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The word “feel” captures so much of what rock and roll is all about: raw emotion, visceral experience, and connection. This list of the 10 best songs with “feel” in the title spans decades, showcasing the variety and evolution of rock and its artists, while staying true to a distinctly 1970s sensibility. Beginning with Peter Frampton’s “Do You Feel Like We Do,” a live anthem that practically defines the concert experience, we find ourselves in the mellow groove of The Eagles’ “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” offering a stark contrast in mood. Van Halen’s “Feel Your Love Tonight” shifts the focus to the energy and exuberance of young love, while James Brown’s classic “I Feel Good” brings in the soul of the 1960s with his infectious, upbeat rhythm.
Carole King’s “I Feel the Earth Move” captures the power of love’s impact with her characteristic blend of pop and rock, while Joe Cocker’s soulful take on “Feelin’ Alright” brings grit to the list, with a sense of resilience and bluesy introspection. Bad Company’s “Feel Like Making Love” brings a blend of hard rock with emotional depth, while Boston’s “More Than a Feeling” taps into nostalgia, reflecting on memory and music’s power to transcend time. The Beatles’ “I Feel Fine” offers an upbeat, pop-rock staple, while Foreigner’s “Feels Like the First Time” rounds out the list, embracing the thrill of experiencing love anew.
While heavily rooted in the iconic sounds of the ’70s, this list also showcases rock’s capacity to convey the full spectrum of human emotion, from joy to introspection. These songs, despite their differences in style and era, are united by the simple yet profound word “feel,” reflecting rock’s unique ability to evoke feeling across generations.
# 10 – Do You Feel Like We Do (Live) – Peter Frampton
Originally appearing on Frampton’s 1973 album, Frampton’s Camel, the song gained worldwide fame through its electrifying live rendition on the legendary Frampton Comes Alive! album, recorded at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom in June 1975. This live version became a commercial triumph, solidifying Frampton’s status as a rock star and providing a platform for his innovative use of the talk box, which became a defining element of his sound and a hallmark of 1970s rock music.
The lyrics of “Do You Feel Like We Do” depict a loose, almost surreal experience of an all-night escapade. Frampton’s opening lines—“Woke up this morning with a wine glass in my hand / Whose wine? What wine? / Where the hell did I dine?”—immediately set a tone of both humor and bewilderment. These lyrics mirror the loose and free-spirited energy of the era and align with the song’s expansive, improvisational feel in its live performances. Frampton’s storytelling, filled with relatable moments of confusion and revelry, connects well with the audience, making listeners feel as if they’re sharing in the night’s misadventures. In the live version, his delivery of “Do you feel like we do?” becomes a call-and-response with the audience, transforming the song into a communal experience rather than a simple performance.
Critically, “Do You Feel Like We Do” remains celebrated not only for its lyrical relatability but also for Frampton’s musicianship and his innovative use of the talk box. This effect, applied to his guitar, adds a unique, almost vocal-like quality to his solos, engaging listeners in a sonic conversation that matches the song’s theme of shared experience. The track’s success was not just a result of its technical prowess but also of Frampton’s ability to make his audience feel as if they were part of something larger—a live musical journey. This single became one of the defining features of Frampton Comes Alive!, an album that spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and remains one of the best-selling live albums of all time.
As the first song on this list, “Do You Feel Like We Do” sets the stage for exploring other songs that invite listeners to engage with different interpretations of “feel,” whether it’s through emotional resonance, nostalgia, or introspection. Frampton’s fusion of rock energy, lyrical playfulness, and audience interaction makes this track a landmark in rock history and a perfect entry to start this list, encapsulating both the musical innovation and the communal experience that music can offer.
Read More: Top 10 Peter Frampton Songs
# 9 – Peaceful Easy Feeling – The Eagles
“Peaceful Easy Feeling” by The Eagles holds an important place in the band’s early career, embodying the laid-back Southern California vibe that the band helped define. This classic track was written by songwriter Jack Tempchin and recorded by The Eagles in 1972 for their debut, self-titled album. Produced by Glyn Johns and recorded at Olympic Sound Studios in London, the song features Glenn Frey’s warm, comforting lead vocals, supported by Bernie Leadon on guitar, Randy Meisner on bass, and Don Henley on drums. This lineup of musicians, especially under the guidance of Johns, helped establish the signature harmonies that became synonymous with The Eagles’ sound, and “Peaceful Easy Feeling” epitomized this harmony-driven, folk-rock style.
Musically, the song is defined by its gentle guitar melody and vocal harmonies, which perfectly reflect its lyrical themes of calm and self-assurance. The lyrics capture a sense of contentment and tranquility, speaking to an appreciation for freedom and the simple joys of life, with lines like “And I wanna sleep with you in the desert tonight / With a billion stars all around.” The chorus—“I got a peaceful, easy feeling, and I know you won’t let me down”—is both evocative and comforting, contributing to the song’s lasting appeal. Frey’s vocals lend a sincerity to the lyrics, transforming Tempchin’s words into a personal statement about trust and emotional openness.
