Detroit Emeralds - Feel The Need In Me

Year Released: 1972
Genre: Soul / Funk / Disco Crossover

Description:
Released in 1972 on Westbound Records, “Feel The Need In Me” stands as the Detroit Emeralds’ signature song — a sophisticated fusion of smooth soul vocals, tight funk rhythm, and early disco sensibilities.

Driven by a hypnotic bassline, crisp guitar licks, and James Mitchell’s silky lead vocals, the track embodies the polished Detroit sound that bridged Motown-style soul and the emerging Philadelphia groove. Its yearning chorus and steady pulse made it an enduring dancefloor favorite throughout the 1970s and beyond.

The song’s timeless groove has inspired multiple remixes and re-recordings, including a 1977 disco version by the group themselves and later covered by Leif Garrett. It’s also been sampled in hip-hop — notably by DJ Quik on “Hand in Hand” (1998) — reaffirming its status as a perennial soul-funk classic