Hooked on a Feeling

"Hooked on a Feeling" is a 1968 pop song written by Mark James and originally performed by B. J. Thomas. Featuring the sound of the electric sitar, the song reached number five in 1969 on the Billboard Hot 100.

History

In 1971, Jonathan King produced his own version, adding ooga chaka jungle chants similar to, but not exactly the same as, Johnny Preston's "Running Bear". King described it as "a reggae rhythm by male voices". His version reached number 23 on the UK Singles Chart in 1972.^[1]

In 1974, the Swedish pop group Blue Swede with Björn Skifs as lead singer did a cover, which included their own version of King's "ooga chaka" introduction. Their version reached number one in the United States and was revived on the Reservoir Dogs soundtrack in 1992. This song was also used as the "Dancing Baby" song in the Ally McBeal TV show. Calle 13 quotes the "ooga chaka" refrain in their song "La Tribu", from their first (eponymous) album.

In 1978, a cover by Canadian country music artist Carroll Baker peaked at number 1 on the RPM Country Tracks chart.^[2]

This song was later covered by David Hasselhoff with a music video featuring him flying in the air and fist pumping.

The band The Offspring samples the Blue Swede's "ooga chaka" refrain in their song "Special Delivery", from their 2000's album Conspiracy of One.

References

External links

• Song Facts
• David Hasselhoff's video