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Something He Can Feel

November 01, 2023

"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).

"Something He Can Feel"
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
StudioCurtom (Chicago, Illinois)
Genre
Length
  • 6:21 (album)
  • 3:25 (single)
LabelAtlantic
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)

Aretha Franklin original edit

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 Aretha's only pop Top 40 hit during the second half of the 1970s.[1]

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 edit

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 edit

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

Afrika Bambaataa feat. Boy George version edit

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

En Vogue version edit

"Giving Him Something He Can Feel"
 
Single by En Vogue
from the album Funky Divas
ReleasedJune 11, 1992 (1992-06-11)[2]
RecordedLate 1991–January 1992[3]
Genre
Length3:57
Label
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" (titled as "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, 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.[5]

Critical reception edit

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 edit

In an 2017 retrospective review, Quentin Harrison from Albumism remarked that the 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 an 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 edit

A music video was produced to promote the single, directed by Stefan Würnitzer.[19] 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. The video was later published on the group's official YouTube channel in January 2020. It has amassed more than 4,2 million views as of October 2021.[20]

Charts edit

Certifications edit

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[40] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 216.
  2. ^ "En Vogue - Giving Him Something He Can Feel - Amazon.com Music". Amazon. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
  3. ^ "Don't think I can make it. By Denzil Foster, Thomas McElroy, Will Townsend, Pharoah Davis, Warren Robinson & Andre Zachary". Faqs.org. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
  4. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 189.
  5. ^ a b "Pussycat Dolls Present Girlicious: Season Finale "You Are Girlicious" Recap". Buddy TV. 23 April 2008. Retrieved June 4, 2014.
  6. ^ Flick, Larry (June 13, 1992). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. p. 72. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  7. ^ Kenny, Glenn (September 25, 1992). "En Vogue: Funky Divas". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  8. ^ Sholin, Dave (May 29, 1992). "Personal Picks: Singles" (PDF). Gavin Report. p. 52. Retrieved October 17, 2020.
  9. ^ True, Everett (August 1, 1992). "Singles". Melody Maker. p. 29. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
  10. ^ Martinez, Gerald (November 15, 1998). "Top notch hits from Collins". New Sunday Times. p. 13. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
  11. ^ Gettelman, Parry (April 24, 1992). "En Vogue". Orlando Sentinel.
  12. ^ Coker, Cheo H. (April 16, 1992). "Hip-hop's four funky divas". Stanford Daily. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  13. ^ Harrison, Quentin (March 22, 2017). "Never Gonna Get It: Celebrating 25 Years of En Vogue's 'Funky Divas'". Albumism. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
  14. ^ Promis, Jose F. "En Vogue - Funky Divas". AllMusic. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  15. ^ "En Vogue - The Essentials". AllMusic. Retrieved March 23, 2020.
  16. ^ Theakston, Rob (2009). "En Vogue Funky Divas Review". BBC. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
  17. ^ "Review: "Funky Divas" by En Vogue (CD, 1992)". Pop Rescue. May 1, 2020. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
  18. ^ Checkoway, Laura (June 1, 2007). "ESSENTIAL EN VOGUE". Vibe. p. 134. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  19. ^ "En Vogue: Giving Him Something He Can Feel". IMDb. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
  20. ^ "En Vogue - Giving Him Something He Can Feel (Official Music Video)". YouTube. January 24, 2020. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
  21. ^ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988-2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
  22. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 1987." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
  23. ^ "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 1979." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
  24. ^ "European Dance Radio" (PDF). Music & Media. August 22, 1992. p. 24. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  25. ^ "En Vogue – Giving Him Something He Can Feel" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  26. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Free Your Mind/Giving Him Something He..". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
  27. ^ "En Vogue – Giving Him Something He Can Feel". top40.nl. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  28. ^ "En Vogue – Giving Him Something He Can Feel" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  29. ^ "En Vogue – Giving Him Something He Can Feel". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  30. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  31. ^ "Top 60 Dance Singles" (PDF). Music Week. August 22, 1992. p. 20. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  32. ^ "En Vogue Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  33. ^ "En Vogue Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  34. ^ "En Vogue Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  35. ^ "En Vogue Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  36. ^ "En Vogue Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  37. ^ "End of Year Charts 1992". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
  38. ^ "Billboard Top 100 – 1992". Retrieved July 30, 2010.
  39. ^ "R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1992". Billboard. Retrieved February 12, 2018.
  40. ^ "American single certifications – En Vogue – Giving Him Something He Can Feel". Recording Industry Association of America.

