Released in July 1979 “Feels Like I’m in Love” by Scottish singer Kelly Marie became an iconic disco anthem that swept through dance floors across the globe. The song sold 760,000 copies in United Kingdom in 1980 alone. Its infectious beat, joyful lyrics, and energetic performance made it a standout hit, solidifying Kelly Marie’s place in the annals of pop and disco history.
“Feels Like I’m in Love” was written by Ray Dorset, the lead singer of Mungo Jerry, who originally intended it for Elvis Presley. Unfortunately, Presley passed away before he could record it. Dorset’s group recorded the song and released as the B-side of a Belgian single, “Sur le Pont d’Avignon”.
Kelly Marie, born Jacqueline McKinnon, had already gained some attention in the late 1970s with minor hits in the UK and Europe, but “Feels Like I’m in Love” was the song that catapulted her to international fame. Feels Like I’m in Love” is a quintessential disco track, characterized by its pulsating bassline, shimmering synths, and steady four-on-the-floor beat—a hallmark of the genre. The song’s melody is bright and catchy, with an irresistible chorus that invites listeners to sing along. Kelly Marie’s vocal performance is lively and full of energy, perfectly complementing the song’s exuberant atmosphere. Her delivery captures the euphoria of being in love, making the track an instant feel-good hit. The production is slick and polished, with a sound that was tailored for the dance clubs of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The lyrics of “Feels Like I’m in Love” are simple yet effective, capturing the overwhelming joy and excitement of falling in love. Lines like “My head is in a spin, my feet don’t touch the ground” and “I can’t stop thinking about you, boy, I feel so fine” convey the euphoric, almost dizzying sensation that love can bring. The song’s repetitive, catchy chorus reinforces the theme, creating a sense of happiness that is both relatable and infectious. It’s a celebration of love and the physical and emotional sensations that accompany it, making it a perfect anthem for the dance floor.
“Feels Like I’m in Love” became a massive hit, particularly in the UK, where it reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in September 1980. It also enjoyed success across Europe and in clubs worldwide, making Kelly Marie a household name in the disco scene. In the United States, the song peaked at number 10 on Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Chart.
The song’s success was significant because it emerged at a time when disco music was beginning to wane in popularity, particularly in the United States, where the “Disco Demolition Night” in 1979 marked a backlash against the genre. Despite this, “Feels Like I’m in Love” managed to capture the last wave of the disco era’s mainstream appeal, standing out as one of the final major hits of the genre.