Have your say on our Essential 100

"Hi Simon, please could you put Hello by Lionel Richie in the Essential 100? It's me and my husband Neil's song." From Joni

Simon Phillips kicks us off with his choice. He chose this Sade hit because it was on the first album he bought in 1984.

This huge hit from Take That was chosen by Nia Jones from Wales. This is the song that got her into Take That and accompanied her down the aisle at her wedding three years ago.

Melanie O'Reilly has picked it as a show of love for her husband because it was the first dance at their wedding.

This is the choice of Brigitte from Ruislip because she loved dancing to it with her dancing partner and teacher - her lovely Mum Jenny Barnes

This choice comes from Ann-Marie in Stockport because it's such an upbeat song and reminds her she was lucky enough to see The Police live, twice and they were amazing.

Amy from Liverpool chose this song as it's one that never fails to cheer her up. She said she has fond memories of a musician friend playing this song in his band. Sadly, he passed away the end of last year so the memories are even more special now.

For Lynn from Plymouth who lost her job in 2009 due to ill health, and up until 4 years ago wasn't sure what she wanted to do until she was asked to sign this song as part of the Giving Voice Project at University.
She is now 48 years old and currently studying Special Educational needs and Disability Studies at Plymouth Marjon University and I want to be a sign interpreter.

Louise's girlfriend proposed while listening to this song at a Matthew Morrison concert and it reminds her to hold onto that feeling of love whenever she sees her.

This was chosen by Sarah in Rickmansworth. She said "Katrina and the Waves Walking on Sunshine has always been my favourite song it reminds me of sunny days, nights out and a brilliant moment at my wedding where everyone was on the dance floor.
Last year I had to spend a 4 days in hospital just after my son Leo was born, unfortunately because of COVID I couldn't have my baby with me and I couldn't have any visitors. Being alone in hospital separated from everyone was really the tough.
The radio at the nurses station was permanently tuned to Magic so I would hear it every time I walked past. On one occasion when I was feeling particularly low Katrina and the Waves Walking on Sunshine came on the radio and for a few minutes everything was right with the world. It is the ultimate feel good song every time I hear it I smile."

This was the choice of listener Kevin Draper. He said: "I personally love Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge over troubled water, I came across this track when I was in my early teens I had just heard Bright eyes and for some reason I decided to look into art Garfunkel When I discovered simon and Garfunkel together.
After searching through albums in the local music shop I came across Bridge over troubled water after listening to it I later purchased it and over played it and still do to this day it's also my favourite Karaoke track"

This was the choice of Mike from Stoke. He said: "Let's face it, the song I've chosen is a classic, but for me it launched my career in events.
My first job was opening the CBeebies hotel at Alton Towers and I was looking after the entertainment.
We had a show called Ubercorn's disco and everyone loved the songs so much even the adults joined in.
One guest we had was Alesha Dixon and I got to have a dance with her to this song. I knew this was the career for me after that. "

Julie from Ipswich chose this. She said " I love Footloose by Kenny Loggins. It reminds me of bunking off school, twice, when I was at secondary school to see the film at the local cinema.
It instantly takes me back & whenever it comes on the radio, the volume goes up & I lose myself in memories."

This choice is from David Bradley in Wales. He said "Please play Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers with islands in the stream as it was our first wedding dance and still happily married 8 years later I love my darling wife so much thank you and keep playing good tunes."

Erin Kerr chose this as she said it was her last wedding song and meant more than her first dance. "This was our song and has been since we met nearly 15 years ago."

This choice is from Nick Bywater who said "My choice for the Essential 100 is not only a brilliant song, but it's also me and my pals drunken sing along song."

"Happy birthday to the legend that is George Michael! I was a Whamette ❤️ My favourite Wham song is Everything She Wants 👍🏻😁 Gone far too soon but he will never be forgotten " From Kelly in Nottingham

"I chose this for being one of the only love songs to be upbeat and make you feel better instead of just being a sad reminder. We all need a little hope especially at the minute." From Ash Arnold

""I was 16 years old when I met my first boyfriend Darren Simpson, I am now 51. In February 2020, Darren contacted me after 34 years and we got together and are now engaged. Now we are living together and we are so happy. Happiness has come back to us and we are so much in love.
This was our song when we were 16, and when we'd hear it in the years apart we both remembered it was our song. It still is to this day. " From Patricia Davis

