15 Marvelous Songs Filled with Magic → Playlist

Reading Time: 20 min read

15 Marvelous Songs Filled with Magic features songs by Benson Boone, Dua Lipa, Kid Cudi, Lady Gaga, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, and the Steve Miller Band.

“Abracadabra, abra-oo-na-na / In her tongue she said, ‘Death or love tonight’.” Ooh-wee! Those magical 🪄 lyrics hail from Academy Award- and Grammy Award-winning musician Lady Gaga. In another abracadabra song, recorded four decades earlier 👀, Steve Miller sings, “Abra-abra-cadabra / I wanna reach out and grab ya,” among more sensual things. Oh, and as for our often shirtless wonder, Benson Boone, he brings MAGIC to the table, too: “My love is so mystical, magical / Oh, baby, ‘cause once you know, once you know.”

Magic fuels the fire on 15 Marvelous Songs Filled with Magic. Explicitly using the word magic is not a requirement; magic-related words within the song title are welcomed with open arms! Abracadabra, mojo, Houdini, illusion, and alchemy are a few words that come to mind… and appear as parts of songs on this list, of course! 15 Marvelous Songs Filled with Magic features songs by Benson Boone, Dua Lipa, Kid Cudi, Lady Gaga, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, and Steve Miller Band. So, without further ado, get ready to cast your best spell as we partake of these 15 Marvelous Songs Filled with Magic!

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1. Lady Gaga, “Abracadabra”

2. Kid Cudi, “Mojo So Dope”

3. Dua Lipa, “Houdini”

4. Benson Boone, “Mystical Magical”

5. Eminem, “Houdini”

6. Dua Lipa, “Illusion”

7. Stevie Wonder, “Superstition”

8. Taylor Swift, “The Alchemy”

9. Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa & Young Thug, “Potion”

10. Lil’ Kim, “Magic Stick” (Ft. 50 Cent)

11. Lady Gaga, “Perfect Illusion”

12. Steve Miller Band, “Abracadabra”

13. Santana, “Black Magic Woman”

14. The Lovin’ Spoonful, “Do You Believe in Magic”

15. Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, “I Put A Spell On You”

1. Lady Gaga, “Abracadabra”

MAYHEM → Interscope → 2025

“Like a poem said by a lady in red / You hear the last few words of your life /With a haunting dance, now you’re both in a trance / It’s time to cast your spell on the night.” Well, that’s fascinating, Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta)! The award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress put her dancing shoes on in “Abracadabra”, the ‘magical’ third single from her seventh studio album, MAYHEM. Lady Gaga, watt (Andrew Watt), Cirkut (Henry Walter), John McGeoch, Pete Edward Clarke, Steven Severin, and Siouxsie (Susan Janet Ballion) penned “Abracadabra.” “Abracadabra” interpolates “Spellbound” by Siouxsie and the Banshees. Gaga, watt, and Cirkut produced it.

“Abracadabra” features some sickening dance music cues. An electrifying groove helps “Abracadabra” cook. Also, the darker tilt of the song, alongside the minor key, makes it compelling. As always, Lady Gaga brings her ‘A game,’ delivering a personality-laden performance, showing off her powerful pipes. The songwriting is intriguing. “Pay the toll to the angels / Drawin’ circles in the clouds,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “Keep your mind on the distance / When the devil turns around.” Word. In the refrain, she asks to “Save me from this empty flight / In the game of life.” Life is a key component of “Abracadabra.” Melodically, the song is colorful, particularly with accidentals that give it a Dorian flavor. The section to be is the Infectious, tuneful chorus with some nonsensical syllables in the mix:

“Abracadabra, amor-oo-na-na

Abracadabra, morta-oo-ga-ga

Abracadabra, abra-oo-na-na”

In her tongue she said, ‘Death or love tonight’.”

In “Abracadabra”, Lady Gaga remains true to herself and the artist we’ve come to know and love.

Appears in 🔻:

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2. Kid Cudi, “Mojo So Dope”

Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager → UMG Recordings, Inc. → 2010

Back in 2010, Kid Cudi, an innovative, left-field rapper, dropped a truly underrated banger in “Mojo So Dope”. Having nothing to do with trap, Cudi spits agilely while also staying true to the concept of his sophomore album, Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager. While Cudi’s concepts are interesting, in this song, I found myself more taken with his flow and honestly, the production and vibe.

