Feel Something

Album: Velvet (2019)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The lead single from Velvet is an emotional ballad that follows Adam Lambert's struggles with depression and anxiety.

    I built all these walls so no one could break in
    Truth is, I miss those nights when my heart could be naked


    The soft and soulful ballad was quite a departure for Lambert, but he explained to the BBC its vulnerability was crucial. "I didn't want to put out my big crazy pop single first," he said. "I wanted to tell a story about what I've gone through and Feel Something was a way to sum that all up: This is where I was when I was hitting the bottom, and kind of bummed out."
  • Lambert croons the reflective lyrics over a pared-down production of guitar and piano. His vocals are raw – a stark contrast to his theatrical performances at the start of his career.
  • Prior to writing the songs for Velvet, Lambert had been feeling disillusioned with both his career and private life. He explained to his fans this song is reflective of a creative struggle as he sought to climb out of the low period. Said Lambert: "The life of a bachelor can be a laugh, with plenty of flings, but after a while it starts to feel empty. Between frustrations with my career and many lost connections, I felt numb - and though I wanted to fall in love, I knew I wasn't ready. That's what inspired me to cry out, 'I don't need to feel love, I just want to feel something!' It was in this realization that I took my first step toward self-care and nursing my spirit back to health. This song is the emotional starting point of my new album."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton HeatSongwriter Interviews

The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TV

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TVSong Writing

Shows like Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the way songs were heard on TV, and produced some hits in the process.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.