Music is a universal language that can transcend time, space, and culture.
It can evoke powerful emotions, inspire creativity, and even change our beliefs. But how does music do that? And what makes some songs more magical than others?
In this article, we will explore the psychology and neuroscience of music and how songs about magic can influence our emotions and beliefs in positive ways.
We will also share some of the best songs about magic that you can listen to for a boost of happiness, motivation, and wonder.
What is Magic in Music?
Magic in music is not about literal spells or potions but rather about the ability of music to create a sense of awe, mystery, and enchantment.
Music can transport us to different worlds, connect us with other beings, and reveal hidden aspects of ourselves. Music can also help us cope with challenges, heal from trauma, and achieve our goals.
According to Jennifer Hamady, a voice coach, and therapist who specialises in music and psychology, music has an emotional impact on our brain and physiological well-being.
She says: “Music—rhythm, percussion, melody, harmony, vocalisation, and instrumentation—has an emotional impact on our brain and physiological well-being. Whether we’re listening to or creating it, music bypasses our intellects and stirs something timeless and spiritual within us, calling us on to a more aware, present, and ego/identity-free space.”
Music can also bond and bind us together as a community. Hamady explains:
“We are social animals, yet today, we are increasingly isolated and lonely. And there is a detrimental impact on our mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing that comes from this disconnection. Music helps to heal these divisions by reconnecting people to one another and to themselves through the shared creation of music-making and listening.”
How Songs About Magic Influence Our Emotions and Beliefs
Songs about magic can influence our emotions and beliefs by tapping into our imagination, curiosity, and optimism.
They can also stimulate our brain regions involved in reward, pleasure, motivation, and memory.
A study by researcher Jacob Jolij and student Maaike Meurs of the Psychology Department of the University of Groningen in the Netherlands shows that music has a dramatic effect on explanation style and perception.
They found that listening to happy or sad music can change the way we perceive neutral faces.
They also found that listening to happy music can enhance positive moods and creativity.
Another study by researchers at McGill University in Canada shows that listening to music can activate the same brain regions involved in reward processing as drugs or food.
They found that music can trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation, and learning.
Songs about magic can also influence our beliefs by exposing us to different perspectives, cultures, and stories. They can challenge our assumptions, broaden our horizons, and inspire us to pursue our dreams. They can also help us develop a sense of wonder, gratitude, and purpose.
The Best Songs About Magic for Your Playlist
If you are looking for some songs about magic to add to your playlist, here are some suggestions that cover different genres, moods, and themes. These songs are not only catchy and fun but also meaningful and uplifting.
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic by The Police: This classic rock song from 1981 is about a man who is mesmerised by a woman he can never have. He suffers in silence because he can never tell her how he feels. Here, falling in love is likened to something magical, if unattainable.
All The Magic by Natalie Imbruglia: This pop song from 2007 is about a woman who has discovered love after having her heart badly broken and being disillusioned in the past. But where she felt like just giving up, her current partner has given her his love, thus giving her back the magic in her life and making her believe again.
Wild Heart by Stevie Nicks: This rock song from 1976 is one of Nicks’s most brilliant compositions. Nicks has a well-deserved high standing as a mystical performer, which has extended from her time with Fleetwood Mac and as a solo act. This song is considered to be one of her most brilliant compositions. Although the impact of mentor and former bandmate Lindsey Buckingham is clearly present here, it’s quite obvious that Nicks is definitely going her own way. She is no cheap imitation of anyone, and this song proves it.
Don’t Kill the Magic by Magic! This reggae fusion song from 2014 is about a man who has the overwhelming feeling that his partner is pulling away from him. He still clings to the hope that there is something worth holding onto between them and is pleading with her not to kill the magic. He also vows to give her whatever she wants if it will make her happy: space, change, time, and all of it to save their relationship.
Magic Carpet Ride by Steppenwolf: This psychedelic rock song from 1968 is about escaping the confines of reality on a carpet made of sound and possibly a couple of chemical reactions. It’s one of the original American bad-boy bands’ major hits that peaked at number 3 on the Billboard chart and spent 16 weeks on the chart.
Abracadabra by Steve Miller: This rock song from 1982 is about a woman who makes him feel magic in everything about her. The famous chorus may be less about an actual magic spell and more about him practising magic on his own to grab the object of his desire.
Black Magic Woman by Santana: This Latin rock song from 1970 is a cover of a tune originally written by Peter Green (of the original Fleetwood Mac) and smoothed out the rough edges, making a hit for the band. It tells of a man’s struggle against the evil magic of a woman he nevertheless has to have.
Magic by Bruce Springsteen: This folk rock song from 2007 is about the practical magic of using card tricks and the like to impress the person he is talking to. It’s also a metaphor for the political deception and manipulation that he witnessed in his country.
I Put A Spell On You by Nina Simone: This jazz song from 1965 is a cover of a song by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins for an album of pop-oriented tunes. This song of desire and longing for someone who is more than a little interested in other people became associated with Simone because of her aching vocal that even has a little scat at the end.
Do You Believe in Magic by The Lovin’ Spoonful: This pop-rock song from 1965 is about the power of music to make people happy and bring them together. It’s also an invitation to join the music scene and experience the magic for yourself.
Magic Man by Heart: This hard rock song from 1976 is about a young woman who falls in love with an older man who introduces her to a world of adventure and excitement. He is called the magic man because he has a mysterious and captivating aura that draws her in.
Love Potion No. 9 by The Searchers: This pop-rock song from 1959 is about a young man who goes down to a gypsy to get a magic potion for love. But the potion is a little too strong for the young lad because he ends up kissing everything he can get his lips on.
