Introduction

Tom Jones and Art Of Noise â Kiss (Official Video)
âKissâ is a song originally written and recorded by Prince, released in 1986 as the lead single from his album Parade. Princeâs version became a global hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy Award. Its minimalist funk arrangement and falsetto vocal made it one of the most distinctive recordings of the decade.Tom Jones merchandise
In 1988, the British avant-garde synth-pop group The Art of Noise released a radically different interpretation of âKiss,â featuring Tom Jones on lead vocals. This collaboration emerged from the groupâs interest in deconstructing well-known songs and reimagining them through experimental production. Inviting Tom Jonesâan artist known for his powerful, traditional vocal deliveryâwas a deliberate contrast to Princeâs original style.
Produced by Trevor Horn, the Art of Noise version stripped the song of funk elements and replaced them with heavy electronic textures, sampled orchestration, and dramatic dynamics. Tom Jones delivered the vocal with operatic force and theatrical intensity, transforming âKissâ into something closer to a grand pop-soul performance than a dance track. The result was intentionally bold and unconventional.Art of Noise vinyl
The recording was released as a single and became a significant hit, particularly in the United Kingdom, where it reached the Top 5 on the UK Singles Chart. The accompanying official video further emphasized the dramatic reinterpretation, featuring stylized visuals and heightened theatricality.
âKissâ by The Art of Noise featuring Tom Jones stands as one of the most successful and memorable cover versions of the late 1980s. It demonstrated how a song could be completely reimagined without losing its identity. The collaboration also marked an important moment in Tom Jonesâs career, reinforcing his versatility and willingness to engage with contemporary and experimental music. Today, the recording remains a striking example of how artistic risk can produce enduring and influential results.