By Kierstin Casella (2006)

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."

Redemption
JJ Heller Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When the dying's over
When the last tear falls
When the empty wells overflow
To fill us all

Redemption
We'll see it with our very own eyes
Very own eyes and we'll realize

We're alive for the very first time
The very first time

Burdens we have carried
Melt away like snow
Loved ones gone before us
Welcome us home

Redemption
We'll see it with our very own eyes
Very own eyes and we'll realize
We're alive for the very first time
The very first time

Someday we will remember how to fly
Then we will rise like embers burning bright
Everything broken will be whole again
We are the ransomed
We are the redeemed
We are the bride
And shall forever be
Loved from the start without end
It will not end

Redemption
We'll see it with our very own eyes
Very own eyes and we'll realize
We're alive for the very first time
The very first

Redemption
We'll see it with our very own eyes
Very own eyes and we'll realize

We're alive for the very first time
The very first time

Overall Meaning

The song "Redemption" by JJ Heller touches on the theme of hope and salvation. The lyrics allude to the idea of being rescued from despair and finding purpose and meaning in life. The song starts by acknowledging the pain and suffering that we go through in life but then transitions to a message of hope that alludes to the idea of eternal life and the joy of reunion with loved ones who have passed on.

The lyrics mention the idea of burdens melting away like snow and the imagery of loved ones welcoming us home. This paints a picture of a peaceful and joyful afterlife where all our troubles will be forgotten. The mention of seeing redemption with our very own eyes is a powerful statement that emphasizes the personal nature of faith, and the transformative effect it can have on our lives. The song concludes with a message of everlasting love and how being loved from the start is a constant that will remain unchanged through our lives.

Overall, "Redemption" is a song that offers comfort and hope to those who are struggling through pain, loss, and despair. It is a reminder that there is a brighter tomorrow and that love endures all.

Line by Line Meaning

When the dying's over
When we've crossed the threshold of death

When the last tear falls
When we finish grieving

When the empty wells overflow
When we are filled up with God's love

To fill us all
To make us complete and happy

Redemption
Being saved by Jesus' sacrifice

We'll see it with our very own eyes
We will witness the glory of God ourselves

Very own eyes and we'll realize
We'll be aware that it's happening to us

We're alive for the very first time
We are reborn and have a new life

Burdens we have carried
Things that have weighed us down

Melt away like snow
Disappear completely

Loved ones gone before us
People we have lost