“The Way You Make Me Feel” is a hit single by Michael Jackson, released on November 9, 1987 as the third single from his seventh studio album, Bad. The song was written and composed by Jackson himself. It became one of Jackson’s many global hits, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., and it remains one of his most beloved tracks. The song is known for its infectious rhythm, flirtatious lyrics, and upbeat, danceable sound, blending elements of R&B, pop, and funk.
Back”The Way You Make Me Feel” was part of Michael Jackson’s effort to expand his musical range and appeal with his Bad album. Released after the enormous success of his Thriller album, Bad showcased a more aggressive, confident side of Jackson, while still maintaining the pop sensibility that made him a global star. Jackson wrote the song with the idea of creating a feel-good, flirtatious track. The song reflects his growing maturity as an artist, and it further solidified his status as a dominant force in 1980s pop music. The collaboration with producer Quincy Jones helped refine the song’s sound, blending funk grooves, pop hooks, and rhythmic layers into an energetic, radio-friendly track.
Lyrically, “The Way You Make Me Feel” is about romantic attraction and the excitement of pursuing a love interest. The song’s narrator expresses how the object of his affection makes him feel alive and filled with desire, capturing the emotion of infatuation. Musically, “The Way You Make Me Feel” is a blend of R&B, pop, and funk, driven by a steady, rhythmic beat and catchy melody. The song opens with an iconic percussive beat and builds into a groove-heavy track with strong basslines, funk guitar riffs, and layered backing vocals.
“The Way You Make Me Feel” was a major commercial success. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., becoming Jackson’s third consecutive No. 1 single from the Bad album. It also performed well internationally, reaching the top 5 in several countries, including the UK, Australia, and several European nations. The song’s success further solidified Bad as a blockbuster album, helping it become one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 35 million copies sold worldwide.
The music video for “The Way You Make Me Feel” is one of Jackson’s most iconic and features him in the role of a young man trying to win the affection of a woman (played by Tatiana Thumbtzen). The video was directed by Joe Pytka, filmed at Skid Row, Los Angeles.
“The Way You Make Me Feel” remains one of Michael Jackson’s most beloved songs and is considered one of the defining tracks from the Bad album. It showcases his ability to combine danceable pop rhythms with a powerful vocal performance, creating a timeless track that continues to be popular.