The first thing you notice about JJ Helle… Read Full Bio ↴By Kierstin Casella (2006)
The first thing you notice about JJ Heller is a wide grin that stretches across her face and welcomes you in as a friend, whether you’ve known her for years or are shaking her hand for the very first time. These days especially, the twenty-five year old west coast native has a lot to be happy about.
In March 2006, she independantly released her third record (scheduled for national release in November 2006), Only Love Remains, showcasing her pure, penetrating voice, and opening the door to a bold new range of songs. JJ, along with her husband Dave (who serves as guitarist, manager, and co-writer) recorded the distinctive album at Nashville’s Sputnik Sound with Grammy-winning producer Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay, Bebo Norman.)
“I found that JJ has an unadulterated approach to song writing. Her songs actually spoke to me, where a lot of Christian music is the same message with different words,” explains Dane. “[JJ and Dave] live their art, and I never felt like they were trying too hard to be something they weren't.”
In addition to JJ and Dave’s prominent talents, Only Love Remains features Bryan Sutton (Dixie Chicks, The Chieftains) on mandolin, guitar and banjo; David Henry (Over the Rhine) on cello; Ben Shive (Andrew Peterson) on piano; Andy Hubbard (Little Big Town, Fernando Ortega) on drums, Aaron Sands (Jars of Clay) on bass; with Jeremy Casella (singer/songwriter) and Andrew Osenga (Caedmon’s Call) on guitars/backing vocals.
Only Love Remains follows Heller’s 2005 EP, Collection of Thoughts, and her debut release, Songs That I Know (2004.)
JJ began her career nearly six years ago at San Jose Christian College where she dabbled in songwriting and performed at local coffeehouses. After graduating, JJ and Dave got married and relocated to Phoenix to pursue music full time. In August of 2006, they moved to Nashville, TN where they currently reside. The combination of Dave’s business sense and creative input, and JJ’s loose artistic style drives their success.
“We’re definitely two halves of a whole,” she explains. “I write the bulk of the lyrics and Dave is the editor and arranger, making the songs more effective. He also does everything on the business side, which is great because it frees me up to be creative.”
For Only Love Remains, the pair focused on a braver songwriting style, departing slightly from JJ’s prior introspective lyrics and exploring story-songs about the lives around them. Musically, they pulled influence from artists like Damien Rice and Over the Rhine, with a lyrical intricacy akin to Patty Griffin. The result is an exceptional collection of songs that is warm and engaging with a little bit of edge.
In writing material for the new release, JJ poured her every day observations into her songbook: stories she heard while traveling, and those nearer to her heart. “This album is all about redemption,” observes JJ. “ Looking back on the songs, there’s a lot of struggle written into them because that’s life. Everyone has different problems to face, but in the end, the outcome hinges on how you deal with those struggles-- if you allow them to destroy you or make you stronger.”
Perhaps it’s her insight and sensitivity that consistently draw a female audience to JJ’s music. She touches on issues of self-image and worry, questions of faith, and feelings of loneliness; her songs resonate with women and offer encouragement. But JJ’s music connects with people from all walks of life. Whether performing in a quaint coffeehouse, at a weekend retreat, or a Sunday morning church service for 1000 people, the Hellers aim to be themselves wherever they go. They maintain a balance of light-hearted humor and poignant dialogue with their listeners.
As an artist, JJ Heller is a mix of eclectic and down-to-earth: from her jeans and t-shirt style to the way she pushes her own boundaries. When it comes to her music, she never settles.
"Music has a way of speaking to my heart like nothing else can," JJ says. "It is my hope and prayer that my songs will somehow speak to my listeners and bring them hope, peace and inspiration."
More
JJ Heller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where' s your smile
Did the man on the television get you down
Hey man
You should feel so fulfilled
Does American dreaming drive you still
When will you have enough
Just a little bit more
When will you be satisfied
Just a little bit more
Just a little bit more
Toiling
And spinning round and round
Vanity fair has taken this town down
Just one more thing you know you need
You need
JJ Heller's song "More" is thought-provoking and insightful, and it speaks to the societal pressure of constantly desiring more. In the first stanza, she speaks to both the child and the adult, questioning whether they have found happiness in their pursuits or if they have been taken down by the bombardment of media messages that tell them they need more. The child's smile, once bright and carefree, has been replaced by the solemn despair of needing more to be happy. The man, who should feel fulfilled according to society's standards, is still driven by the American Dream of more wealth and success.
In the chorus, Heller speaks to the constant pursuit of more. Society has convinced us that we need just a little bit more to be satisfied. But when will we have enough? She questions the consumer mentality of always wanting more, never being content with what we have. This is further emphasized in the third stanza, where she talks about toiling and spinning round and round, caught up in the rat race of materialism. Vanity Fair has taken this town down, highlighting the vicious cycle society creates of always wanting more.
Overall, JJ Heller's "More" is a song that speaks to the societal pressure of consumerism and materialism. It encourages listeners to take a step back and question whether their constant desire for more is really what will bring them happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey child
Addressing someone, possibly a young person
Where's your smile
Asking why the person isn't smiling
Did the man on the television get you down
Asking if the person was upset by something they saw on TV
Hey man
Addressing someone, possibly a man
You should feel so fulfilled
Saying the person should feel content with their life
Does American dreaming drive you still
Asking if the person is still chasing the 'American Dream'
When will you have enough
Asking when the person will feel satisfied
Just a little bit more
Implying the person always wants more
Just a little bit more
Repeating the idea that the person always wants more
When will you be satisfied
Asking again when the person will feel content
Just a little bit more
Implying once again that the person always wants more
Just a little bit more
Repeating the idea that the person always wants more
Toiling
Working hard
And spinning round and round
Going in circles, not making progress
Vanity fair has taken this town down
Saying that the desire for material things has caused problems in the community
Just one more thing you know you need
Suggesting the person always thinks they need one more thing
You need
Asserting that the person really does need something
Contributed by Samuel N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Wildflower3410
My heart. JJ Heller the most underrated musician. 🧡
Regina Rodgers
I was just in prayer to God last night about my life & how it turned out in a way i didn't plan but was grateful that I have the life I have now with Christ. Beautiful song 💕
GASPAR VILLICAÑA
Amen! Glory to God Almighty!!!
Victor Rogers
Just when I think you can’t possibly top a message from a wonderfully crafted song, you do it again. Thank you. It is comforting to know that He holds it all and He is watching with giddy anticipation at what He has in store for me perhaps just around the corner. “You are good, and what you do is good.” - Psalm 119:68
Melon Nelon
JJ Heller, your voice and lyrics speak to my soul. I can feel the sincerity and love for God rooted deep in your heart. You are one of my favourite artists and I would love to invite you to my wedding someday. Love from Zimbabwe <3
Ice Cabral
It’s a beautiful song JJ. ❤️
It’s a reminder that He knows exactly where we should be.
TheJesusislord12
just listen to your new song of ministry,twice, deep in my spirit along with the SWEET SPIRIT OF GOD i was groaning and crying from places that only our BELOVED REDEEMER would know, words fall so short of this experience as i listening to this song of love from the HEART OF GOD,love and hugs JJ and your beloved family :))lolwes
D F
You uploaded this at the perfect time for me as I ponder the twisty path my life has taken and how different it is from what I imagined, but constructed so beautifully by God. His fingerprints are seen in the rear view mirror, the reflection of our lives, and who we have become ( and are becoming!)
Momon Singh
Yeah we want more for you......your voice is awesome....keep uploading....great song😊😊
Dan MacIntosh
I just bought this on iTunes. It's so good, and just what I needed to hear right now.