The Weeknd, I Feel It Coming | Track Review

The Weeknd collaborates once more with Daft Punk on “I Feel It Coming,” one of four singles released ahead of Starboy.

Ahead of his third studio album, Starboy, The Weeknd released four singles.  “Starboy” arrived first, followed by the intriguing, if less successful “False Alarm”.  A week prior to the release of Starboy, the Canadian R&B musician dropped two more songs: “Party Monster” and “I Feel It Coming.” “I Feel It Coming” is the kinder, gentler single of the two.

 “I Feel It Coming” features a danceable, urban contemporary groove.  The pop-soul sensibility should give this record great crossover appeal. The overall production employs a warm sound – pads and rhythmic, soulful guitars.  The Weeknd delivers clear vocals. He sings effortlessly here, never breaking a sweat. The Michael Jackson comparisons are legit on a mid-tempo record like this one.

This is a sensual record, but The Weeknd doesn’t cross the line, say like “Often.” Ultimately, it serves as a contrast to his raw, sex-driven songs.

“I can see it in your eyes
‘Cause they never tell me lies
I can feel that body shake
And the heat between your legs.”

The pre-chorus shows maturity from The Weeknd:

“You’ve been scared of love and what it did to you
You don’t have to run, I know what you’ve been through
Just a simple touch and it can set you free
We don’t have to rush when you’re alone with me.”

The chorus is catchy and simple:

“I feel it coming
I feel it coming baby...”

Clearly a double entendre, it is deeper than previous sex-oriented songs. Daft Punk provide excellent contributions, namely the vocoder during the chorus. This provides sound contrast to The Weeknd’s distinct pipes.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “I Feel It Coming” is a welcome change of pace for The Weeknd.  While there are sex references throughout the course of the record, it goes deeper than the physical, something we haven’t often heard from The Weeknd.  It is well produced, superbly performed, and has the potential to be a hit.

The Weeknd • Starboy • Republic • 11.25.16

[: Republic]