You Can Do Magic

When America released You Can Do Magic in 1982, it marked a long-awaited comeback for the duo. The song, originally written and performed by Russ Ballard, became a hit that returned the band to the top of the charts. It reached number 8 on the Billboard in October of that year and stayed there for five weeks, proving to be their most popular track of the decade. This momentum was also reflected in their album, View from the Ground, which reached number 41 on the Billboard 200, marking the first time an America record as a duo (following Dan Peek's departure years earlier) had entered the upper half of that chart. The 20-week chart run of You Can Do Magic surpassed any other single by the band up to that point.

The recording of You Can Do Magic featured Russ Ballard, who handled all instruments except for the drums, which were recorded by Willie Leacox. America members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell contributed their vocals in the studio. The success of this single was so significant that it prompted the band to work with Russ Ballard again as producer for their next album, Your Move, released in 1983. A new version of You Can Do Magic would even appear later on their 1994 album, Hourglass. The recording engineer for this track was Chuck Kirkpatrick.