If you have heard the song Rude and fell in love with it, the band behind the successful reggae song is MAGIC that comprises of songwriter, record producer and main vocalist Nasri Atweh, guitarist Mark Pellizzer, drummer Alex Tanas and bassist Ben Spivak. The band also added another member Adam Messinger to their Canadian outfit.

When a new band explodes onto the scene with such a fab track everyone’s expectations are high as to what the remainder of their debut album will sound like. The curiosity is always in the mind of the listener and we can surely tell you, MAGIC has it in them to produce an amazing album.

The album has much more genres and styles in its kitty than just reggae. You have pop and slices of alternative rock too, that all go to make the 11 tracks different from each other. This band is extremely versatile and wear all the hats well. The best thing about the album is that the reggae sound is woven throughout in some way or other. The lyrics on the other hand speak about love, the good, the bad and the ugly side of it.

From the super hit Rude where Nasri sings “why you gotta be so rude? /don’t you know I’m human too?” with the utmost sincerity and seriousness that we really feel sad for him, it’s an enjoyable listen. Very catchy and quite refreshing to hear the lyrics so well framed that you can’t help joining in. The guitar solo is the plus here on this really simple track. We move onto the up-tempo No Evil, to the light hearted Paradise where our vocalist Nasri speaks about a man who falls in love with a "mermaid castaway." We recall Train’s Mermaid song here, but Nasri’s is totally different.

One Woman One Man, is a reminder of Bob Marley’s No Woman No Cry, but goes in a different direction altogether, as a great ballad on this album. Let Your Hair Down is another slow steady beat that is another highlight on the slow front. Little Girl Big World has a rocky edge to it with an upbeat tempo, and has the bassist doing a good job. The song sadly also has some of the most sexual lyrics compared to the other songs. Mama Didn't Raise No Fool is pure reggae and is about a mother who wants her son to go out and find a female friend. Stupid Me says it all and is about a man who is emboldened by this word said by a woman. The title track Don't Kill the Magic is a surefire follow up to Rude and could easily score as a #1 hit as well. The last track How Do You Want to Be Remembered is lyrically one of the most powerful songs written and a great album closer that limps slowly to the end. It addresses that question very seriously: "How do you want to be remembered? /As a sinner or a saint, as a hero or a villain? /Think about the steps you take/How do you want to be remembered/When they're standing at your grave? /on your tombstone, what is written?" It even challenges parents, "How do you want to be remembered/When your children come ... /And they need some inspiration?" Finally even questioning God on how he would assess us when we die. "Think about the steps you take/'Cause on the day when you face judgment/You better have your story straight/Were you a good friend and a husband/To the wife who gives you love, love, love?"

The highlights of the album are sure to make you want to rewind and play again. Yes the album will take a second listen to grow on you, but it’s rich in songwriting, music and Nasri who does a great job on vocals. A great album with absolutely infectious songs.

Rating: ***

Reviewed by By Verus Ferreira