America – You Can Do Magic (1982, Vinyl) - Discogs

About the Song

“You Can Do Magic” by America. Now that’s a song that brings back memories, doesn’t it? Released in 1982, it was a breath of fresh air on the radio waves. America, the folk-rock duo known for their sunny harmonies and introspective lyrics, took a bit of a turn with this track.

“You Can Do Magic” wasn’t quite the signature sound we were used to from Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell. It leaned more towards a pop-rock style, with a catchy synth melody and a driving beat. But fear not, those beautiful harmonies were still there, weaving their magic (pun intended) throughout the song.

The song’s success was a welcome return to the Top 40 for America. It climbed the charts throughout the summer of ’82, eventually peaking at number 8 and staying there for a solid five weeks. “You Can Do Magic” wasn’t just a hit single, though. It helped propel the entire View from the Ground album, which also reached a respectable position on the Billboard charts.

But beyond the chart numbers, “You Can Do Magic” resonated with listeners. The lyrics spoke of believing in yourself, having faith in your dreams, and finding that inner spark that can make anything possible. It was a message of hope and optimism, a sentiment that never goes out of style.

So, whether you remember cruising down the highway with the windows down and “You Can Do Magic” cranked up on the radio, or you’re just discovering it for the first time, there’s no denying the power of this song. It’s a reminder that a little bit of magic can be found within all of us.

Video