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"One Kiss"
A blue and black visual featuring the lead artists' names, and the song title, along with the length of the track, the record label's logo and a PDF417 barcode.
Single by Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa
Released6 April 2018 (2018-04-06)
StudioGod's Eyes (Los Angeles)
Genre
Length3:34
Label
Songwriters
ProducerCalvin Harris
Calvin Harris singles chronology
"Nuh Ready Nuh Ready"
(2018)
"One Kiss"
(2018)
"Promises"
(2018)
Dua Lipa singles chronology
"IDGAF"
(2018)
"One Kiss"
(2018)
"Electricity"
(2018)
Music video
"One Kiss" on YouTube

"One Kiss" is a song by Scottish DJ and record producer Calvin Harris and English singer Dua Lipa. The song was released for digital download and streaming as a standalone single, through Columbia Records and Sony Music on 6 April 2018. It was later included on Dua Lipa: Complete Edition (2018), the super deluxe reissue of Lipa's eponymous debut studio album, and on Harris' seventh studio album, 96 Months (2024). The song was written by Harris and Lipa alongside Canadian singer Jessie Reyez, with Harris solely handling the production. It is a dance-pop, diva house and tropical house song with 1990s, electro house, Eurodance, funky disco, funk house, psychedelic electropop and UK garage elements. Horns, organs, and a synth-line are featured within the song, as well as house beats. Lyrically, the song is about instantly falling in love with a romantic interest after a kiss.

Music critics praised the throwback sound of "One Kiss" as well as its summertime aesthetic. The song won the Brit Award for British Single of the Year at the 2019 Brit Awards. It appeared on year-end lists by numerous publications including Billboard, The Guardian and Time Out. The song spent eight weeks atop the UK Singles Chart, standing as both's longest running number one single in the country. It further peaked in the same spot of charts in 32 other countries, including Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands. The song has since been certified multi-platinum in 13 countries, including Diamond in France, Mexico, and Poland, as well as a quintuple platinum in the UK. It was the biggest song of 2018 in the UK, as well as in the Netherlands and in the Flanders region of Belgium.

An accompanying music video was directed by Emil Nava and released in May 2018. The video features Lipa in front of a green screen that shows many settings, including a pool where Harris appears as the singer's waiter. The visual received praise from critics, who highlighted the aesthetics and costumes. Harris and Lipa promoted "One Kiss" with several live performances, including ones for The Graham Norton Show, the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, and the 2019 Brit Awards. Several remixes of the song have been released, including ones by Jauz, Oliver Heldens, and R3hab.The song also stands as one of the most streamed songs on Spotify with over 2 billion streams

Background and release

[edit]

Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa first met at a party, shortly after Lipa released her single "Be the One" (2015). Two years later, Harris discovered a half-written song that he thought Lipa would sound perfect on. Shortly afterwards, he contacted Lipa through Twitter DMs while she was in Jamaica and asked if she would like to work on a track, which she agreed to. Lipa met Harris at his house in Los Angeles while she was on the Self-Titled Tour, where he played her his previous song and video to get a feeling for where "One Kiss" was going.[1][2][3] Harris desired to create dance music like his previous work, ultimately wanting to create a house-sounding song with Lipa.[4] "One Kiss" was written by the two and Canadian singer Jessie Reyez, although Harris stated that he had little to do with the song's lyrical content.[5][6] It was recorded by Harris in January 2018 at God's Eyes Studios in Los Angeles, with him handling mixing as well at the same studio, while the song was mastered by Mike Marsh at The Exchange Mike Marsh Mastering in Devon.[3][5]

On 21 March 2018, Harris changed his Twitter header image to one featuring a QR code in the centre. When scanned, the code read: "Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa – One Kiss".[7][8][9] The following month, both artists announced the song with identical social media posts,[10][11] revealing the blue cover art and the release date.[12][13][14] "One Kiss" was released for digital download and streaming on 6 April 2018 through Sony Music and Columbia Records.[15] The same day, the song was sent for radio airplay in Italy, while it impacted contemporary hit radio in the United States on 17 April.[16][17] In the US, it was serviced to dance and rhythmic contemporary radio on 10 and 17 April, respectively.[18][19] The song was released as a twelve-inch single on 20 July 2018 with the song's extended mix as its b-side.[20] The song was included as the fourth track on the second disc of the reissue of Lipa's eponymous debut studio album Dua Lipa: Complete Edition, released on 19 October 2018.[21]

Music and lyrics

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Musically, "One Kiss" is a dance-pop, diva house and tropical house song.[22][23][24] The song sees Harris returning to the EDM sound of his earlier works,[25][26] while incorporating 1990s,[27] electro house,[28] Eurodance,[29][30] funky disco,[31] funk house,[32][33] psychedelic electropop[34] and UK garage elements.[35] It is composed in 4
4
time
and the key of F major, with a dance tempo of 124 beats per minute, and a chord progression of Am–Bmaj7–Fmaj7–Gm9.[36]

