‘How It Feels’ is the newest single from Tyneside-based songwriter and producer Alex Opal, featuring new wave vocalist Jam Jam. Raised on soul music in its various strands, Opal expresses particular adoration for the extravagant production and melodies of Phil Spector (‘River Deep Mountain High’, ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin”, ‘Be My Baby’).

Opal explains:

“With How it Feels, I wanted to capture the raw emotion of those classic, soul records but also to inject a hard Northern edge from a lyrical perspective. Every weekend I DJ to huge audiences at soul nights across the North East and this made me aware of how powerful soul music is at present. I felt that it was time for a new approach to soul music.The inspiration for this song stems from those turbulent spells in relationships that we all experience. I’ve created a bittersweet feel, both lyrically and instrumentally, that reflects the anxiety and distrust that can poison romance. I grew up on soul music, Phil Spector records, Stax and Motown were the soundtracks of my childhood. I continue to be obsessed with those hypnotic melodies. I’ve always prioritised melodic content in my writing.”

Clocking around the three minute mark, the production begins with a burst of brass that paves the way for Jam Jam’s sweet and husky vocals. Opal channels Phil Spector’s predilection for a rich, layered refrain, but he also strips back the production and allows Jam Jam to finesse the lyrics. ‘How can you kiss me / And then cast me aside‘ she sings against a simmering layer of organ before the chorus picks up again. The lyrics narrate a one-sided relationship poised by mistrust and anxiety which Jam Jam conveys through her sensitive delivery, further propelled by Opal’s dynamics.

(Image copyright: Alex Opal)