"I would like Bruno Mars Just The Way You Are to go into Magic's Essential 100. This song was number the day my 10 year old daughter Mia was born on the 24th of October 2010. She has recently been diagnosed with epilepsy and never complained through any of the tests or hospital visits. I always think of her when I hear the song, she is my everything, I love her with all my heart and like the song says 'you're amazing just the way you are' From Gemma in Hemel Hempstead

"This was my husband Darren and I's wedding song 31 years ago and we're still going strong. Such a beautiful song. Brings back such wonderful memories." From Nikki Goldsmith

"The story behind this song is I was pregnant with my second son and me and my partner Will went to watch Bohemian Rhapsody at the cinema. About 30/40 mins into the film they sang this song and my son went crazy rolling round in my tummy, that was the first time we had felt him move about due to his position. On the 18th of January we welcomed our second son...FREDDIE!" From Jess Morton in Trafford

"I love this song because when I was taking my oldest kids away it was on in the mini bus to the airport. It gave us such a lovely feeling, even my children were singing it . It's been a long time since we've been able to travel now so we really love it." From Tracy

"I would like to nominate Heaven by Bryan Adams. It was our first dance at our wedding and we went all the way to Prague for our honeymoon to see him. I cried when he sang the song live - the words are beautiful and capture mine and my hubby's love story perfectly as we have know each other since age 5. " Jane in York

"This song has gotten me through working late at night while going through tough times My friends and I vibe to this when we travel together. It holds a special place in my heart and I don't know if I could live without it." From Matthew McCormack

"Just love it, one of my favourite songs." From Sharon in Birmingham

"My Choice for the Essential 100 is for my late husband. Whenever I am worried or upset this song always comes on the radio. It provides comfort for me and my family and reminds us that he's always looking down on us."

"The song I'd pick would be 'Because You Loved Me' by Céline Dion because it's the song that I had played on the local radio station when I have reached our first wedding anniversary and the wording to it rings true for me because my husband came into my life at a time when I needed somebody and truly he is my best friend and although he is the biggest pain in my backside sometimes I couldn't do any of this without him and we have now been together for 27 years." From Sarah in Norfolk

"It was the song that was on when I first clamped eyes on my husband in Bacchus Nightclub in Scarborough" From Craig Cellars in Scarborough

Entered into the Essential 100 in memory of Charlie Watts

"I'd like to induct Chicago, You're The Inspiration into the Essential 100 for some special friends in my life who made my whole world special." From June Jacobs in Telford

"A woman they said would never be a singer, sadly missed." From Simon in Southend

"I would absolutely love it if you could induct this woman's voice in your essential 100. Etta James and At last is just a beautiful song with such lovely lyrics. Anything by this lady deserves a place in your top 100 but this one is my favourite and means a lot to me just now because at last I have been moved into accommodation that is all mine until somewhere more permanent becomes available. I moved recently and have had just magic for company as there's no TV aerial socket so it's Magic all the way. But as a man who loves soul music you must love this woman too and as it's October and black history month this legendary singers voice needs to be written down in stone so youngsters of today can hear such perfection in a song." From Emily Curtis in Cornwall

"My favourite song is perfect because reminds me of our wedding day and how much I love my husband Josh." From Joanna in Bristol
"My favourite Ed Sheeran song is Perfect. It reminds me of the love of my life who is perfect for me and I think of him every time I hear it." From Sue in Lincoln

"I would like to submit Phil Collins cover of "you can't hurry love" as it's such a great upbeat track that I had to have it played as the second song at my wedding." From Colin Templeton

From Jennie Webster

"I'd like to add Luther Vandross, Dance With My Father to the Essential 100" From Ginny in Colchester

"If you're putting together the ULTIMATE list of the greatest songs of all time, then you need some Teddy Pendergrass." From Chris

From Julie Duncan in Wembley

"A song that reminds me of summer is Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac. I love it so much." From Layla Perrin

"My husband Robert used to travel the world and sadly passed away abroad. We loved this song and he always thought of me and the family we made together." From Chrissy Norman

"This is a massive song for us Fife Girls, its our go to song before every night out and we always ask the DJ to play it on our nights out. It's just one of those classic floor fillers." From Fiona Stirling

"I think a song that should be on your Essential 100 is You Raise Me Up by Westlife. Carry on with the good music you play." From Gill

"I'd like to request Queen's Radio Gaga. This is one of my all-time faves! It always puts me in a good mood, and I think we all need some of that Freddie magic right now!" From Alexandra Mineham

"My essential 100 is Proud Mary by Tina Turner as it cheers me up and when am out i ask for it to be played and it's a dance floor filler." From Emma in Edinburgh

