Something He Can Feel

Last updated
"Something He Can Feel"
Something He Can Feel by Aretha Franklin US vinyl.png
One of A-side labels of the U.S. vinyl single
Single by Aretha Franklin
from the album Music from the Warner Bros. Picture "Sparkle"
B-side "Loving You Baby"
ReleasedMay 5, 1976
RecordedApril 1976
Studio Curtom (Chicago, Illinois)
Genre Soul [1]
Length
  • 6:21 (album)
  • 3:25 (single)
Label Atlantic
Songwriter(s) Curtis Mayfield
Producer(s) Curtis Mayfield
Aretha Franklin singles chronology
"You"
(1976)		"Something He Can Feel"
(1976)		"Jump" / "Hooked On Your Love"
(1976)

"Something He Can Feel" is a song composed by Curtis Mayfield for the 1976 motion picture Sparkle . The song, a love ballad in a Chicago-/Philly-soul style, became a number-one hit on the Billboard's R&B singles chart in the United States twice with two separate recordings: a 1976 version by Aretha Franklin from the film's soundtrack (see 1976 in music), and a 1992 cover by girl group En Vogue (see 1992 in music).

Contents

Aretha Franklin original

In the original 1976 version of the film Sparkle , the song is performed by "Sister & the Sisters", with Lonette McKee on lead vocal, and Irene Cara and Dwan Smith on backing vocals. The version of "Something He Can Feel" present on the film's soundtrack album replaces the vocal tracks with those of Aretha Franklin and the Kitty Haywood Singers, with the instrumental tracks remaining the same.

Sparkle revolves around the lives of the members of Sister & the Sisters, a 1960s Motown-esque girl group, and "Something He Can Feel" is present in the film as part of their repertoire. Franklin's recording of the song was issued as the first single from the album, and became a number-one hit on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, peaking at number twenty-eight on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Franklin's only pop Top 40 hit during the second half of the 1970s. [2]

Sparkle would be remade in 2012, as would "Something He Can Feel", this time performed by Carmen Ejogo on lead vocal with Jordin Sparks and Tika Sumpter on backing vocals. In an allusion to Aretha Franklin's version of the song and soundtrack, Sister & Her Sisters perform "Something He Can Feel" as part of a live TV performance headlined by Franklin.

Personnel

Usage in media

Franklin's version of the song was featured in the second season of RuPaul's Drag Race , being performed by contestants Jujubee and Tatianna in a "lipsync for your life".

Charts

Chart (1976)Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 100 28
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard )1

Afrika Bambaataa feat. Boy George version

In 1988, hip hop artist, Afrika Bambaataa recorded a cover version of "Something He Can Feel". The cover was released on the album, The Light , a collaboration album with lead vocals on this song by Boy George.

En Vogue version

"Giving Him Something He Can Feel"
Aretha Franklin - Something He Can Feel album cover.jpg
Single by En Vogue
from the album Funky Divas
ReleasedJune 11, 1992 (1992-06-11)
RecordedLate 1991–January 1992 [3]
Genre
Length3:57
Label EastWest
Songwriter(s) Curtis Mayfield
Producer(s)
En Vogue singles chronology
"My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)"
(1992)		"Giving Him Something He Can Feel"
(1992)		"Free Your Mind"
(1992)
Music video
"Giving Him Something He Can Feel" on YouTube

Fifteen years after Sparkle was released, American R&B group En Vogue recorded a cover version of "Something He Can Feel"—retitled "Giving Him Something He Can Feel"—produced by Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster. The lead vocals are sung by Dawn Robinson and the background vocals are done by Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron and Maxine Jones. The En Vogue cover, released as the second single from the group's second album, Funky Divas (1992), was also a successful hit.

The single peaked at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became the fifth En Vogue single in two years to peak at number one on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart. [4] In the United Kingdom, it was released as a double A-side single with "Free Your Mind" and reached number 16 on the UK singles chart, while in New Zealand, it became En Vogue's highest-charting single, peaking at number two for two weeks. Nichole Cordova performed the En Vogue's version of "Something He Can Feel" on the season finale of Pussycat Dolls Present: Girlicious where she became the first member of Girlicious. [5] She received high praise from the judges Robin Antin, Lil' Kim and Ron Fair. [5]

