On October 11, 2024, Tim Qualls released “Feel (Stripped)”, a more toned-back version of the original album. With this release, Qualls includes the brand new single ‘Mine’, a fresh and soulful addition to the original track listing. Overall, this release has more than enough emotion to spare!
Though there are high points, the original “Feel” album benefits from its overall smoothness. It only makes sense to give an even more laid-back and raw version of that sound. Qualls does an amazing job at providing this step back in energy. Additionally, it’s more than just a stripped version, it’s a reimagining. On its production, Qualls says, “It was about trying to find the notes in between the piano keys, those that are often overlooked.” In general, the energy of this version of “Feel” allows the emotion in the vocals and lyrics to stand out and tell their story well.
This album was birthed from experimentation and collaboration. For each recording session, Qualls would get with his team and mess around with some instruments. They didn’t have any specific ideas, but would instead look for the sound they wanted through improvising and creating. When the inspiration hit through an instrument, they’d build up from there. This style of recording helped in the reimagining of the original album and making it feel new.
On top of the evolution of the album, it comes along with the brand new single ‘Mine’, which is included on the original and stripped album versions. This track is such a heavy hitter and serves as a powerful close to an already good album. The bass on the stripped version has such a great slap to it, and the riff weaves around things well. Also, Qualls’ vocals have a lot of soul, but there are also call-and-response vocals that build on it. It delivers a bit of a jazz, rock, and soul fusion that begs listeners to fall into its energy. To add to things, there are sections with an anthemic nature that help it stand out even more. Generally, this is a perfect addition to the emotion and energy of the album.
All of the songs in “Feel” benefit from their reimagining, but a couple that stand out are the title track ‘Feel’ and also ‘Grave’.
‘Feel’ is a beautiful exploration of love and family. The stripped version of it pulls the tempo back and lightens up quite a bit on the instrumentation. The instruments are a bit brighter overall, and the strings and piano provide a lot of atmosphere. On top of that, the vocals are so smooth and bend around well. The soft backing vocals fill the sound space even more, but it holds that soft pacing. The sound gives the exploration of wanting to spend life with someone a more reminiscent atmosphere.
The stripped version of ‘Grave’ keeps the dynamics of the original but tones it back enough to make it more emotional. It tackles the idea of making a mistake and not wanting to tell a loved one due to disconnect and distrust. Even though it’s pulled back at portions, there’s still an energy build that allows the emotion to become more powerful as it moves forward. “I don’t want to show you who I am and what I’ve gone through / You don’t wanna find out what I might do,” the chorus expresses softly at first and then in one of the most powerful belts in the album later on.
Tim Qualls is a Houston-based artist who writes music that explores family, love, heartache, and an optimistic life outlook. In his discography, he works with a range of emotion, including deep cuts and feel-good jams. He has pop overtones but also works a lot with a resounding soul sound in his musicianship. Through his creations, a lot of musical prowess shines through. In the past, Qualls has been featured on curated Spotify playlists such as “Life Sucks” and “Soulful Blend”. He also once received the “Best New Act” award from Houston Press. “Feel (Stripped)” marks something new for Qualls, and it shows even more diversity in musicianship. This is a release to not be missed, and maybe the inspiration from creating this way can shine through in future projects.
Written by Sage Plapp
FOLLOW TIM QUALLS:
Want to learn more about the creation of “Feel”? Check out the documentary behind it on YouTube!
