Between Peace and Protest: Gideon Unna’s “What Is Love” Speaks the Language of Compassion
- Miles Coleman
- Oct 13
- 2 min read
Israeli singer-songwriter Gideon Unna continues to shape his distinctive voice in contemporary folk with “What Is Love,” a moving collaboration featuring the luminous Kaley Halperin. The track is both meditative and purposeful, blending acoustic intimacy with a message rooted in empathy and humanity.
Unna and Halperin first connected online, and their musical chemistry feels effortless. Halperin’s vocals carry a rare clarity, soaring gently above Unna’s steady acoustic guitar and drawing the listener into the song’s emotional core. Supported by Yotam Botner on drums and Yoav Asif on keyboards, the arrangement feels organic and balanced, never overstated. The mastering by Yoram Vazan at New York’s Firehouse Studio preserves that authenticity, giving the song warmth and depth without losing its natural edge.
At its heart, “What Is Love” reflects Unna’s response to the turbulence surrounding him. Written during a period of conflict and loss in Israel, the song avoids bitterness in favor of compassion. Its tone recalls the spiritual sincerity of George Harrison, blending personal reflection with a universal call for peace. The result is a piece of music that feels quietly defiant — a statement that love, even when fragile, is still the most powerful force available to us.
Recorded in a small studio surrounded by Israel’s natural landscapes, “What Is Love” captures a sense of stillness and grounding that runs through all of Unna’s work. His collaborative approach allows each musician to leave a personal imprint, resulting in a performance that feels human and alive rather than polished to perfection.
Unna’s latest release reaffirms his gift for transforming vulnerability into strength. “What Is Love” is not just a song title, but an ongoing conversation — one that invites listeners to reflect, to feel, and to keep believing in the simple act of care.
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