"Heaven's What I Feel" is a 1998 song by American singer and songwriter Gloria Estefan. It was released as the first and lead single on May 5, 1998 by Epic Records, from her eighth studio album, gloria!. The song was written by Kike Santander and produced by Emilio Estefan, Jr. and Santander. The single was a hit in Europe, the US, Australia and Japan. In Spain, it peaked at number-one. It also reached the Top 5 in Hungary and Top 20 in Scotland and the UK. In the US, the song reached number 27 on the BillboardHot 100 and number 7 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. The song can be described as a ballad with a dance music background. It was given to Estefan by Celine Dion. Estefan performed "Heaven's What I Feel" at many TV-concerts and shows, like the 1998 VH1 Divas Live, Top of the Pops and the 1998 World Music Awards.
The song was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording but lost to Madonna's smash hit "Ray of Light". But the music video, directed by Bille Woodruff, where Estefan is seen flying in space received the ALMA Award for "Best Outstanding Video".
The song was written by Colombian-American composer Kike Santander. It was first recorded by Canadian singer Celine Dion, but she did not feel it was right for her Let's Talk About Love album, so the song was given to Estefan. Santander co-produced it with Estefan's husband, Emilio Estefan, Jr.. It was recorded in three languages: English, Spanish and French and was made available on May 5, 1998 by Epic Records. The Spanish version titled "Corazón Prohibido" ("Forbidden Heart") was released as a single in Spain, where it topped the charts. The French version titled "Amour Infini" ("Endless Love") was only available on the Canadian[1] and the French[2] album releases, and on the European Limited Edition 2-Disc[3] release of the gloria! album.
The single received a massive promotion. Estefan first performed the song at the 1998 VH1 Divas Live where she received a standing ovation for her performance; she also performed at the legendary Studio 54 in New York City. Then she sang it again at the 1998 World Music Awards in Monaco where she was the hostess of the event. Then it was promoted in a lot of television programs around the world, like the British music chart television programme Top of the Pops. "Heaven's What I Feel" was popular in Europe, Japan and the US. It peaked at number 27 on the BillboardHot 100 and number 7 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. In Europe, the single reached the Top 5 in Hungary, Top 20 in Scotland and the UK, and Top 40 in Belgium and Switzerland.
Ben Wener from Beaver Country Times noted "the lush orchestration" of the song in his review of gloria!.[4]Larry Flick from Billboard described it as a "deliciously sweet confection that takes the listener back to the days of disco with its wonderfully vibrant strings and rumbling percussion." He added, "La G is in exceptional voice here, hitting high notes she's never touched before—and doing so with a delightfully romantic flair. The fingerprints of top clubland producer Tony Moran are all over the track, starting with its muscular bassline and unabashedly gleeful keyboards." He noted that the song has "cute lyrics and instantly sing-along chorus."[5]Chuck Taylor stated that it is a "tasty" track.[6] The Daily Vault's Alfredo Narvaez called it a "flamboyant" song, and wrote that it is "pretty enough to be liked by teenage girls and danceable enough that older ladies will instantly recognize and like its vibe."[7] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report noted it as "upbeat with a great hook" and a "winner". He added that "while some of her strongest hits have been ballads, it's wonderful to hear her pick up the pace on this latest endeavor."[8] Joey Guerra from Houston Chronicle wrote that it is a "daring, delightful track" that "takes flight on the wings of its rousing chorus and themes of unexpected love."[9] Jeremy Griffin from The Ithacan described it as "sensational".[10]Music & Media commented that with this track, Estefan "yet again comes up with a near-perfect pop/dance crossover hit. The song has the hook to make it a radio favourite, and a couple of snappy remixes should help broaden its appeal."[11] Victoria Segal from NME said songs like "Heaven's What I Feel" "speak the international language of tedium".[12]Vibe noted its "twinkly synths, romantic live strings, and vibrant house bass line".[13]
Music video[]
The music video was directed by American film director Bille Woodruff. It was filmed in a "space" style and shows Gloria flying in some scenes. The video begins with Gloria standing alone singing in front of a magical green portal. As the chorus begins, she goes through it and ends up flying along a rotating tunnel with flashing lights. As the second verse begins, Gloria ends up in a club, amidst dancing people in several floors. Along the walls are screens with Estefan singing. She also performs choreography with some of the dancers. Towards the end, she is lifted up as she continues to sing. After she sings the last note of the song, everyone in the club claps for her.[14] The video received the ALMA Award for "Best Outstanding Video". Two similar videos were created, one for the English version and one for the Spanish version.
Usage in media[]
The song was included in the movie Dance with Me (starring Vanessa L. Williams and Chayanne) soundtrack.
