The story of “Feel Like Makin’ Love” begins with the songwriter, Eugene McDaniels. McDaniels was a politically conscious and somewhat controversial artist known for his socially aware lyrics and blending of jazz, soul, and funk. He wrote the song in the early 1970s, and his original version was released on his 1971 album, Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse. McDaniels’ original rendition, while possessing a similar groove, had a more raw, funk-oriented sound and featured more explicit and politically charged undertones, different from the smooth ballad it would later become.
McDaniels’ version did not achieve widespread commercial success, and “Feel Like Makin’ Love” was largely unknown outside of a relatively small circle of fans. The song’s potential, however, was recognized by Roberta Flack’s manager, who suggested she record it. At this point in her career, Flack was known for her emotionally intense ballads and her ability to bring depth to complex lyrical content. While her previous hits, like “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” were deeply introspective and melancholic, “Feel Like Makin’ Love” represented a move toward a more sensual and overtly romantic style.
Roberta Flack’s interpretation of the song was released in 1974 as part of her album Feel Like Makin’ Love. Unlike her previous works, this was more of a departure into a lighter, more overtly romantic territory. This version was arranged and produced by Rubin “Hurricane” Carter and was drastically different from McDaniels’ original. Carter transformed the song into a smooth, polished, and seductive soul ballad, emphasizing Flack’s vocal delivery and the sensuous nature of the lyrics. He slowed the tempo, added lush orchestration, and created a more intimate atmosphere, which was crucial to the song’s widespread appeal.
The release of “Feel Like Makin’ Love” as a single was a significant moment for Flack. It was an immediate commercial success, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of the biggest-selling singles of 1974. The song also earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, further cementing her status as a major recording artist. The song resonated deeply with audiences who were seeking a more romantic and sensual experience than what her previous hits offered.
The song’s success also highlighted the power of a well-crafted arrangement and production. While McDaniels’ original version was a strong song in its own right, Flack’s version was a masterclass in musical transformation. Carter’s production turned the song into a radio-friendly and hugely successful single, proving that the same song can be reimagined in very different ways, with each version having its own value.
The song’s commercial success did raise some eyebrows among some of Flack’s fans, who saw it as a departure from her more serious and socially conscious themes. However, its overwhelming popularity proved that Flack’s talent wasn’t limited to melancholic ballads. This showed her musical versatility, moving from soul-searching ballads to sensual and romantic fare.
The song’s release also occurred during a time when the sexual revolution was making its way into popular culture. “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” with its overtly sensual lyrics and smooth, seductive vibe, was very much in line with this shift in social and cultural norms. The song offered a new level of romantic expression that was both passionate and tender.
The success of “Feel Like Makin’ Love” also led to a greater recognition for Eugene McDaniels’ songwriting talent, as he received royalties and credits for Flack’s version. It brought him a level of mainstream recognition that he had not previously experienced, despite his original version not being successful.
Musical Style
The musical style of Roberta Flack’s “Feel Like Makin’ Love” is a sophisticated blend of soul, R&B, and soft rock, characterized by its smooth, sensual groove, lush instrumentation, and Flack’s velvety vocal delivery. It’s a song designed to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere, moving away from her more introspective ballads.
The arrangement is built around a gentle, syncopated rhythm that provides a foundation for the song’s relaxed and seductive feel. The drums are subtle, not overpowering, and primarily focused on maintaining a steady, mid-tempo groove. The percussion is also used sparingly but effectively to add texture to the sound. The drums and percussion together create a sense of rhythmic flow.
The bass line is a prominent feature, providing a smooth and melodic counterpoint to the melody. The bass is played with a gentle touch, underscoring the song’s sensuousness and keeping the song grounded. It’s a bass line that is as memorable as the melody, acting as a kind of musical anchor.
The instrumentation is rich and layered, featuring lush string arrangements, subtle keyboard textures, and a gentle acoustic guitar. The strings add a cinematic quality to the song, creating a sense of romantic grandeur, while the keyboards provide harmonic support and atmosphere. The acoustic guitar often acts as a counterpoint to the lead vocals.
