What makes Magic by Tom Browne notable?

'Magic' reached notable chart success, peaking at number 14 on the Billboard R&B charts. The album is particularly recognized for its hit single 'Thighs High (Grip Your Hips and Move)', which contributed to Browne's reputation as a key figure in the jazz-funk genre. Upon its release in 1981, 'Magic' was Tom Browne's second album, following his successful debut 'Browne Sugar' from 1980. This album solidified his presence in the jazz and funk scene during a time when jazz fusion was gaining popularity.

Magic works well if you're into danceable grooves for celebration, vibrant energy for social gatherings and invigorating rhythms for movement.

How many songs are on Magic?

Magic has 8 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Magic

Tom Browne · 1981

40 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz fusion and funk, underscored by tight brass arrangements and rhythmic grooves.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Thighs High (Grip Your Hips and Move) — This track became a dance floor staple, showcasing Browne's infectious grooves and energetic brass sections that define the album’s overall sound.
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Let’s Dance — Opening with an inviting melody, this track perfectly encapsulates the playful spirit of the album, blending smooth jazz with an upbeat rhythm that encourages movement.
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God Bless the Child — Browne’s rendition of this classic features rich instrumentation and heartfelt expression, highlighting his ability to reinterpret timeless songs within a contemporary jazz framework.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz fusion and funk with strong brass and rhythmic grooves, appealing to both dance and listening audiences.

What we noticed

The album features intricate brass arrangements that are prominent in every track, creating a rich, layered sound.
Each track maintains a consistent mid-tempo groove, with rhythmic patterns that encourage movement and engagement.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

danceable grooves for celebration
vibrant energy for social gatherings
invigorating rhythms for movement
warm brass arrangements for joy

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow-paced, introspective music
seek minimalistic soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context: Upon its release in 1981, 'Magic' was Tom Browne's second album, following his successful debut 'Browne Sugar' from 1980. This album solidified his presence in the jazz and funk scene during a time when jazz fusion was gaining popularity.
Stylistic neighbors: Donald Byrd· Roy Hargrove· Chuck Mangione

Tracklist

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

1 Let’s Dance 5:24
2 Magic 4:28
3 I Know 4:49
4 Midnight Interlude 5:23
5 God Bless the Child 5:07
6 Night Wind 6:32
7 Thighs High (Grip Your Hips and Move) 4:40
8 Making Plans 4:04

What to play next

Listen next

Yours Truly

1981

Go back to

Love Approach

1980

Full Tom Browne discography Artists like Tom Browne

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata