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JJ Heller's "Only Love Remains" sparkles like a luminous gem, with so many special elements that it's hard to know where to focus first. That voice is the obvious choice.
Warm, pure and moving, JJ Heller's vocals come on like a heat-seeking missile, aimed right for your gut, or your heart, depending. Mitch Dane's production of "Only Love Remains" is a masterpiece of subtlety and understatement. Very less is more, and in this case, it is much, much more. Heller co-writes with her husband Dave, who does double duty as manager, guitarist, and background vocalist extraordinaire. They are a formidable team. And speaking of teams, Heller has somehow managed to assemble the Nashville all-stars: doing background vocal duties are Jeremy Casella & Andrew Osenga, David Henry's cello makes its presence known throughout the project, and Ben Shive's accordion almost steals the show on "Love Me," not to mention his usual superb piano chops. A stellar supporting cast, and Heller's own remarkable talents make "Only Love Remains" one of the year's most interesting offerings. As "Only You" opens, its quiet acoustic guitar gently bearing Heller's penetrating vocals, your first impression is one of lovely austerity. But as this probing song continues, and you notice the exquisite arrangements, you realize there is a lot more happening on this album. "Only Love Remains" is rife with grace notes of loveliness, totaling up to a level of surprising beauty . The brilliance of "Love Me," a tender tribute to God's unconditional love, is contained in the gleaming touches scattered throughout, from Henry's achingly sweet cello, to Bryan Sutton's gentle mandolin, to Shive's unassuming accordion. These combine to produce the stunner that is "Love Me." The following track "Thank You," sneaks up on you, morphing from subdued gratitude to a free flowing jam of rejoicing. The simple "Lullaby" showcases Heller's plaintive vocals, expressive and emotive. Take note of the brave "On My Own," a wailer greatly illustrative of the terrible alienation of sin, its looming chords and dissonant piano chords beautifully exemplifying loneliness, anxiety, and fear. I enjoy and appareciate Heller's fearlessness on this track and on the standout closer, "Only Love Remains." Her gentle vocals contrast and belie the raw truth she exposes. Her honesty empowers the song as much as the pure strength of her vocals. The song shouts of truth, both musically and spiritually, and it encapsulates the album's message of redemption as well. JJ Heller's"Only Love Remains" is a project you don't want to miss, offering excellence and bravery, a potent combination. Related Articles
The copyright of the article JJ Heller: Only Love Remains in Christian Music is owned by Kevan Breitinger. Permission to republish JJ Heller: Only Love Remains in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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