I Like the Way (The Kissing Game)

I Like the Way (The Kissing Game) by Hi-Five

I Like the Way (The Kissing Game) is a song by American R&B group Hi-Five. Released in 1991, it served as the lead single from their debut album, also titled Hi-Five. The song was a significant hit, reaching number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts in the United States. It was written by Bernard Belle, Teddy Riley, and Dave Way, with Riley also handling the production, marking it as a notable example of the New jack swing genre that Riley helped popularize during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Background and Composition

I Like the Way (The Kissing Game) showcases the quintessential elements of new jack swing, a fusion of R&B and hip-hop characterized by its use of swingbeat, a rhythmic pattern using a mix of swung notes and straight notes. The song's infectious beat, combined with its smooth vocal harmonies, captures the essence of early '90s R&B music. The lyrics express the joy and excitement of young love and the playful, romantic interactions that come with it, encapsulated in the metaphor of a "kissing game."

Critical Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, I Like the Way (The Kissing Game) received widespread acclaim from music critics and was embraced by audiences, quickly climbing the charts. Its success helped to cement Hi-Five's place in the R&B scene of the early '90s and contributed to the broader popularity of the new jack swing genre. Over the years, the song has been celebrated for its catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and nostalgic value, often being cited as a classic of its era.

Music Video

The music video for I Like the Way (The Kissing Game) further amplified the song's appeal, featuring the group performing in various settings that highlighted their youthful energy and charisma. The visual elements of the video, combined with the group's dance moves and the song's lively tempo, helped to solidify the track's place in the cultural zeitgeist of the early '90s.

Impact and Influence

The success of I Like the Way (The Kissing Game) had a lasting impact on the music industry, influencing the sound of R&B and pop music in the early '90s. It also opened doors for other artists within the new jack swing and R&B genres, showcasing the commercial viability of the sound. The song remains a beloved classic, often featured on throwback playlists and radio stations, and continues to be covered and sampled by contemporary artists, underscoring its enduring influence.

See Also

• Hi-Five
• New jack swing
• 1991 in music
• Billboard Hot 100
• Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs