Written by Pete Bellotte, Giorgio Moroder, and Donna Summer Key Recordings
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Having already stormed American dance clubs with the heavy breathing eroticism of Love To Love You, Baby and the experiments of blending themes into a Disco suite on Love Trilogy, Giorgio Moroder, Pete Bellotte and Donna Summer turned to a new concept for their 1977 album I Remember Yesterday. The songs represent a wide range of historical periods and musical styles. It seemed natural that the album should end with a song to represent the future of Disco. Giorgio Moroder set to work using Moog synthesizers and soon I Feel Love was born.
The Donna Summer recording begins with a synthesizer wash that soon leads into a powerfully pulsating sequenced beat. Electronic versions of hi-hat cymbals and snare drum propel the recording relentlessly forward. Donna Summer's vocals surge in with a Gospel-toned edge that is at the same time celebratory and erotic. Various synthesizer parts weave together and breakdown into their simple components to create a layering effect that would become common in electronic Dance music of the 1980's by groups such as New Order.
The record was a massive hit in clubs upon its release, and its reputation has only grown over the years since. Synthesizer washes echo the music of Kraftwerk. Electronic effects in the music lay a blueprint for Techno of the future. The use of sequencers to set a beat would eventually became standard for most music designed for club play. Donna Summer's vocals are a touchstone for the erotic House records of the late 80's. It is very difficult to overestimate the importance of the original recording of I Feel Love in the history of Dance music.
Donna Summer's version of I Feel Love has been re-released in notable remixed versions twice. First, in 1982, Patrick Cowley extended the recording to 20 minutes in a now legendary remix. The original recording received full commercial remix attention with a 1995 release featuring mixes by Junior Vasquez and Masters At Work.
In 1984 I Feel Love was recorded as a heavily erotic duet between Bronski Beat's lead vocalist Jimmy Somerville and Soft Cell's lead vocalist Marc Almond. Other notable versions include a heavy Techno recording by Messiah, classical violinist Vanessa-Mae's version and Blue Man Group's idiosyncratic take on the classic.
I Feel Love remains one of the most significant landmarks in the history of Dance music. It is simple in basic concept, but still stunningly contemporary, erotic, and eminently danceable more than 25 years after its original release. Donna Summer's I Feel Love produced by Giorgio Moroder is a masterpiece.
