Introduction:
The year is 1981. Country music is still dominated by the sounds of outlaw country and Bakersfield Bakersfield is a city in Kern County, California, known for its Bakersfield sound, a subgenre of country music that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, characterized by a strong emphasis on electric guitars, steel guitars, and a driving backbeat.. But a new wave is starting to crest, a blend of smooth vocals, intricate harmonies, and pop sensibilities that will come to be known as “countrypolitan.” At the forefront of this movement are the four members of Alabama: Randy Owen (vocals, rhythm guitar), Teddy Gentry (vocals, bass guitar), Jeff Cook (vocals, lead guitar, fiddle, keyboards), and Mark Herndon (drums, vocals).
Formed in Fort Payne, Alabama in 1969, the band had already released four studio albums by 1981, establishing themselves as a rising star in the country music scene. However, their fifth studio album, titled Feels So Right, would propel them to superstardom and forever change the trajectory of their career. Released in February 1981 by RCA Nashville, the album was produced by the duo of Larry McBride and Harold Shedd.
Feels So Right marked a turning point for Alabama. While their previous albums showcased their strong vocals and tight harmonies, Feels So Right incorporated a more polished sound, with a greater emphasis on keyboards and a smoother overall production. This new direction, spearheaded by producer Larry McBride, proved to be a masterstroke. The album resonated not only with country audiences but also with fans of pop music, becoming a true crossover success.
The title track, “Feels So Right”, became the album’s signature song and Alabama’s first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Written by band member Randy Owen, “Feels So Right” is a sensual and romantic ballad that speaks of a passionate connection. The song’s success was due in part to its catchy melody, smooth harmonies, and suggestive lyrics that pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable for country music at the time.
“Feels So Right” wasn’t the only hit on the album. Two other tracks, “Old Flame” and “Love in the First Degree”, also reached number one on the country charts and crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100. The album’s phenomenal success helped to solidify Alabama’s position as one of the biggest country music acts of the decade. Feels So Right went on to become Alabama’s first number-one album on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and achieved the impressive feat of staying on the Billboard 200 chart for over three years, longer than any other Alabama album. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) eventually certified the album quadruple platinum, signifying sales of over four million copies in the United States alone.
Feels So Right was more than just a commercially successful album. It marked a significant shift in the sound of country music, paving the way for the smoother, more pop-influenced sound that would dominate the genre in the years to come. The album’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to bridge the gap between country and pop, appealing to a wider audience and helping to propel country music into the mainstream.
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Lyrics:
Whisper to me softlyBreathe words upon my skinNo one’s near and listeningSo please don’t say goodbyeJust hold me close and love mePress your lips to mineMmm feels so right, feels so rightLying here beside youI hear the echoes of your sighsPromise me you’ll stay with meAnd keep me warm tonightSo hold me close and love meGive my heart a smileMmm feels so right, feels so rightYour body feels so gentleAnd my passion rises highYou’re loving me so easyYour wish is my commandJust hold me close and love meTell me it won’t endMmm feels so right, feels so rightFeels so rightAh, you feel so right baby