“How Good It Feels” by Lake Street Dive speaks deeply about solitude, self-finding, and the happiness of connecting with others. This song is from their “Side Pony” album. It shows the band’s skill in mixing meaningful words with tunes that linger in your mind.
Lake Street Dive is a major player in indie music and song storytelling. Their song, “How Good It Feels,” beautifully captures their journey and musical growth. The lyrics talk about self-improvement and celebrating who you are. They match well with the band’s soulful and diverse tunes.
Key Takeaways
- The song emphasizes the joy found in both solitude and human connection.
- “How Good It Feels” is a part of the critically acclaimed album “Side Pony.”
- Lake Street Dive blends various musical genres, creating a unique indie music style.
- The band’s evolution is encapsulated in their reflective and celebratory lyrics.
- Rachael Price’s distinctive vocals add depth to the song’s meaningful message.
Introduction to Lake Street Dive and Their Unique Style
The Lake Street Dive band stands out, proud of its unique flair. Started in Boston, this indie band wins hearts with its distinctive style and charm. Their journey from unknown to must-see performers shows their wide appeal and innovative mix of genres.
Overview of the Indie Band
In 2012, Lake Street Dive’s cover of “I Want You Back” by Jackson 5 went viral. The band features Rachel Price’s vocals, Bridget Kearney on bass, Mike Calabrese on drums, and Mike “McDuck” Olson on trumpet and guitar. Their music, which mixes Beatles, Motown, and classic country, is famous for its live energy and authenticity.
Musical Versatility
Their album Obviously was delayed by the pandemic but is eagerly awaited. They worked with Mike Elizondo, sending him thirty-five demos, from which eleven were chosen for the album. Elizondo’s expertise across genres, including jazz and pop, has added an exciting twist to their style. His hip-hop experience brings a rich new layer to their work.
| Key Album Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Recording Time | February, pre-lockdown |
| Album Name | Obviously |
| Number of Demos Sent | Thirty-five |
| Selected Songs | Eleven |
| Producer | Mike Elizondo |
| New Band Member Contribution | Akie Bermis with the song “Anymore” |
| Favorite Ice Cream Flavor | Mint chip |
| Viral Cover | Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” |
Akie Bermis’ addition brought new depth to the band, especially with his song “Anymore.” Changes in life, like marriage and kids, are mirrored in Mike Calabrese’s evolved songwriting. The band skillfully blends old and new, creating captivating music. They continue to stand out in the indie scene as the Lake Street Dive band keeps innovating.
The Context of “How Good It Feels” in the Album Side Pony
Lake Street Dive’s album “Side Pony” hit a big milestone for the band. They moved to Nonesuch Records, a major label. This move made their recording studio work better and helped shape their music while mixing many styles like soul and 70s pop. The album shows they can use different sounds but still tell a great musical story.
Evolution of Lake Street Dive
The song “How Good It Feels” from “Side Pony” shows how Lake Street Dive has grown. They went from indie artists to big names in music after “Bad Self Portraits.” Their song “Call Off Your Dogs” got really popular, playing often on the radio station Lightning 100. This shows they’re getting more famous.
They opened for Grace Potter and will tour with Dave Matthews Band. These chances help them reach more people. They also get to show off their mix of music styles and great live shows.
The Recording Process
Working on “Side Pony” changed Lake Street Dive. They went into the studio wanting to try new things. With the deal from their new label, they used cool studio tricks and worked together on songs. This made “How Good It Feels” a great track with awesome lyrics and Rachael Price’s strong voice. It really captures the happiness of friendship.
The album mixes different sounds from various instruments, making each song special. For example, “Can’t Stop” has a vibe like Donna Summer’s music, which fans love. The album mixes styles in a smooth way. This shows the band’s skill and how they meet fans’ different tastes.
Lake Street Dive’s hard work and openness to new music ideas make “Side Pony” special. Their journey and studio time have led to music that’s fun and makes you think. It’s become an important part of music talks today.
Lake Street Dive’s “Side Pony” tells the story of their music journey. It shows how they grew with their big move to a major label.
| Album | Release Year | Highlight Tracks | Genre Blends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Pony | 2016 | “Call Off Your Dogs”, “How Good It Feels”, “Can’t Stop” | Soul, Country and Western, Surf Rock, Disco, 70s Pop |
| Bad Self Portraits | 2014 | “Bad Self Portraits”, “Better Than”, “Seventeen” | Indie Pop, Rock, Soul |
The Lyrics of “How Good It Feels by Lake Street Dive”
The song “How Good It Feels” by Lake Street Dive shows us a deep look into contrasting feelings and life events. It talks about loving being alone but also the need to connect with others. These themes give us a full picture of what we often want and need in life.
