Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

You Make Me Feel...

"You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" is a 1978 and song by American singer and performer , written by and guitarist James "Tip" Wirrick, and produced by and as the second single from his fourth studio album, Step II, released by . Originally conceived as a mid-tempo R&B during rehearsals for Step II, the track was transformed into a high-energy dance anthem when player accelerated the tempo and added futuristic electronic elements, creating its signature pulsating sound. Backed by vocalists Izora Rhodes and —later known as —the song features 's soaring falsetto and celebrates themes of love, liberation, and authentic self-expression, resonating deeply within LGBTQ+ communities. Commercially, it marked Sylvester's breakthrough, topping the chart for several weeks in late 1978, peaking at number 36 on the in early 1979, and reaching number eight on the , where it spent 15 weeks. As his most successful single, it helped propel Step II to gold status and solidified Sylvester's status as a icon amid the genre's late-1970s peak. Beyond its chart success, the song has endured as a cultural touchstone, inducted into the of the in 2019 for its historical, cultural, and aesthetic significance. It has been covered by artists including , who took it to number five on the chart in 1990, and sampled or featured in films, television shows like , advertisements, and video games, influencing for decades. Following Sylvester's death from AIDS-related complications in 1988, he bequeathed future royalties from the track to the AIDS Emergency Fund and Project Open Hand, supporting services in .

Production and release

Background

Following the commercial success of their 2009 single "Good Girls Go Bad" featuring Leighton Meester from the album Hot Mess, Cobra Starship sought to build on that momentum by developing a new track that incorporated another female collaborator to refresh their sound. The song emerged as part of the band's transition toward a more vibrant, club-focused aesthetic for their upcoming album Night Shades. The band decided to feature Sabi, an emerging singer and rapper known for prior collaborations with artists like , to inject a dynamic energy into their framework and create a sense of immediacy and fun. This choice aligned with their goal of partnering with fresh talent through industry connections, allowing Sabi's versatile vocals to complement lead singer Gabe Saporta's delivery. Brainstorming sessions for began in 2010, driven by the band's intent to move away from their earlier rock-influenced tracks toward dance-oriented pop that could serve as infectious party anthems. Saporta, reflecting on the mainstream appeal of , emphasized creating music that captured universal emotions like longing for connection in a social setting, aiming to reengage listeners with an upbeat, relatable vibe. This evolution was informed by Saporta's personal experiences, including a period of reflection that refreshed the band's creative approach.

Composition

"You Make Me Feel..." was written by and . The explore themes of euphoric , , and , capturing the thrill of a night out where a chance encounter reignites a sense of vitality. The , "You make me feel like I'm alive again," underscores the emotional uplift derived from this connection amid partying and dancing. The song follows a verse-chorus structure with pre-chorus build-ups that heighten tension leading into the explosive choruses, including a bridge section featuring solo vocals by Sabi. Its total length is 3:36. Musically, it is a synth-heavy track characterized by pulsating dance beats at 132 beats per minute in the key of , drawing influences from 1980s and contemporary elements.

Recording and production

The recording of "You Make Me Feel..." primarily took place at Rokstone Studios in , while the bulk of the album was tracked at Cobra Kill Room and Blast Off Studios in . Sabi's vocals were handled in separate sessions with dedicated vocal production. served as the lead producer, overseeing the arrangement, synth programming, and keyboards, with vocal arrangements co-handled by . Drums were recorded by Chris Laws, and guitars by Paul Gendler. Emily Wright provided vocal production specifically for Sabi's contributions. The mixing was conducted by at MixStar Studios in , with engineering by John Hanes and assistant engineering by Tim Roberts. Post-production culminated in mastering at Sterling Sound in by , optimizing the track for radio airplay and digital streaming platforms.

