“Personally” – Karla Bonoff

“Personally” is a well-loved song by American singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff. Here are the key details about the song:

Background and Creation

  • Artist: Karla Bonoff
  • Album: Wild Heart of the Young
  • Release Date: 1982
  • Genre: Pop, Soft Rock
  • Length: 3:38
  • Label: Columbia Records
  • Writers: Paul Kelly
  • Producer: Kenny Edwards

Karla Bonoff - Interchords Personally with Karla Bonoff - Amazon.com Music

Songwriting and Production

  • “Personally” was written by Paul Kelly, an American songwriter (not to be confused with the Australian musician of the same name).
  • The song was produced by Kenny Edwards, who was a long-time collaborator of Karla Bonoff and a former member of the Stone Poneys.

Karla Bonoff Interview - Writing Her Classic Songs

Themes and Lyrics

  • The song’s lyrics deal with a direct and intimate approach to love, with the narrator expressing their feelings personally and earnestly.
  • Its catchy chorus and straightforward lyrics make it a relatable and charming love song, emphasizing a personal touch in expressing romantic sentiments.

Karla Bonoff in Norfolk, CT (10/17/2019) - Infinity Music Hall

Reception

  • “Personally” became Karla Bonoff’s most successful single, reaching number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
  • The song also performed well on the Adult Contemporary chart, where it reached number 3, showcasing its broad appeal.

Legacy

  • “Personally” remains one of Karla Bonoff’s signature songs and is a staple of her live performances.
  • The song’s success helped to cement Bonoff’s reputation as a talented singer-songwriter in the early 1980s.

Karla Bonoff - Friday October 21, 2022 - World Records

Music Video and Performances

  • The music video for “Personally” features Karla Bonoff performing the song, capturing the personal and intimate vibe of the lyrics.
  • Bonoff continues to perform “Personally” in her concerts, and it remains a fan favorite, often evoking nostalgic feelings among her listeners.

“Personally” stands out as a heartfelt and catchy tune that highlights Karla Bonoff’s ability to connect with her audience through sincere and relatable lyrics, making it a timeless piece in her musical repertoire.