| Prolonging the Magic | |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | Cake |
| Cover: | Prolonging the Magic Cake album.jpg |
| Released: | October 6, 1998 |
| Genre: | Alternative rock, experimental rock, alternative country |
| Length: | 48:13 |
| Label: | Capricorn |
| Producer: | John McCrea |
| Prev Title: | Fashion Nugget |
| Prev Year: | 1996 |
| Next Title: | Comfort Eagle |
| Next Year: | 2001 |
Prolonging the Magic is the third studio album by American alternative rock band Cake. It was released on October 6, 1998, on Capricorn Records. The sole successful single was "Never There". The album was recorded after the departure of guitarist Greg Brown and features a rotating lineup of musicians to replace him. One of them, Xan McCurdy, became his full-time replacement.On its opening week, Prolonging the Magic sold about 44,000 copies, debuting at No. 33 on the Billboard 200 chart.[1] On 28 September 1999 the album was certified platinum by the RIAA for shipments of one million copies.[2]
The album was given a parental advisory sticker not because of profanity but for Satanic-themed lyrics. Some copies do not feature a sticker, with the only difference being that the song "Satan Is My Motor" has been retitled "Motor".
The song "Hem of Your Garment" was featured in the film Me, Myself & Irene.
Allmusic wrote, "Supposedly their attempt to make a smugness- and irony-free album, Cake's third release does hold back the barbs a bit more than usual. And the strain shows. In these guys' hands, love songs without smirks and pop tunes straight up come out forced."
Album - Billboard (United States)
Singles - Billboard (United States)
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | "Never There" | Adult Top 40 | 29 |
| Modern Rock Tracks | 1 | ||
| The Billboard Hot 100 | 78 | ||
| 1999 | "Let Me Go" | Modern Rock Tracks | 28 |
| "Never There" | Mainstream Rock Tracks | 40 | |
| "Sheep Go to Heaven" | Modern Rock Tracks | 16 |