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In this 4th single from Daughtry, one of last year's bestselling albums, Chris Daughtry's band proves they are adept at the basics of a song style more familiar to fans of U2 and Coldplay. Chiming guitars lead to a rousing chorus led by Daughtry's throaty vocals. It's not a particularly original approach, but the song should keep the band well placed in pop radio airplay representing the rock end of the pop music spectrum.

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Pros

• Chiming, U2-influenced guitars
• Intimacy of Chris Daughtry's vocals
• Soaring chorus

Cons

• Predictable arena rock song structure
• Weak lyrics

Description

• Guitar bell tones ring in an arena-filling sound
• Earnest vocal approach from Chris Daughtry
• Soaring chorus kicks in early

Guide Review - Daughtry - Feels Like Tonight

Daughtry continue to mine songs from their self-titled album that easily fill the rock niche on contemporary pop radio. The songs have a mass appeal that extends well beyond traditional rock audiences. The band have made appearances on Christian, Adult Contemporary, and Modern Rock charts in addition to their massive mainstream Pop and Rock successes. "Feels Like Tonight" is one of the most immediately accessible songs on the album and should keep the hit streak fully alive.

Don't look for significant lyrical insight or true originality. Instead, Chris Daughtry's authoritative vocals, the band's chiming guitars, and a rousing chorus are the crowd pleasers. However, this song moves the band away from territory where they would be compared with Nickelback.

The soaring sound of Coldplay is a more obvious influence here.

With the guiding hand of production wizard Howard Benson in the studio, Chris Daughtry's band have carved out a strong position for themselves in the mainstream rock arena. The group's next album will prove whether the band can establish their own unique identity well enough to have true staying power. For now, enjoy Daughtry's commitment to keeping rock music vital on the nation's airwaves.

Single released by RCA Records January 2008.

Reviewed January 2008.