Track Listing

1. It Must Be Magic (Album Version)
2. Revolution
3. Where's California (Album Version)
4. 365
5. Opus III (Does Anybody Care) (Album Version)
6. Square Biz (Long Version)
7. The Ballad Of Cradle Rob And Me
8. Portuguese Love (Album Version)
9. Yes Indeed
10. Square Biz - Bonus Track (Instrumental - 12" B Side)
11. Someday We'll All Be Free - Bonus Track (Live)
12. Deja Vu - Bonus Track (Live)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #70664 in Music
• Released on: 2002-11-18
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Extra tracks, Original recording remastered
• Dimensions: .23 pounds

CD Description
Former prot g of Superfreak funk maestro Rick James, Mary Christine Brockert, the R&B powerhouse better known as Teena Marie, blossomed into her element on early albums for the Gordy/Motown label. The singer's fourth and final album for Motown, IT MUST BE MAGIC--her second fully self-written, self-produced effort--oversaw Marie's true creative emancipation.In an inspired set taking in smoldering ballads, introspective singer-songwriter-style material, and vibrant dance floor numbers, her versatility is evident throughout. From the jubilant horns and proto-rap-style delivery of "Square Biz" to the thoughtful and poignant tribute to gunned-down Beatle John Lennon ("Revolution"), the entirety of the album is infused with the singer's forceful, robust vocals and imaginative arrangements. Among the highlights in the career of one of R&B's most independent-minded and original talents, IT MUST BE MAGIC was the breakout work that proved Teena Marie could hold her own in the pantheon of soul music's greats.

Customer Reviews

IT MUST BE MAGIC
This is a re-release of Lady T's 1981 album on CD.

Motown released this a few years back on CD in its original format and packaging. However, the latest version is different, it has been re-mastered and the sound quality is absolutely crystal clear.

All the tracks sound as if they have recorded in 2002. The second difference is that there is 20 minutes worth of new material. There is the Square Biz instrumental (with the rap intact) and two live tracks: Someday We'll all be Free and a 13 minute version of Deja Vu with the Stone City Band which is very graceful. As any Lady T fan knows: Deja Vu is a very emotive song and the live version does it even more credit. It was tucked away in Motown's Soul Vaults no doubt.

The whole thing has been re-packaged with new publicity shots (obviously taken in 1981) and some live concert shots. Lyrics to all songs are set out plus up to date sleeve notes.

All these additional extras are obviously a ploy to get Lady T fans to buy this album all over again. If you have the original version on other formats you will not have the bonus tracks so if you are a true Lady T fan, you will buy it for those. Good marketing by Motown.

Anyhow, you can't go wrong with this album but we are still waiting for 'Black Rain' to be finished so hurry up Teena.

Masterpiece from little lady T
Probably Teena's best Motown album along with "Irons in the fire". Only "The balled of cradle rob & me" is below par, the rest are pure class. The remastered sound makes a real difference and there's a 12 minute live version of "Deja Vu" as a bonus track.