“Happy Feelin’s” by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly

“Happy Feelin’s” is one of the essential feel-good songs of the ‘70s. This track has such a positive, uplifting flow. It's the perfect jam to blast during the warm summer months, be it at the family cookout, chilling at the beach or vibin’ at the crib. It’s beautifully arranged and provides a great showcase for Frankie Beverly’s impressive vocal abilities. The soothing echo-laced bass part that opens the song is like a ray of sunlight breaking through the clouds. The butter-smooth background harmonies complement Beverly’s rich, soulful baritone. The majestic groove features delicate guitar licks, breezy keyboards and Robin Duhe’s exquisite bass work. 

“Happy Feelin’s” is a track from the band's debut album Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, released in 1977 on Capitol Records. Although it wasn’t released as a single, it’s one of the band’s most recognized songs and a bonafide soul classic. The song was written and produced by Beverly, as were all the tracks on the album. The collection peaked at #6 on Billboard’s R&B album chart and #52 on the Billboard 200 album chart. It was certified gold by the RIAA and earned the band a host of loyal fans.

According to WhoSampled.com, “Happy Feelin’s” has been sampled on 16 songs, including 2 Pac’s “Can U Get Away.” And it was included on the soundtrack for the Martin Lawrence/Danny DeVito comedy What’s The Worst That Could Happen? (2001).

The full band lineup for Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly was Robin Duhe (bass), Joe Provost (drums), Wayne Thomas (lead guitar), Sam Porter (keyboards), Ronald “Roame” Lowry (congas, vocals), McKinley “Bug” Williams (percussion, vocals) and Frankie Beverly (lead vocals and rhythm guitar).

Frankie Beverly formed Maze in Philadelphia in 1970. The band–originally named Raw Soul–relocated to San Francisco in 1971. Following their move to Frisco, they met Marvin Gaye who offered them a spot on his tour as one of his opening acts. Gaye became the band's mentor and was instrumental in helping them land a record deal with Capitol Records in 1976. He also suggested that the band change its name from Raw Soul to Maze. The talented soul outfit has earned nine gold albums and boasts a slew of R&B hits, including “Back in Stride,” “Can’t Get Over You,” “Running Away,” Southern Girl,” and “Golden Time of Day.” Maze’s sound encompasses soul, funk and R&B.

Maze has maintained a devoted following for more than four decades. They've had several personnel changes over the years; the only remaining original members are Frankie Beverly and Ronald “Roame” Lowry. The band is still very active and continues to tour throughout the U.S. and Europe. 

Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly performing "Happy Feelin's" live in New Orleans

"Happy Feelin's" available at Amazon