Driven by bassy house beats, "One Kiss" makes use of 1990s house instrumentals, including horns and pianos that were also categorized as such, a repeating synth-line, and interplays between organs and the bassline.[37][38][39][40] The song opens with a lengthy instrumental intro, containing tropical beats, before Lipa begins to sing over mellow synthesizers.[41][42] The chorus features a deep-bass alongside tropical house horns.[26][35] The brass instruments used in the track, which are initially heard in the first post-chorus, were described as sounding as though they have been pitch-modulated. For the final chorus, the middle section has a slow textural build‑up, before solely Lipa's vocals are heard on the first part of the chorus.[43]

Lipa's vocals were categorized as clear and smooth with raspy splashes, and they range one octave from G3 to G4.[26][36] Lyrically, the song sees Lipa exploring the idea of falling in love with a romantical interest straight away, and vice versa, mentioning a kiss being used to trigger immense lust.[38] The chorus has a total of four lines: "One kiss is all it takes / Falling in love with me / Possibilities / I look like all you need."[42][44]

Critical reception

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Mike Wass of Idolator regarded "One Kiss" as "[Harris'] most accessible and instantly catchy track since 'This Is What You Came For' in 2016," labelling its chorus "club-conquering," and writing that the song is "guaranteed to be massive."[41] For MTV, Ross McNeilage stated the song is "undoubtedly going to become the soundtrack to our summer" and labelled it "the year's first bona fide sunshine banger." He concluded by stating the song is "a lot more uplifting" than Lipa's previous dance collaboration "Scared to Be Lonely" (2017) with Martin Garrix.[45] The Guardian's Graeme Virtue noted the song's "lacquer of late-night sophistication" that makes it "surprisingly moreish."[46] Grace Fleisher of Dancing Astronaut regarded the song as a "bubbling crossover" and stated that Harris "plunges deep into the depths of danceability."[47]

In Billboard, Kat Bein stated that "One Kiss" "stings with humidity and sweat like a foggy warehouse rave in the '90s underground but lingers sweet like a cocktail that sips dangerously easy."[24] For the same magazine, Katie Atkinson praised Lipa's "syrupy" vocals and complimented the song's 1990s elements, while also writing it "never goes too deep or overstays its welcome." She concluded by admitting that "one listen is all it takes to fall in love" with the song.[48] Tom Breihan of Stereogum complimented Lipa's "house-diva duties" and her ability to "breathe on a monstrous beat," while labelling the beat "swooshing" and "mechanized."[39] Writing for Uproxx, Katrina Nattress viewed the song as a "club-ready tropical house banger" that "screams sunshine and making out on the dance floor."[40] Complex's Julia Pimentel stated it is "breezy, radio-ready certified" and "tailor-made for summertime pool parties."[4] Vice's Lauren O'Neill opined that the song "[conjures] up its summery vibe" despite an inability to "reach the quietly euphoric heights of a number of the moments from Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1."[37]

Accolades

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"One Kiss" was placed on several year-end lists of 2018. The song was placed as the Best Dance/Electronic Song of 2018 by Billboard, with Kat Bein stating the song "reigned supreme" in the 1990s house comeback year, while also praising Lipa's voice for "[melting] into each pulsing beat."[49] For the same magazine's Best Songs of 2018, the song was ranked at number 12, while on The Guardian's, it placed at number 70.[50][51] Of Popjustice's Top Singles of 2018 list, the song was given the 14th position, and was placed Time Out's unsorted Songs that Made 2018 list.[52][53] In April 2020, Christopher Rosa of Glamour ranked "One Kiss" as Lipa's eighth best song, calling it a "perfect pool day in music form" and a "shimmery ode to '90s house" that is "why people install outdoor speakers in their homes."[54]

"One Kiss" received multiple awards and nominations. Most notably, the song won the Brit Award for British Single of the Year at the 2019 Brit Awards.[55] At the 2019 Billboard Music Awards, 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards, and 2018 Teen Choice Awards, it received a nomination for best Dance/Electronic Song, but did not win both awards.[56][57][58] The song was also nominated for Song of the Summer categories at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards and the 2018 Teen Choice Awards.[58][59] At 2018's BBC Radio 1's Teen Awards, the song was nominated for Best Single and International Song of the Year at the LOS40 Music Awards 2018.[60][61] The song was nominated for the 2018 Popjustice £20 Music Prize.[62]

Commercial performance

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"One Kiss" debuted at number three on the UK Singles Chart dated 19 April 2018.[63] The following week, the song rose to the summit of the chart, replacing Drake's "Nice for What" (2018) while becoming Harris' ninth and Lipa's second number one single, following "New Rules" (2017) for the latter artist.[64][65] It went on to spend eight consecutive weeks at the top spot, ultimately being succeeded by "I'll Be There" (2018) by Jess Glynne on the issue dated 21 June 2018.[66] Due to the eight consecutive weeks, it became both artists' longest running number one single.[67] The song spent a total of 53 weeks on the UK Singles Chart, eventually departing the chart in June 2019.[68] It also topped the UK Dance Chart.[69] In February 2025, the song was awarded a sextuple platinum certification by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for selling 3,600,000 track-equivalent units in the UK.[70]

