Who Sings the Song Kiss and What Is the Track
The song Kiss is performed by the American funk and R&B band Prince and the Revolution. The track was released as a single from the 1986 album Parade, which served as the soundtrack to the film Under the Cherry Moon. Prince is credited as the primary artist, with the band name Prince and the Revolution listed on the release. The song is widely recognized as one of the defining funk-pop singles of the mid-1980s and remains a staple of classic rock and pop radio formats. For an overview of the band and its discography, see the entry on Prince and the Revolution at AllMusic.
In terms of commercial performance, Kiss reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and also topped charts in several other countries, including Australia and New Zealand. The single was certified multi-platinum in the U.S., reflecting millions of equivalent units sold across physical and digital formats. The track's minimalist production, built around a sparse guitar riff and call-and-response vocals, became a hallmark of Prince's style during that era. Detailed chart history and certification data are available on the Billboard charts archive.
What Is the Song Kiss About and Who Wrote It
The lyrics of Kiss describe a casual, flirtatious encounter where the narrator emphasizes that he does not want a romantic relationship, only a brief kiss. The song's theme of playful detachment and physical intimacy aligns with the funky, groove-driven arrangement. Prince wrote the song and is listed as the sole songwriter on the original release, with publishing rights managed through his companies. The track's structure, which repeats the word "Kiss" as both a lyrical hook and a rhythmic element, was influenced by earlier funk and soul tracks. For background on songwriting credits and publishing, the ASCAP repertory search can be consulted.
Musically, the song is noted for its stripped-down production, which contrasts with the more elaborate arrangements typical of Prince's other 1980s work. The use of a LinnDrum machine, sparse bass, and guitar stabs created a template that influenced numerous pop and R&B tracks in the late 1980s and 1990s. The song has been covered by multiple artists, including the band The Time, which was closely associated with Prince's Paisley Park collective. Critical analysis of the track's influence can be found in retrospective features on Rolling Stone.
How Has the Song Kiss Performed Commercially and in Popular Culture
Chart Performance and Certifications
Kiss spent multiple weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and was one of the best-selling singles of 1986 in the United States. The song has continued to sell digital copies and stream on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, maintaining consistent listener numbers decades after its release. It has been featured in numerous film, television, and advertising placements, reinforcing its status as a widely recognized pop culture reference. The RIAA certification database provides official sales and streaming unit data for the single.
Legacy and Influence
The song's influence extends across genres, with its guitar riff and rhythmic structure sampled and referenced in hip-hop, pop, and electronic music. Prince's performance of the track helped solidify his reputation as a versatile songwriter and performer who could blend funk, pop, and rock elements. The track remains a staple of classic hits radio and is frequently included in lists of the greatest songs of