French Kiss (Lil' Louis)

• acid-house
• deep-house
• Lil' Louis

  Picture this: the year is 1989, and the airwaves are dominated by the likes of Madonna, Michael Jackson, and New Kids on the Block. Meanwhile, in Chicago, a soon-to-be icon is about to change the landscape of house music forever. Enter Lil' Louis and his groundbreaking release, "French Kiss." Now, more than three decades later, we find ourselves reflecting on the enduring impact of this provocative record and its undeniable influence on the world of electronic music.

Born in Chicago in 1962, Lil’ Louis, the son of Chess guitarist Bobby Sims, had an early introduction to music. Surrounded by a large, musically inclined family, it was only natural that young Louis would eventually take the stage himself. But before he became an acclaimed DJ and producer, Louis was a curious young boy, tinkering with cassette decks and reel-to-reel recorders in the pursuit of the perfect mix.

Fast forward to the mid-80s, and Lil’ Louis had become a staple in Chicago’s burgeoning house music scene, hosting the city’s biggest parties and earning his nickname after appearances at the club River’s Edge while still in middle school. It wasn’t long before he began dabbling in music production, with his first single “How I Feel” released on his own label.

Collaborations with the likes of Marshall Jefferson and Byron Stingily soon followed, but it was in 1987 that Lil’ Louis’ world was turned upside down with the release of “French Kiss.” A sultry, hypnotic, and daringly explicit track, “French Kiss” quickly became a sensation in Chicago’s clubs and eventually caught the attention of major labels.

Lil’ Louis’ “French Kiss” was released in the UK in 1989, accompanied by the B-side track “Wargames.” While “French Kiss” remains the star of the show, “Wargames” cannot be dismissed as a mere afterthought. The 7:18 track, also written, produced, mixed, and arranged by Lil’ Louis, explores a different side of the producer’s talents, showcasing his penchant for creating atmospheric, moody soundscapes that transport listeners to another world.

“French Kiss” is an intoxicating concoction of relentless beats, sultry moans, and a tempo that slows down to a near-halt before building back up to a frenzied crescendo. A bold, audacious, and unapologetically sexual anthem, “French Kiss” captured the essence of the hedonistic late 80s club culture, forever etching Lil’ Louis’ name into the annals of house music history.

The success of “French Kiss” led to a major label contract with Epic, and in 1989, Lil’ Louis released his debut album “From The Mind Of Lil’ Louis.” Blending elements of jazz-fusion, R&B, and house, the album featured contributions from the likes of Larry Heard, Die Warzau, and even Lil’ Louis’ own father on drums. The single “I Called U” followed, another moody club hit that further cemented Louis’ status as a pioneering force in the world of electronic music.

In an interesting twist of fate, Lil’ Louis’ follow-up album, “Journey With The Lonely,” didn’t achieve the same level of success as his debut. It’s almost as if the public couldn’t handle too much of a good thing. Regardless, Lil’ Louis stepped away from recording for over four years, choosing instead to focus on production work with artists like Babyface and Me’Shell Ndegeocello.

Throughout his career, Lil’ Louis has been influenced by and has influenced countless artists. It’s not a stretch to say that without “French Kiss,” we might not have seen the meteoric rise of artists like Daft Punk, David Guetta, or countless other electronic music producers who came after him. The track’s bold, sensual nature paved the way for countless others to push boundaries in their own music, opening doors for the exploration of taboo themes and the fusion of disparate musical styles.

Lil’ Louis’ collaboration with “Little” Louie Vega of Masters at Work and his production work for Black Magic only served to further solidify his status as a pioneering force in the industry. It’s a testament to his talent and vision that, despite having released a relatively small body of work, Lil’ Louis continues to be celebrated as one of the most important figures in the history of electronic music.

Looking back on “French Kiss” and its impact on the music world, one can’t help but be struck by the irony of it all. Here was a track that, at its core, was a simple yet daring exploration of human desire and sensuality, yet it managed to shake up the very foundations of the music industry, propelling its creator into the spotlight and influencing generations of musicians to come. It’s a fitting reminder that sometimes, the most powerful ideas are born from the simplest, most primal instincts.

Moreover, the fact that “Journey With The Lonely” didn’t achieve the same success as “From The Mind Of Lil’ Louis” serves as a wry reminder that the public’s tastes can be fickle, and that even the most groundbreaking artists aren’t immune to the caprices of the music-consuming masses.

In the years since its release, “French Kiss” has transcended its status as a mere song, becoming an enduring symbol of a specific time and place in music history. The record captures the essence of a bygone era when house music was just beginning to make its mark on the world, and when a young DJ from Chicago dared to break the mold and give voice to our most basic human desires.

As we stand here today, more than 30 years after the release of “French Kiss,” it’s impossible not to appreciate the lasting impact of Lil’ Louis’ daring vision. The track remains a beloved staple in the world of electronic music, its boldness and sensuality still resonating with audiences around the globe.

In conclusion, “French Kiss” by Lil’ Louis is a landmark release that has left an indelible mark on the world of house music and beyond. Its daring exploration of human desire and the fusion of diverse musical styles has influenced countless artists and continues to captivate audiences more than three decades after its release. And perhaps, most ironically, the very simplicity and rawness of “French Kiss” only serve to underscore its enduring power and importance in the annals of electronic music history.