Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me

A short n' sweet catalog of lip album art

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Music is a hopeless romantic, a heartbreaker, and a crushed poet all in one. In 1986, Prince belted “Kiss.” A year later, The Cure released their album Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me. Sade’s silky smooth “Kiss of Life” topped the charts in the '90s, and let’s not forget the four men in campy face paint who released their debut album in 1974 as Kiss.

Three years ago, when I first started this newsletter, I explored the notorious saying that sex sells in the form of lusty album covers. From sensuous couples to rustled beds, I somehow left out the tried and true lip art. Whether up close and personal or caught mid-gasp, all of these covers embody a flirtatious energy that will never go out of style. So, with another Valentine’s Day upon us, pucker up and enjoy this make-out montage while listening to “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer.

The Cure, Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me released 1987 on Fiction Records. Artwork by Parched Arts (Porl Thompson and Andy Vella).

Sex Week, S/T released 2024 on Grand Jury. Art by Lola Jasmin and band.

PJ Harvey, Dry released 1992 on Too Pure. Photography by Maria Mochnacz. Layout by Foothold.

My Bloody Valentine, “Tremolo E.P.” released 1991 on Creation Records. Photography by Sam Harris.

The Smashing Pumpkins, Pisces Iscariot released 1994 on Virgin. Photography and Packaging by Billy Corgan and Michael Meister.

Addison Rae, “Aquamarine” released 2024 on Columbia Records. Artist credit unknown.

The Mystic Moods Orchestra, English Muffins released 1971 on Philips. Art Direction by Desmond Strobel. Photography by Stan Malinowski.

Gene Ammons, Gene Ammons Makes it Happen released 1958 on Cadet. Art Direction by Howard Blume & Bill Sharp. Photography by Michel Ditlove.

Carmen McRae, S/T released 1955 on Bethlehem Records. Photography by Burt Goldblatt.

Wild Cherry, S/T released 1976 on Epic. Concept by Bob Rath. Photography by Frank Laffitte.

Bijelo Dugme, Eto! Baš Hoću! released 1976 on Jugoton. Photography & Design by Dragan S. Stefanović.

Breakwater, S/T released 1978 on Arista. Art Direction by Katrinka Blickle. Photography by Garry Gross.

Find more lip album art here.

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