By The rapper and multifaceted creative Jackson Wang, unveiled his third studio album, MAGICMAN2, mid this year. “Magic man” is a captivating persona that Jackson crafted in 2022, coinciding with the release of his second studio album, MAGICMAN. The GOT7 member and Team Wang’s big boss embraced theatrical flair and bold experimentation during the promotion of MAGICMAN; however, with MAGICMAN2, his most personal album to date, the theatrics were less prominent as this marks the conclusion of his persona. The songs in this album resonate with sincerity and reflection; less spectacle, more soul. As you explore his evolving artistry, here are seven standout songs, in no particular order, worth exploring.
LMLY
Leave Me Loving You was released in 2021 as a single. The track gives you that nostalgic synth-driven pop, 80s vibe—a reminisce of those of A-ha and Erasure, but with that modern production. Jackson sings about unrequited love (Don’t leave me, loving you / Whatever you do
Don’t leave me, loving you / If you tip toe out in the morning, I need a warning). The music video, inspired by Wong Kar-wai-esque, old Hong Kong visual style, adds depth to the song’s narrative, making it feel like a short film about love and loss starring our handsome lover Jackson.
Let Loose
He just dropped this funky new single and it’s giving major JT (Justin Timberlake) energy. It’s groovy, it’s catchy, and it’s impossible not to bop along. The music video was co-directed by Jackson and shot entirely on the iPhone 17 Pro. The track’s message is simple: stop overthinking and just vibe. “Mess around / let loose now / Yeah, tap in / let loose now.” Go ahead—let loose.
Cheetah
Jackson dropped a funky track in 2023 that plays on the word “cheetah,” yep, as in both the animal and a cheating woman. The metaphor is slick: she’s fast, fierce, and totally untrustworthy (She’s lying, she snaky / She’ll chew you to the bone). In the music video, co-directed by Jackson himself, he channels his Magic Man persona while dancing alongside a crew of fierce women, with a choreography of the same wild energy the song brings.
Buck
Jackson’s third single from MAGICMAN2 is a fast-paced, EDM-ish collab with Punjabi artist Diljit Dosanjh and it’s something that can hit the clubs. Diljit’s Punjabi rap fits perfectly, bringing a cultural twist to the track. The music video is very moody. Set in a cave with dramatic lighting and dancers in black, it’s intense and a little creepy in the best way. The contrast between the song’s energy and the eerie visuals makes it utterly entertaining. And my God, Jackson can really show you how to dance!
Blow
“Blow” is a standout pop-rock track from Jackson Wang’s MAGICMAN album and it marks a bold shift from his usual pop-R&B sound. Grittier and electric, the song dives into the addictive pull of toxic relationships, a theme I’m sure that many can relate to. Just like any recent Jackson Wang videos that are artistically driven, this one is no exception. Think late 20th-century after-party aesthetic, with striking choreography and stylized visuals. It’s a track that you can both dance and head bang to. Honestly one of Jackson’s song that I would want to watch live.
100 Ways
I’ve always been drawn to Jackson Wang’s earlier tracks, and “100 Ways” from 2020 is easily one of my favorites. I love its pop-house vibe, it’s such an instant bop. Jackson described the song as being about time and love, two things we all wish we could control but never really can (Don’t waste your love / just let it last / ‘Cause once it’s gone it’s never coming back / It’s true). The music video is stunning. Set in a forest with ancient-inspired visuals, where Jackson is awakened by ancient soldiers, and reunited with his lost love. It blends Eastern aesthetics, mythic storytelling, and dance so beautifully. Honestly, it’s a standout in both sound and visuals.
Everything
This track from MAGICMAN2 is, for me, Jackson Wang’s most honest and revealing song to date. It speaks to the feeling of having everything yet still feeling empty (For a second could you hold me / I wish someone would’ve told me / That this shit could get lonely). What makes this song stand out is its simplicity, just Jackson and a piano. No beats, no synths, no guitar riffs. That stripped-down sound makes his sincerity even more palpable. It’s not a cry for help, but a quiet truth that idol life isn’t always what it seems. I genuinely hope Jackson finds peace and fulfillment and honestly, I wish that for everyone.
Let’s celebrate Jackson Wang’s incredible music and artistry as he brings his MAGICMAN2 World Tour to Manila on November 2, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Don’t miss the chance to see him live so get your tickets now and follow Jackson on Instagram for updates.
Denise J. Mallabo 