When there’s magic

MANILA, Philippines - Here are two new CDs that weave musical magic. While Sia has been around for some time as a noted singer and songwriter (especially for other artists), the new band Magic! is named most appropriately, as it has struck gold with its fusion of alternative rock and reggae. It’s the provenance of both Sia and some of the people behind Magic! that showcase you can’t resist ability and true talent in this industry.

Magic! — Don’t Kill the Magic (RCA/Sony/Ivory Music). With a carrier single, Rude, that has really captured listeners’ hearts (I even know of five-year-old girls who chime in when we reach the chorus), it’s good to report that the CD is full of songs that reach the same musical high as Rude. It’s like Police has come back to life in 2014, with a shot of alternative music to add to the reggae roots.

Adam Messinger and good friend/band member Nasri have much to do with the band’s musical vision. They both hail from Canada, and have worked with the likes of Justin Beiber, Pitbull, Shakira and even won a Grammy for a Chris Brown album. I loved how One Woman One Man recalls Bob Marley’s No Woman No Cry. No Evil, Stupid Me, Paradise and the title track are all immediate winners on my playlist. Summer may have come and gone, but it lives on through Magic!’s music.

Sia — 1000 Forms of Fear (RCA/Sony/Ivory Music). Having written Diamonds for Rihanna, co-writing and singing Titanium for David Guetta, writing Double Rainbow for Katy Perry, the list goes on and on for Sia. She’s also worked with the likes of Britney and Maroon 5. On her new solo album, Sia gives us songs that are gut-wrenching and very personal, but set against music that soars! Chandelier is the Rihanna-like opener, but it shifts suddenly into something much harder and rock-oriented.

The great thing about Sia is how she flits between genres. Also known for her troubled history and aversion to live performing (she sings with her back to the audience), it’s nice to hear this Australian songbird stretching with this new set of songs. The ballad, Elastic Heart, and tracks like Big Girls Cry, Burn the Pages and Hostage are my favorites right now. Always interesting, this album of textured songs.