What makes Kiss and Make Up by Saint Etienne notable?

Kiss and Make Up achieved considerable success on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 22, which helped propel Saint Etienne into the mainstream indie pop landscape. The song's infectious blend of upbeat synths and clever lyrics became influential within the '90s pop revival, resonating especially with fans of the burgeoning Britpop movement. Released in January 1990, Kiss and Make Up marks Saint Etienne's debut single, setting the stage for their subsequent acclaim in the Britpop scene. At this point, the band was still emerging from their early formation and experimentation with sound, transitioning into a more polished pop aesthetic that would define their career.

How many songs are on Kiss and Make Up?

Kiss and Make Up has 3 tracks, running approximately 17 minutes.

Kiss and Make Up

Saint Etienne · 1990

17 min · 3 tracks · indie pop

A shimmering blend of indie pop and synth textures, layered with playful melodies and nostalgic undertones.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Kiss and Make Up — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album with its catchy chorus and vibrant production, serving as an anthem for reconciliation and youthful romance.
→
Kiss and Make Up (extended version) — This extended version allows listeners to dive deeper into the infectious rhythms and elaborate synth arrangements, showcasing the band's ability to create danceable pop music.
→
Sky’s Dead — With its more introspective tone and atmospheric soundscapes, this track contrasts with the upbeat nature of the title track, highlighting the band's versatility in blending different moods.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The single showcases engaging melodies and production, marking an early step in Saint Etienne's distinctive sound.

What we noticed

The title track features a bright, upbeat tempo with layered synths that create a shimmering texture throughout.
The extended version of 'Kiss and Make Up' introduces additional instrumental sections, extending the song's playful energy.
The final track, 'Sky’s Dead', shifts to a more subdued tone, contrasting with the preceding tracks and providing a different emotional texture.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Debut single that helped establish Saint Etienne's presence in the indie pop scene.
Themes: nostalgic synthscapes· early Britpop energy
Moods: Dreamy· Nostalgic
Career context: Released in January 1990, Kiss and Make Up marks Saint Etienne's debut single, setting the stage for their subsequent acclaim in the Britpop scene. At this point, the band was still emerging from their early formation and experimentation with sound, transitioning into a more polished pop aesthetic that would define their career.
Stylistic neighbors: Stereolab· The Field Mice· Trixie Mattel