Relaxation dynamics-of the optically excited state in Al-n(-) with n = 6-15 were studied using time-resolved two photon photoemission spectroscopy. Relaxation rates of these Al clusters are slower than those of some d-metal clusters which can be explained by lower electron density of state in the sp-metals. The relaxation rate of Al-13(-), a magic cluster anion with a closed electronic shell is as fast as the non-magic clusters such as Al-10(-), implying that the relaxation dynamics of magic clusters cannot be rationalized by the electron-electron scattering. Origin of this unexpected behaviour of the magic cluster is discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.