Magical (Bucks Fizz single)
Encyclopedia
"Magical" is a 1985 single released by UK pop group Bucks Fizz
. It was originally recorded and released as a single by John Parr
.
and John Parr
, this was the heaviest sound the group ever adopted. With the public still familiar with their clean-cut pop image, the move was unsuccessful and "Magical" became the group's lowest charting single. Released in September 1985, the song reached No. 57 and spent only three weeks on the chart.
The single was significant in that it was the first release with new member Shelley Preston
, who had joined a few months earlier, although she didn't perform on the recording. It was also the group's last release with label RCA
before their move to Polydor early the following year.
Due to the failure of the single, plans for an album release at this time were shelved for a year. The song eventually featured on their fifth album Writing on the Wall
, released in 1986. An alternative edit of the song, featuring vocals by departed member Jay Aston
was uncovered during production for the album The Lost Masters 2 - The Final Cut. The song was included on the 2008 album.
Writer John Parr
recorded the song himself earlier in 1985 and released it as a single. It failed to chart in the UK but became a top 100 hit in the US, peaking at No.73.
. Years later, Aston commented on the incident and was angered by the time and money that had been spent re-recording it. In 2006, this original version was uncovered and included on the compilation; The Lost Masters, as well as an extended 12" version, hinting that it may have been considered for A-side release.
12" vinyl
Bucks Fizz (band)
Bucks Fizz are an English pop group who achieved success in the 1980s, most notably for winning the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Making Your Mind Up". The group was formed in January 1981 specifically for the contest and comprised four vocalists: Bobby G, Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and...
. It was originally recorded and released as a single by John Parr
John Parr
John Parr is an English musician, best known for his 1985 US #1 hit single "St. Elmo's Fire". Parr has sold 10 million albums worldwide.-Biography:...
.
Background
Following the success of the rock-orientated track "Talking in Your Sleep", Bucks Fizz were keen to replicate it with the release of this similar-themed song. Written by Meat LoafMeat Loaf
Michael Lee Aday , better known by his stage name, Meat Loaf, is an American hard rock musician and actor...
and John Parr
John Parr
John Parr is an English musician, best known for his 1985 US #1 hit single "St. Elmo's Fire". Parr has sold 10 million albums worldwide.-Biography:...
, this was the heaviest sound the group ever adopted. With the public still familiar with their clean-cut pop image, the move was unsuccessful and "Magical" became the group's lowest charting single. Released in September 1985, the song reached No. 57 and spent only three weeks on the chart.
The single was significant in that it was the first release with new member Shelley Preston
Shelley Preston
Shelley Preston , is a singer who is most famous for being the new girl when she joined pop group Bucks Fizz in June 1985.- Career :...
, who had joined a few months earlier, although she didn't perform on the recording. It was also the group's last release with label RCA
RCA
RCA Corporation, founded as the Radio Corporation of America, was an American electronics company in existence from 1919 to 1986. The RCA trademark is currently owned by the French conglomerate Technicolor SA through RCA Trademark Management S.A., a company owned by Technicolor...
before their move to Polydor early the following year.
Due to the failure of the single, plans for an album release at this time were shelved for a year. The song eventually featured on their fifth album Writing on the Wall
Writing on the Wall
Writing on the Wall is an album by British pop group Bucks Fizz. It was released in 1986 and featured the comeback single "New Beginning ". It was the first album to feature member Shelley Preston and their only album released on Polydor Records...
, released in 1986. An alternative edit of the song, featuring vocals by departed member Jay Aston
Jay Aston
Jay Hilda Aston is a singer, dancer, and occasional songwriter who was formerly with the British pop group, Bucks Fizz. She was the youngest member of the group's original line-up, being just 19 at the Eurovision Song Contest....
was uncovered during production for the album The Lost Masters 2 - The Final Cut. The song was included on the 2008 album.
Writer John Parr
John Parr
John Parr is an English musician, best known for his 1985 US #1 hit single "St. Elmo's Fire". Parr has sold 10 million albums worldwide.-Biography:...
recorded the song himself earlier in 1985 and released it as a single. It failed to chart in the UK but became a top 100 hit in the US, peaking at No.73.
B-side
The B-side of the single was "Oh Suzanne", written by Warren Bacall. This song had been released two years previously on the group's Greatest Hits album. At the time of original release, it caused controversy within the group as it had featured lead vocals by Jay Aston, but they were soon after removed and replaced by a lead vocal by other female member Cheryl BakerCheryl Baker
Cheryl Baker is an English television presenter and singer. She is most famous for being a member of 1980s pop group Bucks Fizz, and has performed for the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest twice, winning it the second time.-Early career:After leaving school and a series of secretarial jobs, Cheryl...
. Years later, Aston commented on the incident and was angered by the time and money that had been spent re-recording it. In 2006, this original version was uncovered and included on the compilation; The Lost Masters, as well as an extended 12" version, hinting that it may have been considered for A-side release.
Track listing
7" vinyl- "Magical" (4.04)
- "Oh Suzanne" (4.44)
12" vinyl
- "Magical"
- "Oh Suzanne"
- "I Hear Talk" (extended remix)