About the song
Barry Manilow – Could It Be Magic: A Grand, Orchestral Love Song with Timeless Charm
Few artists in pop music history have mastered the art of crafting emotionally resonant ballads quite like Barry Manilow. With his unmistakable voice and gift for melody, he has created some of the most memorable love songs of the 20th century. Among them, Could It Be Magic stands out as one of his most ambitious and musically rich recordings, blending classical inspiration with pop sensibility to create a song that feels both grand and deeply personal.
Originally released in 1973 on Manilow’s debut album, Could It Be Magic draws heavily from Frédéric Chopin’s Prelude in C Minor, Op. 28, No. 20. This classical foundation gives the song a sense of grandeur and emotional depth rarely found in contemporary pop music. Manilow, who was trained as a musician and arranger before his rise to fame, took this classical piece and transformed it into a lush, romantic ballad filled with sweeping orchestration, heartfelt lyrics, and a vocal performance that perfectly balances tenderness with power.
Lyrically, the song captures the overwhelming feeling of love and longing, painting a picture of deep devotion and emotional intensity. The melody rises and falls in dramatic waves, mirroring the highs and lows of passionate romance. Manilow’s voice, warm and expressive, carries the song through moments of quiet introspection and soaring declarations of love.
Though Could It Be Magic was not an immediate chart-topping hit, it gained recognition over time and became a staple in Manilow’s catalog. It was later reworked into a more upbeat version by the British group Donna Summer & Giorgio Moroder in the late 1970s, but Manilow’s original retains a unique charm and sophistication. Today, the song remains a favorite among fans, showcasing Barry Manilow’s ability to blend pop, classical, and theatrical elements into something truly special. Whether you are hearing it for the first time or rediscovering its magic, this song stands as a testament to the timeless power of music that speaks to the heart.