"Please induct Wham, Club Tropicana into the Essential 100 because every time I hear it reminds me of being on holiday." From Rachel Pearson

"My choice for the Essential 100 is Dignity by Deacon Blue. It's always been an anthem and no matter how low I've got, the man who packs his lunch in a Sunblest bag always shows us all the way." From Emma
Billy Ocean – Red Lig

"I am 32 years old and work as an entertainer on Skirlington Holiday Park in Yorkshire. The song I would love to be added is:-Let Me Entertain You - Robbie Williams. It has a great summer festival feel and represents all entertainers working across the country during this amazing staycation. I have been working in entertainments for over 13 years so this would be my song for my life and my career. Thanks Magic love listening to your Radio station." From Matthew Willbye

"I would like to induct Together In Electric Dreams into your essential 100 because it is the song that eternally connects me and my best friend from my teen years, who was like a brother and a soul mate but sadly passed away while we were both still teenagers. I have a tribute tattoo to him on my arm featuring lyrics from the song." From Katy Lang in Chobham

"Having a big clean listening to the best radio station Magic. I'd like to pick the song I used to dance around to with my friends before going to the fair! What good memories." From Yvonne Hill

"I would love to put got to be there by Michael Jackson in the top 100 it was the first song that my parents danced to at their wedding also it is the 4 year anniversary of my dad passing away so would be great to hear it in his honour." From Stuart Bartlett in Northolt

"For the Essential 100, what about Aretha Franklin 'I Say A Little Prayer'? It still sounds great and is a special song for me and my husband after 40 years of marriage." From Janet in Peckham

"I would like to put Christina Perri - A Thousand Years on the Essential 100 list. This song is widely used across the IVF community and never fails to bring a tear to my eye, even now I have my miracle little boy after 5 years of trying and multiple IVF attempts. We were always one step closer and finally made it and I will love him for a thousand years!" Jess in Ashford

"Because it's such a good power ballad song. It reminds me of when I was a teenager at 15 and I wasn't confident enough to chat to friends or interact until I got some advice from my parents that helped me get in touch with people." From Ladi Adiola

"Back in the early 90s I broke up with my (then) fiancé and I met a really lovely, sweet guy. We dated briefly but then I got back with my ex fiance and lost touch with him. Years later I still think about this guy, but because he has a super popular name I have found it very difficult to track him down. Whenever I hear this song it makes my heart ache, thinking about what could have been, if I had done things differently. Regret is a horrible thing. He's probably happily married to a wonderful woman with 3 kids somewhere: but Alan Connolly - if you're listening: I miss you!" From Anna in Greenwich.

"For a guy called Jamie who lives in Cornwall and cause he is truly amazing , he makes me smile, laugh and he is the perfect friend I've ever had...!" From Kirstie Ecclestone

"Because it's a massive summer jam and for Chris in Coventry who's a huge fan." From Tom in Daventry

"Always reminds me of fantastic family weekends, just before my cousin died at the age of 19. We used to sing this all the time." From Sarah-Jane Higbee

From Owen in Feltham

"The song I'd like to see inducted into the Magic Essential 100 is one that whenever I hear makes me think of my boy and other people with disabilities, shown or not. This song has a very powerful meaning and reminds us that we shouldn't judge anyone." From Jen

"Please put Starship - Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now into the Essential 100, it's mine and my boyfriend Martin's favourite song." From Donna in Burnham

"The song reminds me of my last summer holiday from school before we went our own ways. We would go down the river at Failford and swim and cycle and the summer did seem to last forever with Julie, Keith, Darren, Mo, Stuart and the rest of the gang." From Billy from Ayrshire.

"If you're putting an ABBA song in the Essential 100, it's got to be Waterloo. It's a classic, what a song, what a band." From Graham in Guildford.

"Definitely Rule The word by Take That. It makes me think of all the times I've seen them in concert. One of the best songs they do live." From Riann.

"Hey Simon. If you're looking for the best Whitney Houston song there's only one choice. I Will Always Love You. Best cover song ever. Best film song ever. Best Whitney song ever. Best Song ever." From Lauren Weston in Wood Green.

"Please could you add Eurythmics – There's Must Be an Angel into the Essential 100? I've been a fan since the 80s and I'll always remember the video!" From Hayley in Oldham.

"This song because a man tried to get me to go out with him by singing it in a pub band. It didn't work but makes me smile." From Vickie in Chelmsford.

"Our favourite Michael Bublé song is Everything. When me and my wife got together many moons ago, we used to listen to Magic via the tv as that was the only way for us to listen and this song was always played. It always reminds us of when we first got together and became our wedding song." From Daniel Ross in Swansea.

