About the song
**Introduction to “Could It Be Magic”**
“Could It Be Magic” is a quintessential song that showcases Barry Manilow’s unique blend of pop sensibility and classical inspiration. Written by Adrienne Anderson and composed by Barry Manilow, the song draws its melodic inspiration from Frédéric Chopin’s Prelude in C minor, Opus 28, Number 20. Manilow’s creation is a testament to his ability to intertwine classical motifs with contemporary pop, crafting a piece that resonates with emotional depth and grandeur.
The song’s journey began in 1971 when it was first recorded by the group Featherbed, which was a collective of session musicians including Manilow himself. Featherbed’s version, released under the title “Brandy,” was produced by Tony Orlando and had a notably upbeat, bubblegum pop arrangement that diverged from Manilow’s original vision. The Featherbed track, while a minor hit, did not achieve significant chart success, and Manilow has since expressed dissatisfaction with the arrangement, though he has since acknowledged its catchy nature.
Manilow revisited “Could It Be Magic” for his debut solo album in 1973. This version was slower in tempo and featured a different lyrical approach. It was later reworked and re-released in 1975, coinciding with the reissue of his debut album under the Arista label, now titled *Barry Manilow I*. This reworked version, produced by Manilow and Ron Dante, saw the song gain significant traction, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s orchestration, featuring a lush arrangement of strings and piano, was designed to evoke a grand, emotional crescendo, akin to the build-up in The Beatles’ “Hey Jude,” as Manilow himself described.
In 1975, Manilow’s new recording of “Could It Be Magic” was met with critical acclaim, and its success was bolstered by its radio-friendly edit. Cash Box praised the song for its “glowing arrangement” and strong vocal performance, while Record World highlighted the classical inspiration behind the track. The single’s success marked a significant milestone in Manilow’s career and solidified his reputation as a versatile artist capable of blending diverse musical influences.
The song’s appeal endured beyond Manilow’s original recordings. In 1976, Donna Summer’s cover of “Could It Be Magic” brought a fresh, disco-influenced take to the track, further expanding its reach. Additionally, the song was revisited by British boy band Take That in 1992, whose version won the Brit Award for British Single in 1993. This rendition introduced the song to a new generation of listeners, proving its timelessness and broad appeal.
The legacy of “Could It Be Magic” is a testament to Barry Manilow’s innovative approach to songwriting and his ability to craft songs that resonate across different musical genres and eras. The song’s enduring popularity underscores its emotional depth and the successful fusion of classical and contemporary elements.
Video
Lyrics
Spirit move me every time I’m near you
Whirling like a cyclone in my mind
Sweet Melissa, angel of my lifetime
Answer to all answers I can findBaby, I love you, come, come
Come into my arms
Let me know the wonder of all of youAnd, baby, I want you, now, now
Now and hold on fast
Could this be the magic at last?Lady take me
Hight upon a hillside
High up where the stallion meets the sun
I could love you
Build my world around you
Never leave you ’till my life is doneBaby I love you come, come
Come into my arms
Let me know the wonder of all of you
And baby I want you
Now, now, oh now, oh now and hold on fast
Could this be the magic at last
It could be magic
Come, come on, come on
Come oh come into my arms
Let me know the wonder of all of you, all of you
Baby I want you
Now, now, oh now,oh now and hold on fast
Could this be the magic at last
Could it be magic
Come, come on, come on, come, oh come into my arms
Let me know the wonder of all of you, all of you
Baby I want you
Now, now, oh now, oh now and hold on fast
Could this be the magic at last
Could it be magic
Come, come on, come on, come, oh come into my arms
Oh, let me know the wonder of all of you, all of you
Baby I want you
Now, now, oh now, now oh now and hold on fast
Could this be the magic