Kiss the Girl - Soul II Soul

Soul II Soul has an interesting origin. They began as a 'sound system' group, a term that originated in Jamaica in the 50s. Back then, DJs would load up their turntables, speakers and a generator and throw elaborate street parties. When Jamaicans emigrated to the United Kingdom in the 70s, they brought their 'sound systems' with them. By the end of the 70s, the UK had firmly adopted this culture.

It was out of this popularity that Soul II Soul was born. The group was formed in London by Jazzie B in 1980 and played house and street parties over that decade. Toward the mid 80s they started experimenting in their own original music and eventually was noticed by Virgin Records who gave them a contract. Their singles Keep on Movin' and Back to Life (However Do You Want Me) gained them international popularity in 1989, and it was probably around that time that Disney was looking for contemporary pop groups for their video project SIMPLY MAD ABOUT THE MOUSE. Soul II Soul disbanded in the late 90s but have come back in recent years for a reunion tour.

This version of Kiss the Girl plays with the rhythm of the chorus slightly, puting their mark on the love ballad. Other groups, such as NO SECRETS, have used this particular rhythm in their own cover versions of this song.