It’s one of the most well-known songs in the Hall & Oates discography. But it was very nearly given away to the song’s co-writer, were it not for some interference from others who suggested the duo take it on themselves.
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The song in question: “Kiss on My List.” It shot to No. 1 upon its release as a single in 1981, starting a staggering run of success where Hall & Oates barely left the Top 10. None of it would have happened without the contributions of Janna Allen.
From Receptionist to Pop Hitmaker
Because they’re so adept at making killer records and singing them to the hilt, Daryl Hall and John Oates probably don’t get enough credit for their songwriting prowess. Along those lines, some of the co-writers who worked with them also tend to get a bit overlooked.
Sara Allen, who was Hall’s longtime girlfriend, co-wrote many top hits for the duo. Meanwhile, her younger sister Janna was working as a receptionist in the late ‘70s. But she had dreams of becoming an artist, which is why she tried her hand at writing songs as well.
One of the first songs she attempted was “Kiss on My List.” Although Daryl Hall helped her out with the writing, he has stated in interviews that most of the song came from Janna Allen. To help her out in her quest to make a record out of it, Hall put together a demo of the song. That’s when its trajectory suddenly changed.
“List” Price
When associates of Hall & Oates found the demo and listened to it, they were blown away by what they discovered. They insisted it could be a hit for the duo. In fact, they liked the demo so much they insisted not much be changed, other than filling it out a bit here and there. (That’s why the drum sound is a simple programmed keyboard rhythm.)
On the one hand, it’s fair to wonder if Janna Allen might have been able to launch her career had she be given the chance to record the song. The other way to look at it: She secured some serious royalties with “Kiss on My List,” which went to No. 1, and it also set her up to contribute to several more of Hall & Oates’ hits.
Interestingly enough, “Kiss on My List” wasn’t chosen as either the first or second single from the album Voices, which was released in 1980. Once it did arrive at radio, the Hall & Oates machine shifted into high gear. Four more No. 1 singles would be on their way from the pair in the next three years.
Behind the Lyrics of “Kiss on My List”
“Kiss on My List” is a bit misunderstood because of the title. The narrator is actually saying the kiss he receives from his beloved is just one of the things that makes her so special to him. And he’s a bit coy about providing this information to friends: I only smile when I lie, then I tell them why.
In the first verse, he explains how he keeps these companions at arm’s length when it comes to them wanting to know about this love affair: I don’t feel the need to give such secrets away. The second verse is devoted to the depth of his obsession with her, how it tortures him a bit. But he knows there are lines he’d never cross: Regret what I’ve done, regret you, I couldn’t go on.
The next time “Kiss on My List” pops up within earshot, feel free to marvel at the soulful smoothness of the Hall & Oates recording. Spare a thought as well for Janna Allen, the then-novice songwriter who made it all possible.
Photo by David Redfern/Redferns
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