Feeling Good - Nina Simone

The Best of Blues and a Powerhouse Voice

When we hear that first line, “Birds flying high, you know how I feel…” we recognize the song and it will bring out the large or small part of love for blues and jazz that we all have. Nina Simone took the Broadway song, covered it, putting it into her own album that same year it was premiered and made it her own. For many years it didn't get too much attention, but making an appearance on a commercial in 1987 it boomed and really became a huge hit that people enjoy today. The songs bold brass section creates a powerful downpour of personalty. The piano repeating the chords lightly in the background is simple and beautiful. During the second verse the piano plays a wonderful little fluttering bit to go well with the lyrics which stands out fantastically. The drums sound like they are right there in front of you, so easy going and fit the flavor of the song. The string section that comes in and out can be looked over, but it helps magnify her voice, so go back and hunt for them, they are subtle but great. But with no question at all, Nina’s voice is by far the most powerful part of the piece. She has an incomparable amount of personality and realism in her voice as if her heart and soul come through every word she sings. Her perfect control, her excellent emphasis on syllables and every technique she employs is incredible. I could keep going but I’ll leave it as one of the best singing performances of all time. A great song and a cover that totally improved and remade the original into a song for everyone.

Cover:10

Instruments:8

Vocals:10

Longevity:10

Red Score:9.5