It Feels So Good

"It Feels So Good" is a modern reinterpretation of Sonique's 1998 classic, transformed into a tech house anthem by Matt Sassari and HUGEL. The song's meaning is direct and universally relatable, centered on the euphoric and all-encompassing feeling of being in love. The lyrics express a pure, uncomplicated joy derived from a partner's presence and affection. It dismisses superficial attributes like appearance or status ('It's not the way you walk... it ain't the job you got') to focus on the profound emotional impact of the relationship. The central message is that this love provides an unparalleled high, a sense of vitality and security ('that's what takes me high / Higher than I've been before / and your love, it keeps me alive'). It's a declaration of how a deep connection can be a source of strength, comfort, and exhilarating happiness, a feeling so powerful it dominates the singer's thoughts and fills their heart completely.

The narrative of the song revolves around a profound and uplifting connection with another person whose presence is a constant source of joy and stability. This individual has the innate ability to turn moments of sadness into happiness, providing a 'vibe' that is described as completely genuine and authentic ('totally bonafide'). The source of this deep satisfaction isn't superficial; it transcends physical appearance ('it's not the way you walk') or conversational skills ('it ain't the way you talk'). It also goes beyond material or external validation, as the singer clarifies that it's not the person's job that brings this sense of contentment.

The core of the song's message is the powerful, almost transcendental effect of this person's love. This love is depicted as a potent force that elevates the singer to unprecedented emotional heights, described as being 'higher than I've been before.' It's not just a fleeting pleasure but a life-sustaining force that 'keeps me alive.' There's a clear desire to communicate the depth of this appreciation, emphasizing that the partner's touch carries immense significance. This feeling is particularly potent during solitary moments, as the singer's thoughts are consumed by this person, especially 'when I'm alone at night.'

A central theme is the plea for mutual understanding. The singer yearns for the partner to fully comprehend the depth and intensity of their feelings. The refrain, 'Ooh, I want you to understand,' serves as a heartfelt appeal, reinforcing the desire for this emotional state to be acknowledged and shared. The feeling is described as fulfilling every emotional need within the singer's heart. The repetition of the central hook—'Your love, it feels so good'—acts as the story's anchor, a constant reminder of the euphoric and life-affirming power that defines this relationship. The song is a pure celebration of a love that is not just comforting but exhilarating and essential to the singer's being.

"It Feels So Good" is a collaborative cover version released on November 1, 2024. It brings together two prominent French DJs and producers from Marseille, Matt Sassari and HUGEL, who are also label mates on Cr2 Records. The track is an official adaptation of the iconic 1998 dance hit of the same name by Sonique. The writers credited on this version include the original songwriters: Sonia Clarke (Sonique), Graeme Louis Michael Pleeth, Linus Christopher Burdick, and Simon Belofsky.

The idea for the collaboration between Sassari and HUGEL, both major figures in the house music scene, culminated in this high-energy re-work. Matt Sassari noted his excitement about finally releasing a track with his 'brother' HUGEL, mentioning they had worked on remixes together before but this was a new joint record. The track was test-driven extensively in Sassari's live sets for about six months prior to its release, always receiving a 'crazy reaction' from the crowd.

The song was officially premiered live during the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) at Cr2 Records' 20th Anniversary party. The reveal, where both Sassari and HUGEL performed, was met with significant buzz from fans. The event was also a moment of celebration for the artists, as they were awarded for each reaching the milestone of half a billion streams.

The rhythm of "It Feels So Good" is defined by its tech house genre, featuring a steady 4/4 time signature and a tempo of approximately 128 BPM, making it ideal for club play. The rhythmic foundation is a powerful kick drum on every beat, layered with syncopated hi-hats, claps, and a driving bassline that creates a hypnotic, danceable groove. The interplay between the pounding kick and the off-beat percussive elements is a key feature of the track's energetic feel.

The song's lyrical rhythm is dictated by Sonique's vocal melody. The rhyme scheme in the verses is simple and effective. For example, in the first verse, 'down' and 'bonafide' create a near rhyme, while 'walk' and 'talk' in the following lines create a perfect rhyme, lending a sense of structure and musicality to the lyrics. The most significant rhythmic element is the repetition of the title phrase, 'Your love, it feels so good,' which serves as the main hook. Its consistent placement and cadence make it the rhythmic and thematic anchor of the entire composition.

Musically, "It Feels So Good" is a prime example of modern tech house. The track is built upon a driving, four-on-the-floor drum pattern, characteristic of the genre, with a prominent, pulsating bassline that provides relentless energy. Producers Matt Sassari and HUGEL blend their signature styles; Sassari brings his precise, hard-hitting tech house engineering, while HUGEL infuses elements of his Latin house background, creating a groove-focused and rhythmically hypnotic production. The arrangement is structured for the dancefloor, with builds, drops, and breakdowns designed to maximize energy. The track prominently features the iconic vocal performance of Sonique from the original 1998 song, using it as the central melodic and emotional hook against the new, robust instrumental. The vocal samples are manipulated with classic house music techniques, including looping and filtering, to integrate seamlessly into the track's structure.

Lyrically, the song uses simple, direct address ('You always make me smile') and repetition to create a memorable and anthemic feel. The recurring phrase 'Your love, it feels so good' acts as a powerful, easily chantable hook. The lyrical structure is straightforward, following a verse-chorus pattern that is common in popular and dance music, ensuring immediate accessibility.

As a 2024 release, the long-term cultural impact of Matt Sassari and HUGEL's version of "It Feels So Good" is still developing. However, its initial reception points to significant influence within the electronic dance music scene. The track is a cover of Sonique's globally recognized hit from 1998, which reached number one in the UK in 2000 and became a dance-pop classic. This new version leverages the nostalgia and widespread recognition of the original while successfully updating it for contemporary dancefloors. The collaboration itself is noteworthy, uniting two of France's most successful electronic artists. The song received immediate support from DJs and was premiered at a major industry event, ADE, indicating its importance within the genre. It has achieved chart success, notably peaking at number 29 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart and appearing on iTunes charts in several countries including Spain and Canada. The track's popularity is also evident in its widespread play in DJ sets and clubs, positioning it as a major tech house anthem of the year.

The song primarily employs direct emotional language rather than complex symbolism, but it uses a central metaphor to convey its message. The primary metaphor is the comparison of love to a powerful, elevating substance. The lyric, 'Your love, it feels so good / And that's what takes me high / Higher than I've been before,' explicitly likens the feeling of love to a form of intoxication or a spiritual high. This isn't a negative or dangerous high, but one that is life-affirming and euphoric, lifting the speaker out of a state of being 'feelin' down.' It symbolizes an escape from mundanity and sadness into a state of supreme happiness. Furthermore, the line 'and your love, it keeps me alive' functions as a metaphor for sustenance, suggesting that this love is as essential as air or water, providing the core energy for the speaker's emotional survival and well-being.

The most prominent and significant recurring phrase in the song is its title, 'Your love, it feels so good.' This line functions as the central hook and the thesis of the entire track. Its repetition throughout the song, particularly in the chorus and drops, reinforces the central theme of euphoric love and makes the track incredibly memorable and anthemic. Another key recurring motif is the couplet, 'And that's what takes me high / Higher than I've been before,' which immediately follows the title phrase. This reinforces the idea of love as a transcendent experience. The phrase 'Ooh, I want you to understand' is a recurring plea that adds an emotional depth, expressing a desire for the partner to fully grasp the intensity of the singer's feelings. Musically, the track is built around a recurring bassline and drum pattern, creating a hypnotic and driving foundation that is characteristic of the tech house genre.