A Silken Whisper of Enduring Affection from the Voice of Romance
There are voices in music that, once heard, become indelibly etched in the landscape of our memories. Johnny Mathis possesses such a voice—a velvet instrument capable of conveying the deepest emotions with effortless grace and warmth. He has been, for generations, “The Voice of Romance,” and his interpretations of love songs have become the soundtrack to countless cherished moments. Today, we revisit a song that, while perhaps more widely recognized in a later incarnation, first received its tender embrace from Mathis: “Love Never Felt So Good.”
Released in 1984 on his album “A Special Part of Me,” Johnny Mathis‘s rendition of “Love Never Felt So Good” may not have scaled the dizzying heights of the pop charts in the same way some of his earlier classics did. However, its significance lies in its origin and its gentle, heartfelt delivery. For context, while Johnny Mathis was a consistent album chart presence with an astounding 73 albums making the Billboard charts, his individual singles had seen their biggest pop chart success earlier in his career, with notable hits like “Chances Are” and “Misty.” Nevertheless, his rendition of “Love Never Felt So Good” remains a beloved track for his dedicated fanbase, a testament to his enduring artistry.
The story of “Love Never Felt So Good” is a fascinating one, deeply rooted in the creative genius of two iconic figures: Michael Jackson and Paul Anka. The song was originally co-written by Michael Jackson and Paul Anka in 1983. A demo version with Jackson’s vocals was recorded, but for various reasons, it didn’t find a place on any of his albums at that time. It was Johnny Mathis who first brought this beautiful melody and its sentiments to the public. For Mathis’s version, the lyrics were thoughtfully revised by Paul Anka and Kathleen Wakefield, adding a nuanced depth that truly resonated with Mathis’s smooth, sophisticated style.
At its heart, “Love Never Felt So Good” is a declaration of profound joy and contentment found in a truly fulfilling love. It speaks to that exhilarating moment when a connection blossoms into something so right, so comforting, that it feels entirely new and utterly perfect. The lyrics, with their elegant simplicity, paint a picture of being utterly captivated by another, finding immense happiness and a sense of belonging in their embrace. It’s the feeling of warmth that spreads through you when you realize that this love, this person, is exactly what you’ve always yearned for, and every touch, every moment, feels exquisitely right.
Johnny Mathis, with his unparalleled ability to convey deep emotion without theatrics, delivers “Love Never Felt So Good” with a tender sincerity that elevates its meaning. His voice, ever so supple and imbued with a golden timbre, perfectly captures the subtle thrill and quiet devotion inherent in the lyrics. It’s a performance that doesn’t shout its happiness but rather sings it in a soft, knowing murmur, inviting the listener to share in the intimacy of that joy. For many, his interpretation is the definitive one, a gentle caress of a song that feels like coming home.
For those of us who grew up with Johnny Mathis as the backdrop to our most romantic evenings, our first dances, and our quiet reflections, “Love Never Felt So Good” holds a special place. It evokes memories of a time when elegance and romance were celebrated in music, when a voice like Mathis’s could transport you to a world of pure, unadulterated feeling. It reminds us of slow dances in dimly lit rooms, of promises whispered, and the quiet certainty that comes with finding true companionship. It’s a song that, like a cherished memory, retains its warmth and beauty through the years, proving that genuine love, and a timeless vocal performance, truly never felt so good.