Emile Haynie does a fantastic job with the production, period. Worth noting, however, “Mojo So Dope” samples “Claustrophobia” by Danish collective Choir of Young Believers. From the onset, the sample helps to give “Mojo So Dope” its identity: “God I thought I loved you so / God I thought I loved you so.” Sing that Fridolin Nordsø. Nordsø’s light, airy backing vocals, coupled with the floating sound of “Claustrophobia” set up Kid Cudi for surefire success. He rides the beat like a champ!

“They done let in the skinny jean-wearing

Fro-for-days in a old AA

Ball’ so low, most fools couldn’t price me

Silently stunt with a blunt full of P.E.”

Woo! The crowning achievement, however, is the chorus, which works brilliantly with the Choir of Young Believers sample. Let’s just say, it’s the “oh, oh-oh, oh” by Fridolin Nordsø that works well with Kid Cudi’s confident rhymes.

“Oh, oh-oh, oh

Hey, my mojo so dope, bitch

My mojo so dope

Yep, we live it, live it

Yep, we on it, on it

Oh, oh-oh, oh

Give a fuck about your lifestyle

Give a fuck about a motherfucker lifestyle, ‘cause, nigga

We, we live this shit

Oh, oh-oh, oh

Give a fuck about your lifestyle

Give a fuck about a motherfucker lifestyle, ‘cause, nigga, hey.”

“Mojo So Dope” is dope AF!

Appears in 🔻:

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3. Dua Lipa, “Houdini”

Radical Optimism → Warner UK → 2024

Grammy-winning pop superstar, Dua Lipa brings some serious magic on “Houdini”, the second track from her third album, Radical Optimism. She penned “Houdini” alongside Caroline Ailin, Danny L Harle, Kevin Parker (of Tame Impala fame), and Tobias Jesso Jr..  Harle and Parker also produced the record, characterized by a sick, danceable groove.  In addition to the beat, “Houdini” features a colorful palette of sounds – the keys and synths rock (in a 1980s sort of way, of course).  Beyond the backdrop, she brings the heat vocally.  Her performance is solid, yet non troppo, if you will.  It’s cool how the songwriting incorporates Harry Houdini into matters of the heart.  In this case, it’s singledom! The centerpiece, the chorus, arrives early, with Dua Lipa revealing the deck of cards:

“I come and I go

Tell me all the ways you need me

I’m not here for long

Catch me or I go Houdini

I come and I go

Prove you got the right to please me

Everybody knows

Catch me or I go Houdini.”

Ooh, wee! The melodies are tuneful in the verses as well, and beyond the chorus, the post-chorus is rad too: “If you’re good enough, you’ll find the way / Maybe you could cause a girl to change her ways / Do you think about it night and day? / Maybe you could be the one to make me stay.” “Houdini” = SUREFIRE BOP!

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4. Benson Boone, “Mystical Magical”

American Heart → Night Street Records / Warner Records Inc. → 2025

“There’s nothing colder than your shoulder / When you’re dragging me along like you do, like you do.” Oh, really, Benson Boone, you attractive fella? I’d also argue Boone is talented, though by no means the perfectly polished pop artist. The magical song at hand, “Mystical Magical,” is the fourth track from his 2025 gold-certified album, American Heart. Popular though scrutinized, it peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Mystical” was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Boone, Evan Blair, Jack LaFrantz, Steve Kipner, and Terry Shaddick composed it. Blair produced it.

“Mystical Magical” opens intriguingly. The prominent bass line is a win. Benson Boone delivers respectable vocals, particularly throughout the verses. Matters of the heart is a driving force. See verse two, when Boone characterizes her as “My little hard-to-get baby / I wanna give you the world.” He said what he said! The pre-chorus, with some art-pop aesthetic, and chorus are considered the cringiest moments of this heavily streamed hit. “Once you know what my love’s gonna feel like / Nothing else will feel right, you can feel like,” he sings in the pre-chorus, continuing, “Moonbeam ice cream, taking off your blue jeans / Dancing at the movies, ‘cause it feels so.” Moonbeam ice cream 👀? And of course, can’t neglect the chorus, where it’s:

“Mystical, magical

Oh, baby, ‘cause once you know, once you know

My love is so mystical, magical

Oh, baby, ‘cause once you know, once you know. ”

The chorus is tuneful, even if it is annoyingly so. The second verse distinguishes itself from the first, with more lyrics and rhythm. Notably, “Mystical Magical” ends with a ritardando, emphasizing the mystical and magical… Some love it, some hate it… Probably because of that silly Moonbeam ice cream 😜.

