Feels So Good
Chuck Mangione
A&M Records
SP-4658
1977
Chuck Mangione Feels So Good
01
Feels So Good
9:41
02
Maui-Waui
10:12
03
Theme From "Side Street"
2:03
04
Hide & Seek (Ready Or Not Here I Come)
6:30
05
Last Dance
10:56
06
The XIth Commandment
06:34

Album Review

Here are several original paragraphs about “Feels So Good” by Chuck Mangione:


“Feels So Good” is one of Chuck Mangione’s most recognizable and celebrated compositions—a warm, melodic jazz-pop instrumental that became an unexpected mainstream hit in the late 1970s. With its smooth flugelhorn lead and breezy arrangement, the song embodies a sense of optimism and easygoing joy. From the very first notes, it creates a mood that is both uplifting and serene, making it a timeless staple of smooth jazz and adult contemporary playlists.

Musically, the track is built around a memorable, flowing melody that showcases Mangione’s expressive flugelhorn tone. The instrumentation blends gentle guitar work, mellow keyboards, and soft percussion, creating a sound that is polished yet soulful. What makes the piece so distinctive is its combination of simplicity and sophistication—its melodic clarity is immediately accessible, while its harmonic richness keeps it engaging for musicians and casual listeners alike.

The production of “Feels So Good” perfectly captures the relaxed energy of late-70s fusion. Rather than relying on complex improvisation, the music prioritizes atmosphere and emotion. The extended album version allows the theme to breathe, unfolding with smooth transitions and understated solos that highlight the ensemble’s cohesion. It’s the kind of track that invites listeners to sit back, unwind, and lose themselves in its warm, inviting soundscape.

Over the years, “Feels So Good” has become more than just a jazz piece—it’s a cultural touchstone. Its melody has appeared in films, television, and radio, cementing its status as one of the most recognizable instrumental hits of its era. The track showcases Chuck Mangione’s ability to blend jazz artistry with broad popular appeal, resulting in a song that continues to evoke nostalgia, happiness, and a sense of effortless calm for generations of listeners.

Chuck Mangione Feels So Good

Chuck Mangione

Feels So Good
A&M
Chuck Mangione

Chuck Mangione

Born: November 29, 1940
flugelhorn

Sunset July 29, 2025
Chuck Mangione is an acclaimed American flugelhorn player, composer, and bandleader known for his smooth blend of jazz, pop, and classical i... Read Bio