Feels – Calvin Harris ft. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry, Big Sean

“Feels” by Calvin Harris, featuring Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry, and Big Sean, is an electrifying fusion of pop, funk, and dance music that became one of the biggest summer anthems of 2017. The song, which appears on Calvin Harris’s fifth studio album Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1, offers a breezy, feel-good sound with a vibrant, tropical vibe. It showcases not only Harris’s knack for crafting infectious dance beats but also the undeniable chemistry between some of the biggest names in music.

The track and its accompanying music video highlight the carefree, upbeat energy that has made Calvin Harris a household name in the world of pop and electronic music. “Feels” quickly climbed the charts worldwide, earning accolades for its catchy melody, star-studded collaboration, and the laid-back, tropical aesthetic of its video.

The Collaboration: Star Power in Action
“Feels” brings together three A-list collaborators who each bring their unique flair to the song. Pharrell Williams, known for his smooth production and unmistakable voice, delivers the track’s catchy, melodic hook. His contributions give the song its groove, combining funk, pop, and dancehall elements into an irresistible blend.

Katy Perry, a global pop sensation, provides the song’s playful and flirty vocals, adding a layer of sensuality and energy. Her vocals complement the laid-back tone of the song, and her delivery of the lines is effortlessly cool, adding to the feel-good vibe of the track. Perry’s star power and vocal style bring an undeniable charm, perfectly balancing Pharrell’s smooth vocals with her energetic performance.

Big Sean, one of the most prominent voices in hip-hop, delivers a standout verse that adds a layer of depth to the track. His rap injects a rhythmic contrast, offering a moment of cool confidence that ties the song together. The combination of Pharrell’s funk-infused chorus, Katy Perry’s pop sensibilities, and Big Sean’s rap verses creates a diverse and dynamic track that appeals to a wide range of listeners.

Calvin Harris, as the producer, weaves these elements together seamlessly, proving once again his skill in curating and blending sounds from various genres. Harris has long been known for his ability to create collaborations that transcend musical boundaries, and “Feels” is no exception. The production of the song is infused with the essence of summer, combining a laid-back groove with a tropical, guitar-driven melody that makes the track perfect for beach days, pool parties, and summer road trips.

The Music: A Tropical Groove with Funk and Pop Sensibilities
“Feels” stands out because of its laid-back yet funky production. The song is driven by a bouncy bassline, rhythmic guitar strums, and a percussion section that gives it an island-inspired feel. The tropical vibe is complemented by a catchy melody and a beat that invites listeners to move and dance.

One of the song’s strengths is how it balances a retro, 1970s funk aesthetic with modern pop and electronic influences. This balance is a hallmark of Harris’s Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1, where he incorporates classic funk and soul sounds into the electronic dance music (EDM) landscape. The result is a fresh yet nostalgic sound that feels both modern and timeless.

Pharrell’s smooth, falsetto-driven chorus is one of the most infectious parts of the song, drawing listeners in with its catchy repetition of “Don’t be afraid to catch feels.” The chorus encourages a carefree attitude toward love and life, reinforcing the relaxed, summery tone of the song. Katy Perry’s verses add a playful and flirtatious energy, while Big Sean’s verse offers a confident counterpoint, with his lyrics expressing a suave approach to romance.

The song’s production is layered and textured, with subtle elements that enhance the listening experience. The tropical guitar riff, for example, serves as the backbone of the track, giving it its sunny, vacation-ready feel. The beat remains steady and groovy throughout, creating a foundation that allows each vocalist to shine in their respective moments.

The Music Video: A Vibrant, Psychedelic Paradise
The official music video for “Feels” complements the song’s carefree and tropical vibe with a visually stunning, colorful aesthetic. Directed by Emil Nava, the video transports viewers to a lush, fantasy-like paradise. Set on a tropical island, the video is filled with bright, psychedelic colors, oversized flowers, and surreal imagery, giving it a dreamlike, retro feel.

Each artist is featured in their own unique setting that reflects their persona and contribution to the song. Pharrell Williams lounges in a chair amid an array of bright, blooming flowers, exuding the relaxed, groovy energy that defines his vocal delivery. His surroundings, full of vibrant pinks and oranges, mirror the warmth and feel-good nature of his performance.

Katy Perry, donning a bold yellow outfit and lounging on a palm-fringed shore, brings her signature playful energy to the video. Her look is a nod to the song’s sunny, carefree nature, and her confident, laid-back demeanor reflects the song’s themes of love and fun.