Upon its release, “Peaceful Easy Feeling” became the third single from Eagles, reaching number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and cementing the band’s presence in the rock and country rock genres. Critically, the song has been lauded for its timeless quality, with many reviewers noting its universal themes and the seamless blend of rock and country elements. This blend resonates well with other songs on this list that explore feelings of nostalgia, freedom, or peace, making “Peaceful Easy Feeling” a fitting companion to tracks that seek to create or capture emotional states through their lyrics.
As one of the early examples of The Eagles’ ability to fuse lyrical storytelling with atmospheric soundscapes, “Peaceful Easy Feeling” remains a fan favorite. The song’s blend of sincerity, longing, and comfort reflects the broader scope of “feel” as a theme, underscoring its continued relevance in the band’s discography and within the genre as a whole.
Read More: The Eagles Best Song From Each Of Their Studio Albums
# 8 – Feel Your Love Tonight – Van Halen
“Feel Your Love Tonight,” from Van Halen (1978), captures the quintessential rock energy that propelled Van Halen into the limelight. Recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders in Hollywood from August to October 1977, this debut album established Van Halen as a dominant force in rock. Produced by Ted Templeman, who sought to highlight Eddie Van Halen’s revolutionary guitar techniques, the album was a landmark in rock history, bringing in high-voltage energy and inventiveness. “Feel Your Love Tonight” features the classic Van Halen lineup: David Lee Roth on vocals, Eddie Van Halen on guitar, Michael Anthony on bass, and Alex Van Halen on drums. The track shines with Eddie’s innovative guitar licks, Roth’s energetic vocal delivery, and a rhythm section that drives the song’s pulsating momentum.
“Feel Your Love Tonight” offers a vibrant portrayal of young romance and anticipation, focusing on themes of desire and thrill. The lyrics, such as “I can’t wait to feel your love tonight,” are delivered with Roth’s signature mix of charisma and swagger, creating an atmosphere that perfectly captures the playful, high-spirited vibe Van Halen was known for.
Read More: Top 10 Van Halen Songs
# 7 – I Feel Good – James Brown
“I Got You (I Feel Good)” by James Brown is an iconic track that has become synonymous with joyful exuberance in music history. Recorded in 1964 at Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida, this song emerged from Brown’s knack for merging soul with an uncontainable energy that would shape the direction of funk. Produced by Brown himself and accompanied by his dynamic band, the recording features Brown on lead vocals, with key contributions from saxophonist Maceo Parker, whose brassy riffs powerfully echo Brown’s sentiments. The song was released as a single in 1965 and became an instant hit, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Brown’s highest-charting song at the time. Its success cemented Brown as a revolutionary figure in American popular music.
“I Feel Good” is simple yet profoundly impactful, with the chorus “I feel good, I knew that I would” encapsulating a universal feeling of unrestrained happiness. Brown’s delivery is uniquely punctuated by his signature vocal expressions—“Whoa! I feel good!”—that combine with the high-energy instrumentals to heighten the listener’s excitement. The song’s arrangement is tightly structured, with each instrument layering rhythm and accentuating Brown’s declarations.
Read More: Top 25 James Brown Songs
# 6 – I Feel The Earth Move – Carole King
“I Feel the Earth Move” by Carole King opens Tapestry, her landmark 1971 album, and immediately establishes the album’s mix of soulful rock and introspective lyricism. Recorded at A&M Studios in Los Angeles and produced by Lou Adler, the song features King on piano and vocals, with Danny Kortchmar on guitar, Charles Larkey on bass, and Joel O’Brien on drums. King’s exuberant piano playing, along with her powerful vocal delivery, captures an excitement that contrasts the album’s more reflective tracks. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971 as a double A-side with “It’s Too Late,” affirming King’s impact as a premier singer-songwriter.
Read More: Top 10 Carole King Songs
# 5 – Feelin Alright – Joe Cocker
Read More: Top 10 Joe Cocker Songs
# 4 – Feel Like Making Love – Bad Company
Bad Company’s “Feel Like Making Love,” one of the band’s most memorable songs, showcases their blend of rock and blues with a unique flair for emotionally charged lyrics and powerful riffs. Written by lead vocalist Paul Rodgers and guitarist Mick Ralphs, the track was recorded for the band’s second album, Straight Shooter, released in 1975. The album was produced by Bad Company and engineered by Ron Nevison, recorded primarily at Clearwell Castle in Gloucestershire, England. The lineup consisted of Rodgers on vocals, Ralphs on guitar, Simon Kirke on drums, and Boz Burrell on bass. The song quickly climbed the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 10, and became a staple of classic rock radio, noted for its anthemic quality and the seamless transition from the softer verses to the hard-hitting chorus.
The lyrics of “Feel Like Making Love” center on longing, passion, and the irresistible pull of romantic desire. Rodgers’s vocal performance exudes a quiet vulnerability in the verses, which then swells into a powerful, impassioned declaration in the chorus. This song’s straightforward but deeply felt lyrics—“Sometimes I get a feeling / I could love you all my life”—speak to the intensity of romantic commitment and yearning, which differentiates it from other songs on this list, such as Peaceful Easy Feeling by The Eagles, which leans into the serenity of love rather than its fervent intensity. Rodgers’s lyrical approach is underscored by Ralphs’s guitar work, especially in the gritty, blues-inflected riff that builds anticipation before each chorus.
