Album Review: Feelings by Steve Robelle (2006)
Alright, let’s talk about Feelings, the 2006 house music gem from Steve Robelle. Released under labels like Fuckin’ House and Balloon Records in Germany and Austria, this album is a proper throwback to when house music was all about grooves that made you move and vibes that stuck with you long after the night ended.
The album dives deep into the electronic-house genre, with Christoph Trücher and Manfred Lackner pulling double (and triple) duty as writers, arrangers, mixers, and producers. You’ve also got Rafiq Figaro on vocals, adding a soulful touch that elevates the whole thing. The tracklist is packed with remixes, which might sound excessive at first, but honestly? It works. Each version of “Feelings” brings something new to the table, making it feel less like one song and more like a journey.
Let me zoom in on two tracks that really stood out for me. First up, the Feelings (Original Club Mix). This one’s a banger. It’s got that classic house beat—steady, hypnotic, and impossible not to nod your head to. The bassline just slinks along, while Rafiq Figaro’s vocals float over the top, smooth as butter. There’s a moment around the two-minute mark where the synths kick in, and man, it’s like the track takes a breath before diving straight into peak-time energy. I remember hearing this at a friend’s party years ago, and it still gives me goosebumps.
Then there’s the Feelings (Christopher Groove Dub Mix). This one strips things back a bit, focusing more on the rhythm and those lush, atmospheric layers. It’s perfect if you’re in the mood for something deeper, more introspective. The way they play with the vocal snippets here is genius—it’s like Rafiq Figaro is whispering directly into your ear, even though he’s saying the same thing over and over. I don’t know how they do it, but it feels intimate, you know? Like the music’s got its own little secret it’s letting you in on.
What’s wild about Feelings is how cohesive it feels despite being basically nine versions of the same song. It’s not just remixes for the sake of it; each track offers a different perspective, a new way to experience the vibe. And that’s what makes it special—it’s not trying too hard to impress. It’s just good, honest house music that knows exactly what it’s doing.
Looking back, I think what stays with me most about Feelings isn’t just the music itself, but the way it reminds me of simpler times. Back then, house music wasn’t about big-name DJs or flashy festivals—it was about connection, community, and losing yourself on the dancefloor. Listening to this album now feels like stepping into a time machine, except instead of cheesy sci-fi effects, it’s just pure, unfiltered groove.
Oh, and here’s a random thought: isn’t it kinda funny how an album called Feelings makes you feel so much without needing to say much at all? Maybe that’s the magic of house music. Or maybe I’m just overthinking it. Either way, give Feelings a spin—you won’t regret it.
