Feel This Moment – Pitbull ft. Christina Aguilera
Released in 2013, “Feel This Moment” is one of the standout tracks from Pitbull’s album Global Warming. The song is a dynamic collaboration between American rapper Pitbull and pop diva Christina Aguilera, blending genres like pop, dance, and electronic music into a feel-good anthem. With its infectious energy and powerful lyrics about seizing the moment, “Feel This Moment” became an international hit and cemented itself as a staple in both artists’ careers.
A Fusion of Dance and Pop Music
At its core, “Feel This Moment” is a blend of electro-pop and dance music, underpinned by a recognizable sample from the iconic 1980s track “Take On Me” by the Norwegian band A-ha. This sample adds a layer of nostalgia to the song, while Pitbull’s verses and Aguilera’s powerhouse vocals bring it into the modern era. The combination of genres gives the song a cross-generational appeal, resonating with fans of both classic pop and contemporary dance music.
The pulsating beat, electronic synths, and fast-paced rhythm make the song perfect for clubs and parties, but it’s the message of the lyrics that truly elevates it. It’s a song about living in the moment, appreciating life as it happens, and making the most of every opportunity—an upbeat, motivational anthem that encourages listeners to celebrate the present.
Pitbull’s Optimistic Message
Known for his energetic persona and catchy hooks, Pitbull takes the lead on “Feel This Moment,” delivering rapid-fire verses that emphasize success, gratitude, and living life to the fullest. The lyrics highlight his rise from humble beginnings to international stardom, a story that’s central to his music and public image. In the first verse, he reflects on how far he’s come:
“Reporting live from the tallest building in Tokyo / Long ways from the hard ways / Filled with so’s and oh yeahs.”
Here, Pitbull reminds the listener that despite his success, he hasn’t forgotten the challenges he’s faced along the way. His optimistic outlook is infectious, and he urges the audience to savor every moment of their lives, regardless of where they are in their own journeys.
One of the key lines in the song, “One day when the light is glowing / I’ll be in my castle golden,” reflects Pitbull’s celebration of life’s triumphs. He’s focused on enjoying the moment, not just for the future rewards, but for the joy that comes from appreciating where you are right now.
Christina Aguilera’s Iconic Chorus
While Pitbull drives the verses with his characteristic flow, Christina Aguilera’s soaring vocals take the chorus to another level. Her performance in “Feel This Moment” is as powerful and soulful as ever, reminding listeners why she’s considered one of the greatest vocalists of her generation.
The chorus is the emotional heart of the song:
“I just wanna feel this moment!”
Aguilera’s voice, full of emotion and range, adds a sense of grandeur and passion to the track. Her delivery emphasizes the importance of embracing the present and fully immersing oneself in life’s experiences. The way she belts out the chorus contrasts beautifully with the fast-paced rap verses, creating a powerful and memorable dynamic.
The addition of Aguilera to the track was a brilliant choice, as her signature vocals perfectly balance Pitbull’s energetic rapping, making “Feel This Moment” an anthem that resonates both lyrically and musically. The song’s structure, with its peaks of high energy and emotion, ensures it remains catchy and engaging from start to finish.
The A-ha Sample: A Nod to 80s Pop Culture
One of the most notable elements of “Feel This Moment” is the use of the A-ha sample from their 1985 hit “Take On Me”. The iconic synth riff is immediately recognizable, evoking a sense of nostalgia for listeners who grew up in the 1980s or are fans of that era’s music. By incorporating this sample, Pitbull and his production team created a bridge between the past and the present, merging the golden age of pop with the contemporary dance-pop genre.
The choice of sampling “Take On Me” adds depth to the song, as it not only appeals to a younger audience but also connects with those who appreciate classic hits. The sample is skillfully integrated into the beat, maintaining the original song’s charm while giving it a modern, upbeat twist that aligns with the energy of Pitbull’s and Aguilera’s performances.
Global Success and Chart Performance
Upon its release, “Feel This Moment” quickly climbed the charts worldwide. It became a major commercial success, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and earning top 10 positions in multiple countries, including the UK, Canada, and Germany. The song’s global success speaks to its universal appeal, blending genres, eras, and styles in a way that resonates with a wide audience.