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5. Eminem, “Houdini”

The Death of Slim Shady **(Coup De Grâce) → Shady / Aftermath / Interscope → 2024**

“So, how many little kids still wanna act like me / I’m a bigger prick than cacti be.” Eminem hasn’t changed, has he? On “Houdini”, a single from his Grammy-nominated, 2024 album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce), he proves he’s still a big-time provocateur. You know that “Houdini” is going to be a trip when that Paul Rosenberg skit kicks things off (“Hey Em, it’s Paul / Uh, I was listening to the album / Good fucking luck, you’re on your own”). The song’s intro and playful sound recall the Eminem of the past (“Guess who’s back, back again? / Shady’s back, tell a friend”). “Houdini” was produced by Eminem and Louis Resto. Notably, it samples “Abracadabra” by Steve Miller Band, which Miller praised. So, how does “Houdini” stack up? It has its moments, but it’s also POLARIZING.

Many of the Eminem-isms are firmly intact. His flow is agile. Also, he serves up his signature melodic vocals. The instrumental is interesting, but the draw – both praise and ire – is the bars. Em’s rhymes are bold and unapologetic. Among the shadiest moments reference Megan Thee Stallion unfavorably: “If I was to ask for Megan Thee / Stallion if she would collab with me / Would I really have a shot at a feat?” Damn, Eminem! In the second verse, he asserts, “My shit may not be age appropri- / Ate but I will hit an eight-year-old in the face with a participation trophy.” The Houdini references arrive during the chorus: “Abra-abracadabra / (And for my last trick) I’m ‘bout to reach in my bag, bruh / Abra-abracadabra / (And for my last trick) (poof) Just like that and I’m back, bro.” He’s back, alright, and controversial as ever. His far-reaching controversies continue on the bridge, where he spits, “Sometimes I wonder what the old me’d say / … He’d probably say that everything is gay.” In the third and final verse, he references R. Kelly, the LGBTQ+ community 🏳️‍🌈 (“My transgender cat’s Siamese”), and, fittingly, Houdini, again (“Like Sherri Papini, Harry Houdini, I vanish into thin air as I’m leaving”). “Houdini” by Eminem is something else.

Appears in 🔻:

Magic: 5 Gems No. 7 (2026)

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6. Dua Lipa, “Illusion”

Radical Optimism → Warner → 2024

“I been known to miss a red flag.” Uh-oh, Dua Lipa – don’t do that! She continues in the first verse of “Illusion”, “I been known to put my lover on a pedestal.” Stop doing that! “In the end, those things just don’t last / And it’s time I take my rose-colored glasses off.” Hell yeah! “Illusion” is the third single from Radical Optimism, the Grammy-winning musician’s third studio album. Dua Lipa, Caroline Ailin, Danny L Harle, Kevin Parker, and Tobias Jesso Jr. penned the seventh track, and Harle and Parker produced it. The backdrop exemplifies the pop aesthetic, with a scintillating, danceable groove and colorful keys and synths. Dua, hence, has ample fuel for her musical fire! Her vocals are nuanced, playful, and powerful. The melodies are memorable and rhythmic, easily catching the ear. Thematically, the songwriting is relatable – no longer will she fall for the illusion of love! The chorus sums it up best:

“Ooh, what you doin’?

Don’t know who you think that you’re confusin’

I be like, ooh, it’s amusin’

You think I’m gonna fall for an illusion.”

Yeah! After admitting her flaws in the first verse and vowing to stop doing/believing that shit, she acknowledges in the second, “Was a time when that shit might’ve worked,” she’s now “grown” and knows what she deserves. Word! All in all, Dua Lipa brings the heat once again on “Illusion”. No illusion here – it’s a great song!

