Magic (Coldplay song)

"Magic"
Single by Coldplay
from the album Ghost Stories
Released 3 March 2014 (2014-03-03)
Format
Recorded 2013 at The Bakery and The Beehive (London, England)
Genre
Length
  • 4:45 (album version)
  • 4:20 (radio edit)
Label
Writer(s)
Producer(s)
Coldplay singles chronology
"Atlas"
(2013)		 "Magic"
(2014)		 "Midnight"
(2014)
Music video
"Magic" on YouTube

"Magic" is a song recorded by British alternative rock band Coldplay for their sixth studio album, Ghost Stories (2014). It was written and produced by band members Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion, Chris Martin, with production assistance from Paul Epworth, Daniel Green, and Rik Simpson. The song was released as the lead single from Ghost Stories on 3 March 2014, by Parlophone.

Background and recording

The song was recorded by the band during sessions for their sixth studio album in 2013, at their purpose-built studios The Bakery and The Beehive in North London, England, both originally constructed for work on their two previous studio albums, 2008's Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends and 2011's Mylo Xyloto respectively. The song's bass riff, the first part of the song, was originally conceived by Guy Berryman during the band's recording sessions in February 2013.[3] The song was then covered by singer-songwriter Lauren Aquilina for her BBC Radio 1 Maida Vale Studios session.

The single art for "Magic" was etched by British-based, Czech etching artist Mila Fürstová.[4] The artwork features a symbolic white dove imposed onto a blue background. Much like other artworks of the Ghost Stories album cycle, depicts a scenario contained within the perimeter of the subject of focus, this time the white dove. The scenario features imagery related to stage magic, including a levitating couple, a flying deck of cards and a theater stage.

Composition

A beat consisting of a "muffled snare" and "dusty bass riff" is repeated throughout most of the song. As the song progresses, a piano is later added to the instrumentation which is eventually swapped out for a stomp-clap beat and again for a synth beat. Following the song's second chorus, these beats are gradually combined together while Martin sings in falsetto. The song's "anticlimactic" portion then decreases intensity until it has eventually resumed to simply a snare and bass riff.[5]

Reception

Critical reception
"Magic"
"Magic" features a similar production style to tracks on Mylo Xyloto, yet contrasts with its softer, less "colourful" music.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Magic" has received highly positive reviews from critics. Jamieson Cox of Time magazine wrote that "Magic" isn't as far from the style of Coldplay's previous albums as "Midnight", the first track from Ghost Stories that was revealed. He added that the single "does hint at a few new tricks up the band's sleeve," and described it as "a successful marriage of old and new."[6] Rolling Stone magazine's Kory Grow commented in similar tone, calling the song "a return to form," proven "to be Coldplay through and through."[7] Digital Spy's Lewis Corner concurred, writing: "[The song] isn't a quick card trick to draw you in like some of the band's previous hits, but rather a long-form spectacle that slowly allures you with its intricacies and delicate craftsmanship."[8] The song was placed at number thirty on Rolling Stone's 50 Best Songs of 2014 list.[9]

Writing for Consequence of Sound, Alex Young opined that the track "sounds a lot less Bon Iver and a lot more Chris Martin drinking a venti, no-whip Skinny Vanilla Latte on a Sunday afternoon."[10] Carl Williot of Idolator noted the song's Edge influence and commented that it showed "a tonedown their trademark grandeur in exchange for a more minimalist, atmospheric set of songs."[11] Spin's Kyle McGovern had similar thoughts, and called the track "a low-key meditation on love."[12] Bill Lamb of About.com gave the song 4.5 stars out of 5 and called it a "refreshingly simple, heartwarming love song."[13] Writing for Los Angeles Times, Mikael Wood commented: "With Martin's delicate falsetto floating over a muted drum-machine beat ... this one offers up a sumptuous vocal melody – and a surprisingly soulful one at that."[14]

Awards and accolades

Year Ceremony Award Result
2014 World Music Awards World's Best Song Nominated

Music video

Background and concept

Cecile and Claude argue. The music video mimics early silent films, which used methods such as straightforward cinematography and intertitles to subtitle the otherwise inaudible characters.

