Audio By Carbonatix
Former Christian singer Katy Perry‘s mischievously cute ditty “I Kissed a Girl” made her a pop star even hipsters could appreciate — at least until the next Lily Allen album dropped. “I Kissed a Girl” is fun, catchy and has the killer line about “the taste of her cherry ChapStick.” Really, though, there have been much better songs about kissing — even girl-on-girl kissing — over the years. In honor of Perry’s sold-out show at Revolution, here are 10 of the best.
1. “And Then He Kissed Me”/ “He Hit Me (And It Felt Like a Kiss),” The Crystals
Both songs were produced by Phil Spector, who co-wrote the wonderful teen romance “And Then He Kissed Me.” Spector also produced the equally compelling yet highly controversial “He Hit Me (And It Felt Like a Kiss).” But he didn’t write the song that many claim endorses domestic abuse. The authors are famed Brill Building couple Gerry Goffin and Carole King.
2. “Kiss,” Prince
Seriously, has anyone inspired more make-out sessions than His Purple Majesty?
3. “I Kissed a Girl,” Jill Sobule
Back when Katy Perry was Katheryn Hudson and singing her way through Sunday school, singer/songwriter Sobule had a minor hit in ’95 with this sweet ode to girl-on-girl lip locking. For laughs, watch the Beavis and Butthead clip on YouTube. Fond memories if you were a teenager (boy) in the 1990s.
4. “(‘Till I Kissed You),” Everly Brothers
Late ’50s, close harmony, country-influenced pop gem about the joy of finally landing that special someone. Yes, Simon & Garfunkel were taking notes.
5. “Suck My Kiss,” Red Hot Chili Peppers
Rock machismo at its gritty best? Anthony Kiedis spitting the line, “your mouth was made to suck my kiss!”
6. “Passionate Kisses,” Lucinda Williams
Alt-country queen is brilliantly candid, direct and vulnerable on this softly rollicking number made famous by Mary Chapin Carpenter.
7. “Kiss,” Dean Martin
Dino lays down a heavy dose of “olive oil voice and guinea charm” on this string-laden swoon song from 1952.
8. “Kiss From a Rose,” Seal
What’s a soaring love song like this get you? A freakishly hot wife like Heidi Klum!
9. “Just Kissed My Baby,” The Meters
Get the party started — and perhaps some back corner kissing — with this first-rate slab of NOLA funk.
10. “Always Late (With Your Kisses),” Lefty Frizzell
The sonorous Lefty Frizzell issued this heavenly honky tonk lament in 1951. It has since been covered by Willie Nelson and Dwight Yoakam, among others.
Katy Perry plays Revolution in Ft. Lauderdale tonight. The show is sold out.
— Wade Tatangelo