Appears in 🔻:

Bops That Pop: April 2024

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7. Stevie Wonder, “Superstition”

Talking Book → Motown → 1972

“Very superstitious / Writing’s on the wall / Very superstitious / Ladder’s about to fall.” Stevie Wonder (b. 1950) had quite the “Superstition” back during his Talking Book days. The superstitious gem is the sixth track from his 1972 album. Wonder wrote and produced this must-hear, funk essential. A major pop hit, “Superstition,” spent one week at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973. It was one of 10 career number-one hits by the iconic musician.

So, what makes “Superstition” the sugar, honey iced tea? There are a multitude of things that make this song awesome! It all starts with the man himself, Stevie Wonder, who delivers expressive, high-flying vocals. Wonder’s tone is beautiful and pure – once in a lifetime. He brings ample grit, soulfulness, and sincerity. The melodies he sings are striking and tuneful, while the lyrics are memorable to the nth degree. The first verse, excerpted earlier, sets the tone. Wonder adds, superstitiously, “Thirteen-month-old baby / Broke the looking glass / Seven years of bad luck / The good things in your past.” Oh, snap! The second verse is thought-provoking. It is more subject to interpretation: “Keep me in a daydream / Keep me going strong / You don’t want to save me / Sad is my song.” Of course, the chorus represents some of Wonder’s best moments:

“When you believe in things

That you don’t understand

Then you suffer

Superstition ain’t the way.”

Beyond superb vocals, tuneful melodies, and memorable and thoughtful lyrics, the musical accompaniment is fantastic. That is an understatement. Friends, this is funk at its effin’ funkiest – NO CAP! The drumming sets the tone, providing a firm foundation – quite an anchor. Then, a sickening, rhythmic clavinet propels the funk, and most of all, the instrumental, to higher heights. Stevie builds something timeless, which later adds bright, articulated, mean-sounding horns. The arrangement is on point. This perfectly complements his A+ vocal performance. Five decades-plus after its release, “Superstition” still slaps!

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8. Taylor Swift, “The Alchemy”

THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT: THE ANTHOLOGY → Taylor Swift → 2024

“This happens once every few lifetimes / These chemicals hit me like white wine.” Remember those lyrics, folks. They appear in the first verse of Taylor Swift’s “The Alchemy,” and reappear later. “The Alchemy” is the 15^th track from her lengthy 2024 album, THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT: THE ANTHOLOGY. Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff wrote and produced it.

“The Alchemy” features restrained production, with a rhythmic groove. The tempo is slow. Taylor Swift delivers a moody vocal performance. Like many Swift songs, the chorus is catchy – clearly the best moment of the song. Notably, it’s varied throughout.

“…Baby, I’m the one to beat

‘Cause the sign on your heart

Said it’s still reserved for me

Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?”

The chorus is also ‘brighter’ and more enthusiastic than the rest of the song. The bridge distinguishes itself from the verses and chorus, and leads to the most powerful choruses of the song:

“Shirts off and your friends lift you up over their heads

Beer stickin’ to the floor, cheers chanted ’cause they said

“There was no chance trying to be the greatest in the league”

Where’s the trophy? He just comes runnin’ over to me.”

The final choruses/post-chorus pack more punch. “The Alchemy” also features an outro that brings things back down, reprising the earlier lyrics, “This happens once every few lifetimes / These chemicals hit me like white wine.” Swift has much bigger hits on her hands, but “The Alchemy” is an interesting listen. “Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?”

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9. Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa & Young Thug, “Potion”

Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2 → Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited → 2022

If you ever need a groove in your life, look no further than Scottish DJ/producer Calvin Harris. The man is a beast behind the boards, NO CAP! On “Potion”, a highlight from his 2022 album, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2, he enlists Dua Lipa and Young Thug for the assist. Harris handles the exuberant, badass production that fuels the pop and rap star’s fire.

After giving a superb introduction, Dua Lipa enters the mix with a danceable groove backing her, singing the pre-chorus, followed by the chorus. From the jump, the listener can ‘feel the vibe.’ The lyrics are catchy, particularly the sensual chorus:

“Late night conversations

Electric emotions

Sprinkled with a little bit of sex

And it’s a potion, yeah

Late night, bodies achin’

Mental stimulation

Sprinkled with a little bit of sex appeal

And it’s a moment, yeah, yeah.”

