The 10 Best Classic Rock Songs About Magic
Magic has been a timeless theme in music, captivating audiences with its enchanting melodies and lyrics. From the mystifying to the euphoric, magic has been interpreted in various ways, inspiring some of the most iconic songs in rock history. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the top 10 classic rock songs about magic, exploring the ways in which these artists have woven this theme into their music.
#10 – "Strange Magic" by Electric Light Orchestra
We begin our list with Electric Light Orchestra’s (ELO) "Strange Magic," a track from their 1975 album Face the Music. This song showcases ELO’s signature blend of pop and rock, with breathtaking strings and stunning vocals. "Strange Magic" was released as the second single from the album and soared into the top 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
#9 – "Hocus Pocus" by Focus
Next, we have "Hocus Pocus," a classic song by the Dutch band Focus. Released in 1971, this track features a unique blend of rock and jazz, with Thijs van Leer’s keyboard playing and Jan Akkerman’s guitar work. The song gained popularity after an edited version was released, and a faster re-recording titled "Hocus Pocus 2" emerged in Europe in 1972.
#8 – "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" by The Police
In the number eight position, we have The Police’s "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," a track from their 1981 album Ghost in the Machine. This song beautifully employs the concept of magic to describe the euphoric effect someone can have on another, making the extraordinary feelings seem almost supernatural.
#7 – "Magic Fingers" by Frank Zappa
At number seven, we have Frank Zappa’s "Magic Fingers," a track from his 1971 album 200 Motels. This song is a wild musical journey, showcasing Zappa’s unique blend of irreverent lyrics and complex compositions. The album features an all-star cast of musicians, including George Duke, Ian Underwood, and Ruth Underwood.
#6 – "Magic Man" by Heart
We move on to Heart’s "Magic Man," a powerhouse track from their 1976 debut album Dreamboat Annie. This song played a crucial role in catapulting Heart into stardom, making them a household name. Ann Wilson’s commanding vocals make this track a standout.
#5 – "Magic Bus" by The Who
Next, we have The Who’s "Magic Bus," a psychedelic single released in 1968. This song is a classic example of The Who’s early work, showcasing their unique blend of rock and psychedelia.
#4 – "Magic" by Pilot
At number four, we have Pilot’s "Magic," a catchy song that became a hit in the 1970s. This track features a memorable chorus and a sing-along melody, making it a fan favorite.
#3 – "Black Magic Woman" by Santana
We make an exception for this song, which was originally written by Peter Green and first appeared on Fleetwood Mac’s 1968 album. However, the version of the song that became really well known was released by Santana in 1970 on the album Abraxas. This song went all the way to number four on the US Billboard Hot 100.
#2 – "Magic Carpet Ride" by Steppenwolf
Just off the top spot, we have Steppenwolf’s "Magic Carpet Ride," a classic rock song that we couldn’t leave off this list. This song was written by John Kay and Rushton Moreve of the band Steppenwolf and became one of their most successful songs, breaking into the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at number four.
#1 – "Magical Mystery Tour" by The Beatles
We close out our list with The Beatles’ "Magical Mystery Tour," a iconic song from their 1967 album and film of the same name. This song was released as a double EP in the UK and a single LP in the US, both versions soaring to number one on the charts.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored the top 10 classic rock songs about magic, showcasing the ways in which these artists have woven this theme into their music. From the mystifying to the euphoric, magic has been a timeless theme in music, captivating audiences with its enchanting melodies and lyrics.
FAQs
Q: What is the definition of magic in the context of these songs?
A: Magic can be defined in various ways, including illusion, supernatural forces, or euphoric feelings.
Q: Why did you exclude songs about supernatural magic?
A: We chose to focus on songs that use magic as a metaphor for something extraordinary or euphoric, rather than songs that focus on supernatural forces.
Q: What makes these songs stand out as classics?
A: These songs stand out as classics due to their unique blend of melody, lyrics, and production, which have become iconic in the world of rock music.
Q: Are there any other songs about magic that you didn’t include in this list?
A: Yes, there are many other songs about magic that we didn’t include in this list. However, these 10 songs are some of the most iconic and enduring examples of the theme in rock music.