The song also received critical acclaim for its infectious energy and its ability to seamlessly blend Pitbull’s signature rap style with Aguilera’s powerhouse vocals. Critics praised the collaboration for its boldness and its ability to create a song that felt both nostalgic and modern at the same time.
The Music Video: A Celebration of Glamour
The official music video for “Feel This Moment,” directed by David Rousseau, captures the glamorous lifestyle that Pitbull frequently references in his lyrics. The video features footage from Pitbull’s world tours, showcasing him performing in front of huge crowds and living the high life, from private jets to luxurious parties. Christina Aguilera, dressed in a glamorous black outfit, belts out the chorus with her trademark confidence, adding a touch of elegance to the high-energy visuals.
The black-and-white color scheme of the video gives it a sleek, classic feel, while the dynamic editing matches the fast-paced rhythm of the song. The video encapsulates the message of the song—living life in the moment and enjoying every second of success, celebration, and happiness.
Conclusion
“Feel This Moment” is more than just a pop song; it’s an anthem about living life with gratitude and joy. The collaboration between Pitbull and Christina Aguilera brought together two artists with distinct styles to create a song that is energetic, motivational, and emotionally resonant. The incorporation of the A-ha sample adds a layer of nostalgia, bridging the gap between past and present pop culture.
With its infectious beat, powerful vocals, and uplifting message, “Feel This Moment” continues to be a fan favorite and a staple in both Pitbull’s and Aguilera’s discographies. It’s a reminder that life’s greatest moments should be cherished and celebrated, and its global success stands as a testament to the song’s universal appeal. Whether you’re on the dance floor or reflecting on life’s milestones, “Feel This Moment” is a track that encourages you to live in the here and now, making every second count.
Ask for money and get advice, huh
Ask for advice, get money twice, huh
I’m from the dirty, huh, but that chico nice, ha
Y’all call it a moment, I call it a life
One day while my light is glowin’
I’ll be in my castle golden
But until the gates are open
I just wanna feel this moment
Woah-oh-oh-oh
I just wanna feel this moment
Woah-oh-oh-oh
I just wanna feel this moment
Mr. Worldwide (Come on)
Christina Aguilera
Oye, mamita (Come on)
Dale, que la cosa está rica, haha, haha (I just wanna feel this moment)
Woo, yeah
Feel this moment
Reporting live from the tallest building in Tokyo
Long ways from them hard ways, filled with zoes and oye’s
Dade County always, 3-0-5, all day
And, now, baby, we can parlay or, baby, we can party (Heh)
She read books (Hahaha), especially about red rooms and tie-ups (Yeah)
I got her hooked, huh
‘Cause she seen me in a suit with the red tie tied up
Meet and greet, nice to meet ya
But time is money, only difference is I own it
Now let’s stop time and enjoy this moment, dale
One day while my light is glowin’
I’ll be in my castle golden
But until the gates are open
I just wanna feel this moment
Woah-oh-oh-oh (C’mon)
I just wanna feel this moment
Woah-oh-oh-oh (C’mon, yeah)
I just wanna feel this moment
Woo
Come on, feel this moment
I see the future but live for the moment
Make sense, don’t it? Ha
Now make dollars, I mean billions (Yeah)
I’m a genius, I mean brilliant (Brilliant)
The streets is what schooled him (Schooled him)
And made him slicker than Slick Rick the Ruler (Yeah)
I’ve lost a lot and learned a lot
But I’m still undefeated like Shula
I’m far from cheap (Ah-haha)
I break down companies with all my peeps (That’s right)
Baby, we can travel the world
And I can give you and all you can see
Time is money, only difference is I own it
Like a stopwatch, let’s stop time and enjoy this moment, dale
One day while my light is glowin’
I’ll be in my castle golden
But until the gates are open
I just wanna feel this moment
Woah-oh-oh-oh (C’mon)
I just wanna feel this moment
Oh-woah-oh-oh-woah (C’mon, yeah)
I just wanna feel this moment
Woo (C’mon), yeah (C-Come on)
Feel this moment
Woah-oh-oh-oh
I just wanna feel this moment
Woah-oh-oh-oh
I just wanna feel this moment