"One Kiss" topped the charts in Austria,[71] Belgium,[72][73] Croatia,[74] the Czech Republic,[75] Ecuador,[76] Germany,[77] Greece,[78] Hungary,[79] Ireland,[80] Lebanon,[81] the Netherlands,[82] Poland,[83] Portugal,[84] Russia,[85] Scotland,[86] Slovakia,[87] and Slovenia.[88]In France, it debuted at number 95, before entrying in the top forty, at number 39, and later reaching the top five, at number 2, becoming Harris fourth top five and Lipa first ever in the country. The song stayed 61 weeks, becoming Harris third running longuest-running song in the country after "We Found Love" with Rihanna and "Feel So Close" (2011), respectively stayed 111 and 75 weeks, and Lipa's first ever, before being dethroned by "Levitating" (2020), who stayed 109 weeks.[89] The song was certified diamond by the SNEP. In Australia, the song debuted at number 17 on the ARIA Singles Chart, going on to peak at number 3 in its eighth week, remaining at the position for a total of 2 weeks and departing the chart 12 weeks later.[90] The song was certified quintuple platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for sales of 350,000 track-equivalent units in the country.[91] The song also reached number six on the New Zealand Singles Chart and Canadian Hot 100.[92][93]

In the US, "One Kiss" debuted at number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated 21 April 2018.[94] In its 15th week, the song rose to a peak of number 26, and spent a total of 21 weeks on the chart.[95] On US radio charts, it reached number 29, 9, and 32 on the Adult Top 40, Mainstream Top 40, Rhythmic charts, which monitor adult contemporary, pop, and rhythmic radio formats, respectively.[96][97][98] The song additionally topped the US Dance Club Songs chart and reached number two on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs.[99][100] In September 2022, the song received a quadruple platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of 4,000,000 certified units in the US.[101]

Music video

[edit]

Upon its release, "One Kiss" was accompanied by a lyric video and a vertical video, the latter of which was released via Spotify.[102] The lyric video features VHS-quality footage of a vintage television in an outdoor setting, which plays two couples kissing repeatedly.[4][103] The song's official music video premiered exclusively through Apple Music on 1 May 2018, later being released to YouTube the following day.[104] The video was directed by Emil Nava, who had previously worked with Harris on many visuals, including "Outside" (2014), "This Is What You Came For" (2016), and "Feels" (2017), as well as Lipa's "Hotter than Hell" (2016).[105][106]

Calvin Harris holding a martini for Dua Lipa on a pool deck. Harris wears a suit and Lipa wears a purple outfit.
Harris appears as Lipa's waiter in the music video.

The video begins with Lipa standing in a blue robe against a green screen, before plastic palm trees are seen swaying in the background and her backup dancers soon join her while wearing teal sequin tops and pants. Lipa then dances on a pile of sand as the Sun rises behind her. In the following scenes, Lipa wears an oversized straw hat when lying on a fluffy white rug and also sits in the center of a flower while magenta petals bloom, which later turn yellow and blue. Harris is then seen at a pool, sitting on a lounge chair and wearing a suit. Lipa also sits on a lounge chair, wearing a purple suit and sunglasses as she watches a multi-coloured dragon puppet, which later has big eyes and dances by Harris. In the same scene, Lipa stands on a diving board while her backup dancers raise their legs, sitting on the patio. She later sits on the board, while Harris carries a martini tray behind her, which Lipa goes on to take an appetizer from. Lipa's backup dancers are then seen wearing the puppet head, with the puppet flying in the sky. In the final scene, Lipa lies on a bubbled window. The visual closes with the camera turning towards the director, who shuts it off.

Luke Morgan Britton of NME viewed the visual as "exotic" and "tropical," while summarizing by writing that it "depicts a poolside Lipa and Harris dressed as a waiter."[107] In the same magazine, Hannah Mylrea named the video one of the best music videos of 2018, labelling it "trippy" and "vibrant," as well as calling the backdrops "flamboyant" and "tropical," and the wardrobe "retro." She concluded by writing that the music video is "basically what would happen if your trendy pals Instagram aesthetic came to life, in the best possible way."[108] Bein praised the puppets in the video, writing that they "really steal the show," while stating Harris looks "stoic and cool," and Lipa looks "ravishing in vibrant vintage wear."[24] O'Neill regarded the video as a "Missguided.co.uk mood board," and thought that one is "likely to catch" Lipa's outfits on their Instagram Explore page.[109] The visual was a Winning Video at the 2018 MTV Video Play Awards.[110] It was also nominated for British Video of the Year at the 2019 Brit Awards,[55] Best Dance at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards,[59] and Best Dance Video – UK at the 2018 UK Music Video Awards.[111]

Live performances

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Harris and Lipa performed "One Kiss" for the first time during an episode of The Graham Norton Show on 20 April 2018.[1] For the performance, she wore an orange single-breasted blazer with matching-coloured tights from Versace's Spring 2018 runway show.[112] Lipa gave a solo performance of the song at the opening ceremony that preceded the 2018 UEFA Champions League Final on 26 May of that year in Kyiv.[113] Following its release, the song was added to the setlist of the Self-Titled Tour (2017–2018) by Lipa.[114] On 10 February 2019, Lipa performed the song as a mash-up with St. Vincent at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, who performed her single "Masseduction" (2018).[115] Harris and Lipa performed the song as part of a medley that saw Sam Smith perform "Promises" (2018), and Rag'n'Bone Man performing "Giant" (2019) at the 2019 Brit Awards on 20 February, as well as a special appearance from Canadian model Winnie Harlow.[116] The song was later included on the setlist of Lipa's 2022 Future Nostalgia Tour.[117]

