About The Song
Blue Feeling by The Animals: A Song of Love and Loss
In the realm of rock and roll history, few bands have emerged with the raw power and soulful resonance of The Animals. Hailing from Newcastle, England, this quintet burst onto the scene in the mid-1960s, captivating audiences with their electrifying blend of blues, R&B, and rockabilly. Among their most enduring hits is “Blue Feeling,” a song that perfectly encapsulates the band’s signature sound and emotional depth.
Released in 1964, “Blue Feeling” is a prime example of The Animals’ ability to transform classic blues and R&B tunes into something uniquely their own. The song’s original version, written by traditional bluesman Al Smith, was a slow, melancholic ballad. However, in the hands of The Animals, “Blue Feeling” takes on a new life, infused with a raw energy and emotional intensity that set it apart.
From the opening notes, “Blue Feeling” grabs the listener with its infectious rhythm, driven by Eric Burdon’s powerful vocals and Alan Price’s driving organ riffs. Burdon’s voice, a potent blend of grit and soul, perfectly captures the song’s themes of love, loss, and longing. He delivers each line with a palpable intensity, conveying the heartache of a man grappling with the absence of his beloved.
The song’s lyrics, though relatively simple, are imbued with a depth of emotion that resonates with listeners. The singer laments the loss of his love, describing his feelings of loneliness and despair. He yearns for the return of his beloved, pleading with her not to leave him. The lyrics’ simplicity is their strength, allowing the raw emotion of the song to shine through.
“Blue Feeling” is not merely a cover song; it’s a reimagining, a transformation that elevates the original material to new heights. The Animals’ interpretation of “Blue Feeling” is a testament to their musical prowess and their ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level. It’s a song that has stood the test of time, continuing to touch the hearts of music lovers generations after its release.
In the alternate take of “Blue Feeling,” we find a slightly rawer, more stripped-down version of the song. Burdon’s vocals are even more impassioned, and the band’s instrumental backing is tighter and more focused. This alternate take offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process of The Animals, showcasing their willingness to experiment and refine their sound.
Whether in its original or alternate form, “Blue Feeling” remains a timeless classic, a song that captures the essence of blues and rock and roll. It’s a testament to the enduring power of music to evoke emotions, tell stories, and connect us with one another.