Read More: Bad Company’s Best Song On Each Of Their Studio Albums
# 3 – I Feel Fine – The Beatles
The Beatles’ “I Feel Fine” stands out as a groundbreaking moment in rock history, marking one of the first uses of intentional guitar feedback on a commercial recording. Released as a standalone single in 1964, the song was recorded at EMI Studios in London and produced by George Martin. Written primarily by John Lennon, though credited to the Lennon-McCartney partnership, “I Feel Fine” was a pioneering track in its sound production. The lineup featured John Lennon on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Paul McCartney on bass, George Harrison on lead guitar, and Ringo Starr on drums. “I Feel Fine” quickly rose to success, reaching No. 1 on both the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, underscoring The Beatles’ innovative spirit and cementing their influence on modern music production techniques.
Musically, “I Feel Fine” showcases the band’s ability to blend rock and roll roots with emerging experimental approaches. Lennon’s use of feedback at the song’s start—generated by his guitar’s proximity to an amplifier—added a new, electrifying texture, which influenced countless rock musicians in the years to come. The track’s upbeat tempo and lively rhythm convey an unpretentious joy, with Lennon’s vocals adding a laid-back, confident feel as he sings lines like, “I’m so glad that she’s my little girl.” The lyrics express the simplicity of romantic happiness, contrasting the more impassioned intensity in songs like Feel Like Making Love by Bad Company, which focuses on desire. In “I Feel Fine,” the lyrics highlight contentment rather than yearning, showcasing The Beatles’ penchant for finding lyrical beauty in everyday feelings.
Read More: Top 100 Beatles Songs
# 2 – More Than A Feeling – Boston
“More Than a Feeling” by Boston, released on the band’s self-titled debut album in 1976, stands as one of classic rock’s defining tracks, showcasing the band’s meticulous studio craftsmanship and Tom Scholz’s signature guitar sound. Recorded at Scholz’s home studio in Massachusetts over a period of five years with additional work at Capitol Studios, the song embodies the careful layering and precision that would define Boston’s sound. Produced by Scholz and John Boylan, the track features Scholz on guitar and keyboards, Brad Delp on lead vocals, Sib Hashian on drums, and Fran Sheehan on bass. It reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, firmly establishing Boston as a powerhouse of 1970s rock.
Musically, “More Than a Feeling” is noted for its powerful guitar riff, vocal harmonies, and Delp’s soaring vocals that climax in a high-pitched note matched by Scholz’s guitar. The song’s lyrical theme revolves around nostalgia and the power of music to evoke memories. In lines like “When I hear that old song they used to play / And I begin dreaming,” the narrator reflects on the visceral memory of a past love triggered by hearing a familiar tune. This theme of nostalgia, conveyed through vivid imagery, aligns with the gentle and romantic tone found in “Peaceful Easy Feeling” by The Eagles on this list, though Boston’s approach feels more monumental, capturing a universal longing with a harder rock edge.
Read More: Boston’s Best Song On Each Of Their Studio Albums
# 1 – Feels Like The First Time – Foreigner
“Feels Like the First Time,” Foreigner’s powerful debut single from their self-titled 1977 album, set the stage for the band’s rise as a rock powerhouse. Written by lead guitarist and founder Mick Jones, the song captures the thrill of fresh experiences, both musically and thematically. The track was recorded at the Hit Factory in New York City, Produced by John Sinclair, Gary Lyons, and Jones. The lineup for this song includes Mick Jones on guitar, Lou Gramm delivering his distinctively intense lead vocals, Ian McDonald on keyboards and rhythm guitar, Al Greenwood on synthesizers, Ed Gagliardi on bass, and Dennis Elliott on drums. Released in early 1977, the song climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, establishing Foreigner as a formidable rock music presence.
“Feels Like the First Time” is built on a foundation of soaring guitar riffs, tight rhythm, and expressive keyboard lines that complement Gramm’s dynamic vocal delivery. The lyrics describe the sensation of rediscovering love as if experiencing it for the very first time, encapsulated in the repeated line, “It feels like the first time.” This theme of exhilaration and renewal resonates with listeners, aligning with the essence of Foreigner’s catalog, where personal emotion meets rock intensity. The song’s lyrics explore this universal sense of excitement, setting it apart with the conviction and raw energy in Gramm’s performance, which adds depth to the concept of a fresh beginning.
In the context of this list, “Feels Like the First Time” finds common ground with other songs such as “Do You Feel Like We Do” by Peter Frampton and “More Than a Feeling” by Boston. While Boston’s track explores the nostalgic power of memory, Foreigner’s single taps into the vitality of the present, giving the listener a different kind of emotional journey rooted in immediacy and desire. With its strong chart performance and timeless appeal, “Feels Like the First Time” remains a defining piece in Foreigner’s repertoire and a fitting selection among the best songs with “Feel” in the title.
Read More: Jeff Pilson of Foreigner: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview