17 Songs Where the Kisses are Everything | Playlist

17 Songs Where the Kisses are Everything features “kiss” songs courtesy of Brett Young, Rihanna, The Spencer Lee Band, Usher, The Weeknd and many more.

No need to play around – let’s just cut to the chase. The criteria for the playlist, Songs Where the Kisses are Everything are extremely simple!

(1) The songs feature some form of the word kiss in their title.

(2) All songs are from 2010 or afterwards, which eliminates notable kiss-oriented numbers like “Kiss” (Prince), “Kiss the Girl” (from Disney’s The Little Mermaid), “Kiss from a Rose” (Seal) or “Kiss Kiss” (Chris Brown featuring T-Pain) among many others.

Maybe some big-time, old-school omissions makes this list suck a bit, but there are still some killer songs. Without further ado, Songs Where the Kisses are Everything, featuring artists Brett Young, Rihanna, The Spencer Lee Band, Usher, The Weeknd and many more.

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1. The Spencer Lee Band, “Kissing Tree”

Writers: Eric Valentine, Freddy Wexler & Spencer Lee « Producers: Eric Valentine & Spencer Lee

Kissing Tree – Single • Republic • 2018 

Rising pop/rock collective The Spencer Lee Band introduced themselves to the world with the thrilling, funk-soul-infused single, “Kissing Tree.” Initially, “Kissing Tree” is accompanied solely by rhythm guitar, playing just two chords. The chorus appears shortly after the simple intro, sporting smooth, soulful vocals by Spencer Lee. Those vocals encompass magnificent falsetto and vocal harmonization.

Lyrically, the chorus is where ‘the bread is buttered.’

“Girl, just come with me
Feel your fantasy
I want to see you underneath this old kissing tree
Hold my hand, sweet love
Bless the stars above
I want to see you underneath this old kissing tree.”

After flaunting sick falsetto on the chorus, Lee contrasts, exhibiting full-bodied, middle-register vocals on the first verse. The addition of snaps ‘broaden the horizons’ on the second iteration of the chorus, preceded by a string chord hit. Full-fledged, funky production appears on the second verse, including a clavinet reminiscent of the 70s. The lead vocals are chocked-full of swagger, attitude, and rhythm. The ad-libs are a selling point throughout, specifically towards the end of the record.  Ultimately, “Kissing Tree” sounds refreshing, yet soulful and throwback.

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2. Gwen Stefani, “Never Kissed Anyone with Blue Eyes Before You”

Writers: Gwen Stefani, Justin Drew Tranter & Michael Busbee « Producers: busbee & Eric Valentine

You Make It Feel Like Christmas• Interscope • 2017

“Never Kissed Anyone with Blue Eyes Before You” is one of two originals that concludes the Gwen Stefani Christmas album, You Make It Feel Like Christmas.  As the title suggests, Stefani loses her blue-eyed, kissing virginity – well something like that.  While this particular song is different from the work on her solo studio albums, it’s refreshing as well.

“I never kissed anyone with blue eyes before you
I’m hearing silver bells when your lips do what they do
You’re getting these brown eyes seeing color it’s so true
I never kissed anyone with blue eyes before you.”

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3. Shania Twain, “Let’s Kiss and Make Up”

Writer: Shania Twain « Producers: Dan Brook, Ron Aniello & Shania Twain

Now• Mercury • 2017

Shania Twain returned after a 15-year-hiatus in 2017, with her comeback album, Now. Unfortunately for Twain, the effort is a mixed-bag – “you win some, you lose some.” “Let’s Kiss and Make Up” is among the songs appearing on the album (Note: it appears solely on the deluxe edition). It leans more into the pop vein as opposed to country, ultimately feeling a bit ‘out of character.’ Still, the message, as cliché as it may be, is incredibly relatable.

“Let’s kiss and make up now
Let’s kiss and make love
Don’t wait another minute, let’s go with it
Kiss me and let’s make up now.”

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4.Thomas Rhett, “Kiss My Like a Stranger”

Writers: Dave Barnes, Jordan Reynolds & Thomas Rhett

Life Changes• Big Machine • 2017

“Kiss Me Like a Stranger” ranks among the smoothest songs on Life Changes, the Grammy-nominated third studio album by Thomas Rhett.  Here, Rhett is as “cool as a cucumber.”  Clearly, he has an appreciation for R&B and soul music. While “Kiss Me Like a Stranger” isn’t necessarily the perfect fit for country traditionalists, it’s still a beautiful slow jam.

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5. Machine Gun Kelly, “Kiss the Sky”

Writers: B. Allen & Colson Baker « Producer: slimXX

Bloom• Bad Boy / Interscope • 2017

Machine Gun Kelly released a new album in 2017 entitled bloom.  While bloom had it’s moments, it was imperfect to say the least.  Among songs appearing on the album was one involving kisses, “Kiss the Sky” – see how it fits this list?

“What was at the bottom now has risen
If this isn’t heaven then what is it?”