The use of backing vocals is also very effective, creating a sense of warmth and harmony. The backing vocals are not just filler, they often mirror Flack’s lead vocal lines, adding depth and texture to the chorus.
Flack’s vocal performance is central to the song’s appeal. Her voice is smooth, warm, and incredibly expressive, capturing the sensuality and tenderness of the lyrics. She employs her characteristic phrasing, making use of subtle shifts in dynamics and tone that add an extra layer of emotion to the performance. It’s a vocal performance that is both controlled and passionate, making it all the more effective.
The song’s tempo is moderate and relaxed, allowing the song to unfold in a leisurely fashion. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the listener to fully absorb the lyrics and the music. It’s not an overly energetic song, instead emphasizing smooth textures and subtle shifts.
The production, led by Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, is polished and seamless. The instruments are balanced perfectly, ensuring that Flack’s vocals remain the focal point while each instrument adds to the overall feeling of warmth and sensuality. The production is very smooth and radio-friendly, focusing on clarity and a pleasant overall listening experience.
The song’s structure follows a standard verse-chorus format, with each section building in emotional intensity. The verses are gentle and intimate, while the choruses are more expansive and overtly romantic. The song also includes instrumental sections which allow the music to breathe.
The overall musical style of “Feel Like Makin’ Love” is a departure from her previous ballads, showing her versatility and willingness to explore different styles. It is a masterful blending of soul, R&B, and soft rock, and helped define the sound of 1970s soul.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Feel Like Makin’ Love” are a direct and unapologetic expression of romantic desire and sensuality. They are both tender and suggestive, capturing the excitement and intimacy of a romantic encounter. The lyrics are simple yet evocative, creating a mood of warmth, desire, and connection.
The opening line immediately sets the tone: “I saw you standing on the corner / Didn’t know what I was gonna do.” This line introduces a sense of spontaneity and unexpected attraction, showing the moment a connection sparks between two people. This feeling of unexpected attraction is a common experience, making it more relatable.
The verses describe the growing feeling of desire: “When you smiled, I knew I was in trouble / Baby, you know you got me under your spell.” This verse suggests a feeling of being captivated by the other person. There is a feeling of being overwhelmed by attraction and feelings of being drawn towards the other person.
The chorus is the song’s centerpiece, expressing a straightforward and almost primal desire: “Feel like makin’ love to you / Feel like makin’ love to you.” The directness of these lines makes the song both suggestive and incredibly compelling. The lyrics are clear and unapologetic in expressing physical desire.
The song avoids complex metaphors or flowery language, opting instead for direct and conversational phrasing. The lyrics focus on the physical and emotional aspects of love, expressing a strong and undeniable desire for physical intimacy. The use of simple words helps the listeners relate to the experiences within the lyrics.
The lyrics also convey a sense of mutual attraction, with both parties seemingly drawn to each other. This creates a sense of anticipation and excitement, enhancing the song’s overall sensuality. This feeling of a two-way connection is an important aspect of the song.
The song does not focus on the complexities or complications of a relationship, instead, it is about the joy and immediacy of connection. The focus is on the “here and now” feelings of desire. It captures a particular moment in time rather than the long term.
The lyrics also express a certain degree of confidence and assertiveness, especially in the line: “Come on over, baby, let’s get it on.” These lines show a willingness to take the initiative and express desire openly. This directness was somewhat daring for the time.
The recurring phrase “Feel like makin’ love to you” reinforces the song’s main theme of desire and sensuality, making it memorable and relatable to listeners. It also emphasizes the feeling of immediacy, that this feeling is not something that can be ignored.
In conclusion, the lyrics of “Feel Like Makin’ Love” are a powerful and evocative expression of romantic desire and physical intimacy. The use of direct, simple language enhances the song’s accessibility and allows listeners to connect with its message of sensual longing. It is a song that celebrates the joy of love and the beauty of human connection.
