About the song
“Sweetest Feeling” by Jackie Wilson is a soulful and exuberant classic that captures the heart of 1960s rhythm and blues. Released in 1967, this track is part of Jackie Wilson’s album “The Sweetest Feeling” and is a timeless celebration of love and devotion. Known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, Jackie Wilson brings all of his musical talent to this song, delivering an emotional depth that still resonates with listeners today.
The song’s theme revolves around the euphoria of love, with Wilson describing the overwhelming joy he feels in the presence of his beloved. The title, “Sweetest Feeling”, perfectly encapsulates the mood of the song, as Wilson’s soulful voice elevates the lyrics into a full expression of longing and devotion. The song’s lush orchestration, combined with its upbeat tempo and catchy rhythm, creates a track that is both uplifting and emotionally stirring.
Musically, “Sweetest Feeling” features a blend of traditional R&B and Motown influences, with a strong brass section and rich backing vocals supporting Wilson’s commanding lead. The arrangement is polished yet brimming with raw emotion, a hallmark of the 1960s soul genre. Wilson’s vocal performance stands at the forefront, with his dynamic range and heartfelt delivery turning the song into a celebration of the sweetest aspects of human connection.
“Sweetest Feeling” was not just a hit for Jackie Wilson, but it also played a significant role in his career resurgence in the late 1960s. At a time when soul and pop music were rapidly evolving, this track helped to solidify Wilson’s place as one of the genre’s great voices. The song’s infectious melody and relatable lyrics allowed it to achieve widespread popularity, reaching audiences beyond the typical R&B fan base and making it a staple on both pop and soul charts.
The song’s impact went beyond just its commercial success; it also showcased Wilson’s ability to evoke powerful emotions with simplicity. The lyrics, though straightforward, manage to touch on universal themes of love, joy, and the pure happiness that comes from being with someone special. This accessibility, paired with Wilson’s impressive vocal control, allowed the song to remain a beloved classic for decades to come.
Furthermore, “Sweetest Feeling” helped to further cement Jackie Wilson’s status as a pioneering figure in soul music, often referred to as “Mr. Excitement” due to his energetic performances. His influence on later artists, especially in the realms of Motown and modern R&B, is undeniable. The track’s uplifting tone and powerful lyrics contributed to the wider social movement of the 1960s, where music played an important role in expressing both personal and collective joy.
Today, “Sweetest Feeling” stands as a cherished classic in the soul music genre, continuing to inspire fans and artists alike. With its joyful message and Jackie Wilson’s unforgettable vocal performance, the song remains one of the cornerstones of his rich musical legacy.
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Lyrics
Your love lifted me higherThan I’ve ever, been lifted beforeSo keep it up, quench my desireAnd I’ll be at your side forevermoreYou know your love keep on liftin’ me (your love keeps liftin’ me, your love keeps liftin’ me)Higher, higher and higher (you liftin’ me higher and higher, higher)I said your love keep on liftin’ me (your love keeps liftin’ me, your love keeps liftin’ me)Higher and higher, listen (higher and higher, higher)Now once, I was down-heartedDisappointment was my closest friendBut then you came and it soon departedAnd you’ll know he never showed his face againThat’s why your love keep on liftin’ me (your love keeps liftin’ me, your love keeps liftin’ me)Higher, higher and higher (you liftin’ me higher and higher, higher)I said your love keep on (your love keeps liftin’ me, your love keeps liftin’ me)Liftin’ me higher and higher, alright (liftin’ me higher and higher)I’m so glad I finally found youLess than one in a million girlAnd I whip, my lovin’ arms around you, honeyI can stand up! And face the worldLet me tell that your love (your love keeps liftin’ me your-)Keep on liftin’ me (love keeps on liftin’ me)Higher, higher and higher (higher and higher, higher)And I said your love (love keep liftin’, liftin’)Keep on liftin’ me (your love keeps liftin’ me, you’re liftin’ me)Higher and higher (higher and higher, higher)Alright now sock it to (liftin’, liftin’, liftin’)Alright definitely you’re the woman (your love keeps on liftin’)Keep my life goin’ higher and higher (oh, liftin’ me, higher and higher)I said keep on liftin’! (Liftin’, liftin’, liftin’)Lift me up momma (your love keeps on liftin’ me oh)Keep on liftin’ me (liftin’ me)Higher and higher (higher and higher)