Remixes

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"One Kiss" has been accompanied by several remixes. The first remix was one by Jauz, which was released on 18 May 2018.[118] He first performed the song a month earlier at the 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which was described as reminiscent of his sound from 2015 and dubstep.[119] The remix is a house and club track marked with Jauz's signature dark bass, while it also features bass house synthesizers and has an underground basement groove appeal.[120][121][122] On 25 May 2018, a remix by Zhu was released.[123] A dark tech house track,[124] the remix includes ominous house stylings, house percussion with brooding kick drums, a future house melody and arpeggiated techno synths.[32][120][125][126] Zhu also changed Lipa's vocal pitch and added his own falsetto.[32][124]

Oliver Heldens remixed the song, with his remix being released on 1 June 2018.[127] The remix reimagines "One Kiss" as a deep house and future bass track with organic elements and Heldens' signature bass sound. It also features ghostly horns, hypnotic and dreamy club beats, murky melodies, a distorted bass that contrasts Lipa's voice on the chorus, and organ synths alongside her voice.[120][128][129][130] Remixes by R3hab and Valentino Khan were released on 8 and 15 June 2018, respectively.[131][132] The R3hab remix features synth horn hits and shimmering atmospheres.[120] On 13 July 2018, a remix EP, including previously released remixes as well as remixes by Patrick Topping and King Britt, was released.[133] Topping's stripped down remix was categorized as a tech house track and makes use of bubbling horns, rolling basslines, jumpity hi-hats, and lashings of strings.[134][135][136]

Legacy

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At the 2018 UEFA Champions League final, the song became associated with the runner-up of the match (and subsequently, of the tournament), Liverpool F.C., with fans singing it during the following year's tournament when they lifted the trophy in Madrid, and also being sung during the 2019–20 Premier League season, where Liverpool won their first top flight title in 30 years. Lipa said she was "honoured" and "lucky" that the song had been adopted by fans of the club.[137] The song was used in 2022 when Liverpool won the Carabao Cup at Wembley, with Lipa retweeting videos of the club's fans also singing it at the 2022 FA Cup final, where Liverpool also won.[138] The association of the song with the club led to Harris, himself a fan of the club and close friend of player Andrew Robertson, being invited to DJ on Liverpool's open top trophy parade, which almost 750,000 people attended.[139]

Track listings

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Personnel

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Charts

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Certifications

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Certifications and sales for "One Kiss"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[229] 9× Platinum 630,000
Austria (IFPI Austria)[230] 2× Platinum 60,000
Belgium (BRMA)[231] 2× Platinum 80,000
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[232] 3× Diamond 480,000
Canada (Music Canada)[233] 3× Platinum 240,000
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[234] 4× Platinum 360,000
France (SNEP)[235] Diamond 333,333
Germany (BVMI)[236] 2× Platinum 800,000
Italy (FIMI)[237] 3× Platinum 150,000
Mexico (AMPROFON)[238] 3× Diamond+Platinum 960,000
New Zealand (RMNZ)[239] 5× Platinum 150,000
Norway (IFPI Norway)[240] 2× Platinum 120,000
Poland (ZPAV)[241] Diamond 100,000
Portugal (AFP)[242] 4× Platinum 40,000
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[243] 4× Platinum 240,000
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[244] 3× Platinum 60,000
United Kingdom (BPI)[70] 6× Platinum 3,600,000
United States (RIAA)[101] 4× Platinum 4,000,000
Streaming
Greece (IFPI Greece)[245] Platinum 2,000,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for "One Kiss"
Region Date Format(s) Version Label(s) Ref.
Various 6 April 2018 Original [15]
Italy Radio airplay Sony [16]
United States 10 April 2018 Dance radio Columbia [18]
17 April 2018 Contemporary hit radio [17]
Rhythmic contemporary radio [19]
Various 18 May 2018
  • Digital download
  • streaming
Jauz remixes
  • Columbia
  • Sony
[118]
25 May 2018 Zhu remix [123]
1 June 2018 Oliver Heldens remixes [127]
8 June 2018 R3hab remixes [131]
15 June 2018 Valentino Khan remixes [132]
13 July 2018 Remix EPs [133]
20 July 2018 12-inch single Original [20]

See also

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"One Kiss" is a dance-pop and house song by Scottish DJ and record producer Calvin Harris featuring English singer Dua Lipa, released on April 6, 2018, as a standalone single, later included on Dua Lipa's Dua Lipa: Complete Edition.[1][2] The track, co-written by Harris, Lipa, and Canadian singer Jessie Reyez, blends elements of UK garage and tropical house with Lipa's soulful vocals, emphasizing themes of romance and nightlife escapism.[1] The song garnered widespread acclaim for its infectious energy and production, quickly becoming a global hit. It topped the UK Singles Chart for eight consecutive weeks, marking Harris's ninth number-one single in the country and Lipa's first as a lead artist.[3] Internationally, "One Kiss" reached number one in nine countries, including Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands, and peaked at number 26 on the US Billboard Hot 100 while securing the top spot on both the Billboard Dance Club Songs and Dance/Mix Show Airplay charts.[4][5] By 2022, it had been certified six-times platinum in the UK by the BPI and multi-platinum in numerous other territories, with over 2.5 billion streams on Spotify as of November 2025. "One Kiss" also received critical recognition, winning the Brit Award for British Single of the Year at the 2019 ceremony and earning nominations for various other honors, including the MTV Video Music Award for Best Dance.[6] The official music video, directed by Emil Nava and released on May 3, 2018, features Lipa dancing through neon-lit streets and underground clubs, amassing over 965 million views on YouTube and contributing to the song's cultural impact as a staple of 2010s dance music.[7]

