Can You Feel It (Larry Heard song)
"Can You Feel It" is a seminal deep house track produced by Larry Heard, released under the name Mr. Fingers in 1986. It is widely considered one of the most influential and important records in the history of house music, and is recognized for its profound emotional resonance and its impact on the development of the genre.
The track is characterized by its ethereal synthesizers, a simple yet hypnotic drum machine beat, and a now-iconic bassline played on a Roland Juno-60 synthesizer. The use of lush, atmospheric pads and delicate melodies creates a sense of spiritual uplift and transcendence.
While primarily instrumental, "Can You Feel It" often features a spoken word sample, usually a sermon excerpt, emphasizing themes of unity, love, and faith. This spiritual element further contributes to the track's emotional power and its ability to connect with listeners on a deep level.
The impact of "Can You Feel It" extends far beyond the dance floor. Its influence can be heard in countless house and electronic music productions, and it has been sampled and covered extensively. The track's emphasis on feeling and emotion helped to define the sound of deep house and continues to inspire artists today. It is also notable for being a defining track of the Chicago house scene and helped solidify Heard's reputation as a pioneering figure in electronic music.