By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the third 2022 edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s get this party started.
La Fuerza by Christina Aguilera
For the first time in 22 years, Christina Aguilera released material full of Spanish-language songs. La Fuerza, which translates to English as “The Strength,” is a six-track extended play that features the “Fall in Line” singer-songwriter at the top of her game. Like her 2018 album Liberation, the “Come on Over” performer recruited an all-star group of collaborators, including featured performers Becky G, NICKI NICOLE, and Ozuma and producers Rafa Arcuate, Federico Vindver, and DallasK to craft the tracks. La Fuerza is a brilliant extended play, and I hope that Christina continues to release more Spanish music in the future. A-
Tracks to Download: “Pa Mis Muchachas,” “Somos Nada,” “Santo,” & “Como Yo.”
Strictly A One-Eye Jack by John Mellencamp
Legendary rocker John Mellencamp released his twenty-fifth studio album: Strictly A One-Eyed Jack. USA Today reported that the “Pink Houses” musician’s latest record features songs “packed with themes of morality and dense lyrics” guided by the One-Eyed Jack, which serves as the record’s narrator. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer recruited fellow rock music icon Bruce Springsteen for three songs, which are some of Strictly A One-Eyed Jack’s top highlights. This album sets the bar high for future rock albums released this year. A
Tracks to Download: “Streets of Galilee,” “Sweet Honey Brown,” “Did You Say Such a Thing?” “Wasted Days,” & “Simply A One-Eyed Jack.”
“Angels” by Thomas Rhett
Thomas Rhett dropped his latest single, “Angels,” from his upcoming sixth studio album: Where We Started. A Taste of Country reported that the “Look What God Gave Her” singer-songwriter teamed up with Josh Thompson, Julian Bunetta, and Jaten Dimsdale for a romantic ballad to his wife, Lauren Akins. “Angels” is a superb ballad that will tug at fans’ heartstrings. B/B+
“Daisy Duke Two-Step” by Alicia G
Jake’s Take friend Alicia G has decided to transfer to country music! Her first single, “Daisy Duke Two-Step,” transports listeners to a Dukes of Hazzard-inspired scene where two-steps and partying are required for entry. The track has slick production, and I think it could be a significant hit on streaming platforms. B+
Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are one recording artist that is looking to shake up the music industry:
Country Stuff the Album by Walker Hayes
Walker Hayes’s stock in the country music world rose throughout 2021. The “You Broke Up with Me” singer-songwriter dropped his third studio album expecting to get all of Nashville talking. Unlike some of his contemporaries who use other songwriters to craft their message, Hayes co-wrote all 13 songs and co-produced nine of Country Stuff the Album’s tracks. Shane McNally, Luke Laird, Dylan Guthro, Nash Overstreet, Tofer Brown, and Shane Stevens are some songwriters and producers who assisted in crafting the album. Country music lovers would be happy to hear Carly Pierce, Jake Owen, Lori McKenna, and MercyMe make cameos throughout the album. Country Stuff the Album will cement Walker Hayes as one of the promising country music artists of the 2020s. A-
Tracks to Download: “Drinking Songs,” “AA,” “U Girl,” “Fancy Like,” & “Craig.”
Please consider heading to PayPal to help support my platform and keep Jake’s Take running!
