The Heart and Soul of A.J. Croce

A.J. Croce
“Heart of the Eternal”
BMG Rights Management (US) LLC
2025

A.J. Croce was two years old when his legendary father, Jim Croce, died in a plane crash and four when he experienced total vision loss. He later regained sight in his left eye at age ten. He found comfort in his late father's music collection, exploring artists such as Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Jackie Wilson and learning to play the piano. As a young man, he was mentored by R&B virtuoso Floyd Dixon and quickly gained the attention of B.B. King, Ray Charles, and other influential musicians. As an adult, he has established himself as an artist of integrity and innovation, delivering soulful rhythm and blues that defy a single genre label.

“Heart of the Eternal,” his 2025 release, features 11 new tracks and is produced by Shooter Jennings, son of Waylon Jennings. It’s a well-balanced collection of energetic, soulful pieces ranging from “Complications of Love” and “Didn't You Want That Too,” which explore the complexities of relationships, to the lighthearted reality check of “So Much Fun,” which celebrates good times with friends — "it’s so much fun to see them come, but man it’s good to see them go.”

Optimistic and forward-looking, "The Best You Can" is balanced with "All You Want," a moody meditation on navigating those inevitable down times that come our way. Even the album’s weaker tracks, “I Got a Feeling” and “Hey Margarita,” are lifted by the power and diversity of the overall collection. The haunting and beautifully hypnotic duet “The Finest Line,” featuring Margo Price, wraps up the album with style and grace. 

The band features A.J. on piano and lead vocals, as well as rhythm and lead guitar, David Barard on bass, Gary Mallaber on drums, and James Pennebaker on guitar. If you haven’t yet experienced the artistry and sincerity of this immensely talented artist, this release is a great place to start. I saw A.J. near the end of his Croce Plays Croce tour in October 2024 in Eugene, Oregon, where he not only paid tribute to his father but also performed an eclectic set of originals from his impressive catalog, as well as a host of landmark R&B, blues, and rock hits. An evening with A.J. in concert is highly recommended.