Welcome To The ‘Feelings’ Network
One of the great disappointments of my professional career came when “Feelings” received only one vote in my “Most Annoying Song of All Time” readers’ poll.
Granted, it was up against some stiff competition. It was beaten out by “Achy Breaky Heart,” “She’s Havin’ My Baby” and “Muskrat Love,” among dozens of others.
Still, I am haunted by the realization that “Feelings” did not get the recognition it deserved. Today, as we prepare to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Feelings,” I intend to correct that imbalance. This, then, is the world’s first all”Feelings” column: Or maybe it’s not: I just can’t imagine another one: Anyway, here goes: Who sang that obnoxious song, anyway? Contrary to popular belief, it was not Barry Manilow. It was the Brazilian singer-songwriter Morris Albert.
Isn’t Morris Albert an odd name for a Brazilian? Yes. That’s his stage name, of course. His real name sounds much more Brazilian, Morris Albert Kaisermann.
What is the story behind the recording? Albert, a star in Brazil, wrote and recorded “Feelings” in early 1975. It became a smash hit in Brazil, Venezuela, Chile and Mexico, proving that even Latin America has plenty of cocktail lounges. RCA immediately rushed it into release in the United States and Britain. The rest is history.
Was it the biggest hit of all time? Technically, no. Technically, it wasn’t even the biggest hit of all week. On Aug. 23, 1975, it reached its apex at No. 6 on the Billboard charts. But really, that wasn’t such a bad showing under the circumstances. It was up against “Jive Talkin”’ and “Rhinestone Cowboy,” just to name two.
So, 1975 was a watershed year for music? Yes. This was the year that also gave us “Mandy,” “Kung Fu Fighting,” “Convoy,” “The Hustle” and “I Want’a Do Something Freaky to You.”
Does this explain why “Feelings” was not nominated for a Grammy? No, it explains why “Feelings” was nominated for a Grammy. For Song of the Year, no less. Albert was also nominated for Best New Artist.
Did either of them win? No. Albert was beaten out by Natalie Cole. “Feelings” was trounced by “Send in the Clowns.” However, we have inside information that “Feelings” soundly thrashed “Rhinestone Cowboy” for the runner-up slot.
What other hits did Morris Albert have? The following is a complete list of his other songs that made the Billboard Top 40: .
Where’s the list? That was it.
OK, but the legacy of “Feelings” lives on today, doesn’t it? Yes, that’s right, you’re absolutely correct. It has become a staple of lounge singers everywhere. It has been recorded by thousands of artists, in dozens of languages.
Whose version is widely regarded as the best? Bill Murray’s.
Who wrote the song? Morris Albert originally had sole credit for writing it, but in 1987 the French composer Louis Gaste sued Albert for “adapting” (“ripping off”) the melody from Gaste’s song “Pour Toi.” Gaste won the suit and has been listed as co-composer ever since. By the way, Gaste died in France last week.
What did he die of? Embarrassment.
Did you make that up? Yes, I did. Gaste actually died of cancer at age 88.
What is the overriding thematic content of the lyrics? Some scholars believe that “Feelings” addresses the overriding ennui of spiritual existence in modern industrial society. However, I believe “Feelings” is actually about feelings, nothing more than feelings.
Really? Can you support that argument? Yes. Let me quote some of the lyrics …
No! Please! Don’t do … : “Feelings, whoa, whoa, whoa / Feelings, whoa, whoa, whoa / Feelings, whoa, whoa, whoa/ Feelings.”
Now that you have planted this cloying song in our brains, how are we ever going to get it out? Easy. Just sing along with me: “Like a Rhinestone Cowboy, ridin’ out on a horse in a star-spangled rodeo … “