Background

Development

The song "One Kiss" was written by Calvin Harris (Adam Wiles), Dua Lipa, and Jessie Reyez, with Harris handling production.[8] Harris first took notice of Lipa's vocal style following her 2015 single "Be the One," after briefly meeting her at a party shortly after its release.[9] By 2017, as Lipa rose to prominence with her hit "New Rules," Harris reached out via Twitter direct messages to propose a collaboration, expressing his admiration for her sound and inviting her to work together on a new track.[9][10] The track's conception occurred in late 2017, following the release of Harris's album Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 earlier that year.[11] Initial sessions involved Harris and Reyez, who had connected through Harris's outreach after hearing her work; their collaboration unfolded in a relaxed, freestyle environment at Harris's Los Angeles studio, where ideas flowed without predefined goals, leading to the song's core structure and lyrics.[11] Lipa joined later to refine the vocals, contributing to the final lyrics. Although developed amid Harris's post-album creative phase, "One Kiss" was ultimately released as a standalone single rather than part of a full-length project.[9] Creative decisions emphasized a retro '90s house music aesthetic, drawing on nostalgic dance elements to create an upbeat, summery vibe that complemented Harris's evolving production style beyond the funk influences of his recent album.[9] This approach highlighted Harris's intent to craft a high-energy dance record centered on the transformative power of a single kiss, blending Lipa's seductive delivery with infectious rhythms.[11]

Recording and production

The track "One Kiss" was recorded at God's Eyes Studio in Los Angeles, California.[12] Calvin Harris served as the sole producer, engineer, and mixer for the song, handling all technical aspects from initial capture to final polish at the same facility.[12] No live musicians beyond Dua Lipa's vocal contributions were involved, with the production relying entirely on electronic elements programmed by Harris.[12] Lipa's vocals were recorded to emphasize clarity and prominence, featuring layered arrangements that build to an anthemic chorus effect through multiple overlapping takes.[13] Vocal engineering included assertive tuning to ensure cohesion between the lead and backing elements, allowing the vocals to sit at higher levels in the mix without clashing.[13] The process prioritized mono compatibility for club playback, with the lead vocal centered and supported by subtle width in harmonies during choruses.[14] Harris's production incorporated synthesizer layers for the core chord progressions, evolving from piano-like tones in verses to wider string and brass elements in drops, using low-pass filtering to create tension and release.[14] Drum programming provided a relentless four-on-the-floor beat, complemented by deep basslines that maintain energy while ducking under vocals via multi-band compression to minimize masking.[14] Post-production details included pitch modulation on brass-like synths at key transitions (e.g., around 1:11) to add ear-catching flair without compromising headroom for the low end.[13] The overall arrangement used just 10 primary elements for a clean, focused sound, with builds every eight bars introducing filtered variations on synths and percussion.[14]

Release

"One Kiss" was released as a digital single on April 6, 2018, through Columbia Records and Sony Music.[15][2] The track became available immediately for digital download and streaming on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, with no physical formats issued at launch.[16] The song's rollout began with cryptic teases on social media, including Calvin Harris updating his Twitter header image to feature a QR code on March 21, 2018, which, when scanned, revealed the title "One Kiss" and the collaborators.[17] Official announcements followed on April 2, 2018, via Twitter posts from both Harris and Dua Lipa, building anticipation for the Friday drop.[18] Marketing positioned the track as an upbeat summer anthem, aligning with its vibrant, danceable production to capture seasonal energy.[19] Though stylistically connected to Harris's 2017 album Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 through its funk-infused house elements, "One Kiss" was issued as a standalone single to leverage the momentum from his recent collaborations and maintain chart presence outside the album cycle.[20][21]

Composition

Musical style and production

"One Kiss" is classified as dance-pop with prominent influences from house, disco, and funk, characterized by its upbeat tempo of 124 beats per minute. The track embodies a retro-house aesthetic, blending classic house music elements with contemporary pop sensibilities to create a summery, club-oriented sound. This fusion distinguishes it within the late-2010s pop landscape, where it prioritizes a house music framework over conventional dance-pop tropes.[22][23][24] The song follows a verse-chorus structure typical of house-influenced pop, featuring verses that build tension through repetitive chord progressions—primarily Am–Bbmaj7–Fmaj7–G7sus2—and a driving chorus that emphasizes release. It includes pre-choruses, a bridge for variation, and an extended breakdown toward the end, with new timbral elements introduced every eight bars to maintain energy without overwhelming the mix. This arrangement supports a relentless forward momentum, allowing the track to sustain club playability while adhering to radio-friendly pop formatting.[14][25][26] Key production techniques include the use of filtered synths, such as low-pass filtering on strings and piano to create build-ups and release tension, alongside a punchy four-on-the-floor kick drum that anchors the rhythm. Dua Lipa's vocals are centrally placed in mono for focus, with the main synth ducked during vocal sections to minimize masking, resulting in a clean, wide stereo image. These choices contribute to a retro-futuristic sonic palette, where disco-tinged synths evoke 1970s influences like those of Chic, while the overall drive draws from 1990s house and modern EDM, marking a shift from Harris's earlier big-room styles.[14][27][24]

