Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of April 5, 2024

 

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Happy New Music Friday, everyone! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party!

 

Final (Vol. 2) by Enrique Iglesias

I first became a fan of Enrique Iglesias’s work when “Baliamos” and “Rhythm Divine” were released in 1999 during my final years at Indian Valley Elementary School. I was so grateful to see him perform live in 2012 at T-Mobile Center with Jennifer Lopez. Over the years, he released blockbuster anthems that made us cry (“Hero”), dance (“I Like It”), and fall in love (“Beautiful” with Kylie Minogue). Recently, the “Dirty Dancer” performer released the second volume of his last studio album: Final (Vol. 2). The record features five collaborations, including Belinda (“Llórame un río”), El Alfa (“La Botella”), and Miranda Lambert (“Space in My Heart”) along with three English-language songs. Final (Vol. 2) is superb album and I want to say: ¡Gracias, Enrique Iglesias, por hacer una música increíble que llevó a los oyentes a una montaña rusa de emociones! Te deseo suerte en el próximo capítulo de tu carrera! A- 

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Space in My Heart,” “La Botella,” “Love and Pain,” & “Como Yo.”

 

 

genre: sadboy – EP by MGK & Tripple Redd 

genre: sadboy – EP brings frequent collaborators MGK (Machine Gun Kelly) and Tripple Redd for an emo hip-hop extended play. The two Ohio natives co-wrote all the tracks with collaborators such as Charlie Handsome, Lil Aaron, and Ronny J. Listening to this record was a massive waste of my time. Several lyrics are disturbing, and I cannot believe 10K and Interscope would give these entitled brats a platform that would jeopardize future generations of music lovers. F 

Tracks to Download or Stream: None

 

 

Evolution by Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow surprised the music world when she dropped her twelfth studio album, Evolution. Many fans and journalists (including myself) thought 2019’s Threads would be the “All I Wanna Do” singer-songwriter’s final studio album. I am glad she reconsidered, especially after her recent induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. She partnered with longtime collaborators Bill Bottrell and John Shanks, Mike Elizondo, Ilsey Juber, and Peter Gabriel, who also dueted with her on “Digging in the Dirt,” to craft the songs. Evolution reminds me of her classic albums – 1993’s Tuesday Night Music Club, 2002’s C’Mon C’Mon, and 2008’s Detours. I am glad that Sheryl Crow released this record, and I hope that a new generation of music lovers will enjoy this impeccable singer-songwriter. B+  

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Alarm Clock,” “Digging in the Dirt,” “Do It Again,”& “You Can’t Change the Weather.”

 

 

“Shame” by Annabel Gutherz 

Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar friend Annabel Gutherz released a new song: “Shame.” Annabel co-wrote “Shame” with Mikal Blue and Bret “Epic” Mazur, which focuses on overcoming relationship insecurity. The production team did a superb job blending classic rock instrumentation and modern pop sounds, and it is a strong single. B/B+ 

 

 

“Training Season” by Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa fans are one month away from getting her third studio album, Radical Optimism. “Training Season” is the second single off the “Dance the Night” performer’s record and Dua co-wrote the song with Caroline Ailin, Martina Sorbara, Nick Gale, Shaun Frank, Tobias Jesso Jr., Yaakov Gruzman, Kevin Parker, and Danny L. Harle, who the latter two co-produced the single. “Training Season” will make listeners levitate across numerous catwalks as they sashay the night away. A- 

 

 

Artists to Watch:

Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are several recording artists and groups that are looking to shake up the music industry:

Fireworks & Rollerblades by Benson Boone

Benson Boone is one of 2024’s most talked-about rising superstars in the music industry. The TikTok superstar turned American Idol alum has developed a massive following with his superb storytelling and vocals. Fireworks & Rollerblades is Benson’s first album from Night Street and Warner Records. He co-wrote the tracks with Jack LaFranz, Michael Pollack, JT Daly, Ben Berger, and the TMS production team. Fireworks & Rollerblades is a spectacular and brilliant debut that cements Benson Boone as one of 2024’s breakout recording artists. A 

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Beautiful Things,” “In the Stars,” “Ghost Town,” “Be Someone,” & “Slow It Down.”

 

“Limbo” by Charli Lark

Singer-songwriter Charli Lark understands what it means to grow from the ashes. She poured herself into performing local events while adhering to catholic school and later bouncing across cities, performing at open mic nights while holding down corporate jobs in New York and San Francisco. Her debut single, “Limbo,” is a hauntingly hypnotic track that reminds me of the first time that I heard Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time,” Christina Aguilera’s “Genie in a Bottle,” and Ariana Grande’s “The Way.” The song’s slick EDM production and Charli Lark’s superb vocals have the potential to light up the charts and dance halls this summer. B+ 

 

 

“Roll on Mississippi (Radio Mix)” by Danielia Cotton

Danielia Cotton paid homage to country music trailblazer Charley Pride with a powerful cover of “Roll on Mississippi.” Danielia’s gorgeous vocal, which reminded me so much of both Darlene Love and Linda Ronstadt, hooked listeners in as she weaved her interpretation of the 1981 country classic. A

 

 

“Day by Day” by Jeffrey James 

Nashville-based pop singer-songwriter Jeffrey James received praise from tastemakers such as Billboard and 1883 Magazine. Jeffrey released his latest single: “Day by Day.” Pop music lovers would be instantly hooked by the song’s catchy lyrics and the backing gospel choir on the chorus. I feel that “Day by Day” will be one of this year’s top hits. A- 

 

 

 

 

“I (Who Have Nothing)” by Tom Ball

The Britain’s Got Talent and AGT: All-Stars finalist has one of the best voices I have heard this decade. Tom Ball is scheduled to drop his debut album in May. One of his first singles is his cover of the classic ballad “I (Who Have Nothing).” His performance of this standard is phenomenal as he showcased his massive vocal range, and it is an excellent preview of the album to come! A 

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