First Part: Embracing Solitude
The first part celebrates the joy of being on your own. It talks about the strength found in independence. The song reflects on finding inner peace and joy without needing anyone else. This idea highlights the beauty of enjoying your own company.
Second Part: The Realization of Seeking Connection
Then, the song shifts to the importance of connecting with others. It points out how truly valuable friendship and love are. This change in the song mixes the happiness of being solo with the need to share life’s moments. Lake Street Dive beautifully balances these feelings in their music.
You can find the lyrics of Lake Street Dive on Lyrics.cat. For more insights into songs and music, check out analyses like The Meaning Behind The Song: Oasis by A Great Big World.
| Thematic Focus | Interpretation | Emotional Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Embracing Solitude | Celebrates the joy of being independent and self-reliant. | Empowering |
| Seeking Connection | Highlights the realization of the importance of companionship and shared experiences. | Heartwarming |
Rachael Price’s Soulful Vocals
Rachael Price is celebrated for her soulful voice. She brings a rich emotion and truth to every show. In “How Good It Feels,” her voice shines, taking listeners on an engaging trip. She masterfully shares the song’s story, showing feelings of being alone or longing for connection.
Vocal Delivery in “How Good It Feels”
Rachael Price’s singing in “How Good It Feels” shows her vocal skill. Her soulful voice clearly expresses the song’s messages with honesty. With subtle changes in her voice and emotional expression, she makes every phrase feel real. The deep emotions she shares make listening an unforgettable experience. Her voice in this song will get noticed for its unique sound and interpretation skill.
Price has been on stage for most of her life, proving her dedication and experience. Her long history of performing shows in her confident and refined singing. Starting international tours at 12 with the Voices of Bahá’í choir and making her first CD in high school shows her deep music understanding. Her time at the New England Conservatory of Music adds to her technical skill and artistry.
People often compare Price to famous singers like Amy Winehouse. They note her casual style mixed with a unique femininity and allure. These comparisons show her ability to mix different styles, from jazz to soul. In “How Good It Feels,” she blends country punk and classic soul smoothly, offering a dynamic and touching vocal performance.
The Instrumentation and Melodic Structure
The rich tapestry of Lake Street Dive music shines through their music’s balance. Their album “Side Pony,” and the song “How Good It Feels,” is a testament to this. It mixes their musical skills and catchy melodies into a captivating sound.
Instrumentation Breakdown
The song “How Good It Feels” mixes classic and modern music beautifully. It was recorded at The Sound Emporium in Nashville. This blend of live and studio techniques creates a unique sound.
Dave Cobb’s production brought influences like Motown, the Beatles, and soul into their music. This shows the versatility of Lake Street Dive music.
The band members—Rachael Price, Mike Olson, Bridget Kearney, and Mike Calabrese—bring their unique sounds together. Their instruments make a sound that highlights Price’s soulful voice. This blend makes their live shows dynamic and true to their recordings.
Melodic Hooks and Catchy Tunes
The melody of “How Good It Feels” is memorable. Catchy tunes and melodic hooks make this track stand out. Bridget Kearney’s bass creates a danceable beat that lifts the song.
Their cover of “I Want You Back” shows their creativity. They slowed the song down and changed the arrangement. This showcases their innovative spirit.
The catchiness of the song comes from careful crafting. The band evolves creatively and blends old and new sounds. Lake Street Dive’s ability to catch the listener’s attention is strong. They know how to make songs that people can’t stop humming.
Audience Reception and Critical Reviews
Since “Side Pony” came out, Lake Street Dive has seen great audience reception. Fans love “How Good It Feels” for its easy-to-relate-to lyrics and catchy tune. People have been sharing their love for the song on social media. They say it lifts their spirits and connects with them deeply.
Critics have given the song high marks as well. They admire how the band mixes different music styles. “How Good It Feels” shows off Lake Street Dive’s talent for blending jazz and pop. Big names like Rolling Stone and Pitchfork have praised it. They call it a highlight in an already strong album.
Listeners can’t get enough of the song’s hopeful yet thoughtful vibe. Critics praise its deep lyrics about finding oneself and connecting with others. Rachael Price’s strong singing and the band’s tight play have made it a hit. This has attracted both new fans and those who’ve loved Lake Street Dive for years. It shows the band is still a big deal in today’s music world.