In the context of bloom,“Kiss the Sky” has a tough act to follow – the Hailee Steinfeld feature, “At My Best.”  While it fits that imperfect characterization, “Kiss the Sky” is pleasant.  The hook is definitely simple, incorporating repetition and multisyllabic treatment of the words skies and sky.

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6. A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, “F*****g & Kissing”

Ft. Chris Brown

The Bigger Artist • Atlantic • 2017

A Boogie Wit da Hoodie earns the distinction of having the most NSFW title on this playlist.  As the title “F****g & Kissing” suggests, the rapper is all about that universal three-letter-word.  Deep analysis is unnecessary here, and it’s easy to see why this particular record also graced another playlist, 75 Songs Featuring Filthy F-bombs in their Title.

“F**kin’ and kissin’, f**kin’ and kissin’, girl, f**kin’ and kissin’
F**k me and kiss me, like you miss me, I know you miss it.”

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7. DNCE, “Kissing Strangers”

Ft. Nicki Minaj

Writers: Justin Drew Tranter, Mattias Larsson, Onika Maraj & Robin Fredriksson « Producers:Mattias Larsson & Robin Fredriksson

Kissing Strangers – Single • Republic • 2017

Like previous records by pop band DNCE, fronted by Joe Jonas, single “Kissing Strangers” thrives off its groove.  Rhythmically, the record is incredibly unified. There’s no escaping the one-two punch of the bass line coupled with the drums. The production work is slick AF, for lack of a better description.  Musically, it’s sound, if not necessarily game changing.

“Kissing Strangers” isn’t far-fetched in sound or conception from the band’s seminal hit “Cake By the Ocean,” particularly given its nonsensical, carefree syllables.  Like “Cake,” this is incredibly tongue-n-cheek, evidenced from the jump. Lyrically, depth is NOT the M.O.  Per the usual, “Kissing Strangers” is heavy on flirty and lite on nutrients and legit substance.  Nicki Minaj doesn’t neceesarily up the ante on her guest verse – blame it on the quick tempo, or the shallowness of the song itself.

“I got a boy that I kinda like
This is a kiss-kiss, tongue him down kind of night…
Drip, drip, with a kitty cat, put it in his lap
Sip, sip, on the tip, tip, lick on his lip-lip
I think he tryna hit young Nic’ like a quick pick.”

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8. Sampha, “Incomplete Kisses”

Writer: Sampha Sisay

Process• Young Turks • 2017

“Those incomplete kisses / Were weighing you down with every step / In this house we’re sinking / But we're far too numb to really care.”

The groovy “Incomplete Kisses” serves as the penultimate record on Process, the brilliant debut album by Sampha.  In the context of Process, “Kisses” sounds closest to being an urban contemporary song.  Not quite as sad as the majority of Process, there is still solemnness, particularly on the second verse. Here, the pain of the loss of his mother rears its head.

“Flying high above all your memories
I have a birds-eye view
A child stood at the cemetery
He looks just like you.”

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9. Brett Young, “You Ain’t Here to Kiss Me”

Writers: Brett Young, Matt Alderman & Tiffany Goss

Brett Young• Big Machine • 2017

“Five-dollar drink and a lonely window seat
Half empty plane on New Years Eve
Love birds in the row in front of me are driving me crazy...
Looks like it's just me and the whiskey
Cause you ain't here to kiss me.”

Brett Young was incredibly underrated in 2017.  The rising country star delivered a self-titled album featuring some terrific songs including “Sleep Without You”, “In Case You Didn’t Know,” and “Mercy.” Besides those gems, Young also delivers the goods on “You Ain’t Here to Kiss Me.”  A song about breaking up, set during the holidays, Young wishes things could’ve worked out.

“At least we had a chance to know how it feels to love
But it turns out love ain’t always enough
So, I’ll start getting over you.”

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10. Rihanna, “Kiss It Better”

Writers: J. Glass, Jeff Bhasker, N. Fisher & Robyn Fenty« Producers: Jeff Bhasker & Kuk Harrell

Anti • Roc Nation • 2016

“Been waitin’ on that sunshine, boy
I think I need that back
Can’t do it like that
No one else gon’ get it like that...”

One of the best songs from Rihanna’s 2016 album Anti is undoubtedly “Kiss It Better.”  Yes, “Work” (featuring Drake) was the main attraction, but this slow jam is simply irresistible.  Taking it a step further, this is one of the best songs of the urban-pop artist’s career. “Kiss It Better” successfully blends childhood catchphrase and sexual innuendo.  Double entendre is amplified to the nth degree, causing every lyric to be read into.

“What are you willing to do?
Oh, tell me what you’re willing to do
(Kiss it, kiss it, better, baby).”

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11. Nathan Sykes, “Kiss Me Quick”

Writers: Ali Tennant, Greg Bonnick, Hayden Chapman, Jin Choi & Nathan Sykes« Producers: Jin Choi & LDN NOISE

Unfinished Business • Def Jam • 2016

To be young, handsome, and talented.  Nathan Sykes checks off all of those boxes. Unfortunately, he also checks off another, less fortunate one – underrated.  Despite the fact that the former member of The Wanted released an impressive, soulful debut album in 2016 (Unfinished Business), his star didn’t rise substantially. Nonetheless, Unfinished Business still yielded sweetness with “Kiss Me Quick,” which is all about sneaking a quick peck.

