Love Is

The Zoo Crew is spinning the sultry rock anthem "Love Is" by Alannah Myles from her self-titled debut album, a track that set the stage for her meteoric rise in the late '80s. Released in April 1989 as her debut single in Canada, "Love Is" climbed to number 16 on the Canadian charts, establishing Myles as a force in the music scene. The song's gritty, blues-infused rock vibe, paired with Myles' powerful vocals, captured the hearts of Zoo Freaks everywhere. Interestingly, two music videos were filmed for the song, both directed by Canadian photographer Deborah Samuel. The 1989 Canadian version shows Myles strutting onstage with her band, while the 1990 international release features a studio performance interspersed with black-and-white bar scenes and Myles horseback riding in a desert, complete with quirky shots of an ostrich and a kangaroo. The song was nominated for a Juno Award for Single of the Year in 1990 but lost to her own iconic hit, "Black Velvet."

In a 2018 interview with Cryptic Rock, Myles reflected on the whirlwind of her debut album's success, which included "Love Is." She described the period as "a whirlwind of cities, tour dates, promo trips, TV shows, radio," highlighting the intense 18-month international tour that followed the album's release. The album, which sold over six million copies worldwide, was a testament to her raw talent and the collaborative genius of her then-boyfriend Christopher Ward and producer David Tyson. On Facebook, Myles has shared nostalgic posts about the era, engaging with fans who still vibe to the song's rebellious energy. A 2025 post on X by user @myfizzypop celebrated the 35th anniversary of the album, noting how "Love Is" and other tracks like "Lover of Mine" showcased her knack for rocky pop anthems, resonating with Zoo Freaks who love its '80s flair.

Alannah Myles, born Alannah Byles on December 25, 1958, in Toronto, Ontario, was destined for a creative life, being the daughter of Canadian broadcasting pioneer William Douglas Byles. She began writing songs at age nine and performed in a songwriting group at the Kiwanis Music Festival in Toronto by age 12. At 18, she started solo gigs in southern Ontario, honing her craft in small venues. It was there she met Christopher Ward, a songwriter and MuchMusic VJ, who became her creative partner and helped form her first band. They performed rock and blues covers while Myles polished her original material, eventually catching the attention of Warner Music Canada. After years of rejections, her three-song demo, including a video for "Just One Kiss" directed by Deborah Samuel, landed her a deal with Atlantic Records in 1987. This led to her 1989 debut album, which skyrocketed her to fame with hits like "Love Is" and "Black Velvet."

Fans can connect with Alannah Myles through her official website, where booking and media inquiries can be sent to alannahworks@gmail.com. She’s active on Facebook, sharing updates and interacting with fans, and on Instagram, where she posts about her music and personal journey. Her X account offers glimpses into her thoughts and career milestones. Zoo Freaks can also join fan communities like the Alannah Myles Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant group where fans share memories, discuss her music, and celebrate her legacy. While no official fan websites stand out, her social media presence and fan groups keep the spirit of her music alive for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in.