About the song
Brenda Lee’s fourth studio album, “Emotions,” stands as a testament to the dynamic range and mature vocals of the American singer. Released on April 3, 1961, under Decca Records and produced by Owen Bradley, this album marked a pivotal moment in Lee’s career, showcasing her versatility and ability to blend genres seamlessly.
Recorded over seven sessions spanning from August 1960 to January 1961 at the Bradley Film and Recording Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, “Emotions” exudes a rich amalgamation of Rockabilly and the polished Nashville Sound. Critics, including Richie Unterberger of Allmusic, noted the album’s mix of original tracks and covers, with seven of its twelve songs being reinterpretations of existing hits. Among these was “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” originally by The Shirelles, and “Georgia on My Mind,” previously popularized by Ray Charles.
Highlighting Lee’s vocal maturity despite her teenage years, Unterberger praised her emotive delivery and the album’s production quality, attributing it with a balanced appeal to both youthful listeners and adults alike. The album received acclaim for its sincerity and the craftsmanship evident in each track.
Prior to its full release, the singles “Emotions” and “I’m Learning About Love” were already making waves on the charts, with “Emotions” peaking at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. This success set the stage for the album’s reception upon its debut, where it peaked at #24 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Featuring a notable lineup of musicians including Harold Bradley on guitar, Floyd Cramer on piano, and Boots Randolph on saxophone, “Emotions” was not just a showcase of Lee’s vocal prowess but also a collaborative effort that highlighted Nashville’s finest session players.
Released initially on LP format, “Emotions” has since been reissued on CD, preserving its legacy for new generations of listeners. The album remains a cornerstone in Brenda Lee’s career, capturing a snapshot of an artist in transition, embracing her evolving musical identity while leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of 1960s pop and country music.
Video
Lyrics
Emotions, what are you doin’?
Oh, don’t you know, don’t you know you’ll be my ruin?
You’ve got me crying, crying again
When will you let this heartache end?
Emotions, you get me upset
Why make me remember what I wanna forget?
I’ve been lonely, lonely too long
Emotions, please leave me alone
You worry my days, yes, you torture my nights
Never a dream, no, those dreams never turn out right
Emotions, give me a break
Let me forget that I made a mistake
Oh, can’t you see what you’re doin’ to me?
Emotions, please set me free
You worry my days, oh, you torture my nights
Never a dream, no, those dreams never turn out right
Emotions, give me a break
Oh, let me forget that I made a mistake
Oh, can’t you see what you’re doing to me?
Emotions, please set me free