What Is (Giving Him) Something He Can Feel

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Last updated: April 10, 2026

Quick Answer: "Giving Him Something He Can Feel" is a 1992 R&B hit by En Vogue based on Curtis Mayfield's 1976 song "Something He Can Feel," originally recorded by Aretha Franklin for the film Sparkle. The En Vogue version reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the defining R&B tracks of the 1990s.

Key Facts

Originally composed by Curtis Mayfield for the 1976 motion picture Sparkle
En Vogue released their cover version in June 1992 from their second album Funky Divas
Peaked at #6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100 charts
Featured lead vocals by Dawn Robinson with background harmonies by Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron, and Maxine Jones
Produced by Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster, becoming a signature song for the group's career

Overview

"Giving Him Something He Can Feel" is an R&B classic that bridges two decades of soul and contemporary music. Originally composed by Curtis Mayfield and released as "Something He Can Feel" in 1976 for the motion picture Sparkle, the song was first recorded by legendary vocalist Aretha Franklin. The track's sensual melody and meaningful lyrics about expressing love and desire resonated immediately with audiences, establishing itself as a cornerstone of 1970s R&B.

In 1992, the four-member vocal group En Vogue reimagined the composition with their signature contemporary R&B style, retitling it "Giving Him Something He Can Feel." Released as the second single from their second studio album Funky Divas, the En Vogue version became a defining moment for the group and the entire decade. The group's sophisticated harmonies, combined with lead vocalist Dawn Robinson's powerful delivery, transformed the song into a 1990s R&B anthem.

How It Works

The song's structure follows classic R&B traditions while incorporating 1990s production techniques:

Vocal Arrangement: Dawn Robinson delivers the lead vocals with emotional intensity, while Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron, and Maxine Jones provide intricate harmonies that create depth and richness throughout the track.
Lyrical Content: The song explores themes of romantic expression and physical intimacy, with lyrics that emphasize genuine emotion and authentic connection rather than superficial attraction.
Production Style: Producers Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster blended smooth R&B instrumentation with contemporary 1990s beats, creating a sound that was both timeless and modern.
Melodic Structure: The song features an instantly recognizable hook and verse-chorus-bridge pattern that makes it memorable while allowing space for vocal improvisation and ad-libs.

Key Comparisons

Aspect	Aretha Franklin Version (1976)	En Vogue Version (1992)
Original Title	"Something He Can Feel"	"Giving Him Something He Can Feel"
Musical Style	Smooth 1970s soul with organic instrumentation	Contemporary R&B with modern production and beatbox elements
Peak Chart Position	Chart success in soul/R&B categories	#6 on US Billboard Hot 100
Cultural Context	Part of film soundtrack, emphasizing cinematic storytelling	Part of En Vogue's mainstream R&B dominance era
Vocal Approach	Solo interpretation with emotional depth	Group harmony arrangement with four-part vocals

Why It Matters

Cultural Impact: En Vogue's version revitalized interest in the original composition and demonstrated how classic songs could be successfully reimagined for new generations while maintaining artistic integrity.
Chart Dominance: The single's peak at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 established En Vogue as major force in mainstream R&B during the 1990s, helping drive the group's albums to platinum status.
Vocal Excellence: The track showcased the exceptional four-part harmony capabilities that became En Vogue's signature, influencing countless R&B groups that followed and raising standards for vocal sophistication in pop music.
Songwriting Legacy: Curtis Mayfield's original composition proved timeless, demonstrating the value of well-crafted, emotionally resonant songwriting that transcends specific eras and production styles.

"Giving Him Something He Can Feel" represents a successful musical bridge between generations, allowing younger audiences to appreciate Curtis Mayfield's timeless songwriting while providing established R&B fans with a fresh interpretation. The song's enduring popularity on streaming platforms and continued radio play demonstrates its lasting appeal, cementing its place as one of the most significant R&B tracks of the 1990s.