About the song
“Kiss You All Over,” released in 1978 by the American group Exile, stands as a quintessential 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 marked a pinnacle moment for Exile, emerging from their earlier rock roots into a pop sensation.
Featured on their album “Mixed Emotions,” “Kiss You All Over” showcased the vocal talents of lead singer Jimmy Stokley and guitarist J.P. Pennington. The song’s inspiration, as noted by Chapman, drew from Barry White’s “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next to Me,” infusing a sensual, rhythmic quality that resonated with audiences.
Upon its release, “Kiss You All Over” swiftly ascended the charts, reaching the coveted number one position on the Billboard Hot 100 for four consecutive weeks starting September 30, 1978. Billboard recognized its enduring popularity, ranking it as the fifth top song of 1978. Internationally, the song also claimed number one status in multiple countries, solidifying its global appeal.
Notably, the track’s production utilized innovative techniques for its time, employing synthesized strings within its backing track, adding a contemporary edge to its melodic structure. This blend of traditional instrumentation with modern electronic elements contributed to its distinctive sound, further enhancing its allure.
Despite the band’s initial success in the pop sphere with “Kiss You All Over,” subsequent releases struggled to replicate its commercial triumph. The departure of lead vocalist Jimmy Stokley in 1979 marked a pivotal change for Exile, leading them to pivot towards country music. This transition ultimately proved fortuitous, with Exile achieving over ten number one hits on the U.S. country charts in the following decades.
Beyond its chart achievements, “Kiss You All Over” earned a lasting legacy, recognized in 2010 by Billboard as one of “The 50 Sexiest Songs of All Time.” Its enduring appeal is a testament to its seductive lyrics, captivating melodies, and the seamless blend of rock sensibilities with pop aesthetics that defined an era.
In summary, “Kiss You All Over” remains a landmark in Exile’s career and a timeless anthem in the annals of pop music, encapsulating the spirit of late 1970s musical innovation and passion.
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