In the summer of 1978, a breezy, hypnotic soft-rock tune floated onto radio waves and became one of the most memorable love songs of the decade. Walter Egan’s “Magnet and Steel” was a breakout hit, capturing the spirit of the late ’70s California sound — melodic, romantic, and effortlessly cool.
Written by Egan himself, “Magnet and Steel” appeared on his second album, Not Shy. With its shimmering guitar licks, lush harmonies, and Egan’s understated yet heartfelt vocals, the track struck a chord with listeners who were hungry for something soulful yet laid-back in the wake of disco’s dominance.
The song climbed all the way to #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Egan’s biggest — and only — top 10 hit. It spent 22 weeks on the chart and became a staple on soft-rock and adult contemporary playlists for years to come.
One of the reasons “Magnet and Steel” sounds so captivating lies in the people behind it. The song was produced by Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac, who also contributed guitar and backing vocals. Stevie Nicks, also of Fleetwood Mac, lent her ethereal harmony vocals, adding to the dreamy, almost mystical quality of the recording.
In interviews, Egan admitted that he wrote the song about Stevie Nicks herself, inspired by the magnetic pull he felt toward her while working together. Though their relationship never became romantic, the unspoken tension between them is immortalized in the song’s lyrics:
"With you, I’m not shy / To show the way I feel / With you, I might try / My secrets to reveal…”
While Walter Egan never replicated the chart success of “Magnet and Steel”, the song has endured as a classic example of 1970s soft rock. It’s been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and soundtracks — including Boogie Nights, Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo, and The Nice Guys — introducing new generations to its smooth charm.
For fans of the era, the song embodies everything great about the Laurel Canyon/California sound: gentle yet emotional, catchy yet sincere.
Though often remembered as a one-hit wonder, Walter Egan’s “Magnet and Steel” remains a timeless love song that continues to resonate with listeners nearly five decades later. Its effortless melody and heartfelt sentiment ensure it remains a standout track in the pantheon of ’70s rock.
So next time it comes on the radio, turn it up — and let yourself be pulled in by the magnetism of this unforgettable classic.
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