Lyrics

The lyrics of "One Kiss" revolve around the core theme of romantic temptation and the transformative power of a single kiss, portraying an intense desire and the inevitability of emotional surrender.[28] The narrative unfolds as a seductive invitation, beginning with immediate physical pull and escalating to a plea for deeper connection, where the kiss symbolizes both fleeting passion and profound change. This structure highlights the song's exploration of vulnerability amid attraction, with the repeated motif underscoring how one moment can alter the course of a night and beyond. Key lines in the opening verse emphasize physical attraction and confidence, as in "One kiss is all it takes / Fallin' in love with me / Possibilities / I look like all you need," setting a tone of bold allure and potential romance.[29] The chorus functions as an anthemic hook, reiterating "One kiss is all it takes" to encapsulate the song's magnetic pull, making it instantly memorable and central to the track's appeal. Later verses add layers of urgency, with phrases like "I need one kiss from you / No, I don't wanna wait," intensifying the theme of inevitable longing. Co-writer Jessie Reyez, collaborating with Calvin Harris in a freestyle session, influenced the lyrics by infusing her raw emotional honesty into the seduction narrative, drawing from her style of vulnerable storytelling to deepen the portrayal of desire.[11][30] Reyez described the process as organic, aiming for a light, uplifting vibe that eases emotional weight, which aligns with the song's playful yet heartfelt seduction.[11] Dua Lipa's vocal delivery amplifies the lyrics' flirtatious tone through confident, playful phrasing, delivering lines with a teasing assurance that mirrors the theme of irresistible temptation.[31] Her approach—marked by smooth, assured runs and rhythmic emphasis—conveys empowerment in vulnerability, enhancing the seductive narrative without overpowering its simplicity. The disco-inspired production briefly complements these upbeat lyrics, creating a seamless blend of sound and sentiment.[32]

Reception

Critical reception

Upon its release in April 2018, "One Kiss" received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its infectious energy and summery vibe. The Guardian described the track as possessing a "lacquer of late-night sophistication" that rendered it "surprisingly moreish," highlighting its appeal beyond typical dance-pop bombast.[33] Similarly, NME lauded it as a "dreamy whirlpool of deep house" through which Dua Lipa "nonchalantly sails," emphasizing the seamless blend of Harris's production and Lipa's confident delivery.[34] Critics frequently commended the chemistry between Harris and Lipa, noting how her sultry, deep vocals complemented the song's pulsating basslines and shuffling rhythm to create a compelling dancefloor anthem. Billboard called it a "sure-fire hit," pointing to its bouncy bass, simple keyboard chords, and overall retro house influences as key to its immediate catchiness.[35] Stereogum echoed this, labeling it a "banger" with a sensual edge that elevated it above standard EDM fare.[36] A review in The Edge further appreciated Harris's ability to infuse a "fresh twist on an old sound," making the track intensely listenable and far from generic pop.[37] While some observers noted its familiarity within Harris's catalog of upbeat collaborations, the song's hook and production were widely seen as standout elements. A Bit of Pop Music highlighted its "upbeat, fast-paced" nature and Lipa's atypical yet effective vocals as factors in its surprising cohesion.[38] The track generated significant initial buzz, appearing on Time magazine's list of the best songs of 2018 so far as a bright example of future-pop synths and sweet vocal delivery.[39] Its enduring appeal in 2018's pop landscape solidified its status as a top track of the year in various retrospective rankings.

Accolades

"One Kiss" received recognition from several prestigious music awards in the late 2010s, highlighting its commercial and artistic success. At the 2019 Brit Awards, the song won British Single of the Year, ending Calvin Harris's streak of 14 unsuccessful nominations and affirming its status as a standout UK hit.[40][6] The track earned a nomination for Best Dance Recording at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, where it competed against entries like "Electricity" by Silk City featuring Dua Lipa, ultimately losing to the latter.[41] It also received a nomination for Best Collaboration at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards, alongside contenders such as Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line's "Meant to Be."[42] The song won Most Streamed Song at the 2018 NRJ Music Awards in France, underscoring its global appeal. It was also honored with a Dance Music Award at the 2019 SOCAN Awards.[43]

Commercial performance

Chart performance

"One Kiss" debuted at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart dated 19 April 2018 before ascending to number one the following week, where it remained for a total of eight consecutive weeks and amassed 63 weeks on the chart overall.[44] It marked Calvin Harris's ninth UK number-one single and Dua Lipa's second, following "New Rules" in 2017. The track's prolonged dominance contributed to its position as the best-selling single of 2018 in the UK, finishing at number one on the year-end chart.[45] In the United States, "One Kiss" reached a peak of number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100, entering the chart at number 62 in late April 2018 and spending 21 weeks in total.[46] It performed strongly in the dance and electronic genres, topping both the Dance Club Songs and Dance/Electronic Songs charts for multiple weeks, underscoring its appeal within those formats.[5] The song achieved widespread international success, topping the charts in numerous countries including Australia, Germany, and Ireland.[4] It also peaked at number six on the Canadian Hot 100 and entered the top 10 in over 20 additional markets, such as Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands.[47] The following table summarizes its peak positions on select major charts:
Country/ChartPeak PositionSource
UK Singles Chart1Official Charts
US Billboard Hot 10026Billboard
US Dance Club Songs1Billboard
US Dance/Electronic Songs1Billboard
Australian Singles Chart1aCharts
Canadian Hot 1006Billboard
German Singles Chart1Top40-Charts