Big Sean appears on a raft surrounded by water, symbolizing the cool and detached swagger of his rap verse. His part of the video adds a sense of groundedness and smoothness that contrasts with the vibrant colors around him.

Calvin Harris himself makes a brief appearance in the video, lounging under a palm tree and letting his music take center stage. The video’s whimsical, slightly surreal visual elements are perfectly in line with the song’s easygoing, fun-loving message, adding a layer of visual enjoyment to an already catchy track.

Reception and Impact: A Summer Smash
“Feels” was released at the height of summer 2017 and quickly became a global hit, climbing the charts in multiple countries. Its breezy, feel-good vibe made it a go-to track for summer playlists, festivals, and radio stations. The song’s combination of tropical rhythms, funk grooves, and pop appeal ensured its success across a wide audience, from pop fans to dance music enthusiasts.

Critics praised the song for its infectious energy and seamless collaboration between the artists. The blend of genres, from funk to pop to hip-hop, was particularly noted as a strength, with many appreciating Calvin Harris’s ability to bring together such diverse talents into one cohesive, chart-topping track.

“Feels” also solidified Calvin Harris’s status as one of the most innovative and successful producers in contemporary music. By continuing to push the boundaries of EDM, pop, and funk, Harris proved that he could evolve his sound while maintaining his relevance in an ever-changing musical landscape.

Conclusion: A Timeless Summer Anthem
Calvin Harris’s “Feels,” featuring Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry, and Big Sean, is more than just a summer hit—it’s a testament to the power of collaboration and the ability to create music that resonates across genres and generations. With its tropical beats, funky grooves, and star-studded lineup, the song embodies the carefree, fun-loving spirit of summer. Whether listeners are catching “feels” or just enjoying the laid-back vibes, “Feels” remains a standout track that continues to define the sound of summer long after its release.

Ah, yeah
Hey!
Now, nothing ever last forever, no
One minute you’re here and the next you’re gone
So I respect you, wanna take it slow
I need a mental receipt to know this moment I owe
Do you mind if I steal a kiss, tho? (Chop, chop)
A little souvenir, can I steal it from you?
To memorize the way you shock me
The way you move it here (hey)
Just wanna feel it from you (hey)
Don’t be afraid to catch feels
Ride drop top and chase thrills (hey)
I know you ain’t afraid to pop pills (hey)
Baby, I know you ain’t scared to catch feels
Feels with me
I’m your window shopper, sucker for your love, oh
I’m wearing your goggles, virtual reality
It ain’t what it cost you, it might be a dollar
As long as it shocks you, memory, electricity
Do you mind if I steal a kiss, tho? (Chop, chop)
A little souvenir, can I steal it from you? (Oh, yeah)
To memorize the way you shock me (yeah)
The way you move it here (hey)
Just wanna feel it from you (hey)
Don’t be afraid to catch feels (ha)
Ride drop top and chase thrills (oh-oh-oh, oh)
I know you ain’t afraid to pop pills (hey)
Baby, I know you ain’t scared to catch feels (straight up)
Feels with me (woah)
Goddamn, I know you love to make an entrance (babe)
Do you like getting paid or getting paid attention? (Like, woah)
You mixed the wrong guys with the right intentions
In the same bed, but it still feel long distance (yeah, yeah)
She’s looking for a little more consistency (I know)
But when you stop looking, you gon’ find what’s meant to be
And honestly, I’m way too done with the hoes (no)
I cut off all my exes for your x and o’s
I feel my old flings was just preparing me (me)
When I say I want you, say it back, parakeet (par’)
Fly in first-class through the air, Airbnb (woah)
I’m the best you had, you just be comparing me to me (woah)
I’ma at this at you, if I put you on my phone (woah)
And upload it, it’ll get maximum views
I came in through in the clutch with the lipsticks and phones
Wear your fave cologne just to get you alone
Don’t be afraid to catch feels (ha)
(Don’t be afraid to catch these feels)
Ride drop top and chase thrills (yeah)
(Yeah yeah, yeah yeah, yeah yeah)
I know you ain’t afraid to pop pills (I know)
Baby, I know you ain’t scared to catch feels
(Woah, woah, woah)
Feels with me
Don’t be afraid to catch feels (no, no)
Don’t be afraid, baby
Don’t be afraid
Ride drop top and chase thrills (woah, okay)
I know you ain’t afraid to pop pills
I know, I know, I know
Baby, I know you ain’t scared to catch feels
Feels with me