Magic Moments
"Magic Moments" is a popular song written by composer Burt Bacharach and lyricist Hal David, first recorded by American singer Perry Como in 1957.[1] The track, featuring a light, romantic melody and lyrics evoking cherished memories, was released in late 1957 as the B-side to "Catch a Falling Star" by RCA Victor and became one of Como's signature hits, topping the UK Singles Chart for eight weeks in 1958.[2] As an early collaboration between Bacharach and David, the song marked a pivotal moment in their songwriting partnership, which would later produce numerous standards for artists like Dionne Warwick.[3] Recorded at RCA Victor's Studio A in New York City with arrangements by Joe Reisman, it showcased Como's smooth baritone and relaxed crooner style, aligning with the mid-1950s pop trends of easy-listening music.[1] The single's A-side, "Catch a Falling Star," was a #1 hit in the US, but "Magic Moments" endured as a timeless piece, later covered by artists such as The Righteous Brothers and featured in films and advertisements.[3] Its chart performance included a peak of number four on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States,[4] solidifying Como's status as a chart-topping veteran with over a dozen number-one hits.[1] The song's enduring appeal lies in its simple yet evocative portrayal of fleeting joys, reflecting post-war optimism and romantic nostalgia.Origins and production
Songwriting
"Magic Moments" was composed by Burt Bacharach with lyrics by Hal David in December 1957, marking one of the earliest collaborations in their prolific songwriting partnership.[5] This partnership began when Bacharach and David met that year while working at Famous Music in New York, where they quickly established a dynamic creative process involving in-person sessions or telephone discussions to refine melodies and words.[6] Their approach emphasized believability, simplicity, and emotional resonance, with Bacharach crafting unconventional structures and harmonies that David complemented with poignant, relatable lyrics.[7] Bacharach's composition for "Magic Moments" introduced innovative elements that set it apart from standard pop fare of the era, including a jaunty bassoon solo that carries the melody, evoking a lighthearted yet nostalgic tone.[8] Intended as the B-side to Perry Como's "Catch a Falling Star," the song was tailored for Como's smooth vocal style, which Como himself helped select for recording.[1] These musical choices reflected Bacharach's early experimentation with orchestration, blending classical influences like unusual instrumentation with accessible pop sensibilities. Hal David's lyrics capture romantic nostalgia through vivid imagery of cherished memories, as in the chorus: "Magic moments when two hearts are caring / Magic moments memories we've been sharing."[7] The words evoke fleeting intimacy and the importance of savoring love's transient joys, aligning with the duo's goal of crafting emotionally direct yet sophisticated songs. This thematic focus on shared, magical instants in relationships underscored the song's universal appeal. As the first major success for Bacharach and David, "Magic Moments" solidified their collaboration and paved the way for future hits, demonstrating their ability to merge quirky musical innovation with heartfelt lyricism.[7] The song's creation in late 1957 highlighted the rapid evolution of their teamwork, transitioning from initial experiments to chart-topping material.Recording
"Magic Moments" was recorded on December 3, 1957, at RCA Victor's Studio A in New York City for RCA Victor.[9][10] The session was produced by Joe Reisman, with Mitchell Ayres conducting the orchestra and the Ray Charles Singers providing backing vocals.[11][12] The production incorporated distinctive elements such as a bassoon riff for added texture and a harp glissando to enhance the song's whimsical, lighthearted intent from its songwriting origins.[8] Classified in the swing/pop genre, the track runs for 2:41 and was captured in mono format typical of the era's singles.[10]Release and reception
Chart performance
"Magic Moments" was released in late 1957 as the B-side to "Catch a Falling Star" on RCA Victor, with the A-side achieving No. 1 status on the Billboard Most Played by Jockeys chart in early 1958. The B-side itself performed strongly, peaking at No. 4 on the Most Played by Jockeys chart and No. 12 on the Best Sellers in Stores chart that year.[1][13][14] In the United Kingdom, "Magic Moments" entered the UK Singles Chart on February 13, 1958, and ascended to No. 1, where it remained for eight consecutive weeks through April 25, marking Perry Como's longest-running and biggest hit in the territory.[2] The track spent a total of 17 weeks on the chart, including 12 weeks in the top 10.[2] The song also achieved commercial success internationally, reaching No. 12 on Canada's CHUM Hit Parade dated February 3, 1958, and entering the top 10 in Australia.[15][1] Regarding sales, the double-sided single was certified gold by the RIAA in March 1958 for exceeding 1 million units in the US.[16][17]| Territory | Chart | Peak Position | Weeks at No. 1 | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States (Billboard Most Played by Jockeys) | Most Played by Jockeys | 4 | — | LOC PDF |
| United States (Billboard) | Best Sellers in Stores | 12 | — | Whitburn |
| United Kingdom | UK Singles Chart | 1 | 8 | Official Charts |
| Canada | CHUM Hit Parade | 12 | — | YouTube Archive |
| Australia | Australian Charts | Top 10 | — | LOC PDF |