Keith Washington
Keith Washington is an American R&B and soul singer born on November 15, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan. Raised in Detroit's Motown-influenced scene, Washington started performing young, influenced by family ties in music. He opened for acts like Brenda Russell and toured with The Dramatics by his teens.
He broke through co-writing Freddie Jackson's 1988 hit "Hey Lover." His 1991 debut album Make Time for Love featured the signature single "Kissing You," topping Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, earning a Grammy nomination, and winning a 1992 Soul Train Music Award.
Later albums include You Make It Easy (1993) and KW (1998). He collaborated with Kylie Minogue on "If You Were with Me Now," blending soul with pop. "Kissing You" gained extra fame as background music on General Hospital.
Make Time For Love
Producer, Arranged By – Jon Nettlesbey, Terry Coffey 4:20
2 Make The Time For Love
Producer, Arranged By – Jon Nettlesbey, Terry Coffey 5:46
3 Kissing You
Producer, Arranged By – Keith Washington, Trey Stone 4:53
4 Are You Still In Love With Me
Producer, Arranged By – Barry J. Eastmond 5:07
5 When You Love Somebody
Producer – Laney Stewart 4:42
6 Ready, Willing And Able
Producer – Laney Stewart 4:55
7 I'll Be There
Producer, Arranged By – Barry J. Eastmond 4:48
8 When It Comes To You
Producer, Arranged By – Barry J. Eastmond 4:44
9 Lovers After All
Producer – Paul Laurence 4:47
10 Closer
Producer, Arranged By – Keith Washington, Trey Stone 5:01
Label: Qwest Records – 7599-26528-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: Europe
Released: 1991
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Contemporary R&B
Keith Washington's 1991 debut album, Make Time for Love, was a resplendent showcase for his rich vocals, featuring the iconic Grammy-nominated ballad "Kissing You," which became his signature, alongside other strong tracks like "When You Love Somebody," earning praise for excellent production and smooth R&B/soul style reminiscent of Luther Vandross, solidifying his place as a notable balladeer of the era.
Reviewers consistently praised Washington's captivating voice, smooth delivery, and masterful use of vibrato, comparing him favorably to Luther Vandross.
The album spawned the massive hit "Kissing You," a soulful classic that topped R&B charts, plus other popular singles like "When You Love Somebody" and the title track, pushing the album to Gold status.
The arrangements and production were described as excellent, perfectly complementing Washington's vocals and fitting the smooth R&B sound of the early 90s.
The album blended classic R&B and soul, offering a "relaxing aural experience" and showcasing a timeless quality that still resonates today, despite being a product of its time.
Make Time for Love established Washington as a promising new voice in R&B, with "Kissing You" remaining a definitive track in his career.
Fans and critics widely regarded Make Time for Love as a strong debut, celebrated for its romantic themes, superb musicianship, and Keith Washington's impressive vocal performance, making it a beloved album in the smooth R&B/soul genre.