Aaron Neville, “Don’t Take Away My Heaven” | Throwback Vibez

In the 96^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Don’t Take Away My Heaven” by Aaron Neville.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 96^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Don’t Take Away My Heaven”, performed by Aaron Neville.

Theme & Lyrics

“Oh, baby, I found heaven when I found you.” Aww, Aaron Neville, that is so sweet! Not only is the opening lyric sweet, but so is the entirety of “Don’t Take Away My Heaven”! “Don’t Take Away My Heaven” serves as the opener from the Grammy-winning, versatile soul musician’s 1993 album, The Grand Tour.  The record, penned by Academy-Award nominated songwriter Diane Warren, is one of Neville’s best in a storied career.  Warren’s pen is impeccable, period! Sadly, this gorgeous record only peaked at no. 56 on the Billboard Hot 100 – it was wronged by pop radio!

Regardless of the fact that it was a moderate success on the pop charts, Neville’s three-decade-old gem speaks for itself.  Heaven is her, period.  With his utterly distinct pipes, Aaron expresses the end if she were to go – he wouldn’t survive! This is best exemplified by the chorus:

“And the sun would have nowhere to shine

And the stars would all fall from the sky

Baby, please

Don’t take away my heaven.”

Neville does a bang-up job bringing Warren’s dedicated, poetic lyrics to life.  Furthermore, Steve Lindsey does a fabulous job supporting Mr. Neville with colorful, suitable production.

Final Thoughts  

Even 30 years after its release, “Don’t Take Away My Heaven” sounds utterly refreshing.  No one sings like Aaron Neville – facts.  Diane Warren gave him a surefire masterpiece with this one!

Aaron Neville • The Grand Tour • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 1993

Aaron Neville, “Don’t Take Away My Heaven”: Throwback Vibez No. 96 (2022) [: Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash,  The Musical Hype, UMG Recordings, Inc.]