Magic Mirror (2021)
With Magic Mirror, Pearl Charles steps fully into the glow of her influences, embracing a rich tapestry of ‘70s pop, soft rock, country, and disco. While her debut album, Sleepless Dreamer, leaned into the sun-soaked warmth of Fleetwood Mac and pedal steel-laced folk-pop, this record expands her sonic universe even further. The songwriting is sharper, the arrangements more intricate, and the execution feels effortless. This is an album that sounds like it was pulled straight from a dusty vinyl crate full of hidden gems, yet it remains undeniably fresh.
Charles opens her sophomore record with, Only for Tonight, a funky, disco-infused track that immediately sets the tone of Magic Mirror. It may not be as grandiose as some of ABBA’s biggest anthems, but the influence is undeniable—from the shimmering production to that dangerously addictive chord progression walk-down. It’s a full-bodied groove, a warm and welcoming invitation to the lush sonic world she’s crafted.
What I Need is one of the best songs in Pearl Charles’ catalog, full stop. This is easy-listening perfection, somewhere between Norah Jones’ effortless cool and the breezy, twangy pop of the ‘70s. Her voice feels like home—familiar, comforting, and deeply resonant. And that steel pedal guitar? Absolutely essential. This is the kind of song that you carry with you, like a Polaroid in your wallet.
A bluesy organ kicks things off on Imposter, setting the stage for a song that feels like a crisp November afternoon—warm, nostalgic, and perfect for swaying in the kitchen. The horn accompaniment is such a dynamic addition, bringing in a new depth that keeps things fresh. It’s a song that doesn’t demand attention but earns it effortlessly, settling into your bones with every listen.
Soft, driving keys and twang-heavy pedal steel carry Don’t Feel Like Myself forward, evoking shades of George Harrison in all the right ways. The string arrangement gently lifts the whole track into the clouds, making it one of the most subtly breathtaking moments on the album. It’s introspective yet expansive, a song that lingers in the air like the final rays of a setting sun.
The title track, Magic Mirror, is a true piano ballad—something that feels increasingly rare in today’s pop landscape. This is songwriting in its purest form, something that could’ve easily found a home in Elton John’s golden era. It’s grand, reflective, and dripping with emotion, a track that proves Charles isn’t just reviving vintage sounds; she’s carrying their legacy forward.
Slipping Away is arguably Pearl Charles’ greatest song to date. Every single thing she does well—captivating melodies, dreamy atmosphere, dynamic vocals, ethereal harmonies, twangy steel guitar, and that ever-so-satisfying Blue Öyster Cult-esque cowbell—collides into something perfect. It’s the ultimate balance of twang, easy listening, yacht rock, pop, and rock, and the result is downright addictive. My god, this song.
Bouncy keys, weeping guitar, and effortlessly catchy backing vocals make All The Way feel weightless, floating somewhere between pop and soul. There’s an easygoing charm to it, the kind of song that brightens a room without trying too hard. Mid-tempo twang takes center stage on Take Your Time, reinforcing Charles’ ability to make every element—no matter how familiar—feel fresh and engaging. It’s the kind of track that sneaks up on you, revealing new textures with every listen.
A longtime fan favorite, Sweet Sunshine Wine, is finally given its rightful place on a full-length record. This song has always carried an undeniable magic, and its inclusion here feels like a celebration—a well-earned moment in the sun. As Long As You’re Mine closes the album with warmth and subtlety. This bluesy, November-kitchen-sway of a song feels like the perfect bookend to the record. It’s relaxed, understated, and deeply inviting, like the final sip of a well-aged wine.
If Sleepless Dreamer was about Pearl Charles stepping confidently into the light, Magic Mirror is her completely owning it. Every note, every harmony, every shimmering instrumental choice feels intentional, effortlessly weaving together the best elements of ‘70s pop, country, soft rock, and disco. She’s not just recreating the past—she’s making it feel vital again
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Highlight Songs:
Slipping Away
Sweet Sunshine Wine
What I Need
Only for Tonight
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
Magic Mirror is pure gold, the kind of record that feels instantly familiar yet endlessly rewarding with each listen. If there’s any justice in the world, Magic Mirror will be the album that turns casual listeners into lifelong fans. So yes own it. This one is really, truly special.
