About the song
Released in 1979, “Do You Love What You Feel” is one of the standout tracks from Chaka Khan and her longtime band, Rufus. Featured on the album Masterjam, this song embodies the height of funk, R&B, and disco-infused soul, perfectly showcasing Khan’s powerful vocals and the band’s signature groove-heavy sound. Produced by the legendary Quincy Jones, the track became a major hit, climbing to #1 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart and solidifying Chaka Khan and Rufus as one of the era’s most influential funk acts.
Release and Chart Performance
“Do You Love What You Feel” was released as a single in late 1979, during the peak of the funk and disco movement. The track quickly gained popularity, reaching #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and performing well on pop radio. It became one of the key hits from Masterjam, an album that also included other funk-driven tracks like “Any Love” and “Live in Me.” The song’s infectious groove and danceable rhythm made it a club favorite, contributing to the growing mainstream appeal of funk music.
Meaning and Lyrical Themes
At its core, “Do You Love What You Feel” is a song about embracing passion, joy, and the magic of attraction. The lyrics revolve around the exhilarating feeling of being drawn to someone, urging the listener to surrender to the rhythm and embrace their emotions. The chorus—
“Do you love what you feel?
‘Cause I love what you do to me…”
—perfectly captures the song’s theme of romantic excitement and uninhibited pleasure, wrapped in an irresistibly funky and danceable groove. Unlike deeper soul ballads that explore heartbreak or longing, this track is all about living in the moment, enjoying chemistry, and celebrating love through music.
Musical Composition and Production
The song is a prime example of Quincy Jones’ production brilliance, blending tight funk instrumentation, layered vocal harmonies, and an irresistibly smooth rhythm section. Key musical elements include:
- Chaka Khan’s soaring vocals, which add a dynamic and soulful energy to the track.
- A deep, funk-driven bassline that lays the foundation for the song’s groove.
- Crisp, rhythmic guitar licks, reminiscent of classic R&B and funk stylings.
- Layered horn sections, giving the song an extra punch and uplifting energy.
- A danceable beat, making it a staple on disco dance floors in the late ’70s and early ’80s.
One of the defining aspects of “Do You Love What You Feel” is the interplay between Chaka Khan and her bandmates, creating a track that feels both intimate and celebratory. This synergy is a testament to Rufus’ musical chemistry, which had been refined over years of collaboration.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
By the time “Do You Love What You Feel” was released, Chaka Khan had already begun to emerge as a force beyond just her work with Rufus. The song further cemented her status as one of the most powerful and distinctive voices in funk and R&B. Though she would eventually embark on an even more successful solo career, this track remains a crucial part of her musical evolution.
The song’s impact extended beyond just R&B and funk fans—its infectious groove made it a staple in discos and dance clubs, ensuring it stayed relevant well into the ’80s and beyond. DJs and producers have since sampled and remixed the track, further proving its staying power in popular music.
Conclusion
“Do You Love What You Feel” remains a timeless funk anthem, capturing the essence of joy, passion, and irresistible groove. With Chaka Khan’s electrifying vocals, Rufus’ tight musicianship, and Quincy Jones’ masterful production, the song continues to resonate with soul, funk, and dance music lovers even decades after its release. Whether played at a party, a club, or simply enjoyed through a pair of headphones, its energy is undeniably infectious—a true testament to the enduring power of funk and R&B.
Video
Lyrics
Do you love what you feel‘Cause I love what you do to meDo you love what you feel‘Cause I love what you do to meBaby, when you’re holdin’ meSomehow you seem to set me freeAnd when I dance with you, romance with youIs all I singDo you love what you feel‘Cause I love what you do to meDo you love what you feel‘Cause I love what you do to meI’ve spent so many nightsJust picking fights within myselfUntil you came to meAnd held me like nobody elseDo you love what you feel‘Cause I love what you do to meDo you love what you feel‘Cause I love what you do to meTell me ’bout the way you like itAnything you want is rightYou and I are close togetherYour lovin’ gets me feeling betterI wanna dance all(Oh) I wanna dance allI wanna dance all night (all night)I wanna dance allI wanna dance allI wanna dance all nightI wanna dance all (all night)I wanna dance all (all night)I wanna dance all nightEvery time you’re holdin’ me (every time)Do you love what you feel‘Cause I love what you do to meDo you love what you feel‘Cause I love what you do to meDo you love what you feel‘Cause I love what you do to meDo you love what you feel‘Cause I love what you do to meDo you love what you feel‘Cause I love what you do to meDo you love what you feel‘Cause I love what you do to meDo you love what you feel‘Cause I love what you do to meDo you love what you feel‘Cause I love what you do to meDo you love what you feel‘Cause I love what you do to meDo you love what you feel‘Cause I love what you do to meDo you love what you feel‘Cause I love what you do to meDo you love what you feel‘Cause I love what you do to meDo you love…