Is Don't It Feel Good a good place to start with Ramsey Lewis?

Yes, Don't It Feel Good is recommended as a starting point for new Ramsey Lewis listeners. A vibrant fusion of jazz and funk that invites listeners to dance with its infectious grooves and melodic hooks. By 1975, Ramsey Lewis had firmly established himself as a prominent figure in jazz, transitioning from his early work into a more commercial sound with this album. Released after his celebrated album 'Sun Goddess', 'Don't It Feel Good' showcases his ability to blend jazz with contemporary pop and funk elements, reflecting the musical trends of the mid-1970s.

Who is Don't It Feel Good for?

Don't It Feel Good works well if you're into steady grooves for social gatherings, infectious rhythms that uplift spirits and playful melodies for carefree moments.

How many songs are on Don't It Feel Good?

Don't It Feel Good has 10 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Don't It Feel Good

Ramsey Lewis · 1975

37 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz and funk that invites listeners to dance with its infectious grooves and melodic hooks.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Don't It Feel Good Start here — The title track sets the tone for the album with its upbeat tempo and catchy melodies, epitomizing the fusion of jazz and funk that defines this record.
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Something About You — This track features smooth vocals and an infectious rhythm, showcasing Lewis's knack for creating accessible yet sophisticated music that resonates with a wide audience.
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That's the Way of the World — A cover of Earth, Wind & Fire’s classic, this rendition highlights Lewis’s unique approach to interpreting contemporary hits while maintaining his distinct jazz roots.
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I Dig You — This track stands out with its playful instrumentation and engaging groove, encapsulating the essence of the album's lively spirit while emphasizing Lewis's improvisational skills.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz and funk with strong melodies and grooves, making it both engaging and influential in its genre.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms and layered instrumentation, creating a danceable groove throughout.
Each track maintains a strong melodic hook, often repeated and developed, which enhances the infectious quality of the music.
Interludes are strategically placed between tracks to provide brief pauses without disrupting the overall flow of the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady grooves for social gatherings
infectious rhythms that uplift spirits
playful melodies for carefree moments
short interludes to catch breath

Maybe skip if you

seeking introspective listening experiences
prefer tracks with longer narratives

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album helped popularize jazz-funk and reached significant radio play.
Themes: mid-70s funk grooves· commercial jazz fusion
Career context: By 1975, Ramsey Lewis had firmly established himself as a prominent figure in jazz, transitioning from his early work into a more commercial sound with this album. Released after his celebrated album 'Sun Goddess', 'Don't It Feel Good' showcases his ability to blend jazz with contemporary pop and funk elements, reflecting the musical trends of the mid-1970s.
Stylistic neighbors: Herbie Hancock· Chick Corea· George Benson