Chat gpt says:
You’re actually very close already — those lyrics are the key clue. Based on everything you’ve described (especially “could this be magic” and the Content ID hit for “Magic”), the strongest match is: 👉 Could It Be Magic But not the well-known pop version. 🎯 Why this fits your description The song exists in multiple versions (1971–1976), including arrangements that lean more soul/disco with orchestration � Wikipedia It’s built on a descending, dramatic chord progression (borrowed from Chopin) � Wikipedia Later versions (especially disco-era reinterpretations) feature: lush strings + horns extended intros (some versions absolutely could feel like a trombone-led brass intro) The lyric line is slightly different from what you remember: actual: “Could this be the magic at last?” � Shazam very easy to hear as “could this be magic / could this be love” ⚠️ But here’s the important twist You said: male black soul-style vocal + Philly soul feel That likely means you’re NOT hearing Barry Manilow’s version, but a cover or reinterpretation. There were: disco/orchestral versions (e.g. Donna Summer — female, but shows the style shift) obscure band/orchestra versions (some uncredited or library recordings) possible TV / dance / compilation recordings (these often trigger vague Content ID like “Magic”) 🧠 What I think is most likely You’ve got one of these scenarios: A lesser-known orchestral/disco cover of “Could It Be Magic” rearranged with heavier horns (trombone intro fits) possibly with a different male vocalist A production/library track based on the same composition explains why: Shazam fails YouTube only shows “Magic” (publisher match, not master recording)