Richard Marx is proving that timeless artistry doesn't fade. The veteran pop balladeer, whose hits like "Right Here Waiting" and "Hazard" defined an era, has stepped boldly into new sonic territory with the release of "Magic Hour," a song co-written with the first Latina MTV VJ, Daisy Fuentes.
The track, a danceable Latin jazz-infused tune, made its live debut on August 4 during the grand finale of "Dancing with the Stars Australia. " It instantly turned heads for its rhythmic sophistication and seductive charm.
Available now on all major digital platforms, "Magic Hour" isn't just a one-off experiment; it's the lead single from Marx's forthcoming album, "After Hours," which will arrive in January 2026.
A Three-Day Musical Sprint
In a social media post, Marx revealed that "After Hours" was recorded in just three days at a Los Angeles studio, an almost unheard-of pace in modern production. The album splits its identity between two worlds: half interpretations of Great American Songbook standards and half original tracks written or co-written by Marx in that same timeless style.
"I sang every song live along with a phenomenal rhythm quartet and a 24-piece big band," Marx shared. The approach is old-school, raw, and refreshingly unpolished in a music industry often obsessed with digital perfection.
A Café Carlyle Takeover
Before "After Hours" lands in full, fans can experience its essence live. Marx will perform a five-night residency titled "After Hours: Confessions" at the legendary Café Carlyle in New York City from October 21 to October 25.
In the intimate setting, Marx will blend jazz classics with his hits, backed by the full force of a 24-piece orchestra. It's a rare opportunity to see the pop icon in a setting that channels the golden age of cabaret performance.
The Story Behind "Magic Hour"
The track's backstory is as charming as its melody. Co-written with his wife, Cuban-American model and former MTV VJ Daisy Fuentes, "Magic Hour" was born far from the confines of a recording booth.
Marx started sketching the song while hiking, a new creative habit he says replaces the "windowless room" sessions of his past. "It's as if the melodies and lyrics I'm searching for are hiding behind trees and bushes," he joked. The core melody came quickly, but the lyrics remained elusive until a trip to Australia.
While on break from his tour, Marx and Fuentes escaped to the remote Lizard Island. Marx sang the melody to Daisy on a sunny beach, and within half an hour, they had the foundation. That evening, over martinis, the couple finished the lyrics.
More Than Just One Single
"Magic Hour" marks Marx's second release of 2025. In April, he dropped "Forget About the World," a pop-rock collaboration with his three sons, Brandon, Lucas, and Jesse, proving that music remains a family affair.
With "After Hours," Marx is poised to bridge generations, pulling the romance and swing of mid-century jazz into a modern spotlight. At 61, Richard Marx is bending trends, merging decades of pop craftsmanship with a genre that thrives on spontaneity and intimacy. The Latin jazz flair gives the track a breezy elegance, while its origin story adds a layer of genuine romance.