Introduction and Short Summary of the Song
“Oh What a Feeling” is a track by The Everly Brothers that captures the joy and exhilaration of being in love. Released in the early 1960s as part of their Warner Bros. catalog, the song represents the duo’s continued exploration of themes of romance and youthful emotion, but with the sophistication that marked their transition from teenage idols to mature recording artists. With its buoyant energy, heartfelt harmonies, and catchy delivery, “Oh What a Feeling” fits comfortably within the Everlys’ legacy as masters of blending country, pop, and rock sensibilities into a seamless style.
Origins of the Song
By the time they recorded “Oh What a Feeling,” The Everly Brothers were firmly established as one of the most influential duos in popular music. Their partnership with Warner Bros. Records had already yielded hits like “Cathy’s Clown” and “So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad).” While much of their most famous early material came from songwriters like Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, the Warner Bros. period saw the brothers expanding their repertoire with new writers and their own compositions.
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“Oh What a Feeling” came during a phase when they were exploring slightly more polished pop arrangements while keeping the close-harmony foundation that had become their hallmark. The track was recorded to fit seamlessly within their albums of the early 1960s, balancing ballads and uptempo numbers, and showcasing the breadth of their artistry.
Why The Everly Brothers Released “Oh What a Feeling”
The Everly Brothers released “Oh What a Feeling” to maintain their reputation as interpreters of songs that resonated with young audiences while also appealing to older listeners. The track’s joyful theme made it ideal for complementing their catalog of love-centered songs. It highlighted their ability to capture both the thrill of romance and the sincerity of deeper emotion.
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At this point in their career, the Everlys were also competing in a rapidly changing pop landscape. Releasing tracks like “Oh What a Feeling” allowed them to remain connected to their roots in harmony-driven pop while adapting to the evolving expectations of mainstream audiences in the pre-British Invasion era.
The Message Conveyed in the Song
The core message of “Oh What a Feeling” is the overwhelming happiness that comes with being in love.
Key themes include:
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Joy of Love: The narrator celebrates how transformative and uplifting love feels.
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Romantic Exhilaration: The song captures the sense of euphoria that love can bring.
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Youthful Spirit: Its tone reflects the optimism and freshness associated with young romance.
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Universality: The emotions described are timeless, resonating with anyone who has experienced the rush of falling in love.
The lyrics are simple yet effective, supported by the Everlys’ harmonies that emphasize sincerity and excitement.
The Recording and Musical Characteristics
Musically, “Oh What a Feeling” exemplifies the Everly Brothers’ style during their Warner Bros. years.
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Vocals: Don and Phil deliver radiant harmonies that lift the song’s joyful message. Their voices blend seamlessly, giving emotional weight to what could otherwise be a straightforward pop number.
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Instrumentation: The arrangement features bright guitars, steady rhythm, and light orchestration, combining rock, country, and pop textures.
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Mood: Uplifting, optimistic, and energetic.
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Style: A mix of traditional pop with country-rock overtones, characteristic of the Everlys’ early 1960s sound.
The track balances accessibility with sophistication, allowing it to work equally well as an album track or potential single.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
Commercially, “Oh What a Feeling” was not released as a lead single and therefore did not achieve chart success. However, it contributed to the strength of the Everly Brothers’ Warner Bros. catalog, which was filled with a blend of hits and overlooked gems.
Culturally, the track reinforced their reputation as artists who could bring sincerity and artistry to even the most straightforward pop themes. It also highlighted their ability to adapt their style without losing the core sound that had made them so distinctive. While other performers leaned heavily on orchestral pop or rhythm and blues influences, the Everlys kept their Appalachian-rooted harmonies at the center of their work.
Legacy of “Oh What a Feeling”
Today, “Oh What a Feeling” stands as one of the underappreciated gems in The Everly Brothers’ discography. Though it never reached the popularity of “All I Have to Do Is Dream” or “Cathy’s Clown,” it remains a testament to their consistency and ability to elevate even relatively simple material into something memorable.
For their legacy, the song underscores how the Everly Brothers could capture universal emotions with elegance and charm. It reflects their gift for making listeners feel the full spectrum of love’s emotions—whether in sorrowful ballads or exuberant celebrations like this one.
More broadly, “Oh What a Feeling” reminds us that the Everlys’ artistry extended far beyond their biggest hits. Their catalog is filled with tracks that reward deeper listening, and this song is one of them. Decades later, it continues to resonate as a joyful expression of romance, made timeless through the brothers’ extraordinary harmonies.