Feeling Free cover

Feeling Free

Sydney Youngblood · 1989

48 min · 12 tracks · house music

Soaring vocals intertwine with vibrant house beats, creating an exuberant blend of soul and dance music.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Feeling Free — The title track encapsulates the album’s vibrant energy and introduces listeners to Youngblood's soulful vocal style amidst infectious dance rhythms.
  • →
    If Only I Could — This standout single not only showcases Youngblood's impressive vocal range but also became emblematic of late '80s house music, earning substantial airplay and chart success.
  • →
    Ain't No Sunshine — Youngblood’s cover of this classic brings a fresh emotional depth to the iconic song, blending soulful introspection with danceable beats that highlight his versatility.
  • →
    Kiss and Say Goodbye — This track features smooth melodies and heartfelt lyrics that highlight Youngblood's ability to merge romantic themes with upbeat instrumentation, making it a memorable listen.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends house beats with soulful vocals, showcasing solid craft but lacking standout compositions.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo beat with soaring vocal lines that create a danceable atmosphere.
  • Several tracks incorporate classic soul elements, such as live instrumentation and emotive vocal delivery, contrasting with the electronic production.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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, consistent energy levels
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • contemplative reflective moments

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1989, Feeling Free marked Sydney Youngblood's debut album after he had gained attention in the club scene. This album set the stage for his subsequent success, particularly with the single 'If Only I Could,' which helped establish him as a prominent figure in the house music genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Kenny Dope· Masters at Work· The Shapeshifters

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Feeling Free 5:02
  • 2 If Only I Could 3:31
  • 3 I'd Rather Go Blind 4:16
  • 4 Sit and Wait 4:02
  • 5 Kiss and Say Goodbye 3:27
  • 6 Ain't No Sunshine 3:56
  • 7 I'm Your Lover 3:24
  • 8 Not Just a Lover but a Friend 3:55
  • 9 Congratulations 4:03
  • 10 Could It Be (I'm in Love) 4:54
  • 11 That Was Yesterday 4:24
  • 12 Good Times Bad Times 3:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata