About the song
“Kiss You All Over,” a sultry 1978 hit by American band Exile, stands as a definitive piece of pop music history. Written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn, renowned for their work with artists like Sweet and Suzi Quatro, the song found its place on Exile’s third album, “Mixed Emotions.” Fronted by lead vocalist Jimmy Stokley and guitarist J.P. Pennington, the track captured the essence of late 1970s pop with its smooth vocals and seductive melody.
The song’s inspiration stemmed from Mike Chapman’s admiration for Barry White’s “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next to Me,” as revealed by Casey Kasem on American Top 40. This influence translated into a sensual anthem that resonated deeply with listeners. Upon its release, “Kiss You All Over” soared to the top of the charts, claiming the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for an impressive four weeks starting September 30, 1978. Billboard later ranked it as the fifth-best song of the entire year.
Internationally, the song also enjoyed significant success, reaching number one in multiple countries including the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 6 on the singles chart. Its distinctive sound, featuring synthesized strings over a compelling backing track, contributed to its lasting appeal.
Despite its initial pop success, “Kiss You All Over” marked Exile’s peak in the mainstream pop market. The departure of lead vocalist Jimmy Stokley in 1979 and subsequent health struggles marked a turning point for the band. They transitioned towards country music in the 1980s, a move that proved immensely successful. Exile’s venture into country music yielded over ten number one hits on the U.S. country charts, solidifying their place in the genre’s history.
Beyond its chart achievements, “Kiss You All Over” has been celebrated for its enduring sensuality. In 2010, Billboard recognized it as one of “The 50 Sexiest Songs of All Time,” cementing its status as a timeless classic. The song’s legacy continues to captivate audiences, serving as a testament to Exile’s ability to create music that resonates across generations and genres.
Video
Lyrics
When I get home, babe, gonna light your fire
All day I’ve been thinkin’ about you, babe
You’re my one desire
Gonna wrap my arms around you
And hold you close to me
Oh, babe I want to taste your lips
I want to fill your fantasy, yeah
I don’t what I’d do without you, babe
Don’t know where I’d be
You’re not just another lover
No, you’re everything to me
Everytime I’m with you, baby
I can’t believe it’s true
When you’re layin’ in my arms
And you do the things you do
You can see it in my eyes
I can feel it in your touch
You don’t have to say a thing
Just let me show how much
I love you, need you, oh babe
I want to kiss you all over
And over again
I want to kiss you all over
Till the night closes in
Till the night closes in
No one else can ever make me
Feel the way you do
Oh, so keep on loving me baby
And I’ll keep loving you
It’s easy to see
When something’s right or something’s wrong
So stay with me baby and hold me all night long
Show me, show me everything you do
‘Cause baby no one does it quite like you
I love you, need you, oh babe
I wanna kiss you all over
And over again
I wanna kiss you all over
Till the night closes in
Till the night closes in
Stay with me, lay with me
Holding me, loving me, baby
Here with me, near with me
Feeling you close to me, baby
So show me, show me everything you do
‘Cause baby no one does it quite like you
Love you, need you, oh babe
I wanna kiss you all over
And over again
I wanna kiss you all over
Till the night closes in
Till the night closes in
Till the night closes in
Till the night closes in
Till the night closes in
Till the night closes in