Donna Summer: I Feel Love | Studio 360 | WNYC Studios

About the Song

Donna Summer, rightfully known as the “Queen of Disco,” gifted the world with a multitude of hits, but I Feel Love, released in 1977, stands as a monumental achievement, a true game-changer in the history of electronic music. This wasn’t just another disco song; it was a sonic revolution.

The brilliance of I Feel Love lies in its innovative production. Giorgio Moroder, the maestro behind the track, created a pulsating, futuristic soundscape using a Moog synthesizer. This was a departure from the traditional orchestral arrangements that dominated disco at the time. The result was a hypnotic, otherworldly experience that transported listeners to a new dimension of sound.

Donna Summer‘s vocals, ethereal and powerful, soared above the electronic landscape, adding a human touch to the machine-driven rhythm. Her performance captured the essence of euphoria, conveying a sense of boundless joy and liberation. The lyrics, simple yet profound, spoke of the transformative power of love, a universal theme that resonated with audiences across the globe.

I Feel Love wasn’t just a hit on the dance floors; it was a cultural phenomenon. It crossed over into the mainstream, influencing countless artists and genres. Its impact can be heard in the work of electronic music pioneers like Kraftwerk and in the contemporary sounds of house and techno.

This song’s influence is evident in how it pushed the boundaries of music production. Moroder’s pioneering use of synthesizers paved the way for the electronic music that followed. The song’s structure, with its relentless, driving beat, became a template for countless dance tracks.

To this day, I Feel Love remains a timeless classic, a testament to Donna Summer‘s artistry and Giorgio Moroder’s visionary production. It’s a song that continues to inspire and captivate, a reminder of the power of music to transcend boundaries and create a sense of shared experience. When you listen to I Feel Love, you’re not just hearing a song; you’re experiencing a piece of music history.

Video