Cultural Impact
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” had a substantial cultural impact, solidifying its place as a classic R&B/soul ballad and one of the most iconic love songs of the 1970s.
Firstly, the song further cemented Roberta Flack’s position as a major recording artist. It was one of her most commercially successful songs, topping charts around the world and winning her another Grammy award. This song proved her talent wasn’t limited to ballads; she could also handle more sensual and overtly romantic themes.
The song also contributed to the growing popularity of smooth, sensual soul and R&B music in the 1970s. It showed that songs with overtly romantic lyrics and a relaxed tempo could achieve mainstream success, paving the way for other artists to explore similar styles. It established a new template for soul and R&B music.
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” became a cultural touchstone, often used in films, television shows, and commercials to evoke feelings of romance, intimacy, and sensuality. Its consistent use in popular media has ensured that the song remains relevant and recognizable, cementing its place in popular culture. The song is often used as a signifier of sensuality.
The song’s themes of romantic desire and physical intimacy have resonated with audiences for decades, making it a staple of radio playlists and romantic playlists. It is often played during weddings and other romantic occasions, marking it as an important piece of the romantic musical canon.
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” also became somewhat controversial due to its overtly sexual content. Some critics and listeners viewed the song as too suggestive and lacking the depth and social consciousness of Flack’s previous work. However, this controversy did not diminish the song’s popularity or impact. It sparked a conversation about the balance between art, sensuality, and social consciousness.
The song also became a form of expression for a more liberated and sexually expressive society. It celebrated the joy of physical intimacy without shame or inhibition. It reflected the changing times and helped to normalize conversations about intimacy.
The song’s enduring appeal also lies in its universal theme of romantic desire. The feeling of wanting to connect with another person physically and emotionally is a timeless human experience. The song’s ability to capture this feeling made it so widely relatable.
The song is also a testament to the power of musical transformation. The fact that Flack took an already existing song and created something completely different with it showed her creativity and her ability to completely redefine a song for her own unique performance. It shows how the same song can be interpreted in very different ways.
In conclusion, “Feel Like Makin’ Love” has had a substantial and long-lasting impact on popular culture. It’s more than just a song; it’s a cultural artifact that reflects a shift in social and cultural norms. It cemented Roberta Flack’s status as a major star, and it continues to be celebrated for its sensuality, its smooth musical style, and its message of romantic desire. Its legacy will continue for years to come.
Conclusion
“Feel Like Makin’ Love,” as performed by Roberta Flack, is a defining example of a sensual and romantic ballad that captured the spirit of the 1970s. This song represents a deliberate shift in Flack’s musical style, moving from her more introspective and melancholic works to a more overtly romantic and sexually expressive style, showcasing her talent in another light.
The song’s success is due to a combination of factors, including Eugene McDaniels’ catchy melody and suggestive lyrics, Rubin “Hurricane” Carter’s masterful production, and Roberta Flack’s iconic vocal performance. The blending of smooth R&B, soul, and soft rock creates an atmosphere of intimacy and sensuality that is both captivating and inviting.
The lyrics, while simple, are direct and evocative, expressing a clear and unapologetic desire for physical intimacy. The song doesn’t shy away from its sensuality, instead embracing it with confidence and passion, marking a significant departure from her earlier hits.
The cultural impact of “Feel Like Makin’ Love” is substantial and long-lasting. It not only furthered Flack’s career but it also helped to shape the sound of 1970s soul and R&B. It challenged social norms, sparked conversations, and resonated deeply with audiences seeking to connect with music on a more sensual and romantic level. It has become a signifier of romance in popular culture.
In conclusion, “Feel Like Makin’ Love” is more than just a hit song; it’s a cultural touchstone that reflects a shift in social and cultural values and celebrates the joy of human connection. It is a testament to the power of a well-crafted song to capture the complexities and nuances of human relationships. The song’s lasting appeal lies in its ability to convey a sense of warmth, desire, and uninhibited passion, and its continued popularity is a reminder of its enduring place in music history.