"I Like How It Feels" is a song by Spanish recording artist Enrique Iglesias. The song was originally intended to be the lead single from a reissue of Iglesias' album Euphoria, however, the release was cancelled. The song was later included on the international deluxe edition of his tenth studio album and second bilingual album Sex and Love. The song also features guest appearance from American rapper Pitbull and producers The WAV.s. It is produced by Enrique's longtime collaborator RedOne. 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 a digital 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.
Background
"I Like How It Feels" is produced by RedOne whose 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. The video was directed by Enrique Iglesias. The song was released in some European countries in iTunes on 23 September 2011, and in the US and Canada on 4 October 2011.
Critical reception
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." 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." 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).”
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."
Chart performance
On the week of 29 September 2011 the song debuted at number 97 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart. It marks Enrique's 8th entry on this chart. It later peaked to #11 on the chart. It also debuted at number 47 on the ARIA charts on the week of 3 October 2011. Since then, it has managed to peak to #26. On the same day it debuted on 29 on New Zealand's RIANZ chart, peaking to #19. It debuted at #76 on the Billboard 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 on American Music Awards of 2011 & 'The Cowboys Red-Cattle Campaign'. It debuted at #40 on the US Pop Songs chart on the week of 29 October. It peaked up to #39. The song topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs, becoming Enrique's 10th #1 on that chart, listing Enrique in the top 10 Dance/Club Artists of all time.
Use in media
The song was used in a 2012 Australian commercial for Toyota Yaris. The song was used as part of the Australian Seven Network's promo for the 2012 AFL season and its expanded coverage. The song was performed by the three remaining finalists on The X Factor (Australia season 3) The Argentinian reality show Soñando por Cantar uses this song as their theme song, which led the song to great popularity in the country. A remix of the song was featured in a commercial for the 2012 NBA All-Star Game which featured Pitbull