MARO KISS ME Single Review: A New Pop Era for the Eurovision Star

MARO is Finally Giving Us the Pop Moment We Deserve with “KISS ME”

If you’ve been following MARO for a while, you know she has a way of making the world feel very quiet. Her last few projects were masterclasses in intimacy—just a guitar, those smoky vocals, and a lot of beautiful, heart-wrenching saudade.

But with her new single “KISS ME,” released this January, she’s officially turned the lights up. It’s the final taste of her upcoming album, SO MUCH HAS CHANGED (dropping January 27), and it feels like a literal breath of fresh air.

A Different Side of the Story

“KISS ME” isn’t the acoustic heartbreak we’ve come to expect. Instead, it’s a sun-drenched, rhythmic pop track that feels incredibly grounded. Produced with Theo Hoarau, the song swaps out the stripped-back folk vibes for a driving bassline and a full-band sound that makes you want to move.

It’s romantic, sure, but it’s not cheesy. It’s that specific kind of MARO magic: finding the “happy” without losing the depth. Hearing Gabriel Alterio’s drums kick in alongside her signature layered harmonies feels like watching a black-and-white film suddenly burst into color.

What This Means for the New Album

The title of the upcoming record, SO MUCH HAS CHANGED, seems less like a statement and more like a promise. Based on “KISS ME” and the previous singles, MARO is moving away from the “sad-girl folk” era and leaning into a sound that is:

  • Bolder: She’s playing with a full band now, and the energy is infectious.

  • Vibrant: The lyrics feel more about the “now” and less about longing for the past.

  • Expansive: It’s still MARO, but it’s MARO with the volume turned up.

See Her on the Road

The best part? This isn’t just a studio experiment. MARO is taking this full-band energy on a world tour throughout 2026. If you’ve only ever seen her in a quiet theater with a single spotlight, get ready—this tour looks like it’s going to be a celebration.

“KISS ME” is streaming everywhere right now. If you’ve had a heavy start to the year, put this on, grab your headphones, and let it shift your mood.