Jon Otis - Is This Really Love

Review by David Garfield

Album Review: Is This Really Love by Jon Otis (1988) Alright, let’s talk about Is This Really Love by Jon Otis. Released back in '88 under Libido Records, this album is a total time capsule of the electronic scene that was buzzing across the UK and Australia. If you’re into Italodance, Euro-Disco, or Synth-pop, this one’s got your name all over it. And even if those genres aren’t usually your jam, there’s something here that might just stick with you. The album kicks off with its title track, “Is This Really Love?”—both in vocal and instrumental versions—and honestly? It’s hard to pick which one I like more. The vocal version has this dreamy, almost wistful vibe to it, like someone asking the universe for answers while neon lights flash in the background. But the instrumental? Oh man, that’s where the magic happens. Without vocals, you can really sink into the layers of synths and beats. It feels cinematic, like you're cruising down an empty highway at night with nothing but stars and streetlights keeping you company. Ben Angwin’s arrangement work shines here—those keyboard melodies are smooth as butter and twice as rich. Another standout is “Cooler Than Midnight.” This track’s got swagger. It’s upbeat but not in-your-face, perfect for when you need music that’s peppy yet chill enough to not overwhelm. Stewart Day and Ben Angwin kill it on the keys again, adding these little flourishes that make the song feel alive. Mike Duffy’s engineering deserves props too; everything sounds crisp without losing that warm analog charm. You know how some tracks just feel nostalgic even if you didn’t grow up listening to them? That’s this one. Mixmaster Pete Hammond clearly had his hands full mixing this record, but he nailed it. Every beat hits right, every note lingers just long enough to matter. And shoutout to David Howells for the design—it’s simple, sure, but it fits the vibe perfectly. Sometimes less really is more. Looking back, what gets me about Is This Really Love is how effortlessly it blends genres. It doesn’t scream “Italodance!” or “Euro-Disco!” Instead, it lets the styles bleed into each other naturally, creating something that feels fresh even today. Weirdly enough, listening to it reminds me of trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube—you think you’ve got it figured out, then BAM, a new layer reveals itself. So yeah, give this album a spin if you wanna hear synth-driven goodness from an era when people still rocked shoulder pads and teased hair. Funny thing though—I keep wondering if Jon Otis ever thought his music would be reviewed decades later by someone sipping coffee in sweatpants. Probably not. But hey, life’s full of surprises, right?

Artist: Jon Otis
Album: Is This Really Love

Electronic

1988

Rating: 4.8

Review
About Album
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Tracks
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Catalog Numbers
Labels
Listen online
Formats
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Credits
Notes
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About Artist
Interesting fact
Comments
Related albums

Download

Filename: jon-otis-is-this-really-love.zip

MP3 size: 22.8 mb
FLAC size: 165.6 mb

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Tracks

Track	Duration	Preview
Is This Really Love? (Instrumental)
Cooler Than Midnight
Is This Really Love?

Video

Jon Otis - Is This Really Love

Images

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Catalog Numbers

URGET 1
104985
URGE 1
URGE T 1

Labels

Libido Records

Listen online

lytte på nettet
écouter en ligne
online luisteren
ascolta in linea
lyssna på nätet
escuchar en línea
online anhören
kuunnella verkossa
ouvir online

Formats

Vinyl
12"
7"
45 RPM
Single
Promo
Test Pressing
White Label

Companies

Role	Company
Distributed By	Pinnacle

Credits

Role	Credit
Arranged By	Ben Angwin
Design	David Howells
Engineer	Mike Duffy
Keyboards	Ben Angwin, Stewart Day
Mixed By	Mixmaster Pete Hammond

Notes

Recorded and Mixed at PWL Studios 1&2, London
runout side A: 'CUTTER MAX'
runout side B: 'MAX'

Barcodes

Barcode: 5017683000178
Matrix / Runout: URGE-1-A. *
Matrix / Runout: URGE-1-B. *
Matrix / Runout: URGET-1-A. *
Matrix / Runout: URGET-1-B. *

About Jon Otis

British pop singer active in the 1980s. Not to be confused with the percussionist of the same name, .

Name Vars

J. Otis
John Otis
Johnnie O
Johnnie O.
Johnny O.
Johnny Otis
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Aliases

John Pickering
John Ballard

soundcloud.com

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s a fun fact: The album *Is This Really Love* by Jon Otis, released in 1988, blends genres like Italodance, Euro-Disco, and Synth-pop, creating a unique sound that stood out in the late '80s electronic scene. It was released in the UK and Australia under Libido Records. What’s cool is how it brought together talented contributors—like Mixmaster Pete Hammond, known for his iconic mixing skills, and Ben Angwin, who not only arranged the tracks but also played keyboards. The album includes both vocal and instrumental versions of its title track, giving listeners two ways to enjoy the vibe. Tracks like "Cooler Than Midnight" add a chill, retro touch that still feels fresh today.