A music video for "Magic" was directed by Jonas Åkerlund.[15] Starring Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi, the video pays tribute to silent films, and is based on a literal interpretation of "Magic", with the narrative revolving around an "old-timey magic show".[16] The five-minute music video was premiered on music video hosting service Vevo on 7 April 2014.

The narrative of the music video is centered around a magic show, which was translated by the director from a literal interpretation of Coldplay's song, whose lyrics make allusions to various magic tricks and stunts.[17] The video itself is presented as a monochrome silent film,[18] with cinematography and production mimicking those of the early 20th Century silent films,[19] including an opening credits sequence, with "ragtime jazz", reminiscent of those used in early silent films.[20] The video's narrative has been compared to the 2006 film The Prestige, without the "gripping" elements of the film.[21]

Synopsis and reception

Cecile (Zhang Ziyi) is a stage magician who performs magic in a traveling circus. She performs with Christophe (Chris Martin), a young magician who serves as Cecile's assistant. The duo perform various routine magic acts, such as impalement arts and shapeshifting. Cecile is married to Claude (also played by Chris Martin), a famous magician who, in addition to being an alcoholic, is violently aggressive to his wife. As Christophe continues to perform with Cecile, he starts to notice evidence of Claude's aggressive behavior towards Cecile, including bruises across her arm and witnessing Claude shouting at his wife, reducing her to tears.

Christophe, after he learns the art of levitation, formulates an idea to relieve Cecile of her troubles with Claude. He invites Cecile into the show tent to show her his newly-learnt ability to levitate himself. This however, upsets Claude who, after accusing his wife of cheating on him with Christophe, seeks to challenge him to a fight in one of his alcohol-fueled rampages. Christophe, however, uses his new abilities to levitate Claude and send him flying into the sky, thus saving Cecile from Claude. The two continue the show without Claude and show off new entertaining magic tricks and stunts.

Carl Williott of American music website Idolator wrote positively of the video, stating that it was "a quirky, entertaining video, specifically the parts with Martin playing a goofy-ass villain".[21] Jason Scott of music blog Popdust also wrote positively, describing the music video's imagery as "vivid" and "a literal interpretation of what we've all come to expect from a 1920s side-show attraction".[22]

The video was filmed on February 4 and 5, 2014 in Los Angeles State Historic Park and no camera tricks were used.

Covers and versions

In July 2014, R&B artist Brandy released a rerecorded version of "Magic" to her TwitMusic account.[23][24] The same day, it peaked at number one on Billboard's Trending 140 chart, less than 24 hours after its premiere.[25] Covered in live performances by various artists. In April 2014, singer Aloe Blacc performed the song on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge.[26] A few days later, You Me At Six covered the song BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge on the same venue.[27] Singer Rita Ora gave a mashup rendition of "Magic" and Beyoncé's "Drunk in Love" at the Radio 1's Big Weekend event in May 2014.[28] In September 2014, Jacob Banks also sang "Magic" on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge.[29][30]

Track listing

Digital download
No. TitleWriter(s)Producer(s) Length
1. "Magic"  
 4:45

Personnel

Adapted from DR credits.[31]

Coldplay
Additional musicians
Technical personnel

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2014) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[32] 5
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[33] 22
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[34] 9
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[35] 7
Brazil (Billboard Brasil Hot 100)[36] 4
Brazil Hot Pop Songs[37] 36
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[38] 13
Canada Rock (Billboard)[39] 22
Czech Republic (Rádio Top 100)[40] 8
Czech Republic (Singles Digitál Top 100)[41] 8
Denmark (Tracklisten)[42] 5
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)[43] 7
France (SNEP)[44] 6
Germany (Official German Charts)[45] 14
Greece Digital Songs (Billboard)[46] 5
Hungary (Rádiós Top 40)[47] 37
Hungary (Single Top 40)[48] 7
Ireland (IRMA)[49] 4
Israel (Media Forest)[50] 4
Italy (FIMI)[51] 2
Japan (Japan Hot 100)[46] 35
Luxemburg Digital Songs (Billboard)[52] 2
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[53] 2
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[54] 2
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[55] 10
Norway (VG-lista)[56] 12
Portugal Digital Songs (Billboard)[57] 1
Scotland (Official Charts Company)[58] 10
Slovakia (Rádio Top 100)[59] 32
Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100)[60] 14
South Korea (Gaon)[61] 143
South Korea International Songs (Gaon)[62] 12
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[63] 3
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[64] 21
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[65] 7
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[66] 10
US Billboard Hot 100[67] 14
US Hot Rock Songs (Billboard)[68] 3
US Rock Airplay (Billboard)[69] 6
US Adult Alternative Songs (Billboard)[70] 1
US Adult Top 40 (Billboard)[71] 30
US Alternative Songs (Billboard)[72] 6

