Artist: Layla, Younghood
Title: Some Kind of Magic
Genre(s): Pop, Hip-Hop, Electronic
Length: 3:34
Writers: L.Sanchez, Younghood
Producer: Orion Washington
Label: Five Pesky Kids
From The Album: Feel No Fear

Some Kind of Magic is a song by American singer-songwriter Layla Sanchez, now known simply as Layla. The song was released worldwide on August 29th, 2021 and serves as the third single from Sanchez's long-awaited debut studio album, "Feel No Fear". "Some Kind of Magic" follows the globally-successful collaboration with Joshua Grimmie, "Forbidden Honey". The overwhelming success of the single alongside the tragic overdose of her singing partner caused Layla to halt any further releases, resulting in a small 6 month hiatus. "Some Kind of Magic" was originally written as a solo track in late 2020. Younghood wouldn't be brought to the project until early 2021, with Sanchez believing that the song needed "another voice", personally reaching out to Younhood, finding the rapper to be the "perfect fit". Production of the track was handled by Orion Washington, who also produced and co-wrote Sanchez's #1 comeback single, "No Trouble in Paradise".

"Some Kind of Magic" is a pop song with elements of hip hop and electronic music incorporated throughout. Unlike previous collaboration, "Forbidden Honey" which boasted a more duo-style delivery of the vocals, "Some Kind of Magic" sees Layla belt and power her way through most of the experimental electronic-cum-hip-hop bassline as a lone-ranger until Younghood makes his appearance towards the latter half of the track. Lyrically, the song reflects on people who seemingly bring nothing but negative energy and have an unhealthy obsession with trying to tear others day. Layla's parts appear to be based on an ex-lover whilst Younghood focuses on industry peers and fake friends. Since it's premier, fans and critics were quick to assume that the lyrics were a direct reference to ex-boyfriend and fellow singer, Austin Nimmo. Sanchez, however, disproved such claims in the official press release of the single, claiming that the official idea of the song was inspired by online trolls and that the subject matter was switched in order to make the song more "universal".

---

---

Critical reception of the song has been relatively positive thus far. Annie Lowe of Billboard called the track an "empowering, self-assured, bad-ass anthem" and that it "cements Layla as the powerful, strong woman she is today, effectively killing off that bow-wearing, deer-in-the-headlights, "why can't we all just be friends?" persona she had going in the 2010's." Writing for Idolator, Cain Davison stated that 'Some Kind of Magic' is "an exquisite collaboration that highlights the talents of both artists", going on to praise the production by adding; "the buzzing beats and hip-hop bassline merge perfectly to create a truly unique track yet does it so subtly that the song still easily slides into mainstream radio stations and playlists with the greatest ease." Elliot Johnson of The Fader praised the song alongside the decision to feature Younghood, writing; "Layla is not a pretentious artist. She's not trying to change the face of pop music. She certainly has a good ear for what works, however, and as a result, always keeps things fresh".. He went on to describe Younghood's verse as "impeccable" and "timely", adding; "just when the song begins to run the risk of sounding like any other modern trap-pop ditty by the second chorus, Younghood erupts with much gusto and adds a new flavor." Gina Harries of Entertainment Weekly was less enthusiastic, however, writing "it is simply an 'OK' song but ultimately falls flat with little replay value.". Harries also went on to unfavorably compare it to her previous single; "following on from "Forbidden Honey" (already a pop classic, pretty much) was always going to be a huge feat in itself. The buzzy sonics of "Some Kind of Magic" seem trend-chasing and lacks the heart of her previous collaboration, however. Ironically, this follow-up lacks the magic that "Forbidden Honey" captured perfectly."

