The final release of original material from
Ian Gillan's second project to bare his name,
Gillan's
Magic was originally issued in 1982 by Virgin Records. The label also reissued the disc in 1988 with seven extra tracks, including covers and B-sides. As the group was winding down, their sound was softened a bit on
Magic. The LP was generally accepted by
Gillan's staunch U.K. following; however, it failed to achieve the chart success of
Glory Road. After opening with two incredible hard-rockers -- "What's the Matter" and "Bluesy Blue Sea" --
Magic loses its edge. Moderated cuts like "Driving Me Wild" and "You're So Right" have potential, but stall during unimaginative choruses. There are even a few straight keyboard pop moments on the inexplicable "Long Gone" that couldn't have pleased older fans. This song in particular flirts with new wave, a heretic move from a co-creator of "Smoke on the Water." The first single issued from
Magic,
Stevie Wonder's "Living for the City" is a spectacular flop. That, along with the bonus cover material ("Helter Skelter" and "Smokestack Lightning"), prove that
Gillan's powerful but quirky scream is exclusively suited for the classically influenced but catchy hard rock that made
Deep Purple a platinum success.