He later joined The Smeezingtons production team with songwriter Philip Lawrence and engineer Ari Levine, who wrote and produced many of Mars’ hit songs including “Uptown Funk,” which won him a Grammy for best pop duo/group collaboration.
6. Koko Taylor
Koko Taylor, often referred to as the Queen of Blues, is an internationally-renowned singer whose style encompasses Chicago blues, electric blues, rhythm and blues and soul blues. She’s renowned for her powerful vocals that carry across genres.
She made her debut performance in Chicago in 1962 and soon signed with Chess Records, scoring a million-selling hit with “Wang Dang Doodle.”
Once her contract at Chess expired in 1975, she found a home at Alligator Records where she released eight more albums and earned seven Grammy nominations. Additionally, she appeared in films such as Wild at Heart, Mercury Rising and Blues Brothers 2000.
She was an inspiringly hardworking woman and champion for women’s rights in an industry often dominated by men. Her dedication has served as inspiration to countless artists such as Bonnie Raitt and Shemekia Copeland.
7. Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John was an English singer and actress who tragically passed away from breast cancer in August 2022 at 73 years old. A passionate supporter of breast health awareness campaigns as well as an environmentalist, she left us all with lasting memories.
She was born in Cambridge, England but raised in Melbourne, Australia. Her parents were Welshman Brinley “Bryn” Newton-John and Irene Helene (nee Born), the granddaughter of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Max Born who fled Germany before World War II to escape Nazi persecution.
At age 12, she broke into show business when she won a look-alike contest in Melbourne, Australia and formed an all-female vocal group called Sol Four. Later, she formed bubblegum band Toomorrow with Pat Carroll but it failed to gain much traction. Finally, in 1970, she joined British pop singer Cliff Richard’s touring show as one of his backup singers.
8. Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix was an iconic rock star known for his impressive electric guitar skills. He remains one of the most influential guitarists in history, with his songs continuing to inspire musicians to this day.
Hendrix was born on November 27, 1942 in Seattle, Washington to Lucille (Jeter) and James Allen Hendrix. From a young age he developed an interest in music and quickly blossomed into an accomplished guitarist.
Hendrix’s career only lasted four years, yet he left an indelible mark on music history. He was renowned for his electric guitar work and captivating stage presence, as well as for his innovative use of recording studio technology – often including unconventional stereo channel setups that would be impossible in concert.
9. The Beatles
The Beatles were one of the most successful and influential bands in history. They released some iconic rock songs that would remain popular even after they disbanded.
In August 1967, their manager Brian Epstein tragically passed away due to a drug overdose, leaving the group without anyone to turn to for guidance. They decided to make a movie instead – Magical Mystery Tour – which was finished shortly after Epstein’s passing and released before 1967 ended.
Critics were unimpressed, and Magical Mystery Tour suffered a significant setback. But it also allowed the band to release their best music yet: an album of singles recorded during production. This remarkable album deserves more recognition than it has received; it features stunning harmonies and an innovative sound that still sounds fresh 47 years later.
10. Queen
Queen is a British rock band that was popular during the 1970s and ’80s. They’re renowned for their sports anthems and classic rock songs.
Their most successful hits include ‘We Are the Champions’ and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody. Their music has been praised as innovative, combining heavy metal with operatic elements to create music that is both thrilling and captivating.
They are currently on tour to promote their latest album ‘Revolution’, released October 2022. Recently, the band unwrapped a song called ‘Face It Alone’ – this being the first time fans have heard late Freddie Mercury’s vocals in some time.
Queen recently released their latest album as well as a Collector’s Edition of their 1989 album ‘The Miracle’. This included an hour-plus disc of previously unreleased recordings, including the unheard ‘Face It Alone’ track.