Nikki Webster’s pop classic ‘Strawberry Kisses’ is getting its first-ever vinyl release to celebrate its 25th anniversary
By Lauren McNamara
Twenty-five years later, Nikki Webster’s “Strawberry Kisses” are still pretty sweet.
The Australian pop classic is getting its first-ever vinyl release to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Webster’s debut album, Follow Your Heart, with the 2001 hit pressed on – naturally – limited-edition strawberry-red 7-inch vinyl.
“Strawberry Kisses” became an instant earworm when it arrived in 2001, less than a year after Webster shot to national fame as the star of the Sydney 2000 Olympics opening ceremony. The single climbed to No. 2 on the ARIA Singles Chart and became one of the biggest Australian pop songs of the early 2000s.
And unlike plenty of songs from the era, it never really disappeared. More than two decades later, “Strawberry Kisses” found an unlikely second life thanks to the Matildas, who embraced the track during their history-making 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign.
Now Webster is leaning into the nostalgia for its 25th birthday. Alongside the vinyl release, she has launched an official online store stocked with anniversary merchandise, including a limited-edition T-shirt and cap.
Webster also kicked off the celebrations last week with a performance of “Strawberry Kisses” on Seven’s The Morning Show, where she was joined by her daughter Skylah for a surprise appearance.
Along with “Strawberry Kisses”, Follow Your Heart spawned singles including “Depend on Me” and “The Best Days”.
The limited-edition “Strawberry Kisses” 7-inch and 25th anniversary merchandise are available to pre-order now here.
Source: Rolling Stone