Ben E. King's "This Magic Moment" is a timeless classic in the world of music. Released in 1960, this soulful ballad has captured the hearts of listeners for generations. The song, written by the legendary songwriting duo Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, tells the story of a romantic encounter that feels like a magical and once-in-a-lifetime experience. King's smooth and silky vocals perfectly complement the dreamy and enchanting nature of the lyrics. "This Magic Moment" is distinguished by its memorable and soul-stirring melody.
KING: I was born in Henderson, N.C., so I wasn't familiar with the street-singing thing until I came to New York, which - I was about 11 years old when my parents first moved to New York. And I heard about it, and then gradually, by being in the streets of Harlem, I walked around, and surely enough, bumped into different little guys singing and doo-wopping (ph) on the stoops and stuff like that. So I were more or less introduced to it when I first got to New York.
, so I wasn t familiar with the street-singing thing until I came to New York, which - I was about 11 years old when my parents first moved to New York. Of King s vocal qualities, Ken Emerson, author of Always Magic in the Air The Bomp and Brilliance of the Brill Building Era , has noted He had a way of retaining a gospel grit in his voice but at the same time had an easy, debonair style that was appealing and ingratiating.
"This Magic Moment" is distinguished by its memorable and soul-stirring melody. The opening piano chords instantly draw the listener in, setting the scene for the heartfelt journey that awaits. The song's instrumentation is simple yet effective, consisting of delicate strings, soothing background harmonies, and a gentle rhythm section that gently propels the song forward.
Select a country or region
Copyright © 2023 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
- Internet Service Terms
- Apple Music & Privacy
- Cookie Warning
- Support
- Feedback
King's passionate vocal performance adds an extra layer of emotion to the song's narrative. His warm and heartfelt delivery effortlessly conveys the intensity and vulnerability of love. The song's lyrics paint vivid pictures and evoke strong emotions, describing the transformative power of love in a tender and profound manner. "This Magic Moment" is not only a romantic love song but also a celebration of the universal experience of falling in love. It captures the essence of that special moment when time seems to stand still, and everything else fades away, leaving only the couple and their connection. Over the years, "This Magic Moment" has become a staple in popular culture. It has been featured in numerous films, commercials, and television shows, solidifying its status as a beloved and enduring classic. Ben E. King's "This Magic Moment" continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, thanks to its heartfelt lyrics, captivating melody, and King's soulful vocals. It is a beautiful reminder of the transformative and everlasting power of love, preserving its magic for generations to come..
Reviews for "The Musical Brilliance of Ben E. King's 'This Magic Moment"
1. John Doe - 2 stars - I found "Ben E King's This Magic Moment" to be quite underwhelming. The vocals lacked the passion and energy that I was expecting from such a classic song. The instrumentation felt generic and didn't add anything new or interesting to the track. Overall, it felt like a lackluster rendition of a once beautiful song.
2. Jane Smith - 1 star - I was really disappointed by "Ben E King's This Magic Moment". The tempo seemed off, and it felt rushed and sloppy. The vocal performance was subpar, with King's voice sounding strained and forced. The production didn't do any favors either, with the mix sounding muddy and unbalanced. I was left longing for the original version by The Drifters.
3. Mark Johnson - 2 stars - "This Magic Moment" by Ben E King fell flat for me. The arrangement felt dated and didn't bring anything new to the table. King's vocals lacked the emotion and depth that made the original version so memorable. The backing vocals were also lackluster and failed to create the harmonious blend that the song requires. Overall, it just didn't capture the magic of the original.
4. Sarah Thompson - 2 stars - I wasn't impressed with Ben E King's rendition of "This Magic Moment". The instrumentation felt weak and uninspired, failing to capture the enchanting essence of the song. King's vocals were lackluster and lacked the soulful quality that the original version possessed. It felt like a watered-down imitation that couldn't live up to the iconic status of the original.
5. Michael Anderson - 1 star - "Ben E King's This Magic Moment" was a huge disappointment. The vocal performance lacked the charm and charisma that I associate with this song. The arrangement felt haphazard and failed to capture the nostalgic and romantic vibe that the original version holds. Overall, it felt like a forgettable cover that didn't do justice to the magic of the song.