Certifications and streaming

In the United Kingdom, "One Kiss" was certified 6× Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in February 2025, equivalent to 3.6 million units. In Australia, it received 5× Platinum certification from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) as of 2020, denoting 350,000 units. In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awarded it 3× Platinum status as of October 2020, equivalent to 3 million units.[48] The track has earned Platinum or higher certifications in 13 countries globally, resulting in over 20 million certified units worldwide. These accolades highlight its sustained popularity across markets, with streaming playing a key role in eligibility. On streaming platforms, "One Kiss" has amassed over 2.5 billion streams on Spotify as of November 2025, positioning it among the service's most streamed songs and equating to additional certification units in various territories.[49] In the UK, pure sales stand at approximately 1.5 million, while streaming constitutes the majority of overall consumption units.

Promotion

Music video

The official music video for "One Kiss" premiered on May 3, 2018, and was directed by Emil Nava.[50] It stars both Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa, set primarily in a studio environment that channels retro Los Angeles glamour through vibrant, sun-kissed aesthetics.[51] Lipa performs dynamic dance sequences against colorful backdrops featuring palm trees, poolside scenes, and abstract graphics, while Harris plays a stoic waiter who serves drinks and shares flirtatious glances with her amid the lively action.[52][53] The production focused on bold, tropical-inspired visuals and precise choreography to mirror the track's upbeat energy, creating a deconstructed pastiche of summer motifs with rapid transitions and neon-infused lighting.[50] Lipa appears in glamorous vintage attire, lounging and dancing seductively, which enhances the video's playful, escapist tone.[54] As of November 2025, the video had amassed over 975 million views on YouTube, reflecting its enduring popularity.[7] Critics lauded its summery, vibrant vibe as a perfect visual companion to the song's feel-good dance-pop style, evoking nostalgic beach escapism and old Hollywood charm.[55][56]

Live performances

Dua Lipa debuted "One Kiss" live on The Graham Norton Show on April 20, 2018, performing the track with a full band while Calvin Harris joined via video link for the introduction.[57] The song featured prominently in Calvin Harris's Ushuaïa Ibiza residency that summer, where he included it in his sets alongside other hits like "Summer" and "Feel So Close," captivating audiences with its high-energy drop amid the venue's open-air spectacle.[58] Lipa incorporated "One Kiss" into her Future Nostalgia Tour in 2022, delivering it as part of a club medley that transitioned into tracks like "Electricity" and "Hallucinate," often with synchronized choreography inspired by the music video's iconic dance moves. The song remained a staple in her Radical Optimism Tour from 2024 to 2025, appearing early in the setlist during shows such as the March 23, 2025, performance in Melbourne and the May 19, 2025, concert in Hamburg, where it energized crowds with its upbeat tempo. Joint performances highlighted the collaboration's chemistry, including a medley at the 2019 Brit Awards on February 20, where Harris, Lipa, Sam Smith, and Rag'n'Bone Man transitioned from "Giant" and "Promises" into "One Kiss," backed by a large ensemble of dancers and musicians.[59] Earlier, at the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Festival on September 21, Lipa performed "One Kiss" solo as part of her set, which also featured "Blow Your Mind (Mwah)" and "IDGAF," showcasing her vocal prowess on the Las Vegas stage.[60] Notable adaptations included stripped-back renditions in radio sessions, such as acoustic covers by artists like Pale Waves and Rudimental in BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, which emphasized the song's melodic hooks.[61][62] In festival settings, Lipa often encouraged crowd sing-alongs during "One Kiss," as seen at Glastonbury 2024 on June 28, where thousands joined in on the Pyramid Stage, and at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on April 30, 2022, turning the performance into a communal anthem.[63][64]

Remixes

A remix package for "One Kiss" was released on June 22, 2018, as a digital EP containing seven official versions, produced by various electronic music artists to adapt the track for different club and radio formats.[65] Calvin Harris provided his own extended mix, lengthening the original three-minute track to over five minutes with an extended instrumental introduction and outro, preserving the nu-disco and house elements while enhancing its suitability for DJ sets.[66] The R3HAB remix shifts the style toward future house, introducing a more energetic build-up and a prominent drop at 127 beats per minute to amplify the track's dancefloor appeal.[67] Similarly, the Oliver Heldens remix reimagines the song in bouncy deep house fashion, featuring a rumbling bass drop and groovy percussion that emphasize rhythmic drive over the original's lighter synths.[68] Other editions in the bundle include the Jauz remix, which incorporates bass house influences with heavy low-end drops for festival environments; the ZHU remix, adding atmospheric electronica layers for a moodier vibe; the Valentino Khan remix, leaning into trap-infused electro with aggressive synth stabs; and the Patrick Topping remix, infusing tech house elements with a driving beat suitable for club play.[65] These alterations often feature added drops and structural extensions to cater to club play, while maintaining Dua Lipa's vocals as the core hook.[69] The remixes gained traction in radio rotations and electronic DJ performances, prolonging the song's presence in dance music contexts beyond the original's pop radio dominance.[70]