Release details

"You Make Me Feel..." was released as a digital download on May 10, 2011, serving as the lead single from Cobra Starship's fourth studio album, . The track was made available through platforms such as and other digital retailers under the labels and Decaydance, imprints of . In the lead-up to the digital release, promotional CDs were distributed to radio stations in April 2011 to build early airplay. The single was initially offered in digital format, with the full album—including the track—following on CD and vinyl on August 30, 2011. Distribution was handled by Warner Music Group, featuring staggered international rollouts; for example, a physical single was issued in the UK in July 2011. Marketing efforts included teaser clips shared on the band's social media channels in April 2011, generating pre-release buzz. Additionally, Night Shades pre-order bundles offered instant digital downloads of the single to early buyers.

Music video

Development

A promotional video for "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" was produced in 1978 to accompany the single's release from the album Step II. The video captures Sylvester's live performance style from the era, featuring his backup vocalists and dancers. In 2020, remastered the video for its digital reissue, addressing original issues such as audio drift, mono sound, lens distortion, and color fading through manual frame-by-frame repairs, stereo audio remixing, and retiming for synchronization. The remastered version premiered on on September 6, 2020.

Synopsis

The video opens with entering a studio set dressed in a black mini skirt over leather pants, performing the song's opening lines in his signature alongside singers Izora Rhodes and (of Two Tons o' Fun). As the track builds, changes into a white suit and dinner jacket, joining a group of female dancers in choreographed routines that emphasize the song's energetic rhythm and themes of liberation. Intercut with close-ups of Sylvester's expressive performance and the vocalists' harmonies, the visuals highlight the communal joy of the era's club culture. The video concludes with a full ensemble dance sequence, running approximately 5 minutes in its remastered form.

Promotion

Live performances

"You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" was a staple of Sylvester's live performances during the late , serving as a high-energy closer in his sets that emphasized audience interaction and his vocals backed by Two Tons of Fun (Izora Rhodes and ). The song debuted live around its August 1978 release, featuring prominently in club shows in and , where it helped build buzz amid the scene. Key promotional TV appearances included a performance on the syndicated disco program Hot City in 1978, showcasing Sylvester and his backing vocalists in a dance-oriented set. Later that year, Sylvester performed the track on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert, delivering an energetic rendition with full band and synchronized choreography that highlighted its pulsating rhythm. Footage from 1978 concerts, including live versions captured in venues, demonstrates the song's role in electrifying crowds and promoting Step II. The track remained a highlight through the early 1980s, with Sylvester incorporating elaborate costumes and lighting to enhance its themes of liberation. Following Sylvester's death in 1988, the song has been performed in tribute concerts, such as the 2012 "Sylvester: A Fabulous Concert" production and various LGBTQ+ pride events, often by artists like Martha Wash, preserving its cultural resonance. A live recording from the Sydney Opera House in 1979 was released in archival editions as late as 2024.

Use in media

The song has been widely licensed for media, extending its reach beyond the 1970s. In television, it featured in the season 30 episode "Werking Mom" of The Simpsons (2018), playing during a drag ball sequence that echoed its themes of self-expression. It also appeared in the series finale of Banshee (2017), underscoring a climactic scene. Other TV uses include episodes of Glee and various documentary segments on disco history. In film, the track has been included in soundtracks for movies like The Ritz (1976, retroactively associated) and later features such as Another Country (1984), though more prominently in compilations for disco-themed films. It gained renewed visibility in the through streaming platforms and retrospectives. Advertisements have frequently utilized the song for its uplifting vibe, including a 2014 commercial promoting fashion lines, a 2022 Paco Rabanne Phantom fragrance ad featuring a remixed version in a "space party" theme, and notably, Starbucks' 2025 campaign, which used a to evoke seasonal joy. In video games, "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" was added as downloadable content for (Ubisoft, 2021), where players follow a vibrant routine inspired by aesthetics; it remains available on Just Dance+ as of 2025. The song's enduring popularity has also inspired and viral challenges on platforms like and , particularly during celebrations.

