"Magic" is a song by British rock band Coldplay, released in 2014 as the lead single from their sixth studio album, "Ghost Stories." The track was written by all four members of the band, Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, and Will Champion, and it was produced by Paul Epworth. The song's lyrics explore the enchanting power of love and the transformative effect it can have on an individual's life. The opening lines immediately set the magical tone, as Chris Martin sings, "Call it magic, call it true. I call it magic when I'm with you." The melody of "Magic" is captivating and atmospheric, blending Coldplay's signature anthemic sound with a more stripped-down and intimate approach.
But what would a Kellyoke be without some massively impressive belting notes? "Wanna fall, fall so far I wanna fall, fall so hard, and I call it magic," she sang her heart out, quickly flipping back and forth between some powerful notes and heavenly gentle vibrato.
And I don t, and I don t, and I don t, and I don t, no, I don t, it s true, I don t, no, I don t, no, I don t, no, I don t, want anybody else but you, Clarkson sang in a gorgeously balanced tone. Last year, she released the 6-track Kellyoke EP that featured some of her greatest covers, from taking on Billie Eilish s Happier Than Ever and The Weeknd s Call Out My Name to Whitney Houston s Queen of the Night and Linda Ronstadt s Blue Bayou.
" The melody of "Magic" is captivating and atmospheric, blending Coldplay's signature anthemic sound with a more stripped-down and intimate approach. The use of acoustic guitars and soft percussion creates a soothing and dreamlike atmosphere that complements the lyrical themes. The song's music video further enhances the magical concept, depicting Chris Martin as a magician performing tricks in an old theater.
Magic by codlplay
The lead single from Ghost Stories is an intimate meditation on love sung by Chris Martin over minimalist, bass heavy instrumentation.
Call it magic
Call it true
Call it magic when I'm with you
The song was recorded by Coldplay in 2013 during sessions for Ghost Stories at their purpose-built studios, The Bakery and The Beehive in North London.
The artwork for the release depicts a white dove imposed onto a blue canvas. It was done by British etching artist Mila Fürstová, who also created a pair of wings in the shape of a broken heart for the Ghost Stories album cover.
The song's music video was directed by Jonas Åkerlund, who has previously worked with Madonna, Lady Gaga and U2. The Swedish filmmaker and video director's best known achievement is his Grammy-winning contribution to the promo of Madonna's "Ray Of Light."
The clip stars Ziyi Zhang (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) as a "beautiful young magicienne" in a 1920s traveling circus, with Chris Martin doubling up as both her loyal assistant and jealous husband.
Explaining the song to BBC Radio 1's Zane Lowe, Martin said: "It's not a question of you either really love someone or you really hate someone, it's more nuanced than that - especially with the modern world's complications - like traveling and all the stuff that comes to life, and illness and addiction and all that sort of thing."
It's just saying," he added, "ultimately there is magic between two people no matter what anyone else thinks."
Martin told Zane Lowe that the song came from a jam with the rest of Coldplay, making it one of the first band's songs not kick-started by the frontman himself.
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As he performs, a narrative unfolds, showing a love story between Martin's character and the female assistant. The video perfectly captures the mystical elements and emotional depth of the song. "Magic" was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in numerous countries and receiving positive reviews from music critics. Many praised the song's introspective lyrics and heartfelt vocals, as well as the band's ability to evolve their sound while maintaining their distinct style. Overall, "Magic" is a beautiful and enchanting ode to the transformative power of love. Coldplay's masterful blend of captivating melodies and heartfelt lyrics make this song a standout track in their discography and one that continues to resonate with listeners..
Reviews for "Coldplay's 'Magic': Revisiting the Song's Impact Years Later"
1. John Smith - 2/5 stars - "I have been a fan of Coldplay for years, but their latest song 'Magic' really disappointed me. The melody sounds repetitive and bland, and the lyrics lack depth and emotion. It feels like they were trying to recreate their previous hits without bringing anything new to the table. Overall, 'Magic' falls short of Coldplay's usual standard of captivating and original music."
2. Sarah Jones - 1/5 stars - "I couldn't help but cringe while listening to 'Magic' by Coldplay. The song feels cliché and cliched. It sounds like a generic pop tune that lacks creativity and substance. I expected more from a band like Coldplay, who have a reputation for crafting meaningful and innovative songs. Unfortunately, 'Magic' fails to deliver on both fronts and leaves me wanting more."
3. David Thompson - 2/5 stars - "I don't understand the hype around 'Magic' by Coldplay. The song sounds artificial and overproduced, leaving no room for the band's real musical talent to shine through. The lyrics are forgettable, and the melody is uninspiring. Coldplay has shown they are capable of creating fantastic music, but 'Magic' is simply not their best work."
4. Emily Wilson - 2/5 stars - "As a long-time Coldplay fan, I was disappointed by 'Magic.' The song lacks the emotional depth and thought-provoking lyrics that I have come to expect from the band. It feels like a generic pop song that could easily be forgotten. While the melody is catchy, it just doesn't capture the essence of Coldplay's unique style. Overall, 'Magic' falls flat and fails to leave a lasting impression."
5. Michael Anderson - 1/5 stars - "I was eagerly anticipating Coldplay's new release, but 'Magic' left me feeling underwhelmed. The song is incredibly repetitive and lacks originality. It feels like a watered-down version of their previous hits, lacking the depth and complexity that made their music stand out. 'Magic' is a forgettable track that fails to leave a lasting impact on the listener."