Woo! From there, Young Thug drops a verse as only he can. After he’s “been catchin’ love off a backboard,” Thugga adds, “Fuckin’ every bitch and never tell ‘em now / I’m Pushin P, they black and white, a Oreo.” Holy shiitake mushrooms! Safe to say, he’s as potent as Dua Lipa, and even gets an additional moment (the bridge) to be himself. Calvin effin’ Harris knows how to make us groove. “Potion” is a prime example. It’s an infectious record that easily gets stuck in your head.

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10. Lil’ Kim, “Magic Stick” (Ft. 50 Cent)

La Bella Mafia → Atlantic Recording Corporation → 2003

“I got the magic stick / I know if I can hit once, I can hit twice.” Oh, shyt 👀! Grammy-winning rapper Lil’ Kim (Kimberly Jones, b. 1974) conjured up some sexually driven magic on her hit single, “Magic Stick”. Kim doesn’t get down and dirty by herself, however. She’s assisted by fellow Grammy winner, 50 Cent (Curtis Jackson, b. 1975). It’s 50 Cent who spits the ultra-memorable line, excerpted above. “Magic Stick” is the 12^th track from Lil’ Kim’s 2003 platinum-certified album, La Bella Mafia. Hella successful, it peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Unsurprisingly, the record was nominated for a Grammy at the 46^th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Fantom Of The Beat and Sha Money XL produced the track, which samples the epic Joe Simon (1936 – 2021) song, “It Be’s That Way Sometimes”.

Lil’ Kim and 50 Cent keep it nasty on “Magic Stick.” It all begins with Fiddy, who touts his D in a chorus for the ages. Beyond that, in the first verse, he informs her, “I’m a freak to the core /… My tongue touch ya girl, ya toes bound to curl / This exclusive stick I don’t share with the world.” Additional striking moments from the first include, “I’ll rock the boat, I’ll work the middle,” and, “I pop a lot of shit cause I can back it up / My left stroke’s the death stroke.” Lil’ Kim makes her first appearance in the second chorus, where she asserts, “I got the magic clit / I know if I get licked once, I can get licked twice.” Gah-day-um! Don’t get shyt twisted, though. Per the second verse, “Lil’ Kim not a whore / But I sex a nigga so good, he gotta tell his boys.” Woo! Kim adds the likes of “‘Cause my head game have you head over heels / Give a nigga the chills, have him pay my bills,” and “Couple of humps, give a nigga goosebumps.” 👀 In the third chorus, 50 and Kim join forces, combining stick and clit action, before collaborating in the third verse, involving magic stick and magic box. Notably, there is also a sexed-up skit between Kim and an inmate to conclude the song. It’s somethin’ else, too! Ultimately, “Magic Stick” is a trip, sure to get your hormones going something fierce! Two decades later, this sexed-up rap song remains potent.

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11. Lady Gaga, “Perfect Illusion”

Joanne → Interscope Records → 2016

“It wasn’t love; it wasn’t love / It was a perfect illusion (perfect illusion) / Mistaken for love, it wasn’t love /…You were a perfect illusion.” A perfect illusion, huh? “Perfect Illusion” served as a promo single and highlight from Joanne, the fourth studio album by Academy and Grammy Award winner Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta). Surprisingly, it wasn’t a huge hit, peaking at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, charting only six weeks (it went on to be certified gold, however). The record begins exuberantly with sleek production work – pummeling drums hitting you right in the chest. Lady Gaga’s vocals are ripe and powerful, showcasing incredible assertiveness. The chorus, excerpted earlier, is top rate. Besides being an awesome dance track with an infectious chorus, it is a powerful, relatable break-up anthem… or is it?

Yes, “Perfect Illusion” encompasses breaking up. I mean, it wasn’t love, right? Yes, BUT it is also about social media 🤯. Admittedly, when covering this song years back, I focused on the obvious breakup theme but not the social media aspect. A person’s social media can paint a seemingly perfect illusion – something that’s nowhere as authentic as it seems. Think about how performative and superficial social media can be, particularly from an influencer perspective. It’s about gaining attention and a following from strangers who you don’t know, and they don’t know the real you. In the first verse, Lady Gaga asserts, “My guessing game is strong / Way too real to be wrong / Caught up in your show / Yeah, at least now I know.” My, my, my! In the second verse, after being “High like amphetamine,” she comes back down to earth, adding, “Now that I’m wakin’ up / I still feel the blow / But at least now I know.” “Perfect Illusion” marks one of the best moments from Joanne and stands tall in Lady Gaga’s illustrious musical catalog.

