Album Review: "Love You To Much" by Donovan Joseph – A Reggae Gem from Jamaica
If you’re a fan of reggae music that feels like it’s been kissed by the sun, then Donovan Joseph’s Love You To Much is worth your attention. Released under Abyssinia House, this album brings the island vibes straight to your ears with its laid-back grooves and heartfelt lyrics. It’s not trying too hard to impress—it just does.
The title track, “Love You To Much,” hits different. Right off the bat, the bassline grabs hold of you, steady and warm, like an old friend giving you a hug. The rhythm section locks in perfectly, making it impossible not to nod your head or tap your foot. What sticks out most, though, is how raw and genuine Donovan’s vocals feel. He ain’t singing for show; he means every word. You can almost picture him leaning into the mic at some beachside studio in Jamaica, letting his emotions pour out without overthinking it. This isn’t polished pop-reggae—it’s real talk set to a beat.
Then there’s the second track, “Love You To Much (Version).” At first glance, you might think, “Oh great, another remix.” But nah, this one flips the vibe entirely. Where the original leans romantic, this version takes on a more meditative tone. The stripped-down arrangement gives space for each instrument to breathe. There’s something hypnotic about the way the guitar licks dance around the drums—it pulls you in deep. I found myself replaying this track late at night when everything else was quiet. It’s the kind of song that makes you stop scrolling through your phone and actually listen.
Props go to Donovan Joseph for wearing multiple hats here—he produced, arranged, and performed the whole thing. That kind of creative control doesn’t always work, but in this case, it pays off big time. Shoutout also to executive producers B. "Abdular" James and J. "Zed" St. Omer for backing such a solid project. They clearly trusted Joseph’s vision, and it shows.
What makes Love You To Much stand out isn’t flashy production or chart-topping singles—it’s the authenticity. These songs don’t try to be anything they’re not. They remind you why reggae has always been about connection—whether it’s between two people or between the listener and the music itself.
Here’s the unexpected part: After listening to this album, I realized how rare it is these days to find music that feels so unapologetically human. Most stuff nowadays seems engineered to death, but Love You To Much? It’s alive. So if you’ve got a moment, press play, close your eyes, and let Donovan take you somewhere sunny—even if only for a few minutes.
