With his new single “What Is Love”, Israeli singer-songwriter Gideon Unna delivers a deeply personal and moving musical statement. This intimate duet with vocalist Kaley Halperin reflects on one of humanity’s most timeless questions: What is love? Blending gentle acoustic textures with modern production, the song offers both emotional depth and a sense of quiet hope in a time when the world needs it most.
“What Is Love” is the second collaboration between Gideon Unna and Kaley Halperin, a partnership that feels seamless and organic. Their voices intertwine beautifully, carrying both vulnerability and strength. The track builds slowly, beginning with warm acoustic guitar before opening up into a full, layered arrangement. The combination of live instrumentation — guitars, bass, strings, and percussion — with thoughtful production creates a sound that feels both grounded and expansive.
At its core, the song is about more than romance. Unna has shared that it was inspired by a desire to push back against violence and hatred. Written during a time of war in Israel, the song carries a quiet but powerful message: love remains a force for peace and connection even in the darkest moments. Influenced in part by the spiritual and humanistic songwriting of George Harrison, Unna turns a simple question into a gentle call for unity.
The recording brings together a talented team:
-
Keyboards by Yoav Asif
-
Drums by Yotam Botner
-
MIDI programming and co-production by Lior Medan
-
Violins and string arrangement by Oren Tzur
-
Mixing and mastering by Yoram Vazan at Firehouse Studio in New York.
Unna himself performs on guitar and bass, showcasing his multi-instrumental skill and personal connection to the music. The production is subtle but meticulous, leaving space for the emotion to breathe. Kaley Halperin’s honeyed vocals add softness and light to the track, elevating it beyond a simple love song into something larger — a shared meditation on compassion.
What makes “What Is Love” stand out is its emotional honesty. There’s no forced grandeur here, just sincere storytelling and melody. Unna’s songwriting has long balanced tradition and modernity, weaving in Israeli and Jewish spiritual influences while keeping his sound fresh and contemporary. His earlier works, such as the beloved album “Tzipori Shabbat,” established him as an artist capable of bridging past and future. This new single continues that legacy.
The recording process itself was personal and collaborative, taking place in small studios in a beautiful corner of Israel. Unna prefers to give his fellow musicians creative freedom, letting their instincts shape the sound. This openness is felt throughout the track — every note carries the warmth of live, human interaction.
In an era where many songs aim to be louder or flashier, “What Is Love” stands apart for its gentle conviction. It doesn’t shout its message; it whispers it directly to the heart. For Gideon Unna, love isn’t just a theme — it’s a way of being, and this song is his offering to a world in need of healing.
With its heartfelt lyrics, soulful duet, and warm acoustic soul, “What Is Love” is more than a single. It’s a quiet, powerful statement about what connects us all.
Connect with GIDEON UNNA on
English