John Conlin, Kissing Other Girls | Song Review 🎵

Toronto pop singer/songwriter John Conlin paints an authentic portrait of a gay relationship in “Kissing Other Girls” where both participants are on different pages.

“Don’t you know you make me / Cry just a little / Die just a little / Say we’re just DL, noncommittal / So superficial, caught in your middle / It hurts / I know you’re kissing other girls.” That is a bummer, John Conlin. What isn’t a bummer is the authenticity and sheer excellence that is “Kissing Other Girls”.  It was penned by the handsome and talented Toronto pop singer/songwriter.  He produced this must-hear gem alongside Jamesfromtheinternet.

The sound of “Kissing Other Girls” is ‘to die for.’ The instrumental backdrop includes warm pads and synths that concoct a surefire vibe. Conlin serves up gorgeous vocals, tuneful melodies, and reflective, questioning lyrics.  The situation is one where he and his ‘boyfriend’ are on two different pages. John seems comfortable with the relationship while the nameless boyfriend is DL and still partakes in heterosexual experiences. “I’ve been on my knees praying / That I take up space inside your  head,” Conlin sings in the first verse, continuing, “Two dimensional, you fuck across the hall, baby.”  He’s not fucking other guys, either: “Your rust on the straight blade / It cuts, badly both ways…” Conlin, singing angelically, continues to voice his sadness over the state of their ‘relationship.’ He asks, “Am I just a phase / Just a body you play.” Understanding his partner, he asserts, “And when you, can’t finish [with her, presumably] you picture me.” Ooh-wee! The bridge separates it from the verses and chorus yet continues the theme of John’s boyfriend/partner/FWB struggling with his sexuality.  The situation isn’t ideal, yet, common where homophobia – external and internal – runs rampant.  “Kissing Other Girls” is the cat’s meow – the sugar honey iced tea! Get it, John!

John Conlin // “Kissing Other Girls” // John Conlin // 9.13.24

John Conlin, Kissing Other Girls [📷: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; John Conlin; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Królestwo Nauki, OpenClipart-Vectors, Pete Linforth, Tumisu from Pixabay]