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Kokomo (song)

Updated: 12/20/2025, 1:15:35 PM Wikipedia source

"Kokomo" is a song by the American rock band the Beach Boys from the 1988 film Cocktail and album Still Cruisin'. Written by John Phillips, Scott McKenzie, Mike Love and Terry Melcher, the song was released as a single in July 1988 by Elektra Records and became a number-one hit in the US and Australia. It was the band's first original top-20 single in 20 years, their first number-one hit in 22 years and their final top-40 hit. The lyrics describe two lovers taking a trip to a fictional place called Kokomo. Not much about it is described except for its location off the Florida Keys and comparisons to other real destinations in the Caribbean islands such as Aruba, Jamaica, Bahamas, Martinique and Montserrat, as well as Key Largo, Florida and the North Atlantic island of Bermuda. Besides Kokomo, Indiana, USA, there have only been real-world places that assumed the name "Kokomo", inspired by the song; these include a Kokomo Beach at the Casa Marina Resort in Key West, which is no longer called Kokomo Beach, and a Kokomo Beach on the island of Curaçao, which still bears the name.

Infobox

B-side
"Tutti Frutti" (performed by Little Richard)
Released
July 8, 1988
Recorded
March 22, April 5–6, 1988
Genre
Yacht rock soft rock
Length
3:35
Label
ElektraCapitol
Songwriters
John PhillipsScott McKenzieMike LoveTerry Melcher
Producer
Terry Melcher