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12. Steve Miller Band, “Abracadabra”

Abracadabra → Sailor Records → 1982

“Abra-abra-cadabra / I wanna reach out and grab ya.” Oh, do you, Steve Miller (b. 1943)? The Steve Miller Band dropped an all-time bop with “Abracadabra”, PERIODT! “Abracadabra” is the second track on SMB’s 1982 platinum album of the same name. A huge hit, the groovy gem spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2024, the single was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Steve Miller wrote and produced “Abracadabra.”

“Abracadabra” kicks off with a distinct drum hit. BOOM! A marvelous groove, colorful keys, prominent bass, and, of course, GUITAR follow in all their musical glory! Miller delivers an energetic vocal performance. Even so, his performance is cool, easy-going, yet full of personality. “I heat up, I can’t cool down / You got me spinnin’ ‘round and ‘round,” Miller sings in the first verse, and adds, “Burnin’ flame full of desire / Kiss me, baby, let the fire get higher.” Ooh-la-la! Those are not the only steamy moments. “I feel magic when I touch your dress,” Miller sings in the second verse, and continues, “Silk and satin, leather and lace / Black panties with an angel’s face.” My, my, my! The chorus is infectious. Excerpted earlier, it easily gets stuck in your head. Beyond the magical, sexy lyrics, “Abracadabra” thrives because of its instrumental moments, namely a sick guitar solo with playful effects. A juggernaut, “Abracadabra” is five minutes of absolute and utter fun.

Appears in 🔻:

Steve Miller Band, Abracadabra: Throwback Vibez No. 91 (2026)

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13. Santana, “Black Magic Woman”

Abraxas → Columbia → 1970

“Got a black magic woman,” Gregg Rolie (keyboards and lead vocals, b. 1947) sings on the Santana classic, “Black Magic Woman”. Rolie adds in the first verse, “Got me so blind I can’t see / That she’s my black magic woman / She’s tryin’ to make a devil out of me.” Oh, snap! The beloved, popular Santana cut is a cover 🤯. Peter Green (1946 – 2020) wrote “Black Magic Woman”… for Fleetwood Mac, who originally recorded it. That said, Carlos Santana (b. 1947) and company made the song, the second track from their 1970 album, Abraxas, into a hit. How big of a hit? “Black Magic Woman” peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Also, it should be noted that their version incorporates the 1966 song, “Gypsy Queen”, by Hungarian jazz guitarist Gábor Szabó (1936 – 1982). The song on the album is fully titled “Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen”. Fred Catero and Carlos Santana are credited as producers.

“Black Magic Woman” is a vibe from the get-go. It is set in the dark, foreboding key of D minor. The intro is enigmatic, setting the tone with the organ, guitar, and rhythmic percussion. The robust bass line provides a great anchor. Gregg Rolie shines with a nuanced, solid, and well-rounded vocal performance. “Don’t turn your back on me, baby,” Rolie sings in the second verse, and adds, “Stop messin’ ‘round with your tricks.” Ooh-wee! In the third, he acknowledges, “Got your spell on me baby /… Turnin’ my heart into stone / Need you so bad, magi woman / I can’t leave you alone.” Word! Another member of Santana deserves recognition: Carlos Santana, of course. He impresses with his consummate guitar playing and soloing, which matches the memorable lyrics and tuneful melodies. Approaching 60 years later, “Black Magic Woman” remains a big-time bop.

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14. The Lovin’ Spoonful, “Do You Believe in Magic”

Do you Believe in Magic → BMG Heritage →1965

Question: “Do you believe in magic 🪄 in a young girl’s heart?” Yes, we do, The Lovin’ Spoonful! “How the music can free her whenever it starts?” The American folk-rock band has a few hits to their name. “Do You Believe in Magic” ranks among their biggest and best-known.  A top 10 single from the collective’s debut LP, Do You Believe in Magic, “Do You Believe in Magic” peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100.  John B. Sebastian wrote and sang lead on the exuberant, feel-good pop classic.  Although brief, “Do You Believe in Magic” is potent. It was once used in McDonald’s commercials.  The anthem is a popular soundtrack for an assortment of films.

