Album Review: Love Is All by Damon (1997)
Released in 1997 under Triple Rose Records, Love Is All is a heartfelt collection of tracks that showcases Damon’s versatility and emotional depth. Produced with care by David Inamine and executive-produced by Donna Williams-Crane, Fred Krauss, and Keali’i Reichel, this album feels like a labor of love—a mix of smooth ballads, soulful covers, and original gems that linger long after the last note fades.
The tracklist reads like a journey through emotions, blending familiar tunes with fresh interpretations. Two songs stand out as personal highlights for me: “I Honestly Love You” and “What Makes The Night So Long (Acapella).”
“I Honestly Love You” might be a cover, but Damon makes it his own. His voice carries this raw sincerity—it’s not overdone or flashy, just pure emotion laid bare. It’s one of those tracks where you can almost picture him sitting at a piano late at night, pouring his heart into every word. You don’t need fancy production tricks when the sentiment hits this hard.
Then there’s “What Makes The Night So Long (Acapella),” which caught me off guard. Stripping away instruments leaves nothing to hide behind, and Damon delivers. The harmonies are tight, the pacing deliberate, and it’s kinda haunting in the best way possible. Acapella tracks can feel gimmicky sometimes, but this one feels intentional—like he wanted listeners to focus on the lyrics and the mood without distractions.
Other standout moments include “Let It Be,” a Beatles classic reimagined with warmth, and “Coconut Girl,” an upbeat tune that adds a playful twist to the otherwise reflective vibe of the album. Even the medley toward the end has its charm, tying things together nicely.
Looking back, Love Is All isn’t perfect—it leans heavily on covers, and some tracks blend together if you’re not paying close attention. But what saves it is Damon’s authenticity. He doesn’t try too hard to impress; instead, he lets the music speak for itself.
Here’s the thing about this album—it sneaks up on you. At first listen, it seems like just another ‘90s release, maybe even a bit understated compared to the flashy pop hits of the era. But give it time, and it worms its way into your playlist rotation. Weirdly enough, I found myself humming “I Honestly Love You” while folding laundry the other day. Guess that says something about staying power, huh?
If you’re a fan of soulful vocals and thoughtful arrangements, Love Is All deserves a spot in your collection. Just don’t expect fireworks—this one’s more like a quiet campfire, crackling softly in the background.