Tables

Weekly chart performance for "Kokomo" · Charts › Weekly charts
Australia (ARIA)
Australia (ARIA)
Chart (1988–1989)
Australia (ARIA)
Peakposition
1
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)
Chart (1988–1989)
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)
Peakposition
19
Canada Top Singles (RPM)
Canada Top Singles (RPM)
Chart (1988–1989)
Canada Top Singles (RPM)
Peakposition
4
Denmark (Hitlisten)
Denmark (Hitlisten)
Chart (1988–1989)
Denmark (Hitlisten)
Peakposition
5
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)
Chart (1988–1989)
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)
Peakposition
17
Finland (Soumen Virallinen)
Finland (Soumen Virallinen)
Chart (1988–1989)
Finland (Soumen Virallinen)
Peakposition
27
France (SNEP)
France (SNEP)
Chart (1988–1989)
France (SNEP)
Peakposition
6
Iceland (RÚV)
Iceland (RÚV)
Chart (1988–1989)
Iceland (RÚV)
Peakposition
1
Japan Hot 100
Japan Hot 100
Chart (1988–1989)
Japan Hot 100
Peakposition
84
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)
Chart (1988–1989)
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)
Peakposition
6
Netherlands (Single Top 100)
Netherlands (Single Top 100)
Chart (1988–1989)
Netherlands (Single Top 100)
Peakposition
4
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)
Chart (1988–1989)
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)
Peakposition
5
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)
Chart (1988–1989)
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)
Peakposition
14
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)
Chart (1988–1989)
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)
Peakposition
8
UK Singles (OCC)
UK Singles (OCC)
Chart (1988–1989)
UK Singles (OCC)
Peakposition
25
US Billboard Hot 100
US Billboard Hot 100
Chart (1988–1989)
US Billboard Hot 100
Peakposition
1
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
Chart (1988–1989)
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
Peakposition
5
US Cash Box Top 100 Singles
US Cash Box Top 100 Singles
Chart (1988–1989)
US Cash Box Top 100 Singles
Peakposition
1
West Germany (GfK)
West Germany (GfK)
Chart (1988–1989)
West Germany (GfK)
Peakposition
7
Chart (1988–1989)
Peakposition
Australia (ARIA)
1
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)
19
Canada Top Singles (RPM)
4
Denmark (Hitlisten)
5
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)
17
Finland (Soumen Virallinen)
27
France (SNEP)
6
Iceland (RÚV)
1
Japan Hot 100
84
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)
6
Netherlands (Single Top 100)
4
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)
5
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)
14
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)
8
UK Singles (OCC)
25
US Billboard Hot 100
1
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
5
US Cash Box Top 100 Singles
1
West Germany (GfK)
7
1988 year-end chart performance for "Kokomo" · Charts › Year-end charts
Canada Retail Singles (RPM)
Canada Retail Singles (RPM)
Chart (1988)
Canada Retail Singles (RPM)
Rank
5
US Billboard Hot 100
US Billboard Hot 100
Chart (1988)
US Billboard Hot 100
Rank
42
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
Chart (1988)
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
Rank
44
US Cash Box Top 100 Singles
US Cash Box Top 100 Singles
Chart (1988)
US Cash Box Top 100 Singles
Rank
39
Chart (1988)
Rank
Canada Retail Singles (RPM)
5
US Billboard Hot 100
42
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
44
US Cash Box Top 100 Singles
39
1989 year-end chart performance for "Kokomo" · Charts › Year-end charts
Australia (ARIA)
Australia (ARIA)
Chart (1989)
Australia (ARIA)
Rank
9
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)
Chart (1989)
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)
Rank
66
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)
Chart (1989)
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)
Rank
59
Netherlands (Single Top 100)
Netherlands (Single Top 100)
Chart (1989)
Netherlands (Single Top 100)
Rank
58
West Germany (Media Control)
West Germany (Media Control)
Chart (1989)
West Germany (Media Control)
Rank
37
Chart (1989)
Rank
Australia (ARIA)
9
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)
66
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)
59
Netherlands (Single Top 100)
58
West Germany (Media Control)
37
Certifications for "Kokomo" · Certifications
Australia (ARIA)
Australia (ARIA)
Region
Australia (ARIA)
Certification
Platinum
Certified units/sales
70,000^
France (SNEP)
France (SNEP)
Region
France (SNEP)
Certification
Silver
Certified units/sales
200,000*
New Zealand (RMNZ)
New Zealand (RMNZ)
Region
New Zealand (RMNZ)
Certification
Platinum
Certified units/sales
30,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)
United Kingdom (BPI)
Region
United Kingdom (BPI)
Certification
Silver
Certified units/sales
200,000‡
United States (RIAA)
United States (RIAA)
Region
United States (RIAA)
Certification
Platinum
Certified units/sales
1,000,000^
Sales figures based on certification alone.^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
Sales figures based on certification alone.^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
Region
Sales figures based on certification alone.^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
Region
Certification
Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)
Platinum
70,000^
France (SNEP)
Silver
200,000*
New Zealand (RMNZ)
Platinum
30,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)
Silver
200,000‡
United States (RIAA)
Platinum
1,000,000^
Sales figures based on certification alone.^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. Cash Box
    https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/80s/1988/CB-1988-07-09.pdf
  2. "Why 'Kokomo' is the worst Beach Boys song ever made"
    https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/kokomo-is-the-worst-beach-boys-song/
  3. "What is Yacht Rock & Should You Play It in Your Store?"
    https://cloudcovermusic.com/choosing-music-guide/yacht-rock
  4. Forbes
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebaltin/2019/07/23/sugar-ray-frontman-mark-mcgraths-guide-to-yacht-rock/
  5. Cleveland.com
    https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2021/05/every-no-1-song-of-the-1980s-ranked-from-mad-bogus-to-totally-bodacious.html
  6. Stereogum
    https://www.stereogum.com/2006749/kokomo-beach-boys-story/columns/sounding-board/
  7. The Sydney Morning Herald
    https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/where-is-kokomo-from-the-beach-boys-song-after-30-years-people-are-still-searching-people-are-still-searching-for-the-beach-boys-tropical-island-getaway-20191015-h1iv6q.html