“I’m down
Nobody’s looking right now
Ain’t no time for messing around
But it won’t take a minute
Baby come kiss me quick
Let’s act out a feeling, right here
Make this unforgettable
Baby come kiss me quick.”

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12. August Alsina, “Kissin’ On My Tattoos”

Writers: August Alsina & Jasper Cameron

Testimony • Def Jam • 2014

“Kissing on My Tattoos”gives Testimony – the debut, full-length album by R&B singer August Alsina –  a slow jam that possesses more substance than its title might suggest. Yes, tattoos have become socially acceptable. Still, body art still represents edginess.  Even though “Kissing on My Tattoos” is softer than the majority of Testimony, Alsina wants everyone to understand he keeps it hood.  Rather than merely having her kiss on his chest, she ultimately “kisses on my tattoos,” a symbol of being a bit of a badass you might say.

 

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13. Usher, “Good Kisser”

Writers: Andrew “Pop” Wansel, Foster Sylvers, Jameel Roberts, Ronald Colson, Terry Sneed, Usher Raymond & Warren Felder« Producers: Pop Wansel

Good Kisser – Single • RCA • 2014

“Don’t nobody kiss it like you.” On “Good Kisser,” Usher certainly isn’t keeping it PG – at best, he’s restricted.  The kisses he’s singing about don’t involve a peck on the cheek or even full-on lip action. No, the kisses he sings about on “Good Kisser” are definitely those deep south kisses.  Usher gets raunchy, but certainly men can relate to the central theme…

“See, I told her, the devil is a lie
Them other girls can’t compete with mine
You do it so good, you f**k my mind
You pull it out, then you open wide
You make me wanna tap out and retire
Your pretty lips leave me so inspired…”

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14. Kelly Rowland, “Kisses Down Low”

Writers: Kelly Rowland, Marquel Middlebrooks, Michael L. Williams II, Theron Thomas & Timothy Thomas« Producer: Mike WiLL Made-It

Talk A Good Game • Republic • 2013

On “Motivation” (Here I Am, 2011), Rowland showed off her risqué, sexy side.  She’d take it to the next level on “Kisses Down Low” from her 2013 album, Talk a Good Game.  Producer Mike Will Made It provides Rowland with a superb backdrop. “Kisses Down Low” isn’t brash regarding sexual endeavors, but it’s certainly not innocent either.  Like the Usher record that precedes this on the playlist, the kisses go beyond the lips…

“I like my kisses down low
Makes me arch my back
When you give it to me slow
Baby just like that that.”

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15. The Weeknd, “Kiss Land”

Writers: Abel Tesfaye, Danny Schofield, Jack Holkeboer, Jason Quenneville & S. Tellier

Kiss Land• Republic • 2013 

“You can meet me in the room where the kisses ain’t free
You gotta pay with your body.” 

Kiss Land served as the official debut album of R&B sensation, The Weeknd.  While it was relatively successful, The Weeknd experienced bigger success with later albums Beauty Behind the Madness and Starboy.  Both albums are arguably better-rounded, but the title track, “Kiss Land” definitely stands out.  The Weeknd grows even bolder lyrically:

“I can’t stand talkin’ to brand new girls
Only b*tches down to f**k when you shower them ones…”

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16. Carly Rae Jepsen, “This Kiss”

Writers: Carly Rae Jepsen, Kelly Covell, Matthew Koma & Stefan Kendal Gordy« Producers: Matthew Koma & Redfoo

Kiss • Interscope • 2012

“You know you’re just my type
And your eyes are lock and key
To my heart, tempting my confession
And you’re a real hot thing…”

Arguably sound supersedes Carly Rae Jepsen’s voice on “This Kiss,” a highlight from her 2012 debut album, Kiss.  “This Kiss” isn’t the ‘big gun’ from Kiss – that would be number one hit “Call Me Maybe.”  Nonetheless, it’s a charming, fun, flirty, and innocent record.

“This kiss is something I can’t resist
Your lips are undeniable
This kiss is something I can’t risk
Your heart is unreliable
Something so sentimental
You make so detrimental
And I wish it didn’t feel like this
Cause I don’t wanna miss this kiss...”

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17. One Direction, “Kiss You”

Writers: Albin Nedler, Carl Falk, Kristian Lundin, Kristoffer Fogelmark, Rami Yacoub, Savan Kotecha & Shellback « Producers: Carl Falk & Rami

Take Me Home • Columbia • 2012

Singing us out is more innocent pop, this time courtesy of boy band One Direction.  “Kiss You” was chocked-full of schmaltz when it was released on the Brit-Irish band’s sophomore album, Take Me Home.  Even as corny as it is, the infectious and irresistible nature is undeniable.

“Yeah, so tell me girl if every time we
Touch, you get this kind of rush
Baby say yeah, yeah
If you you don’t wanna take it slow
And you just wanna take me home
Baby say yeah, yeah,
And let me kiss you.”

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