A charismatic alt-pop success from Joshua Pearlstein, “Just the Feeling” pairs grooving rhythmic and buzzing synth infectiousness with a standout vocal performance — recounting the addictive nature of a toxic yet stimulating romance. Originally from Atlanta and now based between Boston and Los Angeles, Pearlstein’s pop influences are those with both style and inventiveness — names like Michael Jackson, Prince, Justin Timberlake, The Weeknd, and Lady Gaga. These artists’ abilities to maintain infectious immediacy and vibe-y soundscapes, with relatable thematic strides, results in a timeless pop feeling; “Just the Feeling” feels very much in that mold, with its club-ready production pairing with snappy vocal hooks for a riveting production.
Percussive pitter-patter and sporadic synth buzzes build into Pearlstein’s vocal laments: “You only call me I’m so low / when I’m solo.” The verses build with that angst-y momentum into a more smitten sense — “your sweet perfume sets the mood, baby what you wanna do?” — as the “need your love” hook takes hold. “You’re all that I want,” Pearlstein confesses as the intensified synths, funk-laden bass, and steady rhythms continue to impress. The embrace of a delectably wild but toxic relationship is conveyed — “I love the feeling…” — as is the acknowledgement of its dangers, all set within a memorable pop production that firmly entices replays.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
