Album Information

Album Title: The Magic Touch: An Anthology

Artist: The Platters

Original Release Date: October 22, 1991

Label: Unknown Label

Country: Germany

Genres: Doo-wop, Rhythm and Blues, Pop

Track Listing

• 1. Only You (And You Alone) (2:37)
• 2. Bark, Battle and Ball (2:28)
• 3. The Great Pretender (2:39)
• 4. I’m Just a Dancing Partner (2:14)
• 5. (You’ve Got) The Magic Touch (2:28)
• 6. Winner Take All (2:07)
• 7. My Prayer (2:45)
• 8. Heaven on Earth (2:33)
• 9. Glory of Love (2:45)
• 10. You’ll Never Never Know (2:38)
• 11. It Isn’t Right (2:25)
• 12. I Give You My Word (2:13)
• 13. On My Word of Honour (2:43)
• 14. One in a Million (2:53)
• 15. I’m Sorry (2:52)
• 16. He’s Mine (2:22)
• 17. My Dream (2:38)
• 18. I Wanna (2:49)
• 19. Only Because (2:50)
• 20. The Mystery of You (3:01)
• 21. Hula Hop (1:56)
• 22. Helpless (2:40)
• 23. Indiff’rent (2:16)
• 24. No Power on Earth (2:57)
• 25. Goodnight, Sweetheart, It’s Time to Go (2:18)
• 26. Twilight Time (2:45)
• 27. You’re Making a Mistake (2:45)
• 28. My Old Flame (2:48)
• 29. I Wish (2:43)
• 30. It’s Raining Outside (Chove La Fora) (2:49)
• 31. For the First Time (Come Prima) (2:14)
• 32. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (2:38)
• 33. No Matter What You Are (2:29)
• 34. Sixteen Tons (2:34)
• 35. Enchanted (2:52)
• 36. Remember When (2:49)
• 37. Where (2:41)
• 38. Wish It Were Me (2:40)
• 39. My Secret (2:37)
• 40. Harbor Lights (3:11)
• 41. Sleepy Lagoon (2:39)
• 42. Ebb Tide (2:25)
• 43. Red Sails in the Sunset (2:21)
• 44. To Each His Own (2:49)
• 45. If I Didn’t Care (3:08)
• 46. Trees (2:29)
• 47. I’ll Never Smile Again (2:52)
• 48. When You Return (2:37)
• 49. It’s Magic (2:33)
• 50. La hora del crepusculo (Twilight Time) (2:15)

Recording Information

The album “The Magic Touch: An Anthology” was recorded at an unspecified studio, primarily in the late 1950s and early 1960s, during a prolific period for The Platters. While details about the exact studio location remain elusive, the recording sessions were characterized by the use of traditional analog equipment, which was typical of the era. The production team included notable figures in the music industry, although specific names have not been extensively documented for this compilation release. The album features a blend of orchestral arrangements and vocal harmonies that became signatures of The Platters’ style, showcasing their smooth vocal delivery and emotional resonance.

Band Context

At the time of this anthology’s release, The Platters had already established themselves as one of the foremost vocal groups of the 1950s and early 1960s. Known for their sophisticated sound and romantic ballads, the group was comprised of members such as Tony Williams, Zola Taylor, David Lynch, and Herb Reed. By 1991, when this compilation was released, the band’s original lineup had seen various changes due to personnel shifts, but their musical legacy remained untarnished. Their previous successes, including chart-topping hits like “The Great Pretender” and “Only You,” solidified their place in music history. The release of this anthology served to remind listeners of their significant contributions to the doo-wop and pop genres, celebrating the timeless quality of their recordings.

Track Commentary

The track listing features a rich array of songs that exemplify The Platters’ unique blend of pop and rhythm and blues. Many tracks, such as “Only You (And You Alone)” and “The Great Pretender,” are emblematic of their signature sound—melding lush orchestration with heartfelt lyrics. “Only You” stands out as a classic love ballad that not only topped charts but also became a defining anthem of the 1950s. Other notable tracks include “(You’ve Got) The Magic Touch,” which perfectly encapsulates the romantic themes prevalent in their music, and “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” which showcases their ability to convey deep emotion through vocal harmonies. The anthology also includes lesser-known gems like “Hula Hop” and “Indiff’rent,” offering a comprehensive overview of their diverse catalog. Critical reception of these tracks has remained favorable over the decades, with many songs continuing to resonate with audiences and influencing future generations of artists.