While the track felt completely fresh for the 1980s, its vocal DNA was pure vintage folk-rock. The group’s signature vocal stacking was a tip of the hat to the legendary harmonies Crosby, Stills & Nash made famous on 1969’s "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes."
Crosby, Stills & Nash famously wrapped up "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" with that exact vocal style. By using it in "You Can Do Magic," America built a direct bridge back to classic rock royalty.
America's members Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley had a decade of hits behind them, including "A Horse with No Name," "Ventura Highway," and "Sister Golden Hair." But as the early '80s began, they were looking for a new sound.
"I think we made a couple of chord changes, but basically took it as he wrote it. And it was very successful. It fit right into our body of work," Beckley told Songfacts. "It was a huge hit and a turning point for us, because it was a hit for Dewey and I, after Danny [Peek] departed. It was our first hit as a duo."
Beckley concluded that he never thought "You Can Do Magic" would become a huge hit. He explained, "That's always hard to say. I always try to put it into, "How happy are you with the results?" I would never be so presumptuous as to think, "OK... clear out that bank account, here it comes!"American Songwriter writes that the song tells the story of a former skeptic of supernatural love who completely changes his mind after meeting someone special. As the lyrics unfold, he goes from refusing to believe in anything he can't see or touch to realizing this woman holds total power over him, turning his "heart of stone" into clay.
View this post on InstagramFans believe that the song's endurance comes not only from its stellar vocals but also from its infectious melody and a nostalgia factor that keeps listeners coming back decades later. "You Can Do Magic" peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1982.
Related: 1982 Country Classic That Almost Wasn’t Played on the Radio
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