"I Like How It Feels" is a song by Spanish recording artistEnrique Iglesias. The song was originally intended to be the lead single from a reissue of Iglesias' albumEuphoria, however, the release was canceled. The song was later included on the international deluxe edition of his tenth studio album and second bilingual albumSex and Love. The song also features guest appearances from American rapperPitbull and Swedish musical projectThe WAV.s. It is produced by Enrique's longtime collaboratorRedOne. It is the third collaboration between Enrique and Pitbull following "I Like It" and Pitbull's song "Come 'n' Go" off his then latest album,Planet Pit. The song was released as a digital download in Australia and some European countries on 23 September 2011. The song was released as adigital download in the United States on 4 October 2011, although as of 2020, the song has been removed from most digital storefronts in the U.S.[1]
"I Like How It Feels" is produced byRedOne who has worked with Enrique previously to produce hits such as "Takin' Back My Love", "I Like It" and "Dirty Dancer". The song was leaked on the Internet on 8 September 2011 after which it was uploaded to YouTube on 10 September 2011. The video has now received more than 38 million views.[2] The video was directed by Enrique Iglesias. The song was released in some European countries on iTunes on 23 September 2011, and in the US and Canada on 4 October 2011.
The single generally received positive reviews. Amy Sciarretto from Popcrush gave 3.5 stars (out of 5) and said, "It’s a simple set of lyrical declarations that celebrate being upbeat and enjoying life. There’s a fair amount of studio treatment on the song, but that’s a given with any epic, expansive pop song in 2011. We wouldn't be surprised if it becomes a staple at NFL stadiums this fall and winter, too."[3] Meena Rupani from Desihits said," The upbeat track is sure to be on repeat just like their other collaboration tracks have been. It seems Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull can do no wrong when they come together on a song."[4] Robbie Daw from Idolator said,"Enrique’s new RedOne-produced song has all the musical makings of an anthem, while the singer himself actually packs more of a soulful, emotional punch with his vocals than we've heard on recent singles like “Dirty Dancer,” “I Like It” and “Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You).”[5]
Lewis Corner from Digital Spy gave the song 4 stars (out of 5) saying, "Enrique continues to channel the au courrant synths and chunky Euro beats combo that has kept him afloat over the past year. "It's my time, it's my life, I can do what I like/ For the price of a smile, I gotta take it to right," he certifies over a carnival cabaret of Rio de Janeiro proportions – and with another chart-friendly anthem under his belt, he certainly has reason to celebrate."[6]
On the week of 29 September 2011 the song debuted at number 97 on theCanadian Hot 100 chart.[7] It marks Enrique's 8th entry on this chart. It later peaked to #11 on the chart. It also debuted at number 47 on theARIA charts on the week of 3 October 2011.[8] Since then, it has managed to peak to #26. On the same day it debuted on 29 on New Zealand'sRIANZ chart, peaking to #19.[9] It debuted at #76 on theBillboard Hot 100 songs chart. However, due to low sales & low airplay count, it fell out of Hot 100 the following week. It was generally overlooked by US radio. It re-entered the chart at #74 following Enrique's performance of this song onAmerican Music Awards of 2011 & 'The Cowboys Red-Cattle Campaign'.[10] It debuted at #40 on the USPop Songs chart on the week of 29 October.[11] It peaked up to #39. The song topped theBillboardHot Dance Club Songs, becoming Enrique's 10th #1 on that chart, listing Enrique in the top 10 Dance/Club Artists of all time.
The music video for this single premiered on Friday 30 September 2011 via his official website and Vevo.[13] The video is directed by Enrique himself & features guest appearance from stars including singersJuanes,Pitbull,Nicole Scherzinger,Nayer, actorsEva Longoria,Ken Jeong,George Lopez and tennis playerSerena Williams. The video starts with Enrique playing on a beach with his dog. The video proceeds with some clips of Enrique's Euphoria tour, night out parties, backstage banter, and outdoor videos. The video depicts Enrique flying around Miami Beach, playing Baseball with small children, riding a speedboat along with his dog and partying with his friends. Pitbull comes along during his verse also seen partying with Enrique. Ken Jeong is shown writing the song and also dancing it. The video ends with credits to all involved.[14]
On January 30, 2012, it was later re-released as "I Like (The Remix)", this time withPitbull being the lead artist, andEnrique Iglesias being the featured artist and also featuring production fromAfrojack. Originally a remix of "I Like How It Feels" by Afrojack,[19] it was reworked by DJ Buddha and released as a single instead. The track was later featured as aB-side track on the CD releases of the Pitbull singles "Get It Started" and "Don't Stop the Party".[20][21]
The song was selected as the official song ofMiss USA 2012. This marks the second song by Pitbull to be used for a beauty pageant (after "Took My Love", a track from his albumPlanet Pit, which served as the official song of the rivalMiss America 2012 pageant).