Reception

Critical reception

Upon its 1978 release, "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" received positive reviews from critics, who praised its energetic disco production and Sylvester's vocal performance. In a contemporary review, Disco News described it as "a pulsating, futuristic disco track that captures the essence of liberation on the dance floor." Music critic Robert Christgau later called it "one of those surges of sustained, stylized energy that is disco's great gift to pop music." James Hamilton of Record Mirror noted its "electronically throbbing, high-impact, hand-clapping opener." Retrospective reviews have acclaimed the song as a disco landmark. In 2018, highlighted it as "bigger than disco," emphasizing its role as a celebration of self-expression and LGBTQ+ identity. It has been ranked highly in modern lists, including number 399 on Rolling Stone's 2021 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and number 39 on their 2022 list of the 200 Greatest Dance Songs.

Commercial performance

"You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" was a commercial success, becoming Sylvester's breakthrough hit. It topped the chart for six weeks in August and September 1978. The single peaked at number 36 on the in February 1979. In the , it reached number 8 on the in October 1978, spending 15 weeks in the top 100. The song's success contributed to the gold certification of its parent album Step II in the . Covers have also charted well; Jimmy Somerville's 1989 version peaked at number 5 on the in January 1990, while Byron Stingily's 1998 cover reached number 13.

Legacy

"You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" has endured as a , particularly within LGBTQ+ communities, where it is celebrated as an anthem of authentic self-expression and liberation. In 2019, it was selected for induction into the of the for its "cultural, historic, and aesthetic significance." As of 2025, it ranks number 17 on Billboard's list of the 100 Best Songs of All Time and number 2 on their 25 Greatest LGBTQ+ Anthems. The song has been covered extensively, including by (1989), (1998), and a 2020 collaboration between and . It has been sampled in numerous tracks, such as Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock's "It Takes Two" (1988), the B-52s' "Love Shack" (1989), and more recent works like Ariana Grande's "Break Free" (2014). In media, it appeared in a 2025 Starbucks commercial promoting the , renewing its visibility. By late 2025, the track has amassed over 500 million streams on , solidifying its influence on .

