Diljit Dosanjh's 'Magic' is a lacklustre offering poorly masked by production value

Coke Studio India’s recent release features Diljit Dosanjh in collaboration with the Norwegian dance band The Quickstyle, the latter bringing an energetic choreography to the mix. However, as charming as it is to witness Diljit bust a move with The Quickstyle in a bright red turban, Magic fails to live up to the platform's label of fusion-based music, instead bestowing a formulaic rendition upon listeners.

From the outset, Magic appears to be yet another iteration of the standard Punjabi melodic rap that has saturated the music scene for the past decade or so, overproduced and lacking in personality. Despite Coke Studio being touted as a fusion-based pursuit, the song offers little in terms of exploration or innovation, instead banking on tired tropes and banal themes of lost love.

There’s no denying that the production of the track has an undeniable gloss, but this works to its detriment within the given context of Coke Studio. The platform, known for its emphasis on organic creation and musical experimentation, finds itself at odds with the polished, overproduced nature of Magic.

As for the music video, it boasts impressive production design and well-paced cuts, adding a solitary layer of visual appeal to an otherwise mundane offering. However, the video's production aesthetic feels disconnected from the substance of the song, serving more as a superficial showcase than a meaningful creative expression.

Inevitably, comparisons will be made between Coke Studio Pakistan and its Indian counterpart, with Magic falling short in terms of organic presentation. While the former has fostered a reputation for hosting genuine musical collaborations and culturally grounded explorations, the latter struggles to identify new directions.

Diljit’s lyrical contributions to Magic only work to bolster its lack of novelty, as he courses well-trodden territory without offering any personal insights or perspectives. The generic themes of lost love fail to resonate beyond the surface level, leaving listeners craving substance amidst the commercialised glitz.

Lyrically, the singer delves into the intoxicating allure of attraction, highlighting how love can often cloud judgment and override rational thinking. He aims for a poetic capture of the experience of being enmeshed by love's spell, describing the sleepless nights endured in its wake.

However, the backdrop of The Quickstyle's choreography, makes the effort feel like a lame throwback to K-pop. Diljit himself joins the rhythmic dance and dons a whimsical jacket alongside a striking red turban but it’s not enough to salvage the sonic failings.

Despite attempts to create the illusion of something organic both on the visual and auditory fronts, Magic ultimately falls short of delivering an impressive musical experience. Instead, it serves as yet another forgettable addition to the boundless ocean of Punjabi melodic rap songs, pleasant only in passing.

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