J. Michael & The Heavy Burden - Where We Belong

J. Michael & The Heavy Burden

Where We Belong
self-released; 2025

TOP ALBUM

By Matt Jensen

Where We Belong by J. Michael & the Heavy Burden is the kind of album that thrives on feel. The band leans hard into extended jams, late night barn burners, and those big, sweaty crescendos that sound like they’re chasing some kind of catharsis. From the opening track, I felt it.

“Where We Belong” hits a groove that lives somewhere between the Grateful Dead, Phish, and Umphrey's McGee. It’s loose and hypnotic, and it made me want to stop thinking and just move. It’s one of those rare openers that doesn’t feel like a warm-up but like you’ve already walked into the middle of something worth staying for.

“Blind Luck Eddie” brings a different energy, full of swagger and snap. I loved the attitude here. The way the guitars, vocals, and melodies all lock in with a kind of confident edge gives it a spark that feels spontaneous but never sloppy. Then there's “Make Everybody Know,” which sounds massive. It reminded me of Boston in the way it fills every inch of space with layered choruses and guitars stacked to the ceiling. It’s unapologetically big, and it works.

For me, “Firework” might be the emotional core of the record. The vocals are especially strong here, rising with a kind of quiet strength before building into a peak that’s both stirring and beautifully executed. It’s a song that made me stop what I was doing just to sit with it. “Sue Bear” pulls things back into a more intimate space. You can practically hear the air around the guitar strings, like the mic is inches from the pickups. “Soul Chemistry” feels classic and heartfelt with its Americana pulse, while “Moment” leans into a southern rock influence that adds another layer to the mix.

They close with “Hard Lesson,” and it’s a strong finish. The harmonica cuts through in all the right ways, and the vocal harmonies land with clarity and warmth. I kept coming back to this album because every track felt like it had something new to offer on repeat listens.

​It’s rare to find a record that can shift between moods and styles without losing its core identity. I loved this album. It’s thoughtful, it’s fun, and it knows when to let loose. Take a listen and see where it takes you.

jmheavyburden.com

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