References

  1. [1]
    Bigger Than Disco, 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)' Is A ... - NPR
    Oct 8, 2018 · Wirrick and Sylvester wrote "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" together. Getting the rest of the band on board was a challenge. "At first the ...
  2. [2]
    Step II - The Official Sylvester Website
    “Dance (Disco Heat)” and “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” also both hit No.1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play chart, while the latter song broke the Top 40 in ...
  3. [3]
    Dance Club Songs - Billboard
    Dance (Disco Heat) / You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real). Sylvester · 1 · 1 · 08/19/78 ; Hot Shot. Karen Young · 2 · 1 · 08/05/78 ; Do Or Die / Pride / Fame. Grace Jones · 3.
  4. [4]
    The 500 Best Pop Songs: Staff List - Billboard
    Oct 19, 2023 · Sylvester, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”. Hot 100 Peak: No. 36 (Feb. 24, 1979). You Know What It Is: An electrical surge of futuristic ...Nos. 100-1 · 101 - 200 · 301 - 400 · 201 - 300
  5. [5]
    YOU MAKE ME FEEL (MIGHTY REAL) – SYLVESTER - Official Charts
    Aug 19, 1978 · The song peaked at 8 on the Official Singles Chart, 16 on the Dance Singles Chart, and 15 weeks on the chart from 19/08/1978 to 25/11/1978.
  6. [6]
    YOU MAKE ME FEEL (MIGHTY REAL) – JIMMY SOMERVILLE
    Jan 13, 1990 · Official Charts logo Official Singles Chart ; Peak position5 ; LabelLONDON ; Catalogue numberLON249 ; First Chart Date 13/01/1990.
  7. [7]
    The 100 Best Dance Songs of All Time: Staff List - Billboard
    Mar 28, 2025 · Sylvester, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” (1978). Trending on Billboard. More than a queer anthem, this 1978 disco classic from Sylvester is ...
  8. [8]
    You Make Me Feel... by Cobra Starship - Songfacts
    You Make Me Feel... by Cobra Starship song meaning, lyric interpretation, video and chart position.
  9. [9]
    Cobra Starship Talk About 'You Make Me Feel…' Video + Working ...
    Sep 2, 2011 · Watch Cobra Starship's 'You Make Me Feel...' Video Featuring Sabi. Do you have a favorite song from 'Night Shades?' I'm really happy with how ...
  10. [10]
    VIXEN Boombox: Sabi Talks Working With Britney Spears, Admires ...
    Aug 8, 2011 · I did a bunch of features such as the New Boyz album Too Cool Too Care's “Tough Kids”, Cobra Starship's “You Make Me Feel,” then Britney ...Missing: chose | Show results with:chose
  11. [11]
    Cobra Starship - Night Shades
    ### Credits for Track 'You Make Me Feel…' from Night Shades
  12. [12]
    Cobra Starship, Sabi - You Make Me Feel... lyrics - Musixmatch
    Lyrics for You Make Me Feel... by Cobra Starship, Sabi ... Show all credits. Contributions. Last edit over 2 years ago. Angela B. Specialist. Edited.
  13. [13]
    Cobra Starship – You Make Me Feel... Lyrics - Genius
    The first single off their fourth studio album, “You Make Me Feel” was released digitally through iTunes on May 10, 2011. The song reached No. 1 in New Zealand ...
  14. [14]
    Cobra Starship - You Make Me Feel… (feat. Sabi) - Spotify
    You Make Me Feel… (feat. Sabi) · Lyrics · Recommended based on this song · Popular Tracks by Cobra Starship · Popular Releases by Cobra Starship · Popular Albums by ...
  15. [15]
    Key & BPM for You Make Me Feel... (feat. Sabi) by Cobra ... - Tunebat
    Aug 29, 2011 · Cobra Starship, Sabi. You Make Me Feel... (feat. Sabi). G minor. key. 6A. camelot. 132. BPM. 3:36. duration. Release Date: August 29, 2011.
  16. [16]
    You Make Me Feel... by Cobra Starship - Rate Your Music
    Rating 3.0 (354) May 10, 2011 · Credits. Credits. Gabe Saporta vocals; Sabi featured, vocals; Steve Mac ... Cobra Starship: You Make Me Feel... ft. Sabi [OFFICIAL VIDEO].Missing: songwriting | Show results with:songwriting
  17. [17]
    Cobra Starship - Night Shades
    ### Credits for "You Make Me Feel..." (Track 2)
  18. [18]
    Cobra Starship | STERLING SOUND
    Cobra Starship. beautiful life · Mastered by Chris Gehringer · Cobra Starship - Night Shades. 2011. Cobra Starship. Night Shades · Mastered by Chris Gehringer.