Year-end charts

Chart (2014) Position
Australia (ARIA)[73] 36
Germany (Official German Charts)[74] 71
Italy (FIMI)[75] 14
US Hot Rock Songs (Billboard)[76] 15
US Rock Airplay (Billboard)[77] 25
US Adult Alternative Songs (Billboard)[78] 10
US Alternative Songs (Billboard)[79] 25

All-time charts

Chart Position
Australia (ARIA)[80] 772
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[81] 661

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/Sales
Australia (ARIA)[82] 2× Platinum 140,000^
Belgium (BEA)[83] Platinum 30,000*
Canada (Music Canada)[84] Gold 40,000^
Denmark (IFPI Denmark)[85] Platinum 30,000^
Italy (FIMI)[86] 3× Platinum 90,000double-dagger
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[87] Gold 15,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[88] Gold 400,000double-dagger
United States (RIAA)[89] Platinum 1,000,000^
Streaming
Denmark (IFPI Denmark)[90] Platinum 2,600,000^
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[91] Platinum 8,000,000^

*sales figures based on certification alone
^shipments figures based on certification alone
double-daggersales+streaming figures based on certification alone

Release history

Region Date Format Label
Australia[92] 3 March 2014 Digital download Parlophone
France[93]
United States[94]
Italy[95] Contemporary hit radio
United States[96] 10 March 2014 Adult album alternative Atlantic

