Soul Feelings by Masquerade: A Hard Rock Gem from '93 That Still Kicks
Alright, let’s talk about Soul Feelings, the 1993 hard rock album from Masquerade. Released under The Stickmen Music Co., this US-born record is one of those hidden treasures that doesn’t get enough love—but man, it deserves it. If you’re into raw energy, gritty vocals, and riffs that feel like they’re punching you in the gut (in a good way), this might just be your jam.
First off, let me say—the tracklist is stacked. Sixteen songs? Yeah, they weren’t messing around. But two tracks really stuck with me after giving this album a spin: “Red Ocean” and “Sugared Strawberries.”
“Red Ocean” hits you right outta nowhere. It starts with this brooding guitar riff that feels kinda ominous, like walking into a dark room not knowing what’s waiting for ya. Then the drums kick in, heavy as hell, and suddenly you’re headbanging whether you meant to or not. The lyrics are cryptic but cool—it’s less about telling a story and more about making you feel something. Like, I don’t even know if there’s an actual red ocean involved, but damn if it doesn’t sound epic. This song has staying power; once you hear it, you’ll find yourself humming it later when you’re doing boring stuff like folding laundry or waiting in line at the DMV.
Then there’s “Sugared Strawberries,” which couldn’t be more different. Where “Red Ocean” is all intensity, this one leans into a groovier vibe. There’s this catchy bassline that worms its way into your brain, plus these bright, almost psychedelic touches scattered throughout. It’s like biting into candy that’s sweet but has a little sour kick to keep things interesting. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting such a fun, upbeat tune on a hard rock album, but here we are. Props to Masquerade for keeping things unpredictable.
The rest of the album keeps up the momentum too. Tracks like “Rat Race” and “Faith, Love, Hope And Truth” bring serious attitude, while slower numbers like “Blue Sky” give you time to catch your breath without losing interest. Even quirky little weirdos like “Ugh” and “My Love Body” add personality—you can tell the band wasn’t afraid to experiment.
Looking back, Soul Feelings feels like a snapshot of early ‘90s rock before everything got so polished and formulaic. Sure, some parts might sound dated now, but that’s part of the charm. It’s real, unfiltered, and kinda rough around the edges—and honestly, isn’t that what rock ‘n’ roll should be?
Here’s the thing though—listening to this album made me realize how much music today lacks that sense of danger. Back then, bands like Masquerade weren’t trying to play it safe. They were throwing everything against the wall to see what stuck. And honestly? Most of it did.
So yeah, check out Soul Feelings. Maybe blast it on a road trip or while cleaning the garage. Just don’t blame me if you end up air-guitaring so hard you knock something over. Oh, and hey—if anyone knows what "Reginald's Wonderful World" is actually about, hit me up. Still scratching my head on that one.