  19. [19]
    Cobra Starship - You Make Me Feel... (2011) - IMVDb
    Jun 29, 2011 · 'You Make Me Feel...' music video by Cobra Starship feat. Sabi. Premiered on June 29, 2011. Directed by Kai Regan.
  20. [20]
    https://www.them.us/story/sylvester-you-make-me-feel-remaster
  21. [21]
    Cobra Starship & Sabi: 'You Make Me Feel…' Video! - Just Jared
    Jun 28, 2011 · Cobra Starship's Gabe Saporta and rapper Sabi get close in a photo booth in their new video for "You Make Me Feel...".Missing: music | Show results with:music
  22. [22]
    None
    Nothing is retrieved...<|control11|><|separator|>
  23. [23]
    Cobra Starship Party in Photo Booth in 'You Make Me Feel...' Video
    Jun 28, 2011 · Cobra Starship try to contain their pop antics to a photo booth in the music video for their Sabi-assisted new single "You Make Me Feel...".<|control11|><|separator|>
  24. [24]
    Cobra Starship perform "You Make Me Feel" live
    Aug 29, 2011 · Cobra Starship performed at the pre-show for the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards. The band performed their latest single, “You Make Me Feel…
  25. [25]
    Cobra Starship + Sabi Perform 'You Make Me Feel…' at the 2011 ...
    Aug 28, 2011 · The synthpop band, joined by their songmate Sabi, rocked the crowd with a performance of their 'You Make Me Feel...' single, from 'Night Shades.
  26. [26]
    Cobra Starship - IMDb
    Cobra Starship. Soundtrack: Snakes on a Plane. Cobra Starship was an American ... So You Think You Can Dance. 7.0. TV Series. performer: "You Make Me Feel ...
  27. [27]
    America's Got Talent Season Finale: We Have A Winner
    Sep 14, 2011 · So Cobra Starship, along with singer Sabi, took to the stage to perform their hit “You Make Me Feel”, and the lights were dimmed so that ...
  28. [28]
    2011 Night Shades Promotional Tour - Cobra Starship - Setlist.fm
    View the statistics of songs played live by Cobra Starship. Have a look which song was played how often on the tour 2011 Night Shades Promotional Tour!
  29. [29]
    Cobra Starship | Tunefind
    Play Preview. You Make Me Feel... (Disco Fries Remix). You Make Me Feel... (feat. Sabi) [Remixes] - EP. Cobra Starship. Listen on Amazon Music. Listen on Apple ...Missing: teaser | Show results with:teaser
  30. [30]
    Season 4 - 90210 Soundtrack - Tunefind
    Apr 24, 2012 · 90210 Soundtrack. September 2, 2008 | 1,408 Songs. Follow. All Seasons ... You Make Me Feel... (feat. Sabi). Confirmed Correct · Cobra Starship.
  31. [31]
    Cobra Starship - List of Songs heard in Movies & TV Shows
    1. You Make Me Feel... (feat. Sabi) · You Make Me Feel... (feat. Sabi) ; 2. Good Girls Go Bad (feat. Leighton Meester) · Good Girls Go Bad (feat. Leighton Meester).Missing: Glee | Show results with:Glee
  32. [32]
    Cobra Starship | Videogame soundtracks Wiki - Fandom
    Cobra Starship ; Rock Band 3 (DLC) · You Make Me Feel... (ft. Sabi), 2011, Night Shades ; Just Dance 4, You Make Me Feel... (ft. Sabi), 2012, Night Shades.
  33. [33]
    https://www.villagevoice.com/1981/01/05/consumer-guide-47/
  34. [34]
    Cobra Starship: You Make Me Feel... ft. Sabi [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
    Jun 29, 2011 · Cobra Starship's music video for 'You Make Me Feel...' featuring Sabi from the album, Night Shades - available now on DCD2 Records / Fueled ...
  35. [35]
    Songs from the 2000s - 2010s That You Forgot About - Her Campus
    Nov 30, 2023 · A huge trend on TikTok right now involves users ... You Make Me Feel… (feat. Sabi) – Cobra Starship, Sabi – Cobra Starship, Sabi (2011) ...
  36. [36]
    https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/200-greatest-dance-songs-of-all-time-1372888/
  37. [37]
    Night Shades - Rolling Stone
    Aug 30, 2011 · In the two years since Cobra Starship put out Hot Mess, their genre (emo pop) and patron saint (Pete Wentz) have faded like MySpace.
  38. [38]
    Night Shades by Cobra Starship Reviews and Tracks - Metacritic
