Meditations on Grief: “Heaven” by Leah Shoshanah

Leah Shoshanah sings softly over “Heaven,” a gentle, raw reflection on grief. After a several-month gap since my last review, I was pleasantly surprised to be contacted by Shoshanah to review her latest release. In quarantine, many of us have (I know at least I have) vacillated between states of hopeful productivity and absolute fear, balanced on the precipice of the huge unknown that in COVID-19. When I started writing music reviews, it came out of my desire for myself, as a musician, to appreciate work from the musicians around me.

Shoshanah’s track is beautifully recorded, leaving space for creaks and room noise to seep into the mix, adding to the intimacy of the song. “Heaven” reminds me of the lessons I’ve been taking from the death-positivity movement and death doulas. In our greatest times of grief, we must imagine what we believe is a “good death” and embrace our own mortality, allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and love fully in the time that we have. Shoshanah captures these thoughts and allows us to ask what death is like and reflect on loss in our lives.

“Heaven” was originally written by Shoshanah in 2012 after the death of a loved one, and hopes that it will provide “some support, some peace, some solace” to those that may be grieving during this pandemic. Her tender lyrics remind me of the deeply human lyrics from America, a band that I loved as a child for their honest, reflective, candid poetry. “Heaven” is a reminder of everything that is human about us. Stay safe, readers. Share art, keep in contact with your loved ones, and remember to take time when you need it.

You can follow Leah Shoshanah here:

Website: www.leahshoshanah.com

Youtube: www.youtube.com/leahshoshanahmusic

Facebook:www.facebook.com /leahshoshanahmusic

Instagram: @leahshoshanahmusic

Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/leahshoshanah/heaven/s-DpHIm0f0GPj