  8. Google Maps
    https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kokomo+Beach/@12.1606966,-69.0057539,695m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8e849b5658d7b077:0x824a4c1827829bed!2sKokomo+Beach!8m2!3d12.1608009!4d-69.0045772!16s/g/11xf953ny!3m5!1s0x8e849b5658d7b077:0x824a4c1827829bed!8m2!3d12.1608009!4d-69.0045772!16s/g/11xf953ny?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDYxNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw==
  9. Dillon 2012, p. 261.
  10. Dillon 2012, p. 264.
  11. Dillon 2012, p. 263.
  12. NME
    https://www.nme.com/list/50-worst-music-videos-ever-1371
  13. metrolyrics.com
    https://web.archive.org/web/20090821193043/http://www.metrolyrics.com/1989-grammy-awards.html#ixzz0bxi469dF
  14. "Chapman, McFerrin lead Grammy winners"
    https://archive.today/20120714075114/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uX5QAAAAIBAJ&sjid=qhIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6833,5860898&dq=grammy&hl=en
  15. Golden Globe Award
    https://web.archive.org/web/20171201080818/https://www.goldenglobes.com/winners-nominees/1989
  16. Entertainment Weekly
    https://ew.com/article/2004/05/28/truth-behind-annoying-hit-song-kokomo/
  17. Rolling Stone Review
    https://web.archive.org/web/20071002044929/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/thebeachboys/albums/album/171139/review/5946315/still_cruisin
  18. The Rolling Stone Album Guide: Completely New Reviews : Every Essential Album, Every Essential Artist
    https://books.google.com/books?id=wMEQAQAAMAAJ&q=kokomo
  19. Stereo
    https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Audio/Archive-HiFI-Stereo/90s/Stereo-Review-1998-08.pdf
  20. Still Cruisin
    https://web.archive.org/web/20060630150525/http://blender.com/guide/reviews.aspx?id=2260
  21. Stereogum
    https://www.stereogum.com/2149903/the-number-ones-the-beach-boys-kokomo/columns/the-number-ones/
  22. Blender
    https://web.archive.org/web/20050124091143/http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=819
  23. Dallas Observer
    https://www.dallasobserver.com/music/dylan-taylor-kanye-and-other-great-artists-worst-songs-11821669
  24. Forbes
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebaltin/2021/03/02/the-worst-lyrics-of-all-time/?sh=7d3c11f67884
  25. MEL Magazine
    https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/kokomo-is-still-the-worst-summer-song-ever
  26. ScreenRant
    https://screenrant.com/full-house-beach-boys-cameo-true-story/
  27. Entertainment Weekly
    https://web.archive.org/web/20200804020336/https://ew.com/article/2004/05/28/truth-behind-annoying-hit-song-kokomo/
  28. AllMusic
    https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-beach-boys-with-the-royal-philharmonic-orchestra-mw0003172699/credits
  29. Pitchfork
    https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/3626-jessica-ep/
  30. "The Beach Boys – Kokomo". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
    https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Beach+Boys&titel=Kokomo&cat=s
  31. "The Beach Boys – Kokomo" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
    https://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Beach+Boys&titel=Kokomo&cat=s
  32. Canada Top Singles (November 12, 1988) RPM Magazine
    http://rpmimages.3345.ca/pdfs/Volume+49-No.+4-November+12%2C+1988.pdf
  33. Danish Charts Archive. 18 March 1989.
  34. Music & Media
    https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/80s/1989/M&M-1989-04-29.pdf
  35. Suomi soi 4: Suuri suomalainen listakirja
  36. "The Beach Boys – Kokomo" (in French). Le classement de singles.
    https://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Beach+Boys&titel=Kokomo&cat=s
  37. (Dagur)
    https://timarit.is/page/2685550?iabr=on#page/n15/mode/2up/search/%22kokomo%22
  38. Allmusic
    https://www.allmusic.com/artist/p3640/charts-awards/billboard-singles
  39. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 17, 1989" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
    https://www.top40.nl/top40/1989/week-17
  40. "The Beach Boys – Kokomo" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
    https://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Beach+Boys&titel=Kokomo&cat=s
  41. "The Beach Boys – Kokomo". Top 40 Singles.
    https://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Beach+Boys&titel=Kokomo&cat=s
  42. "The Beach Boys – Kokomo". Singles Top 100.
    https://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Beach+Boys&titel=Kokomo&cat=s
  43. "The Beach Boys – Kokomo". Swiss Singles Chart.
    http://swisscharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Beach+Boys&titel=Kokomo&cat=s
  44. Cash Box
    https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/80s/1988/CB-1988-11-05.pdf
  45. "Offiziellecharts.de – The Beach Boys – Kokomo" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
    https://www.offiziellecharts.de/titel-details-1925
  46. "Barry's Hits of All Decades Pop rock n roll Music Chart Hits"
    http://hitsofalldecades.com/chart_hits/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3146&Itemid=54
  47. Billboard
  48. "Billboard Top 100 – 1988"
    http://longboredsurfer.com/charts/1988
  49. Billboard
  50. "Cash Box Year-End Charts: Top 100 Pop Singles, December 31, 1988"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20140714063344/http://tropicalglen.com/Archives/80s_files/1988YESP.html
  51. "ARIA Top 50 Singles for 1989"
    https://www.aria.com.au/charts/1989/singles-chart
  52. Music & Media
    https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/80s/1989/M&M-1989-12-23.pdf
  53. "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 1989"
    https://www.top40.nl/bijzondere-lijsten/top-100-jaaroverzichten/1989
  54. "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1989"
    https://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=1989&cat=s
  55. "Top 100 Single–Jahrescharts 1989"
    https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/single-jahr/for-date-1989
  56. "ARIA Top 50 Singles for 1989"
    https://www.aria.com.au/charts/1989/singles-chart
  57. Elia Habib, Muz hit. tubes, p. 156 (ISBN 2-9518832-0-X)
  58. "New Zealand single certifications – The Beach Boys – Kokomo"
    https://www.radioscope.co.nz/2024/00/00/single-cert-search/
  59. "British single certifications – Beach Boys – Kokomo"
    https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/18703-1917-1
  60. "American single certifications – The Beach Boys – Kokomo"
    https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=The+Beach+Boys&ti=Kokomo&format=Single&type=#search_section
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