"The best Duran Duran song is Ordinary World. Love that it was a comeback single for the band, love that guitar, and love the performance Simon Le Bon did with Pavarotti." From Ruth in Salford.

"Hi Simon, I think you should put Skyfall into the Essential 100. Not only the best Adele song, but also the best Bond Theme." From Aaron in Wood Green.

"I love this song, it always reminds me of my younger days and nights spent on the dance floor. It can still get me up and dancing even if the only dance floor I see these days is the one in my kitchen. Please put it in the Essential 100." From Janice in Ealing.


Janice in Ealing.

"Please can you add Neil Diamond Sweet Caroline into the Essential 100 for my darling godmother Terri. She's my world and can you tell her that I love her so much thank you so much love the show." From Emily.

"Hi Simon please could you put Me and Mrs Jones by Billy Paul into the Essential 100. It means a lot." From Michele.

"Hi Simon, here's a suggestion for the Essential 100. Mariah Carey – Fantasy. It's my personal favourite of hers and I totally agree with you, she will forever be untouchable." From Ceilidh Carson.

"Please can you add Mental as Anything – Live It Up to the Essential 100, it's my favourite song from the 80s." From Will from Portsmouth.

"Hi I'd love to hear A Little Respect by Erasure to get me through my dissertation." From Helen in Bristol.

13 year old Blake would like to add Elton John's Rocket Man.

"I loved Genesis in the '70's as a teenager, moved on with Phil's solo career and the later incarnation of Genesis and he has always been my musical icon. I recently saw Genesis on their final tour and although Phil no longer drums he has retained his voice and charisma."
"We should not forget him when he was at the height of his drumming prowess and this song encapsulates all that is amazing about the wonderful Mr Collins!"
From Lucy in Wheathampstead

"Please could you add Everything I Do, I Do It For You by Bryan Adams into the Essential 100 for my mum Wendy?" From Katie

"Please could you add Purple Rain into the Essential 100. Me and my 10 year old son love it." From Lauren in Cardiff

"Please could you put Girls Just Wanna Have Fun into the Essential 100 for Billy Hamilton as it's his favourite song for karaoke."

"I nominate Phil Collins 'In the Air tonight'. I loved Genesis in the '70's as a teenager, moved on with Phil's solo career and the later incarnation of Genesis and he has always been my musical icon. I recently saw Genesis on their final tour and although Phil no longer drums he has retained his voice and charisma. We should not forget him when he was at the height of his drumming prowess and this song encapsulates all that is amazing about the wonderful Mr Collins!" From Lucy in St Albans.

"Hi Simon, Please add Band of Gold by Freda Payne into the Essential 100." From Dougie in Yorkshire.

"Please could you add 'Unchained Melody' into the Essential 100? I'm a huge Patrick Swayze / Ghost fan!" From Abbi

"Can you please add I Swear by All 4 One into the Essential 100 for my amazing husband, Paul from me and our three girls. He does so much for us and we love him loads." From Kayleigh in Southampton.

"I'd love to hear A Little Respect by Erasure to get me through my dissertation." From Helen in Bristol.

"Could you please add Never Her Slip Away by Andrew Gold into the Essential 100 and dedicate to my rock, Lily?" From Ben.

"Please could you add Hazard by Richard Marx into the Essential 100." From Ian.

"I would like to put forward "Lovely Day by Bill Withers if not already listed on the Essential 100." From Lynda in Salisbury.

"Would love to hear " Just My Imagination" by the Temptations. It's one of my favourite songs and it was the start of my love of Motown music. Make my day, thank you." From Linda in Kempston.

"Please could you add Loving You, Minnie Riperton into the Essential 100 for Helen, she's my better half and I love her." From Paul.

"Hi Simon, please can you add Come on Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners to the Essential 100. This song makes me smile as it reminds me of my lovely Nanny." From Sophie.

"My essential 100 choice is A Different Corner by George Michael. It is my most favourite song because it is a most beautiful haunting love song and epitomises the true genius George was when it came to writing songs - they all tell a story and are so true to life." From Judy Darlington.

"My wedding song was Extreme - More Than Words. Please could you play it." From Brian in Wokingham.

05/05/2022 13:40 Green, James
Hi Simon, please could you put Hello by Lionel Richie in the Essential 100? It's me and my husband
Neil's song. Joni

"Hi Simon, please could you put Hello by Lionel Richie in the Essential 100? It's me and my husband Neil's song." From Joni