Legacy

Cultural impact

"One Kiss" has become an unofficial anthem for Liverpool F.C. supporters, originating from Dua Lipa's performance of the song at the 2018 UEFA Champions League final in Kyiv between Liverpool and Real Madrid.[71] Fans began chanting the chorus, "One kiss is all it takes," during post-match celebrations, transforming it into a staple for trophy parades and cup final triumphs.[72] This adoption peaked during the 2022 League Cup victory parade, where thousands of supporters sang along as the open-top bus procession passed through the city, fireworks erupting in sync with the track.[73] The song has permeated various media landscapes, enhancing its visibility beyond music platforms. Additionally, "One Kiss" appeared in the video game Just Dance 2019, inspiring player routines and extending its appeal to interactive entertainment.[74] In fan culture, "One Kiss" sparked widespread viral engagement on TikTok, particularly through dance challenges recreating Dua Lipa's choreography from the 2018 music video, which trended heavily during the platform's early growth phase. These challenges saw renewed surges in 2020–2022, amplified by user-generated content blending the song with Liverpool F.C. celebrations, such as parade footage that amassed millions of views and inspired memes. As a hallmark of late-2010s pop and dance music, "One Kiss" embodies the era's revival of upbeat, escapist house tracks, frequently topping summer playlist compilations and influencing seasonal listening trends with its infectious, feel-good vibe.[22] Its enduring presence in decade-end rankings underscores its role in defining optimistic pop anthems of the time.[75]

Cover versions and influence

"One Kiss" has inspired several notable cover versions across various styles and years. In 2024, Japanese group MUSIC LAB JPN released a full cover of the track, reinterpreting its disco-pop elements in a fresh arrangement available on streaming platforms.[76] Earlier, in 2020, British musician RHODES delivered a piano rendition during a cover-a-day challenge amid the COVID-19 lockdown, stripping the song down to its emotional core with acoustic vocals.[77] Orchestral adaptations have also appeared in pop medleys, such as the string quartet arrangement by the Philadelphia String Quartet, which blends the hit into classical-pop fusions for live performances.[78] The song's influence extends to its sampling and interpolation in subsequent music, particularly within electronic and dance genres. For instance, in 2023, EDM producer 8FS Garcia interpolated elements of "One Kiss" in his track "1 Kiss," echoing its infectious hooks in a modern club context.[79] This usage highlights how the original's blend of disco revival and pop production has informed later EDM productions, contributing to a resurgence in nostalgic dance collaborations. As a tribute to its enduring popularity, "One Kiss" remains a staple in Dua Lipa's live shows, featured prominently during her 2025 Radical Optimism Tour as a highlight of her career-spanning setlists, including performances at venues like Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle and Madison Square Garden in New York.[80][81] Fan engagement further underscores this legacy, with thousands of amateur covers uploaded to platforms like YouTube, ranging from acoustic sessions to full band renditions that keep the song's spirit alive in community-driven tributes.[70]

Credits and releases

Personnel

The song "One Kiss" was written by Calvin Harris (credited as Adam Wiles), Dua Lipa, and Jessie Reyez.[12][82][83] Calvin Harris served as the lead producer, handling production, recording, and mixing duties.[12][82][84] Dua Lipa provided vocals, with instrumentation by Calvin Harris.[12][82] Mike Marsh handled mastering and lacquer cut.[12] No featured musicians are credited on the track.[12]

Original single

The digital download release of "One Kiss" features the main track with a duration of 3:34.[85]

CD single

The promotional CD single contains two tracks:
  • "One Kiss" (Main) – 3:34
  • "One Kiss" (Instrumental) – 3:35 [86]

Remixes EP

The remixes EP includes seven versions of the song, each reinterpreted by different producers:
TrackRemixDuration
1One Kiss (R3HAB Remix)3:10
2One Kiss (Jauz Remix)4:12
3One Kiss (Oliver Heldens Remix)4:41
4One Kiss (Valentino Khan Remix)4:11
5One Kiss (RAC Mix)3:32
6One Kiss (Alan Walker Remix)3:35
7One Kiss (Armin van Buuren Remix)3:35

Album inclusion

The song was subsequently included on the expanded reissue of Dua Lipa's self-titled debut album, known as the Complete Edition, which Sony Music released on October 19, 2018.[87] In 2024, "One Kiss" appeared on Calvin Harris's retrospective compilation album 96 Months, issued digitally and physically by Columbia Records on August 9.[88]

Release history

"One Kiss" was first released as a digital download and for streaming on April 6, 2018, by Columbia Records and Sony Music, marking its global debut including in major markets like the United States and United Kingdom.[15][89] On July 13, 2018, a digital EP featuring various remixes of the track was made available worldwide through the same labels.[65] A limited-edition 12-inch vinyl single followed on July 20, 2018, distributed in the United Kingdom and Europe by Columbia Records.[90]

References

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