Levitating by Dua Lipa: This disco-pop song from 2020 is the fifth single from Lipa’s second studio album, Future Nostalgia. It’s a catchy and upbeat track that expresses her joy and excitement about falling in love. The song features references to astrology, space, and magic, creating a cosmic and whimsical vibe.
24K Magic by Bruno Mars: This funk song from 2016 is the lead single and title track of Mars’s third studio album. It’s a braggadocious party anthem that invites listeners to join the fun and enjoy the lavish lifestyle of Mars. It combines modern-referencing lyrics (like “#blessed”) with 80s-style production helmed by Shampoo Press & Curl and The Stereotypes.
Black Magic by Little Mix: This pop song from 2015 is about a group of girls who use a magic book to make themselves more attractive and confident. They also use their newfound powers to help their friends find love and happiness.
Blue Eyed Hexe by Pixies: This alternative rock song from 2014 is about a woman who has a hypnotic and seductive effect on men. She is compared to a witch, a voodoo queen, and a siren who can make men do anything she wants.
Blood Ox Ritual by Skinflint: This heavy metal song from 2018 is inspired by the ancient African practise of sacrificing an ox to appease the spirits and bring good fortune. The song describes the ritual in graphic detail and invokes the power of blood and fire.
Magic by Coldplay: This pop-rock song from 2014 is about a man who is still in love with his ex-girlfriend despite their breakup. He believes that she is the only one who can make him feel alive and happy. He calls her magic because she has a special place in his heart.
Magic by Selena Gomez: This pop song from 2009 is a cover of a song by Pilot from 1974. It’s a cheerful and upbeat track that celebrates the wonders of magic and imagination. It was featured in the soundtrack of the Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place, starring Gomez.
Magic by The Cars: This rock song from 1984 is about the charismatic and irresistible appeal of the singer. He claims that he has magic and that everyone wants a piece of it. He also warns that his magic is dangerous and addictive.
Magic by Pilot: This pop rock song from 1974 is a cheerful and upbeat track that celebrates the wonders of magic and imagination. It was featured in the soundtrack of the movie Happy Gilmore, starring Adam Sandler.
Magic by Kylie Minogue: This pop song from 2020 is about a woman who has found love and feels ecstatic and euphoric. She describes her lover as magical and invites him to dance with her under the moonlight.
Magic by One Direction: This pop song from 2012 is about a boy who is head over heels for a girl who makes him feel alive and happy. He calls her magic because she has a special place in his heart.
Magic by Lil Skies: This hip-hop song from 2019 is about a rapper who boasts about his success and wealth. He compares himself to a magician who can make money appear out of thin air. He also claims that he has magic in his veins and that he can do anything he wants.
Spanish Castle Magic by Jimi Hendrix: This rock song from 1967 is inspired by Hendrix’s high school years when he regularly visited a roadhouse called “The Spanish Castle” near Seattle. The club featured top local rock groups and occasional touring stars. The song captures Hendrix’s fascination with the club and its music scene.
That Old Black Magic by Rod Stewart: This jazz standard from 1942 has been covered by many artists, including Rod Stewart in 2005. The song is about a lover who casts a spell on the singer, making him feel enchanted and tormented at the same time. The song uses metaphors of witchcraft and voodoo to describe the lover’s allure.
Little Magic Glasses by Johnny Cash: This country song from 1975 is a duet with June Carter Cash. The song tells the story of a boy who receives a pair of magic glasses from his grandfather. The glasses allow him to see things that others can’t, such as angels, fairies, and ghosts. The song is a tribute to the power of imagination and wonder.
Magic by Kenny Chesney: This country song from 1996 is about a man who falls in love with a woman who has a magical effect on him. He feels like she can make anything happen with her smile and her touch. He compares her to a shooting star, a rainbow, and a miracle.
Magical Mystery Tour by The Beatles: This psychedelic rock song from 1967 is the title track of the Beatles’ album and film of the same name. The song invites the listeners to join the band on a magical journey through various surreal scenes and characters. The song reflects the Beatles’ experimentation with drugs and music at the time.
Magic by Pussycat Dolls: This pop song from 2008 is a cover of a song by Robin Thicke from 2007. The song is about a woman who has a confident and charismatic personality that makes her stand out from the crowd. She claims that she has magic in her eyes, her hips, and her lips.
Magic Touch by Kiss: This hard rock song from 1979 is about a woman who has a seductive and irresistible touch that drives the singer wild. He begs her to use her magic touch on him and make him feel good. He also warns her not to play games with his heart.
Blue Magic by Collin Raye: This country song from 1997 is about a man who is captivated by a woman who has blue eyes and blue magic. He describes her as a dream come true, a miracle, and a mystery. He feels like he’s under her spell and can’t get enough of her.
December Will Be Magic Again by Kate Bush: This pop song from 1980 is about the anticipation and excitement of Christmas time. The song uses the imagery of snowflakes, reindeer, mistletoe, and Santa Claus to create a festive and magical atmosphere. The song also expresses hope for peace and love in the world.
A Kind of Magic by Queen: This rock song from 1986 is one of Queen’s most popular songs. It was written for the film Highlander, starring Christopher Lambert as an immortal warrior. The song refers to the power of love, destiny, and immortality. It also features Freddie Mercury’s vocal range and Brian May’s guitar solo.
Magic by Robin Thicke: This R&B song from 2008 is about a man who can make the pain disappear and the future shine bright for his lover. He claims that he has magic and that they have magic together. He also plays some jazz chords on the piano, which he learned from sound engineer Eddie Kramer.
These are just some of the songs about magic that you can enjoy for their musical and lyrical qualities. But more than that, you can also benefit from their psychological effects on your mood, mindset, and motivation. So go ahead and listen to some songs about magic today and see how they can influence your emotions and beliefs in positive ways.
