10 Best Classic Rock Songs About Magic

There are hundreds of thousands of songs somehow connected to magic. The word “magic” can be defined in various ways. Some refer to magic in the sense of illusion—not a sense of reality, but the appearance of performing out-of-this-world feats. Others refer to magic in the supernatural form, which often involves songs written about witches and spells. Of course, there’s also the simple use of the word magic to signify a sense of euphoria or something extraordinary. For this list, we stayed away from the supernatural because there are just too many great songs about spells and witches that could fill another list. For our top 10, we focused on magic in the sense of euphoria or stage-style magic. Nonetheless, with so many songs to choose from, we decided to go with some of the biggest hits.

# 10 – “Strange Magic” – Electric Light Orchestra

We kick off our 10 Best Classic Rock Songs About Magic list with a track from one of our all-time favorite bands. Jeff Lynne and his incredible band Electric Light Orchestra released “Strange Magic” on their phenomenal 1975 album Face the Music. Opening with breathtaking strings that seamlessly blend into a perfect mix of pop and rock groove, the song showcases a tremendous melody and stunning vocals, marking it as one of the band’s classic hits. Released as the second single from the album, “Strange Magic” soared into the top 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

# 9 – Hocus Pocus – Focus

Well, we could not have composed tis list without including this classic.”Hocus Pocus,” was released by the Dutch band Focus. The song was penned by keyboardist, flutist, and vocalist Thijs van Leer along with guitarist Jan Akkerman. The track debuted as the opening song on their 1971 album Moving Waves and was released the same year in Europe as a single with “Janis” as the B-side on the Imperial, Polydor, and Blue Horizon labels. Despite its initial release, it only charted in the Netherlands, reaching number nine.

The song gained further recognition when an edited version was released, and a faster re-recording titled “Hocus Pocus 2” (or “Hocus Pocus II” in some markets) emerged in Europe in 1972. This new version garnered attention after a live performance on The Old Grey Whistle Test and a successful British club tour, peaking at number 20 on the UK charts in January 1973. In the US and Canada, “Hocus Pocus” was released on the Sire Records label in 1973, reaching number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 18 in Canada.

# 8 – Every Little Thing She Does In Magic – The Police

In the number eight position on our list of the 10 Best Classic Rock Songs About Magic, we spotlight a track from The Police’s beloved album Ghost in the Machine. Released in 1981, this fourth studio effort by the band is arguably their darkest and most intense, showcasing some of Sting’s most mature songwriting to date. The musicianship throughout the album is exemplary, capturing the band at a creative peak. While “Invisible Sun” was released as the debut single in several countries, in the United States and many others, it was the hit “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” that captured listeners’ imaginations. As we’ve mentioned, 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 – Frank Zappa

At the number seven spot on our list, prepare for a wild musical journey with Frank Zappa’s Magic Fingers. Featured on his ambitious soundtrack album 200 Motels, this track is not for the faint-hearted. Zappa, one of the most innovative composers of the 20th century, showcases his unique blend of irreverent lyrics and complex compositions on this album. The record is a who’s who of incredible musicians who collaborated with Zappa throughout his career, including George Duke, Ian Underwood, Ainsley Dunbar, Ruth Underwood, and the vocal duo Flo & Eddie, consisting of Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman. If you’re in the mood for something bold and unorthodox that pushes the boundaries of rock music, give Magic Fingers a listen.

# 6 – Magic Man – Heart

We openly admit that we have our favorites here at the site. As devoted rock music enthusiasts, we naturally gravitate towards the bands we love, especially when their songs fit the themes we’re exploring. Heart’s “Magic Man” is a prime example. This powerhouse track was released as the lead single from their debut album Dreamboat Annie in 1976. It played a crucial role in catapulting Heart into stardom, making them a household name. To this day, I never tire of hearing Ann Wilson’s commanding vocals on this track.

# 5 – Magic Bus – The Who

It’s amazing how different The Who’s music was during the early years compared to the music they released during their prime with albums like Who’s Next, Tommy, and Quadrophenia. This was released during the psychedelic days of the late ’60s, and The Who were a significant part of it. It doesn’t get more psychedelic sounding or looking than this single they released called “Magic Bus.” The song was released in 1968.

# 4 – Magic – Pilot

Yes, I know what you’re thinking—”oh, oh, oh, Ozempic!” It’s so frustrating when songs of our youth become massive selling points for commercial products, especially products that, well, I won’t risk mentioning for fear of legal issues, but you know what I’m talking about. I’ve always loved this song. I think everyone loved it, even though it could get a little annoying. It was definitely one of the catchiest songs I’ve ever heard. And I guess that’s why they paid these guys a lot of money to use it. I mean, hopefully, they were paid well. Why else would you throw your song away to be used in a commercial?

# 3 – Black Magic Woman – Santana

Even though we mentioned that we were going to stay away from supernatural magic songs on this list, we made an exception for this one because it’s just such a classic tune. The song 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. Gregg Rolie sang the lead vocal on this track. The song went all the way to number four on the US Billboard Hot 100. The Fleetwood Mac version didn’t even break into the Hot 100. Both versions are great, but if we wanted to really show this song off, we’d go with Santana.

# 2 – Magic Carpet Ride – Steppenwolf

Just off the top spot on our 10 Best Classic Rock Songs About Magic list, it’s another classic rock song that we just couldn’t leave off this list. This one, entitled “Magic Carpet Ride,” was written by John Kay and Rushton Moreve of the band Steppenwolf. Anybody who grew up listening to classic rock in the 1970s loves Steppenwolf. “Magic Carpet Ride” would prove to be one of the band’s most successful songs, as it broke into the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number four. In Canada, their home country, the song would go all the way to number one.

# 1 – “Magical Mystery Tour” – The Beatles

We close out our 10 Best Classic Rock Songs About Magic list with the iconic Beatles song “Magical Mystery Tour.” We’re feeling particularly inspired here at ClassicRockHistory.com, especially after our interview with Billy J. Kramer yesterday. It was truly incredible to talk to someone who witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts in rock and roll music when the Beatles turned the world on its head. So, it felt only right to include this classic Beatles track from their album and film of the same name. Released in 1967 as a double EP in the UK and a single LP in the US, both versions soared to number one on the charts.

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