Is Feelings a good place to start with Johnny Mathis?

Yes, Feelings is recommended as a starting point for new Johnny Mathis listeners. Soft melodies intertwine with lush orchestration, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere that defines Mathis's romantic style. By the time 'Feelings' was released in 1975, Johnny Mathis was already an established pop icon, known for his smooth voice and romantic ballads. This album came during a period when he was transitioning from the peak of his early career in the 1960s into more contemporary sounds that appealed to a newer audience.

Feelings works well if you're into smooth orchestration for romantic evenings, steady pacing for reflective moments and heartfelt vocals with emotional depth.

How many songs are on Feelings?

Feelings has 10 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Released 51 years ago this October

Feelings

Johnny Mathis · 1975

35 min · 10 tracks · pop music

Soft melodies intertwine with lush orchestration, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere that defines Mathis's romantic style.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
One Day in Your Life Start here — Opening with a poignant reflection on love and longing, this track encapsulates the album's emotional core and showcases Mathis's vocal prowess.
→
99 Miles From L.A. — This song stands out for its storytelling quality, combining vivid imagery with Mathis's expressive delivery, making it resonate deeply with listeners.
→
Solitaire — A haunting ballad reflecting solitude and introspection, this track highlights Mathis's ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful melodies.

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 showcases Mathis's signature romantic style with strong melodies and lush arrangements but lacks significant innovation.

What we noticed

The album features lush orchestration with strings and soft piano, creating a warm sound that supports Mathis's smooth vocal delivery.
Tracks like 'Feelings' and 'What I Did for Love' are structured around simple, memorable melodies that emphasize emotional expression.
The pacing is consistent, with most tracks maintaining a slow to mid-tempo feel, contributing to the overall romantic atmosphere.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

smooth orchestration for romantic evenings
steady pacing for reflective moments
heartfelt vocals with emotional depth
ideal for quiet introspection
for cozy gatherings

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced energy
prefer standalone upbeat tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Features the hit title track, solidifying Mathis's place in easy listening.
Themes: romantic longing· California sunsets· heartfelt nostalgia
Career context: By the time 'Feelings' was released in 1975, Johnny Mathis was already an established pop icon, known for his smooth voice and romantic ballads. This album came during a period when he was transitioning from the peak of his early career in the 1960s into more contemporary sounds that appealed to a newer audience.
Stylistic neighbors: Perry Como· Frank Sinatra· Nat King Cole