Critical reception

Larry Flick from Billboard complimented the song as a "lovely, retro-minded pop/R&B ballad", noting that their "remarkable trademark harmonies are always at the forefront of a musical environment that often recalls the early days of Aretha Franklin and Mary Wells." He added that the song is a "soothing interlude for all formats." [6] Glenn Kenny from Entertainment Weekly described it as "sultry", naming it the best En Vogue song. [7] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report stated that here, the group "do it up stunningly, uncovering this Curtis Mayfield creation and turning it into something beyond compare." [8] Everett True from Melody Maker said, "Effortless precision. En Vogue are the most perfectly manufactured group since Pan's People." [9] Gerald Martinez from New Sunday Times felt the track "sees them singing low and cool, with that classic finger-snapping Motown R&B feel." [10] Parry Gettelman from Orlando Sentinel viewed it as "exemplary", adding that the "four superb voices" of En Vogue "unleash full gospel fervor" on the song. [11] Cheo H. Coker from Stanford Daily declared it as "fabulous", adding, "No corn, just the sounds of sultry singing matched with sparse, yet solid, instrumentation." [12]

Retrospective response

In a 2017 retrospective review, Quentin Harrison from Albumism remarked that En Vogue's version restored the song to its girl group roots and brought it forward into a new decade, "reverently, but boldly." [13] AllMusic editor Jose F. Promis declared it as a "sophisticated" and "shimmering ghetto love fable", initially popularized by Aretha Franklin. [14] Another editor, Rob Theakston, labeled the song as a "sultry rendition". [15] Daryl Easlea for BBC in 2009, described it as a "delicious cover". [16] In a 2020 retrospective review, Pop Rescue stated that "whilst it’d always be hard to out-do Aretha, En Vogue are definitely worthy of a credible challenge." [17] In 2007, Laura Checkoway from Vibe described the song as "alluring". [18]

Music video

A music video was produced to promote the single, directed by Stefan Würnitzer.[ citation needed ] It begins with En Vogue putting on make-up. Then they perform for an audience of men in a club, standing on a stage in front of a blue curtain while wearing long red dresses. In the end, the men are giving a standing ovation for En Vogue. [19]

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [39] Gold500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United StatesJune 11, 1992CD EastWest [40]
JapanJuly 25, 1992Mini-CD [41]
United KingdomOctober 26, 1992
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
 [42]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aretha Franklin</span> American singer (1942–2018)

Aretha Louise Franklin was an American singer, songwriter and pianist. Honored as the "Queen of Soul", she was twice named by Rolling Stone magazine as the greatest singer of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">En Vogue</span> American vocal girl group

En Vogue is an American vocal girl group whose original lineup consisted of singers Terry Ellis, Dawn Robinson, Cindy Herron, and Maxine Jones. Formed in Oakland, California, in 1989, En Vogue reached No. 2 on the US Hot 100 with the single "Hold On", taken from their 1990 debut album Born to Sing. The group's 1992 follow-up album Funky Divas reached the top 10 in both the US and UK, and included their second US number two hit "My Lovin' " as well as the US top 10 hits "Giving Him Something He Can Feel" and "Free Your Mind".

<i>Funky Divas</i> 1992 studio album by En Vogue

Funky Divas is the second studio album by American recording group En Vogue, released by Atlantic Records division East West on March 24, 1992, in the United States. Conceived after the success of their Grammy Award–nominated debut album Born to Sing (1990), En Vogue reteamed with their founders Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy to work on the entire album. As with Born to Sing, the pair borrowed from contemporary R&B, new jack swing, and hip hop, while also incorporating classic soul, blues and doo-wop elements, particularly on its on two Sparkle cover versions, as well as, in the case of "Free Your Mind," heavy metal sounds. The album became the quartet's second album to earn a Grammy Award nomination in the Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals category at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards, while winning Favorite Soul/R&B Album at the American Music Awards of 1993 and the Sammy Davis Jr. Award for Entertainer of the Year at the 1993 Soul Train Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dawn Robinson</span> American singer (born 1966)

Dawn Sherrese Robinson is an American singer and actress best known as a founding member of the R&B/pop group En Vogue, one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time. Following her departure from En Vogue, Robinson joined Lucy Pearl and released their self-titled debut album Lucy Pearl in 2000, which went platinum worldwide and produced the successful singles "Dance Tonight" and "Don't Mess with My Man".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maxine Jones</span> American singer

Maxine Jones, is an American singer, songwriter, actress and businesswoman, best known as a founding member of the R&B/pop group En Vogue, one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time. She sang lead vocals on the group's signature singles "My Lovin' " and "Don't Let Go (Love)", both of which garnered international success and sold over a million copies. Throughout her career, Jones has sold over 20 million records with En Vogue. Her work has earned her several awards and nominations, including two American Music Awards, a Billboard Music Award, four MTV Video Music Awards, and four Soul Train Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)</span> 1987 single by Aretha Franklin and George Michael

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)</span> 1992 single by En Vogue

"My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" is a song by American pop/R&B group En Vogue, released in March 1992 by Eastwest Records as the lead single from their multi-platinum second album, Funky Divas (1992).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman</span> 1967 song by Aretha Franklin

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<i>Sparkle</i> (soundtrack) 1976 soundtrack album by Aretha Franklin

Music from the Warner Bros. Picture "Sparkle" is a soundtrack album and twenty-fourth studio album by American singer Aretha Franklin, written and produced by Curtis Mayfield. Released on May 27, 1976, the disc is the soundtrack album for the 1976 Warner Bros. motion picture Sparkle, starring Irene Cara. The songs on the soundtrack feature the instrumental tracks and backing vocals from the film versions, with Franklin's voice taking the place of the original lead vocalists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Free Your Mind (song)</span> 1992 single by En Vogue

"Free Your Mind" is a song by American female group En Vogue from their second album, Funky Divas (1992). The track was composed and produced by Foster and McElroy. They were inspired by the Funkadelic song "Free Your Mind and Your Ass Will Follow." The guitar and bass tracks for the song were written and recorded by San Francisco-based guitarist Jinx Jones. The opening line: "Prejudice, wrote a song about it. Like to hear it? Here it go!", is adapted from a line originally used by David Alan Grier's character Calhoun Tubbs from Fox's In Living Color.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hold On (En Vogue song)</span> 1990 single by En Vogue

"Hold On" is a song by American girl group En Vogue, released in early 1990 as the first single from their debut album, Born to Sing (1990). It was produced by Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy, and written by the former two and all members of the group. It peaked at number five in the United Kingdom and number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. In the latter country, the song reached number one on the Billboard Dance Club Play, 12-inch Singles Sales, and Hot Black Singles charts. En Vogue performed "Hold On" at the 2008 BET Awards with Alicia Keys. In 2017, it was ranked number four on Spin magazine's ranking of "The 30 Best '90s R&B Songs".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Give It Up, Turn It Loose</span> 1992 single by En Vogue

"Give It Up, Turn It Loose" is a song by American R&B/pop vocal group En Vogue, released as the fourth single from their second album, Funky Divas (1992). The song's title is a reference to the 1969 James Brown song "Give It Up or Turnit a Loose". Released on November 12, 1992 by Eastwest Records, the single reached number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100, number 16 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart, and number 22 on the UK Singles Chart. It was written and produced by Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster, and features Maxine Jones on lead entirely. The music video was directed by Marcus Nispel. In 1994, the song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 36th Annual Grammy Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Don't Love You</span> 1993 single by En Vogue

"Love Don't Love You" is a song by American R&B/pop vocal group En Vogue, released in February 1993 by Eastwest Records as the final single from their second album, Funky Divas (1992). The song was both written and produced by Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster, and became the group's fifth consecutive top-40 single from the album in the United States. It peaked at numbers 36 and 31 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100. The song is led by group members Terry Ellis and Cindy Herron.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What Is Love (En Vogue song)</span> 1993 single by En Vogue

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Runaway Love (En Vogue song)</span> 1993 single by En Vogue

"Runaway Love" is a song by American R&B/pop group En Vogue, released in September 1993 by Eastwest Records as the first single from the group's extended play (EP) Runaway Love. After the huge success of their second album, Funky Divas (1992), the single was released. It was written and produced by Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster. Group members Cindy Herron and Terry Ellis share lead vocals, Dawn Robinson leads on the bridge, and spoken intro is by Maxine Jones. Elroy and Foster contributed vocals and spoken rap, their known as the alias FMob group. In the US, the song reached numbers 51 and 43 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100.

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<i>Runaway Love</i> (EP) 1993 EP by En Vogue

Runaway Love is an EP by American recording group En Vogue. It was released by East West Records on September 21, 1993, in the United States. The EP followed their multi-platinum hit album Funky Divas in 1992. The EP contains the title track, "Runaway Love" featuring FMob, known as Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster.

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<i>Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics</i> 2014 studio album by Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics is the thirty-eighth and final studio album by American singer Aretha Franklin and was released on October 17, 2014. It features ten covers of songs made famous by female recording artists.

References

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  2. ↑ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 216.
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  4. ↑ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 189.
  5. 1 2 "Pussycat Dolls Present Girlicious: Season Finale "You Are Girlicious" Recap". Buddy TV. 23 April 2008. Retrieved June 4, 2014.
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  25. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Free Your Mind/Giving Him Something He..". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
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