"Magic" is a pivotal and the fifteenth studio album in Bruce Springsteen's career, released on September 25, 2007. Marking his return with the E Street Band after the success of "The Rising" in 2002, "Magic" resonated with both fans and critics alike. The album debuted at No. 1 in multiple countries, including the US and UK, and achieved triple platinum status in Ireland.
Two standout tracks, "Radio Nowhere" and "Girls in Their Summer Clothes," garnered significant acclaim, earning a total of three Grammy Awards. This made "Magic" only the second Springsteen album to achieve this level of recognition, following "The Rising."
Critically, the album was well-received, ranking No. 2 on Rolling Stone's list of the Top 50 Albums of 2007, solidifying its place in Springsteen's legacy. With its blend of themes reflecting modern life and nostalgia, "Magic" showcases Springsteen's songwriting prowess and the powerful synergy of the E Street Band.
"Magic" was announced on August 16, 2007, generating excitement among fans after months of speculation. Bruce Springsteen's manager, Jon Landau, described the album as a "high energy rock" record with a strong E Street Band sound. The album primarily features new tracks, although "Long Walk Home" had been performed during the latter part of the 2006 Sessions Band Tour.
Most of the songs were written by the end of 2006, and Springsteen collaborated with producer Brendan O'Brien—who had previously worked on "The Rising" and "Devils & Dust"—to select the strongest material. Recording began in March 2007 at Southern Tracks Recording Studio in Atlanta and took about two months. The process was somewhat complex due to band members' schedules, particularly drummer Max Weinberg, who had weekday commitments to "Late Night with Conan O'Brien."
The recording wasn't done as a complete unit; Springsteen focused on vocal tracks and production during the week, while the core band—Weinberg, bassist Garry Tallent, and pianist Roy Bittan—joined him on weekends to lay down the basic tracks. Other musicians added their parts later, except for saxophonist Clarence Clemons, who worked directly with Springsteen, reflecting their long-standing dynamic.
The lead single, "Radio Nowhere," was initially set for a September 4 release but was leaked early on August 22. The album's CD was released on October 2, following a September 25 vinyl release to qualify for the Grammy Awards. Pre-orders on iTunes began on August 28, featuring "Radio Nowhere" as a free downloadable single, alongside announcements for the first legs of the accompanying Magic Tour.
