Tags
1970s, Brazilian, debut, Feelings, lawsuits, Louis Gaste, Morris Albert, Music, One Hit Wonder, soft rock, Worst Song Ever
Feelings Morris Albert (RCA, 1974)
This soft rock song was written by Brazilian singer Morris Albert and French songwriter Loulou Gaste (or Louis Gaste, more on that later). It was released as a single in 1974, then re-appeared as the lead single of his debut album, Feelings in 1975. The song talks of Albert’s inability to “forget my feelings of love.” Feelings performed well, peaking at #6 on the Hot 100 and #2 on the Adult Contemporary charts in the U.S. It was certified Gold in the U.S., Platinum in Canada and Silver in the UK.
It was performed by such music luminaries as Ella Fitzgerald, Petula Clark, Engelbert Humperdinck, Glen Campbell, The O’Jays, Julio Iglesias and Johnny Mathis.
In recent years, Feelings has fallen out of favor. It has become a target for ridicule and parody and has been said to possess “the most insipid lyrical and musical qualities of the 1970s soft rock music.” It often appears on “Worst Song Ever” lists and secured a spot on the 1998 Rhino Records compilation album, 70s Party Killers. Actress Julie Andrews once said that she considered this song too difficult to sing….because it had no meaning behind it.
In 1981, Morris was sued by Gaste for copyright infringement. Feelings sounded too similar to hit 1957 hit, Pour Toi. Gaste was added as a composer to Feelings.
Albert released a follow-up album, Morris Albert in 1976. It peaked at #135 on the Billboard Album chart. His lone single off the album, Sweet Loving Man hit #93 in the U.S. Albert has not been heard of since.