Don't Kill the Magic cover

Don't Kill the Magic

Magic! · 2015

42 min · 11 tracks · ska

Reggae-infused pop melodies intertwine with upbeat rhythms and catchy hooks, creating an inviting atmosphere that celebrates love and life.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Rude — As the album's breakout hit, 'Rude' combines a catchy melody with lyrics about love and defiance, perfectly encapsulating the band's sound.
  • →
    Let Your Hair Down — This track showcases a laid-back vibe and encourages listeners to embrace freedom and joy, reflecting the overall spirit of the album.
  • →
    No Way No — 'No Way No' features infectious rhythms and emphasizes themes of resilience and positivity, capturing the essence of Magic!'s reggae fusion style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

43 /100
Lowland
Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album features catchy hooks and a mix of tempos but lacks depth for lasting appeal.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent upbeat tempo, while the second half introduces slower tracks that create a contrast in energy.
  • Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the interactive feel of the music.
  • The instrumentation prominently includes guitar riffs and brass sections, typical of ska, which drive the melodies forward.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Rude 3:44
  • 2 No Evil 3:23
  • 3 Let Your Hair Down 4:25
  • 4 Stupid Me 3:44
  • 5 No Way No 3:51
  • 6 Paradise 3:55
  • 7 Don’t Kill the Magic 3:37
  • 8 One Woman One Man 4:00
  • 9 Little Girl Big World 3:23
  • 10 Mama Didn’t Raise No Fool 4:07
  • 11 How Do You Want to Be Remembered 4:03

What to play next

Primary Colours (Magic! album)
Listen next

Primary Colours (Magic! album)

2016
Rude
Go back to

Rude

2014
Full Magic! discography Artists like Magic!
reggae fusion ska

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata