About the song
A true gem of the early 1960s, this song perfectly captures the youthful exuberance and innocent excitement of young love. Released in 1963, it became a defining track for the girl group sound, a genre that dominated the pop charts at the time.
The Crystals themselves were a powerhouse vocal group, formed in Brooklyn, New York in 1958. Originally known as the Dreamettes, they consisted of LaLa Brooks, Barbara Alston, Mary Richards, Shirley Alston (Barbara’s sister), and Jeanette Beard. Under the management of legendary producer Phil Spector, they rose to fame with a string of hits that showcased their tight harmonies and infectious energy.
“Then He Kissed Me” wasn’t just another love song. It was a sonic tapestry woven by the genius of Spector, often referred to as the architect of the Wall of Sound production technique. Imagine a wall of instruments – drums, guitars, strings, pianos, and even tambourines – all layered together to create a dense, powerful soundscape. This signature style became synonymous with Spector’s work, and “Then He Kissed Me” is a prime example.
The song opens with a driving drumbeat and a cascading piano riff, setting the stage for the girls’ joyous vocals. Lead singer LaLa Brooks takes center stage, her voice brimming with wide-eyed wonder as she recounts the story of a budding romance. The lyrics are simple yet effective, painting a picture of a young girl smitten by a boy. Lines like “I saw him standing there / He looked like Ali MacGraw” and “He walked me to the corner / And then he whispered low” perfectly capture the innocent flirtation and anticipation of a new crush.
But the true magic lies in the chorus. The iconic line, “Then he kissed me / Oh, I just wanna scream,” is delivered with such unbridled enthusiasm that it’s impossible not to be swept away by the emotion. The backing vocals, a hallmark of Spector’s productions, create a call-and-response effect that further amplifies the excitement.
“Then He Kissed Me” wasn’t just a hit song; it was a cultural phenomenon. It reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US and number two in the UK, solidifying The Crystals’ place as one of the most popular girl groups of the era. The song has been covered countless times by artists ranging from The Beach Boys (who retitled it “Then I Kissed Her”) to Kiss (“Then She Kissed Me”) , a testament to its enduring appeal.
Even today, “Then He Kissed Me” continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. It’s a timeless pop masterpiece that captures the fleeting joy and exhilaration of first love, a feeling that never truly fades away. So, put on your dancing shoes, crank up the volume, and let The Crystals transport you back to a simpler time with this unforgettable song.
Video
Lyrics
“Then He Kissed Me”
He looked kinda nice and so I said I might take a chance
When he danced he held me tight
And when he walked me home that night
All the stars were shining bright
And then he kissed me
Each time I saw him I couldn’t wait to see him again
I wanted to let him know that he was more than a friend
I didn’t know just what to do
So I whispered “I love you”
And he said that he loved me too
And then he kissed me
He kissed me in a way that I’ve never been kissed before
He kissed me in a way that I wanna be kissed forever more
I knew that he was mine so I gave him all the love that I had
And one day he took me home to meet his mom and his dad
Then he asked me to be his bride
And always be right by his side
I felt so happy I almost cried
And then he kissed me
Then he asked me to be his bride
And always be right by his side
I felt so happy I almost cried
And then he kissed me
And then he kissed me
And then he kissed me