'I Feel Love': The song that revolutionized dance music


At a glance

  • A revolution was made in July 1977 when the late Queen of Disco released 'I Feel Love' wherein Rolling Stone ranked the single as the No. 1 dance tune of all time in July 2022.


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Cover of the single ‘I Feel Love’ by Donna Summer (Discogs)

Is someone up for a groove? Hey Siri, play 'I Feel Love' by Donna Summer!

A revolution was made in July 1977 when the late Queen of Disco released 'I Feel Love' wherein Rolling Stone ranked the single as the No. 1 dance tune of all time in July 2022. 

"It's simply impossible to imagine the future sound of dance without it," Rolling Stone said in its article. Indeed, the song will make you feel 'Ooh, it's so good!'

'I Feel Love' was an astonishing achievement and marked a turning point in the evolution of music since this was the first song to make a technological breakthrough during its era.

Brian Eno was right when he said, "This single is going to change the sound of club music for the next 15 years," or more like forever!

The song, under the direction of producers and co-writers Giorgio Moroder and Pete Belotte, shifted the direction of many other genres and sub-genres because of the song's mixture of electronic and disco beats. It utilized a drum machine and synthesizer, which gave the song a futuristic feel.

And a tip for listening to it? Pair it with a good set of headphones or earphones to feel the music weave in and out through your ears.

Aside from the beats, Donna's emotive vocals tied the whole song, and the stage is finally set for the piece to have its radical breakthrough in dance music.

The global smash reached number one in several countries, including the United Kingdom, where its spot at the top lasted an entire month in 1977, while it rose to number six in America.

With the song topping the list of Rolling Stone even after 46 years, it showed how timeless it is, its influence on every dance, and the music which followed after its release. 

Also, it is ironic how Rolling Stone ranked 'Last Dance' at No. 200, another classic song from Donna. 

'I Feel Love' was part of Donna's fifth studio album, 'I Remember Yesterday' in 1977. 

Throughout her career, Donna won five Grammys and six American Music Awards, and she was also the first solo artist to achieve three consecutive number-one platinum albums. Her most famous song was 'Hot Stuff,' which has sold over 130 million copies worldwide.

Donna once said, "What I aspire to in my life, truly, is to be loving." She made it happen with her songs that give that dopamine rush, and if there's one thing that never left the dance floor, that for sure is 'I Feel Love.' (Kyla Mari Paulo/OJT/UST)