References

  1. ↑ Wass, Mikey (30 June 2014). "Coldplay's "Magic" Gets An Atmospheric Synth-Overhaul From AlunaGeorge: Listen". Idolator. Retrieved 11 February 2015. “Magic” is possibly the most straightforward pop/rock cut on Ghost Stories.
  2. ↑ "TimesLive. Ghost Stories album review".
  3. ↑ "Chris Martin. Zane Lowe. Part 1". BBC Radio 1. Google, YouTube. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
  4. ↑ Fürstová, Mila. "My Secret Year with COLDPLAY". Mila Fürstová Etching. Retrieved 4 March 2014.
  5. ↑ Corner, Lewis (4 March 2014). "Coldplay 'Magic' single review: "A long-form spectacle"". Digital Spy. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  6. ↑ Cox, Jamieson (4 March 2014). "Coldplay Has a Few New Tricks on "Magic": Listen". Time. Retrieved 4 March 2014.
  7. ↑ Grow, Kory (3 March 2014). "Coldplay Work 'Magic' on New Song, Name New Album 'Ghost Stories'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 4 March 2014.
  8. ↑ Corner, Lewis (4 March 2014). "Coldplay 'Magic' single review: "A long-form spectacle"". Digital Spy. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
  9. ↑ "50 Best Songs of 2014". 3 December 2014. Retrieved 5 December 2014.
  10. ↑ Young, Alex (3 March 2014). "Coldplay announce new album Ghost Stories, release first single "Magic"". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
  11. ↑ Williot, Carl (3 March 2014). "Coldplay's "Magic": Stream The Full 'Ghost Stories' Song". Idolator. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
  12. ↑ McGovern, Kyle (3 March 2014). "Coldplay Work Low-Key 'Magic' Ahead of 'Ghost Stories' Album". Spin. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
  13. ↑ Lamb, Bill. "Review: Coldplay "Magic"". About.com. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
  14. ↑ Wood, Mikael (3 March 2014). "Listen: Coldplay releases new single 'Magic,' from album due May 19". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
  15. ↑ "Coldplay Premiere 'Magic' Music Video". MTV.co.uk. Viacom Media Networks. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  16. ↑ Young, Alex (7 April 2014). "Watch: Coldplay's video for 'Magic'". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  17. ↑ "WATCH: Coldplay release airy 'Magic' music video, featuring plenty of knives". Music Times. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  18. ↑ Gibsone, Harriet. "Coldplay's Magic: watch Chris Martin levitate and fall in love". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  19. ↑ Grow, Kory (7 April 2014). "Coldplay Learn Some New Tricks in 'Magic' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  20. ↑ Ayers, Mike. "Coldplay's Chris Martin Plays Hero & Villain in "Magic" Video". Fuse. The Madison Square Garden Company. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  21. 1 2 Williott, Carl. "Coldplay's "Magic" Video: Watch". Idolator. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  22. ↑ Scott, Jason. "Coldplay's Chris Martin Tries His Hand At Sorcery In 'Magic' Music Video". Popdust. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  23. ↑ "'Magic' by Brandy". TwitMusic. 2014-07-12. Retrieved 2014-07-12.
  24. ↑ "New Music: Brandy – 'Magic' (Coldplay Cover)". Rap-Up. 2014-07-13. Retrieved 2014-07-14.
  25. ↑ "Twitter / RealTimeChart: 4everBrandy's cover of Coldplay's "Magic" hits No.1 on the Trending 140". Twitter. 2014-07-15. Retrieved 2014-07-15.
  26. ↑ "Aloe Blacc covers Coldplay's Magic". BBC.co.uk. 2014-04-03. Retrieved 2014-07-14.
  27. ↑ "You Me At Six cover Coldplay's new single 'Magic' in the Radio 1 Live Lounge - WATCH". Sugarscape. 10 April 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
  28. ↑ "Watch Rita Ora Cover Coldplay and Beyonce". Fuse.tv. 2014-05-27. Retrieved 2014-07-14.
  29. ↑ "Jacob Banks in the Live Lounge". BBC Radio 1. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
  30. ↑ "Jacob Banks - Magic". BBC Radio 1. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
  31. ↑ "Magic". DR. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  32. ↑ "Australian-charts.com – Coldplay – Magic". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
  33. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Coldplay – Magic" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
  34. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Coldplay – Magic" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 8 March 2014.
  35. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Coldplay – Magic" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 8 March 2014.
  36. ↑ "Top 100 Billboard Brasil - weekly". Billboard Brasil. 21 June 2014. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  37. ↑ "Hot 100 Billboard Brasil — weekly". Billboard Brasil. April 2014. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
  38. ↑ "Coldplay – Chart history" Canadian Hot 100 for Coldplay. Retrieved 8 March 2014.
  39. ↑ "Coldplay – Chart history" Billboard Canada Rock for Coldplay. Retrieved 8 March 2014.
  40. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201420 into search.
  41. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201420 into search. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
  42. ↑ "Danishcharts.com – Coldplay – Magic". Tracklisten. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
  43. ↑ "Coldplay: Magic" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
  44. ↑ "Lescharts.com – Coldplay – Magic" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
  45. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – Coldplay – Magic". GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
  46. 1 2 "Chart Search – Coldplay – Magic". Billboard. Archived from the original on 20 March 2014.
  47. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
  48. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 12 March 2014.
