"Kisses on the Wind" is the third single released from Swedish singer Neneh Cherry's debut album, Raw Like Sushi (1989). Like many songs on the album, "Kisses on the Wind" refers to Cherry's schooldays; the song is about a girl who matures before the other girls do, and as a result, she is the first to draw boys' attentions. It peaked within the top 10 in Finland, New Zealand, and Switzerland and just reached the top 20 in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 20. In the United States, it peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. "Kisses on the Wind" is one of many songs containing the sample "What we're gonna do right here is go back, way back, back into time" from the intro of the 1972 single "Troglodyte" by the Jimmy Castor Bunch. Critical reception Angus Taylor for BBC wrote in his review of Raw Like Sushi, that "the Cuban-tinged Kisses On The Wind's autobiographical words give an intriguing insight into a young girl who wanted to be remembered for more than just her incredible looks." Bill Coleman from Billboard described the song as a "Latin- tinged pop narrative complete with Cherry's spunk, humor, and knack for telling it like it really is." Music & Media said it is "a good choice as the follow-up to Manchild. Probably the most commercial track from her debut LP." Lesley Chow from The Quietus noted the song as "a paean to a girl whose breeziness enchants the young neighbourhood boys. Her presence is reflected in the salsa rhythm, Spanish dialogue and the flowing feel of the whole song. The melody keeps billowing upwards ("More like a woman, she walks like one") and is thus subtly suggestive of the female shape." Charts References Neneh Cherry songs 1989 singles 1989 songs Songs about kissing Songs about teenagers Songs written by Cameron McVey Songs written by Neneh Cherry Virgin Records singles