“I’ll tell you about the magic 🪄, and it’ll free your soul,” Sebastian sings near the end of the first verse, continuing, “But it’s like  tryin’ to tell a stranger, ‘bout-a rock ‘n’ roll.” Word 🤘! Magic and music are intertwined throughout “Do You Believe in Magic.” That’s a big part of the – wait for it – MAGIC.  “If you believe in magic, don’t bother to choose / If it’s jug band music or rhythm and blues.” WOO! Besides the magical lyrics and strong vocals from John B. Sebastian, the music rocks too.  The groove is consistent and strong from the jump.  There’s a winning guitar solo 🤘.  The instrumentation successfully bridges folk, pop, and rock.  Honestly, deep analysis is not necessary.  The magic of “Do You Believe in Magic” speaks for itself.

Appears in 🔻:

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15. Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, “I Put A Spell On You”

At Home with Screamin’ Jay Hawkins → Epic → 1958

“I put a spell on you / Because you’re mine (oh yeah).” I’d argue one of the scariest songs of all time is “I Put a Spell on You.”  The thing is, the often-covered classic isn’t AS scary in the hands of some of the musicians who’ve covered it, including Nina Simone and Annie Lennox. In the hands of the original performer and writer, however, “I Put a Spell on You” is terrifying! He wasn’t called Screamin’ Jay Hawkins for nothing!

The idiosyncratic blues musician has a ‘robust’ voice – UNDERSTATEMENT.  His screams are monstrous – rawr! Of this legendary song (the 320^th best), Rolling Stone asserts:  “Former boxer Jalacy J. Hawkins got loaded on muscatel before shrieking out the hoodoo of ‘Spell on You,’ and it took a healthy swig of J&B for him to re-create his studio performance onstage, where he climbed out of a coffin.” A coffin, huh? Wild! When Screamin’ Jay Hawkins sings, “I put a spell on you / Because you’re mine,” there’s truly a creepy factor in play.  When he says, “Watch out / I ain’t lyin’,” you take him at his word.  Making things even creepier are the laughs… my, my, my! The saxophone solo is even a bit unsettling, to be honest! Worth noting, this is an oft-sampled record for good reason – it’s a surefire classic!

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15 Marvelous Songs Filled with Magic (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Aftermath, Atlantic Recording Corporation, Columbia, Interscope, Motown, Night Street Records, Sailor Records, Shady, Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited, Taylor Swift, Warner Records Inc., Warner UK; Ana Dvoranen from Pexels; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

15 Marvelous Songs Filled with Magic features songs by Benson Boone, Dua Lipa, Kid Cudi, Lady Gaga, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, and the Steve Miller Band.

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1. Lady Gaga, “Abracadabra”

MAYHEM → Interscope → 2025

2. Kid Cudi, “Mojo So Dope”

Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager → UMG Recordings, Inc. → 2010

3. Dua Lipa, “Houdini”

Radical Optimism → Warner UK → 2024

4. Benson Boone, “Mystical Magical”

American Heart → Night Street Records / Warner Records Inc. → 2025

5. Eminem, “Houdini”

The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) → Shady / Aftermath / Interscope → 2024

6. Dua Lipa, “Illusion”

Radical Optimism → Warner → 2024

7. Stevie Wonder, “Superstition”

Talking Book → Motown → 1972

8. Taylor Swift, “The Alchemy”

THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT: THE ANTHOLOGY → Taylor Swift → 2024

9. Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa & Young Thug, “Potion”

Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2 → Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited → 2022

10. Lil’ Kim, “Magic Stick” (Ft. 50 Cent)

La Bella Mafia → Atlantic Recording Corporation → 2003

11. Lady Gaga, “Perfect Illusion”

Joanne → Interscope Records → 2016

12. Steve Miller Band, “Abracadabra”

Abracadabra → Sailor Records → 1982

13. Santana, “Black Magic Woman”

Abraxas → Columbia → 1970

14. The Lovin’ Spoonful, “Do You Believe in Magic”

Do you Believe in Magic → BMG Heritage →1965

15. Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, “I Put A Spell On You”

At Home with Screamin’ Jay Hawkins → Epic → 1958

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The Death of Slim Shady **(Coup De Grâce) → Shady / Aftermath / Interscope → 2024**

At Home with Screamin’ Jay Hawkins → Epic → 1958