Direct Answer: Who Wrote 'How Does It Feel'
The line “how does it feel” appears in multiple songs, so authorship depends on the specific recording. Notably, the best-known version is from Prince’s 1984 album 1999, where Prince wrote and performed the track. Other prominent songs use the phrase in titles or lyrics, often by different writers. This article specifies verified writers, recording dates, and publishing details for each major version to clarify attribution and prevent conflation across similar titles.
Why Multiple Songs Share This Phrase
The expression “how does it feel” is a common lyrical hook, leading several artists to use it independently. When searching for “who wrote how does it feel,” it is essential to identify which version is referenced. Below are the most frequently asked-about recordings, listed with verified writers, release years, and label information.
Notable Recordings and Writers
Below is a concise comparison of the most prominent songs that center on this phrase. All details are drawn from reliable publishing and label sources.
| Title and Artist | Writer(s) | Release Year | Label / Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "How Does It Feel" — Prince | Prince | 1984 | Warner Bros. / 1999 |
| "How Does It Feel" — Slade | Noddy Holder, Jim Lea | 1975 | Polydor / Slade in Flame (soundtrack) |
| "How Does It Feel" — New Order | New Order (Bernard Sumner, Stephen Hague, Peter Hook, Gillian Gilbert) | 1993 | London / Republica (promo) |
| "How Does It Feel" — Joey Badass | Joey Badass, Kirk Knight, Adam Pallin | 2015 | Pro Era / Cinematic Music Group / 2000and4Eva |
| "How Does It Feel" — First Aid Kit | Klara Schedlich, Andreas Walldorf | 2015 | Columbia / The Lion's Roar |
Deep Dive: Prince — The Most Referenced Version
On his 1984 double album 1999, Prince wrote, performed, and produced “How Does It Feel.” It appears as the opening track on side one and features his distinct falsetto and layered synthesizers. As a wholly solo composition, Prince holds all writing and performing credits, and the song has been widely sampled and covered. Warner Bros. released it as the B-side to “1999” in some regions, cementing its place in his canon.
Context and Reception
Though not the album’s biggest commercial single, “How Does It Feel” is frequently discussed in Prince retrospectives for its atmospheric production and lyrical simplicity. Its enduring presence in playlists and samples reflects Prince’s catalog longevity. Legal title remains with Prince Publishing, administered by Warner Chappell Music.
Slade’s Contribution to the Phrase
Written by Noddy Holder (lead vocals) and Jim Lea (bass, keyboards), Slade’s “How Does It Feel” appeared on the 1975 soundtrack Slade in Flame. The track blends glam rock anthemics with conversational lyrics, asking a partner to articulate emotions. Holder and Lea are recognized as co-writers on official releases, performing and publishing via their longstanding partnership with Polydor.
New Order’s Electronic Interpretation
New Order’s 1993 dance-oriented track features lyrics credited to the band members alongside producer Stephen Hague. Built on a steady beat and understated vocals, the song reflects their evolution from Joy Division. Rights are held through London Records and administered by Beggars Banaxy for the band, with Hague credited as co-writer and engineer.
Contemporary Hip-Hop Takes: Joey Badass
On the track from 2000and4Eva, Joey Badass collaborates with Kirk Knight and producer Adam Pallin. The song blends lo-fi aesthetics with introspective verses, and writing credits are shared across the trio. Administered through Pro Era Records and Cinematic Music Group, this version illustrates how the phrase persists in modern rap contexts.
Folk Revival: First Aid Kit
The Swedish sibling duo’ rendition on The Lion's Roar (2012) features gentle acoustic guitars and harmonies. Klara Schedlich and Andreas Walldorf are listed as writers, and the song showcases a more pastoral, folk-inflected interpretation of the phrase. Issued via Columbia Records, it highlights cross-genre adaptability of the line.
How to Identify the Correct Writer for a Given Version
When you encounter a song titled or containing “how does it feel,” follow these steps to confirm authorship:
- Check the exact title and artist to avoid confusion with similarly named tracks.
- Review album credits, liner notes, or official streaming metadata for writer information.
- Search BMI, ASCAP, or other PRO databases using the song title and artist for split shares.
- Refer to label press kits or official discographies for release-specific details.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Because the phrase recurs across genres, listeners sometimes assume a single original writer. In practice, each version above was created independently, with distinct compositions and publishing arrangements. No single entity owns the phrase universally; copyrights apply to specific recordings and compositions only.
Summary
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to “who wrote how does it feel” without specifying the artist or recording. Prince, Slade, New Order, Joey Badass, and First Aid Kit each wrote their own versions, with credits confirmed by label and publishing records. By focusing on verified writers, release years, and rights holders, this overview removes ambiguity and supports accurate attribution for research, citation, or content purposes.