  49. ↑ "Chart Track: Week 16, 2014". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 8 March 2014.
  50. ↑ "Coldplay – Magic Media Forest". Israeli Airplay Chart. Media Forest. Retrieved 30 March 2014.
  51. ↑ "Italiancharts.com – Coldplay – Magic". Top Digital Download. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
  52. ↑ "Luxemburg Digital Songs – March 22, 2014". Billboard. Archived from the original on 13 March 2014. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  53. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 16, 2014" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40 Retrieved 9 May 2014.
  54. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Coldplay – Magic" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
  55. ↑ "Charts.org.nz – Coldplay – Magic". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
  56. ↑ "Norwegiancharts.com – Coldplay – Magic". VG-lista. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
  57. ↑ "Portugal Digital Songs – March 22, 2014". Billboard. Archived from the original on 13 March 2014. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  58. ↑ "Archive Chart: 2014-03-15". Scottish Singles Top 40.
  59. ↑ "SNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201420 into search.
  60. ↑ "SNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201427 into search. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
  61. ↑ "Gaon Digital Chart" (in Korean). Gaon Chart. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  62. ↑ "Gaon International Digital Chart" (in Korean). Gaon Chart. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  63. ↑ "Spanishcharts.com – Coldplay – Magic" Canciones Top 50. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
  64. ↑ "Swedishcharts.com – Coldplay – Magic". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
  65. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Coldplay – Magic". Swiss Singles Chart.
  66. ↑ "Archive Chart: 2014-03-15" UK Singles Chart. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
  67. ↑ "Coldplay – Chart history" Billboard Hot 100 for Coldplay.
  68. ↑ "Coldplay – Chart history" Billboard Hot Rock Songs for Coldplay. Retrieved 22 May 2014.
  69. ↑ "Coldplay – Chart history" Billboard Rock Airplay for Coldplay. Retrieved 4 June 2014.
  70. ↑ "Coldplay – Chart history" Billboard Adult Alternative Songs for Coldplay. Retrieved 4 June 2014.
  71. ↑ "Coldplay – Chart history" Billboard Adult Pop Songs for Coldplay. Retrieved 22 March 2014.
  72. ↑ "Coldplay – Chart history" Billboard Alternative Songs for Coldplay. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  73. ↑ "End of Year Charts – ARIA Top 100 Singles 2014". ARIA Charts. Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 5 February 2015.
  74. ↑ "Top 100 Single-Jahrescharts". GfK Entertainment (in German). offiziellecharts.de. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
  75. ↑ "FIMI - Classifiche Annuali 2014 "TOP OF THE MUSIC" FIMI-GfK: un anno di musica italiana" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved 19 January 2015.
  76. ↑ "Hot Rock Songs: Year End 2014". Billboard. Retrieved 21 December 2014.
  77. ↑ "Rock Airplay Songs: Year End 2014". Billboard. Retrieved 21 December 2014.
  78. ↑ "Adult Alternative Songs: Year End 2014". Billboard. Retrieved 21 December 2014.
  79. ↑ "Alternative Songs: Year End 2014". Billboard. Retrieved 21 December 2014.
  80. ↑ "Best of All Time - Singles". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
  81. ↑ "Ewige Bestenliste - Singles". Hitparade (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
  82. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2014 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
  83. ↑ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – 2016". Ultratop & Hung Medien / hitparade.ch. Retrieved 19 March 2016.
  84. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Coldplay – Magic". Music Canada. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  85. ↑ "Certificeringer | http://www.ifpi.dk/?q=content/coldplay-magic-0". IFPI Denmark. External link in |title= (help);
  86. ↑ "Italian single certifications – Coldplay – Magic" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved 9 June 2014. Select Online in the field Sezione. Enter Coldplay in the field Filtra. Select 2015 in the field Anno. The certification will load automatically
  87. ↑ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards (Coldplay; 'Magic')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved 30 May 2014.
  88. ↑ "British single certifications – Coldplay – Magic". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 31 December 2014. Enter Magic in the field Keywords. Select Title in the field Search by. Select single in the field By Format. Select Gold in the field By Award. Click Search
  89. ↑ "American single certifications – Coldplay – Magic". Recording Industry Association of America. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH
  90. ↑ "Certificeringer - Coldplay - Magic". IFPI Denmark. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  91. ↑ "Top 100 Streaming - Semana 43: del 20.10.2014 al 26.10.2014" (PDF) (in Spanish). PROMUSICAE. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
  92. ↑ "Magic – Coldplay discography". Google Play. Retrieved 4 March 2014.
  93. ↑ "Magic by Coldplay" (in French). 7digital (FR). Retrieved 22 May 2014.
  94. ↑ "Magic by Coldplay". 7digital (US). Retrieved 22 May 2014.
  95. ↑ Recine, Massimo. "Coldplay – Magic (Parlophone)" (in Italian). Radio Airplay SRL. Retrieved 21 July 2014.
  96. ↑ "Future Releases on Triple A (AAA) Radio Stations". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on 6 March 2014.

External links

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