---

"SOME KIND OF MAGIC"

Layla
Younghood


From the stories you tell,
Seems you're under a spell,
Must be a living hell

So go ahead and call me evil, a psycho
How I'm out there shaking your tightrope
Quick to say you hate me
But I'm always on your mind though
So go ahead and call me crazy, a real bitch
Thorn in your side, a stubborn itch
How every waking moment is so tragic
Yet you're craving my attention
Baby, this must be some kind of magic

Still lurking in your favorite hiding spot
By now I thought that you'd have given up
Pulling moves when the music clearly stopped
Dissecting my words as soon as they drop
I'm not the one with the bad intentions
Just trynna get on with my reinvention

Didn't some take that spot next to you?
Why are you so hung up on my every move?
Pouring salt all over your own wounds
About time you stop pressing on that bruise

So go ahead and call me evil, a psycho
How I'm out there shaking your tightrope
Quick to say you hate me
But I'm always on your mind though
So go ahead and call me crazy, a real bitch
Thorn in your side, a stubborn itch
How every waking moment is so tragic
Yet you're craving my attention
Baby, this must be some kind of magic

In my story, you were never the villain
But I guess things can always be rewritten
Another day, another fond memory you're killing
Sure this isn't what we ever envisioned
I never wanted us to end up as enemies
But you're making it harder to fake these niceties

Now between us lies a great divide
Don't think it'll ever see a sunrise
Sure it's lonely over on the other side
Maybe you should learn to pay no mind?

So go ahead and call me evil, a psycho
How I'm out there shaking your tightrope
Quick to say you hate me
But I'm always on your mind though
So go ahead and call me crazy, a real bitch
Thorn in your side, a stubborn itch
How every waking moment is so tragic
Yet you're craving my attention
Baby, this must be some kind of magic

Alright Layla, let me break it down right quick.
Make sure they get the picture

Imagine you come from a city that’s an urban jungle
Steel and metal, with everyone ready to watch you crumble
Some friends just around when it’s right,
Trying to get groupies smashed in out of town city nights
Don’t be around when shit hits, they got to be fresh and clean
But things going well, bandwagon, pom poms leading the team
They’ll smile in your face and bring you roses full of thorns
While when your back is turn, they bad mouth you, fueled with scorn
Like it’s their spot you’ve taken, they hot for you make’n
It's not cool, you the fool for not bending the knee,
And kiss the ring - They helped this thing
And shame on you for not following through
They deserve the credit when it due,
But, you only popping if a hater got something say
So I laugh, at the comments and continue on with my day
Trolls lived under bridges, clutching their keyboards
Stay down there while my name is the marquee breaking records

So go ahead and call me evil, a psycho
How I'm out there shaking your tightrope
Quick to say you hate me
But I'm always on your mind though
So go ahead and call me crazy, a real bitch
Thorn in your side, a stubborn itch
How every waking moment is so tragic
Yet you're craving my attention
Baby, this must be some kind of magic

From the stories you tell,
Seems you're under a spell,
Must be a living hell

From the stories you tell,
Seems you're under a spell,
Must be a living hell


Can Be Compared To:

BitchWat: Wait..... you just went the fuck off. Wait....I was NOT expecting this. Give us cunty sis!! Honestly, Bitch Wat loves songs that aren't predictable. Bitch Wat loves edgy and this just checked off all boxes. I stan this track and it might just be my favorite track of yours so far. I like how it's a change from the previous singles you've done and Young Hood went off as well. Drag the girls sis!!!

OOC: Lyrics go off and I like the change here in terms of sound for Layla. It's really exciting. Great work :)

Layla: Thank you both so much for the lovely words! Just don't get too carried away whilst driving lol!



Layla: Oh it has been a long time coming for sure! It'll be terrifying when it's out but such a relief in the same breath. A lot has gone into the creation and release structure alone never mind all the chaos behind the scenes over the last...five years? Crazy! Thank you so much for the compliments. I'm truly touched, humbled and greatly appreciative of your kind words. On the surface, "Some Kind of Magic" is just a typical catchy kiss-off anthem but it holds much more weight than that and I'm glad you've picked up on it. I always respect your comments, advice and opinions as you really seem to know what you're talking about as well as actually caring. I care a lot about this upcoming album and it's wonderful knowing that there are other people out there who will nurture the project with the same care as you do. Thank you, Ashford!



OOC: Thank you so much!! :)

Layla: OMG QUEEN!! ❤️❤️

Ryan: Layla don't miss! I love everything about this song. From the inspiration and writing itself to the vocals to the smart usage of a feature to the mashup of different sounds. It all tangles up neatly and creates a memorable song. Nobody can accuse you of remaining in one space because you are so versatile. Also, if you are ever trolled by an account with my dumb face on it, I will personally track them down and kick their shins.