The significance of 'This Magic Moment' by The Drifters in the doo-wop genre

The song "This Magic Moment" was originally recorded by the Drifters in 1960. It was written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, who were a popular songwriting duo at the time. The Drifters were known for their smooth harmonies and doo-wop style, and this song perfectly showcased their talent. "This Magic Moment" is a love song that explores the feelings and emotions experienced when two people come together and share a special connection. The lyrics describe the intense euphoria and enchantment that can be felt during romantic moments. The song captures the magic and excitement of falling in love, making it a timeless and relatable track.

"This Magic Moment" was one of the biggest and best Drifters hits on which Ben E. King sang lead, making #16 in 1960. The late-1950s and early-1960s Drifters records were very innovative in being among the first pop-rock hits to creatively use string arrangements, and "This Magic Moment" was an outstanding example. That's apparent right from the instrumental intro, in which strings shiver up and down the scale in ghostly glissandos. It was a memorable enough device to be imitated by Phil Spector on his production of the Gene Pitney hit "Every Breath That I Take," and, much more obscurely, on Lee Hazlewood's mid-1960s solo recording "For One Moment." Like several early Drifters hits, particularly those written by the team of Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, there's a faint Latin dance beat to the seductive swing of "This Magic Moment," like a rooftop moonlight tango in Spanish Harlem. The Spanish tinge, as Jelly Roll Morton might put it, surfaces particularly strongly at the end of the verses, in which the mood becomes hushed and a brief burst of minor-key, flamenco-like guitar is heard. Stan Applebaum's arrangement makes the strings sound as if they're dancing in counterpoint to the lovers in the song, and the Drifters' backup harmonies have a swaying quality that's quite similar to the one they used in their previous hit, "Dance with Me." It's effective how the rhythm slightly changes to become more staccato, and hence tenser and more dramatic, in the final section. Overall "This Magic Moment" effectively conveys the dreamy thrill of suave youngsters falling in love under ideal circumstances. It would be redone in smoother and Whiter fashion by Jay & the Americans a decade later, giving them a Top Ten hit in 1969. But stick with the original if you know what's good for you.

The late-1950s and early-1960s Drifters records were very innovative in being among the first pop-rock hits to creatively use string arrangements, and This Magic Moment was an outstanding example. The late-1950s and early-1960s Drifters records were very innovative in being among the first pop-rock hits to creatively use string arrangements, and This Magic Moment was an outstanding example.

The song captures the magic and excitement of falling in love, making it a timeless and relatable track. One of the standout features of the song is the beautiful vocal harmonies by the Drifters. Their voices blend together seamlessly, creating a captivating and dynamic sound.

This Magic Moment

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The lead vocals, performed by Ben E. King, bring an additional level of emotion and soul to the song. The arrangement of "This Magic Moment" is also worth noting. The song has a classic doo-wop style, with a laid-back rhythm and catchy melody. The use of strings and a prominent saxophone solo adds a touch of elegance and nostalgia to the track. The combination of these elements makes the song a true classic and a favorite among fans of the Drifters and doo-wop music. Over the years, "This Magic Moment" has become one of the Drifters' signature songs. It has been covered by numerous artists, further solidifying its status as a timeless love song. The song's popularity has endured for decades, and it continues to be beloved by audiences of all ages. In conclusion, "This Magic Moment" by the Drifters is a beautiful love song that captures the intense emotions experienced during special moments of romance. With its smooth harmonies, captivating vocals, and timeless melody, the song remains a classic to this day. Whether you're a fan of doo-wop music or simply appreciate a heartfelt love song, "This Magic Moment" is sure to leave a lasting impression..

Reviews for "The cultural significance of 'This Magic Moment' by The Drifters"

1. John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "This Magic Moment" by The Drifters. The song lacked depth and originality, and it just felt like a generic pop tune. The vocals were average at best, and the instrumentation was forgettable. Overall, it was a forgettable song that didn't leave any lasting impression on me.

2. Sarah - 1/5 - I found "This Magic Moment" by The Drifters to be incredibly boring and unmemorable. The melody was repetitive and I felt like I've heard it a hundred times before. The lyrics were cheesy and uninspired. The whole song feels like it was hastily put together with no real thought or effort behind it. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time with this one.

3. Mark - 2/5 - "This Magic Moment" by The Drifters didn't live up to the hype for me. The song lacked originality and it felt like a carbon copy of other pop songs from that era. The vocals were mediocre and didn't really stand out. The harmonies were lackluster and didn't add anything special to the track. Overall, it was a forgettable song that didn't leave a lasting impression on me.

4. Emily - 2/5 - I was not impressed with "This Magic Moment" by The Drifters. The song felt outdated and didn't appeal to my taste in music. The repetitive chorus became annoying after a while and the lack of variety in the melody made it monotonous. The production was also quite lackluster and didn't elevate the song in any way. Overall, it was a forgettable track that didn't resonate with me.

Discovering the story behind The Drifters' iconic track 'This Magic Moment