November 01, 2023
something, feel, song, composed, curtis, mayfield, 1976, motion, picture, sparkle, song, love, ballad, chicago, philly, soul, style, became, number, billboard, singles, chart, united, states, twice, with, separate, recordings, 1976, version, aretha, franklin, . 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 amp 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 Something He Can Feel One of A side labels of the U S vinyl singleSingle by Aretha Franklinfrom the album Music from the Warner Bros Picture Sparkle B side Loving You Baby ReleasedMay 5 1976RecordedApril 1976StudioCurtom Chicago Illinois GenreR amp BsoulLength6 21 album 3 25 single LabelAtlanticSongwriter s Curtis MayfieldProducer s Curtis MayfieldAretha Franklin singles chronology You 1976 Something He Can Feel 1976 Jump Hooked On Your Love 1976 Contents 1 Aretha Franklin original 1 1 Usage in media 2 Charts 3 Afrika Bambaataa feat Boy George version 4 En Vogue version 4 1 Critical reception 4 2 Retrospective response 4 3 Music video 4 4 Charts 4 4 1 Weekly charts 4 4 2 Year end charts 4 5 Certifications 5 See also 6 ReferencesAretha Franklin original editIn the original 1976 version of the film Sparkle the song is performed by Sister amp 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 amp 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 Aretha s only pop Top 40 hit during the second half of the 1970s 1 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 amp Her Sisters perform Something He Can Feel as part of a live TV performance headlined by Franklin Personnel Aretha Franklin vocals pianoUsage in media edit 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 editChart 1976 PeakpositionUS Billboard Hot 100 28US Hot R amp B Hip Hop Songs Billboard 1Afrika Bambaataa feat Boy George version editIn 1988 a rap and Hip Hop artist Afrika Bambaataa recorded a cover version of Something He Can Feel The cover released on the album The Light a collaboration album with lead vocals on this song by Boy George En Vogue version edit Giving Him Something He Can Feel nbsp Single by En Voguefrom the album Funky DivasReleasedJune 11 1992 1992 06 11 2 RecordedLate 1991 January 1992 3 GenreR amp BsoulLength3 57LabelEastWestElektraSongwriter s Curtis MayfieldProducer s Thomas McElroyDenzil FosterEn 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 YouTubeFifteen years after Sparkle was released American R amp B group En Vogue recorded a cover version of Something He Can Feel titled as 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 amp 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 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 5 Critical reception edit Larry Flick from Billboard complimented the song as a lovely retro minded pop R amp 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 amp 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 edit In an 2017 retrospective review Quentin Harrison from Albumism remarked that the 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 an 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 edit A music video was produced to promote the single directed by Stefan Wurnitzer 19 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 The video was later published on the group s official YouTube channel in January 2020 It has amassed more than 4 2 million views as of October 2021 20 Charts edit Weekly charts edit Chart 1992 PeakpositionAustralia ARIA 21 84Canada Top Singles RPM 22 19Canada Adult Contemporary RPM 23 26Europe European Dance Radio 24 23Germany Official German Charts 25 45Ireland IRMA 26 with Free Your Mind 23Netherlands Dutch Top 40 Tipparade 27 4Netherlands Single Top 100 28 45New Zealand Recorded Music NZ 29 2UK Singles OCC 30 with Free Your Mind 16UK Dance Music Week 31 24US Billboard Hot 100 32 6US Adult Contemporary Billboard 33 32US Hot R amp B Hip Hop Songs Billboard 34 1US Mainstream Top 40 Billboard 35 31US Rhythmic Billboard 36 15 Year end charts edit Chart 1992 PositionNew Zealand Recorded