Soul Kiss (song)

ONJ Soul Kiss Single Cover

Soul Kiss is a song by Australian singer Olivia Newton-John, released in 1985 as the lead single from her thirteenth studio album, also titled Soul Kiss. The song was written by Mark Goldenberg and is notable for its significant departure from Newton-John's well-established image as a country-pop artist. Instead, Soul Kiss delves into a more mature and sultry pop sound, reflecting the musical trends of the mid-1980s.

Background

After achieving massive success in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits like "Physical" and "You're the One That I Want", Olivia Newton-John sought to evolve her musical style. Soul Kiss represented a shift towards a more adult contemporary and pop-oriented sound. The album and its title track were seen as Newton-John's attempt to maintain her relevance in the changing musical landscape of the 1980s.

Release and Reception

Soul Kiss was released as a single in October 1985 and received mixed reviews from music critics. Some praised Newton-John's willingness to experiment with her sound, while others missed the country-pop elements that had defined much of her earlier work. Despite the mixed critical reception, the song achieved commercial success. It peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and reached the top 30 in several other countries, including Canada and Australia.

The music video for Soul Kiss further emphasized the song's departure from Newton-John's previous image. Featuring a more stylized and provocative visual style, the video helped to rebrand Newton-John as a versatile and contemporary artist.

Track Listing

The single for Soul Kiss typically included the title track and one or more B-sides, depending on the region of release. The standard 7-inch vinyl record featured "Soul Kiss" on the A-side and a non-album track or an album track on the B-side.

Personnel

• Olivia Newton-John – vocals
• Mark Goldenberg – songwriter
• Other musicians and production personnel involved in the creation of the song included session musicians and producers known for their work in the pop and adult contemporary genres.

Legacy

While Soul Kiss may not have reached the iconic status of some of Newton-John's earlier hits, it remains an important part of her discography. The song and its accompanying album marked a bold step in a new musical direction for Newton-John, showcasing her adaptability as an artist. Soul Kiss continues to be remembered as a distinctive and daring moment in Olivia Newton-John's career.