Behind the songs: Stereophonics - Dakota

Dakota is a song by Welsh alternative rock band Stereophonics, released in 2005 as the first single from their fifth studio album, Language. Sex. Violence. Other?. It was the band's first and only number one single in the UK, and their highest-charting single in Australia and New Zealand. 

The song was written by lead singer and guitarist Kelly Jones, who was inspired by a trip to South Dakota in the US. He said he wanted to capture the feeling of being somewhere different and exciting, and the nostalgia of looking back at a summer romance.

The song has a catchy melody and a driving rhythm, with Jones' distinctive vocals delivering lyrics that evoke images of freedom, adventure and love. The chorus features the memorable line "You made me feel like the one", which Jones had previously used in another song, Since I Told You It's Over.  The song has been compared to the works of U2, for its anthemic quality and stadium rock sound.

The song received critical acclaim from music critics, who praised its energy, emotion and simplicity. It was also a commercial success, selling over 300,000 copies in the UK and has become one of Stereophonics' most popular and recognizable songs, and a staple of their live performances.