Feelin’ Lonely by Morena: A Hidden Gem That Still Hits Different
Let’s talk about Feelin’ Lonely, the 1989 album from Morena. It’s one of those records that doesn’t scream for attention but sneaks up on you when you least expect it. With its mix of pop and electronic vibes, plus a splash of Italo-Disco flair, this Portuguese gem feels like stepping into a time machine set to somewhere between neon-lit dance floors and quiet, moody nights.
First off, shoutout to Jürgen Pertack (producer) and Roger Meno (writer). These guys knew how to craft something that sticks with you—not in an obvious way, but more like a faint memory you can’t quite shake. The whole thing is short and sweet, just two tracks long, but man, does it leave an impression.
The title track, “Feelin’ Lonely,” hits hard right away. It’s got this melancholic groove that feels both intimate and huge at the same time. Like, imagine sitting alone in your room late at night, staring out the window while rain streaks down the glass—that’s the vibe. Morena’s voice floats over these lush synths, soft yet full of longing. You don’t even need to understand every word; the emotion carries everything. There’s something raw about it, almost like she’s whispering her secrets directly into your ear. I swear, once you hear it, it’ll pop back into your head days later when you’re doing something random, like waiting in line at the grocery store or whatever.
Then there’s “African Love (Instrumental),” which flips the script completely. If “Feelin’ Lonely” is introspective and dreamy, this one’s all energy and rhythm. It’s pure Italo-Disco magic—those hypnotic beats, the tribal percussion, the layers of synth that build and swell until you feel like you’re floating. Even without lyrics, it tells a story. Honestly, it reminds me of summer nights spent dancing under string lights, where everyone’s laughing too loud and sweating too much but nobody cares because life feels infinite in that moment. Every time I listen to it, I wanna grab someone’s hand and spin ‘em around till we’re dizzy.
What makes Feelin’ Lonely special isn’t just the music—it’s the mood. This album isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel or anything, but it nails what it sets out to do. It’s nostalgic without being cheesy, emotional without being over-the-top. And honestly? Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
Here’s the kicker though—how did this not blow up bigger? Like, seriously, why isn’t Morena a household name? Maybe it’s because it came out in ’89, right before grunge and all that other stuff took over. Or maybe it was just ahead of its time. Either way, Feelin’ Lonely deserves way more love than it gets.
So go ahead, give it a spin. Let it transport you to another era—or better yet, let it remind you that loneliness and joy aren’t opposites. They kinda exist side by side, y’know?