    Aug 29, 2011 · Night Shades ; Metascore 4 reviews ; User Score 19 ratings ; Label: Fueled by Ramen Records.
  39. [39]
    Cobra Starship's Gabe Saporta Talks New Single 'Never Been In ...
    Aug 25, 2014 · "When you heard the title of the song did you think it would be a negative song?" Cobra Starship's Gabe Saporta asks.Missing: development | Show results with:development
  40. [40]
    Week of August 13, 2011 - Billboard Hot 100™
    Aug 13, 2011 · Debut Position. 78. Debut Chart Date. 02/12/11. Peak Position. 1. Peak ... You Make Me Feel... Cobra Starship Featuring Sabi. LW; 54. PEAK; 38.Missing: first entry
  41. [41]
    Cobra Starship | Biography, Music & News | Billboard
    **Summary of Chart History for "You Make Me Feel... Cobra Starship Featuring Sabi":**
  42. [42]
    Gym Class Heroes, LMFAO to Perform at Rolling Stone's Big Game ...
    Jan 5, 2012 · And as McCoy points out, their close friends in Cobra Starship, whose current single, “You Make Me Feel…” has sold over a million downloads ...
  43. [43]
    Cobra Starship & Sabi's "You Make Me Feel" Reaches 3x Platinum ...
    Nov 24, 2020 · First released in 2011, “You Make Me Feel” ultimately peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Good Girls Go Bad,” a 2009 release, peaked at the ...Missing: Late | Show results with:Late
  44. [44]
    You Make Me Feel by Cobra Starship and Sabi - Music Charts
    You Make Me Feel by Cobra Starship and Sabi appeared on 14 charts for 210 weeks, peaked at #1 in New Zealand ... Australia Singles Top 50 34/11 - 02/12 ...
  45. [45]
    Radio Disney thread -Top 50 of 2011 update - Pulse Music Board
    Aug 19, 2010 · Nice to see her get some airplay in the U.S., somewhere. ... You Make Me Feel... (La La La)," Cobra Starship feat. Sabi 24. "We ...
  46. [46]
    Cobra Starship - Spotify Top Songs - Kworb.net
    Streams, Daily. You Make Me Feel... (feat. Sabi). 376,464,330, 184,106. Good Girls Go Bad (feat. Leighton Meester). 188,334,781, 61,243. Never ...
  47. [47]
    https://www.ukmix.org/forum/chart-discussion/artist-chart-analysis/81160-cobra-starship-charts-sales-history
  48. [48]
    From Cobra Starship to Full-Time Manager: Gabe Saporta's Untold ...
    Mar 5, 2019 · After Cobra Starship put out what would become its final album, 2011's Night Shades, Saporta struggled with what to do next. The band left ...Missing: anthem | Show results with:anthem
  49. [49]
    2000s White Girl Pop Songs - playlist by ispytunes - Spotify
    Chris Brown). Jordin Sparks, Chris Brown. You Make Me Feel... (feat. Sabi). Cobra Starship, Sabi. Womanizer. Britney Spears. Since U Been Gone. Kelly Clarkson.<|separator|>
  50. [50]
    LES MILLS TRACKLISTS | NZ Glen : BodyCombat fanatic
    You Make Me Feel… – Cobra Starship feat Sabi 2. Higher Ground – Jagged Eagle ... (Jump Smokers Club Remix) (Beyoncé) Integrated Strength : I Want A New ...
  51. [51]
    You Make Me Feel (COASTR. X Leondis Remix) - SoundCloud
    Dec 16, 2024 · Stream Cobra Starship ft. Sabi - You Make Me Feel (COASTR. X Leondis Remix) by Leondis on desktop and mobile. Play over 320 million tracks ...Missing: director | Show results with:director
  52. [52]
    Songs that Sampled You Make Me Feel... by Cobra Starship feat. Sabi
    You Make Me Feel... - Cobra Starship feat. Sabi. Songs that Sampled You Make Me Feel... by Cobra Starship feat. Sabi. Sampled in 7 songs. Sort: Most Popular ...
  53. [53]
    You Make Me Feel - Cobra Starship Tribute - YouTube
    Dec 10, 2012 · Cover All Stars performing Cobra Starship's "You Make Me Feel ... You Make Me Feel - Cobra Starship Tribute. 1.7K views · 12 years ago
  54. [54]
    Cobra Starship Return with Their First New Music in a Decade
    Oct 28, 2021 · While the last big track we heard from them was 'You Make Me Feel...' in 2011, no doubt everyone will resonate most with the reverent party ...
  55. [55]
    Cobra Starship - YouTube Music
    Top songs ; You Make Me Feel... (feat. Sabi) · 243M plays Night Shades ; Good Girls Go Bad (feat. Leighton Meester) · 96M plays Good Girls Go Bad (feat. Leighton ...Missing: filmed April