When The Feeling Comes Around

The Enigmatic Glow of Jennifer Warnes' "When The Feeling's Around"

There's something almost magical about Jennifer Warnes' voice—raw, soulful, like she's whispering secrets from the heart of the night. In 1980, amid the glittering haze of the post-disco era, she dropped "When The Feeling's Around," a track that slipped into the world quietly but left an indelible mark. It's one of those songs that feels like a personal confession, born from the fringes of fame, and it's a perfect slice of what makes one-hit wonders so endlessly captivating.

The Spark of Creation in a Shifting Landscape

The late 1970s were a whirlwind for Warnes. She'd already lent her golden pipes to hits like Joe Cocker's "Up Where We Belong," but her solo work was carving its own path. "When The Feeling's Around" emerged from sessions for her album Shot Through the Heart, a record that blended rock, pop, and a touch of that emerging new wave edge. Written by Gary and Donna Klein, the song captured the ache of fleeting emotions—love that circles back when you least expect it. Warnes, ever the storyteller, infused it with her own vulnerabilities; she was navigating personal heartaches and the music industry's relentless churn. Imagine her in a dimly lit studio, pouring out lyrics that mirror the push-pull of desire, all while the world outside buzzed with synths and shoulder pads.

Interestingly, the song almost didn't make the cut. Warnes had been experimenting with producers, seeking a sound that felt intimate yet expansive. She later shared in interviews how the melody haunted her during late-night drives through Los Angeles, a city that amplifies every longing. It's that personal tether—the way the song seems to breathe with her—that elevates it beyond mere radio fodder.

Recording in the Heat of the Moment

Recorded at The Village Recorder in West LA, the sessions were a mix of precision and passion. Producer Gregg Litten handled the reins, layering Warnes' vocals over a bed of shimmering guitars and subtle percussion that evoked a slow-burning sunset. The 1980 vibe is there in the polished production, but it's Warnes' unadorned delivery that steals the show—no Auto-Tune illusions, just pure, emotive grit. One anecdote stands out: during a take, Warnes reportedly broke down laughing mid-phrase because the engineer kept sneaking in cat meows from a sound effects reel, lightening the mood after hours of intense emotional dives. Those human moments? They seep into the track, giving it that lived-in warmth.

Release, Rise, and a Quiet Triumph

Released as the lead single from Shot Through the Heart in 1980 via Arista Records, the song climbed to No. 92 on the Billboard Hot 100—a modest peak, but enough to turn heads. It wasn't a chart dominator like some of her later duets, yet radio DJs latched on, spinning it during those hazy drive-time slots. The album itself fared better internationally, especially in Europe, where Warnes' introspective style resonated amid the punk-to-pop transition. Success came in waves; it became a staple in soft-rock playlists, quietly building a cult following.

Echoes in Culture and Melody

Culturally, "When The Feeling's Around" bridged generations, offering a counterpoint to the era's flashier anthems. It influenced singer-songwriters like Sarah McLachlan, who echoed its emotional depth in the '90s. For baby boomers and Gen Xers, it's a nostalgic portal to vinyl nights and mixtapes, evoking the thrill of unspoken crushes. Musically, its blend of balladry and subtle funk paved the way for adult contemporary's evolution, proving that vulnerability could chart just as powerfully as spectacle.

Looking back, this song feels like a hidden gem in Warnes' crown—proof that sometimes, the quietest hits linger the longest. If you haven't revisited it lately, do yourself a favor; let that feeling come around again.