Music NZ 37 39US Billboard Hot 100 38 29US Hot R amp B Hip Hop Songs Billboard 39 33 Certifications edit Region Certification Certified units salesUnited States RIAA 40 Gold 500 000 Shipments figures based on certification alone See also editList of number one R amp B singles of 1976 U S List of number one R amp B singles of 1992 U S References edit Whitburn Joel 2004 Top R amp B Hip Hop Singles 1942 2004 Record Research p 216 En Vogue Giving Him Something He Can Feel Amazon com Music Amazon Retrieved January 26 2016 Don t think I can make it By Denzil Foster Thomas McElroy Will Townsend Pharoah Davis Warren Robinson amp Andre Zachary Faqs org Retrieved June 5 2014 Whitburn Joel 2004 Top R amp B Hip Hop Singles 1942 2004 Record Research p 189 a b Pussycat Dolls Present Girlicious Season Finale You Are Girlicious Recap Buddy TV 23 April 2008 Retrieved June 4 2014 Flick Larry June 13 1992 Single Reviews PDF Billboard p 72 Retrieved February 12 2020 Kenny Glenn September 25 1992 En Vogue Funky Divas Entertainment Weekly Retrieved November 11 2020 Sholin Dave May 29 1992 Personal Picks Singles PDF Gavin Report p 52 Retrieved October 17 2020 True Everett August 1 1992 Singles Melody Maker p 29 Retrieved February 18 2023 Martinez Gerald November 15 1998 Top notch hits from Collins New Sunday Times p 13 Retrieved March 12 2020 Gettelman Parry April 24 1992 En Vogue Orlando Sentinel Coker Cheo H April 16 1992 Hip hop s four funky divas Stanford Daily Retrieved April 23 2020 Harrison Quentin March 22 2017 Never Gonna Get It Celebrating 25 Years of En Vogue s Funky Divas Albumism Retrieved April 3 2020 Promis Jose F En Vogue Funky Divas AllMusic Retrieved February 15 2020 En Vogue The Essentials AllMusic Retrieved March 23 2020 Theakston Rob 2009 En Vogue Funky Divas Review BBC Retrieved April 7 2020 Review Funky Divas by En Vogue CD 1992 Pop Rescue May 1 2020 Retrieved October 4 2020 Checkoway Laura June 1 2007 ESSENTIAL EN VOGUE Vibe p 134 Retrieved March 17 2020 En Vogue Giving Him Something He Can Feel IMDb Retrieved October 15 2021 En Vogue Giving Him Something He Can Feel Official Music Video YouTube January 24 2020 Retrieved October 15 2021 Ryan Gavin 2011 Australia s Music Charts 1988 2010 Mt Martha VIC Australia Moonlight Publishing Top RPM Singles Issue 1987 RPM Library and Archives Canada Retrieved August 1 2019 Top RPM Adult Contemporary Issue 1979 RPM Library and Archives Canada Retrieved August 1 2019 European Dance Radio PDF Music amp Media August 22 1992 p 24 Retrieved October 24 2021 En Vogue Giving Him Something He Can Feel in German GfK Entertainment charts Retrieved February 12 2018 The Irish Charts Search Results Free Your Mind Giving Him Something He Irish Singles Chart Retrieved August 1 2019 En Vogue Giving Him Something He Can Feel top40 nl Retrieved July 9 2021 En Vogue Giving Him Something He Can Feel in Dutch Single Top 100 Retrieved February 12 2018 En Vogue Giving Him Something He Can Feel Top 40 Singles Retrieved February 12 2018 Official Singles Chart Top 100 Official Charts Company Retrieved February 12 2018 Top 60 Dance Singles PDF Music Week August 22 1992 p 20 Retrieved September 29 2020 En Vogue Chart History Hot 100 Billboard Retrieved February 12 2018 En Vogue Chart History Adult Contemporary Billboard Retrieved June 24 2018 En Vogue Chart History Hot R amp B Hip Hop Songs Billboard Retrieved February 12 2018 En Vogue Chart History Pop Songs Billboard Retrieved June 24 2018 En Vogue Chart History Rhythmic Billboard Retrieved June 24 2018 End of Year Charts 1992 Recorded Music NZ Retrieved August 1 2019 Billboard Top 100 1992 Retrieved July 30 2010 R amp B Hip Hop Songs Year End 1992 Billboard Retrieved February 12 2018 American single certifications En Vogue Giving Him Something He Can Feel Recording Industry Association of America Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Something He Can Feel amp oldid 1176036057, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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