Debbie Harry – “French Kissin’”:
Synth-Pop Seduction with a Playful Wink
A Feel-Good Return
In November 1986, Debbie Harry stepped back into the solo spotlight with “French Kissin’,” the fizzy lead single from her second solo album Rockbird. Written by Chuck Lorre — yes, the very one who later created The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men — the song brought a cheeky dose of synth-pop charm that played up Debbie’s signature blend of confidence and charisma. Produced by Seth Justman of the J. Geils Band, the track marked Harry’s biggest solo success to date, peaking at No. 8 in the UK, No. 4 in Australia, and No. 2 in New Zealand, while landing at No. 57 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
Pop Punch with a Wink
Musically, “French Kissin’” is a flirtatious bundle of gleaming synths, stiletto-sharp beats, and seductive vocal layering. It’s fun, frivolous, and flirt-forward. Debbie’s delivery hits that perfect sweet spot — cool, suggestive, and a little camp. Backed by strong female harmonies, she purrs “Embrasser, c’est français” with breezy elegance and zero inhibition.
The song plays like a neon postcard from a dancefloor where bilingual innuendo and ’80s swagger make the perfect pair.
Visual and Cultural Flair
Directed by Jeff Stein, the music video is a technicolor fever dream: surreal, tongue-in-cheek, and full of playful oddities. Amid kitchen-sink absurdism, one of its most memorable cameos is Katey Sagal, who appears mid-glamour, puckering at the camera. The video even cheekily references early sci-fi, intercutting with footage from the 1902 film A Trip to the Moon. It’s New Wave meets Vaudeville in outer space.
The 12″ single’s cover art adds even more pop-culture sizzle, featuring Debbie sprawled on a bedspread patterned in Andy Warhol’s camouflage design — the perfect fusion of punk, pop, and high-concept fashion.
Origins and Extras
Few realize that “French Kissin’” is actually a cover. The song was originally recorded in 1985 by Carol Chapman, who released it as the B-side to her single “Bad Dreams in Hollywood.” Debbie’s version gave it new life, mass appeal, and the icy-hot glam it was clearly destined for.
She also recorded a French-language version of the track, released as a B-side on select international singles and later included on the 1988 remix collection Once More into the Bleach.
Fan Perspective and Legacy
Though it didn’t scale the same heights as Blondie’s biggest hits, “French Kissin’” (released in certain countries as “French Kissin in the USA”) is fondly remembered as a sparkling solo highlight. It’s a rare moment where Harry channels pure pop joy with unabashed confidence — and reminds everyone that she could charm the charts just as easily on her own.
Whether you first heard it on a cassette Walkman, at a ’80s nightclub, or via a retro playlist, the track retains its effortless shine. It’s a nostalgic gem that deserves a lot more than guilty-pleasure status.
Why It Stands Out
What makes “French Kissin’” work is its perfect balance of charisma and style. It doesn’t overreach — it’s just pure, polished Debbie Harry. Part tease, part anthem, the song invites you to dance, smirk, and maybe blush a little. And in a decade full of overwrought pop melodrama, this one knew exactly how to keep it light, luscious, and unforgettable.