Hooked on a Feeling

Originally recorded by B.J. Thomas (US #5/CAN #3 1968).
Other hit versions by Jonathan King (UK #23 1972), Blue Swede (US #1/CAN #1/AUS #1 1974).

From the wiki: “‘Hooked on a Feeling’ is a 1968 pop song written by Mark James (‘Suspicious Minds‘) and originally performed by B. J. Thomas. Featuring the sound of the electric sitar, Thomas’ recording reached #5 in 1969 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“In 1971, British pop eccentric Jonathan King (‘Everyone’s Gone to the Moon’) produced his own version, adding ooga chuka jungle chants. King described his arrangement as ‘a reggae rhythm by male voices.’ His version reached #23 on the UK Singles Chart in 1972 but did not chart in the US.

“Blue Swede was first formed in 1973, when Björn Skifs, a top vocalist in Sweden, was looking for a band to accompany him during his concerts. The band got their international breakthrough in 1974 with their cover of ‘Hooked on a Feeling’, recording their version in 1973 but basing it on King’s 1972 recording (which used the ooga-chaka ooga-chaka background). The song reached #1 in the U.S. for one week April 1974 and stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a total of 18 weeks. The track also topped the charts in Canada and Australia.”

Jonathan King, “Hooked on a Feeling” (1971):

Blue Swede, “Hooked on a Feeling” (1974):

Blue Swede, “Hooked on a Feeling” live TV performance (1974):