By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome back to Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We got a lot of music to unpack, so let’s get this party started!
Brazil305 by Gloria Estefan
There are only two women that I look to in my life: my lovely mother, Gloria Elyachar, and Gloria Estefan. Since I was in elementary school, Mrs. Estefan’s music was always a part of my life. Last year at the Gershwin Prize, the “Conga” singer-songwriter announced that she would be remixing her legendary songs to Brazilian beats. Brazil305 breathes a new chapter into the three-time Grammy winner and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient. The superb arrangements will give listeners chills, including “Hoy,” the Spanish version of the haunting “Wrapped.” Brazil305 is the perfect record for any Gloria Estefan superfan, and the album will introduce a new generation to the Queen of Latin Pop. A
Tracks to Download: “Samba,” “Cuts Both Ways,” “Hoy,” “Rhythm is Going to Get You,” & “Get On Your Feet.”
Reimagined EP by Halestorm
Hard rock band Halestorm first came on my radar thanks to Reanimate: The Covers EP series. Made up of Lzzy Hale, Arejay Hale, Joe Hottinger, and Josh Smith, Halestorm has impacted the music industry. For the first time in three years, the quartet released an extended play (EP). Music news website Kerrang reported that Reimagined EP features six different songs. In all honesty, Reimagined revisits the band’s top songs, and it is a mixed bag of results. I wished that the group recorded more covers. I would have loved to hear their take on “Old Town Road,” “Juice,” and “Never Enough.” While people should check out “Break In,” the group’s collaboration with Amy Lee and the band’s cover of Dolly and Whitney’s “I Will Always Love You,” Reimagined EP could be an annoying listening experience. D+/C-
Tracks to Download: “I Get Off” & “I Will Always Love You.”
Mixtape, Vol. 1 EP by Kane Brown
Thanks to combining various musical genres, Kane Brown is making a name for himself in the music industry. 2018’s Experiment was an excellent starting point for him. Recently, he released his latest EP called Mixtape, Vol. 1. The seven-track EP features a plethora of different styles to tracks to the powerful ballad “Worship You” to the bro-country “BFE.” However, the real highlights of the EP are the collaborations: “Be Like That,” which features Swae Lee and Khalid, “Last Time I Say Sorry,” features EGOT icon John Legend. B-
Tracks to Download: “Cool Again,” “Be Like That” & “Last Time I Say Sorry.”
“So Done” by Alicia Keys featuring Khalid
Two of the best R&B/Soul vocalists of their respective generations teamed up for the first time in their respective careers. Alicia Keys and Khalid finally recorded a collaboration called “So Done.” Both the “Underdog” and “Talk” recording artists teamed up with Ludwig Göransson to write this. While it is a little surprising to hear both artists subtly, “So Done” will grow on the listener whenever they listen to the tune. B
“Loyal Brave True” by Christina Aguilera
Entertainment Weekly reported that Christina Aguilera returned to the Mulan franchise. The Grammy-winning vocalist released an original tune that will accompany the live-action adaptation of the 1998 animated film. Written by Jamie Hartman, Harry Gregson-Williams, Rosi Golan, and Billy Crabtree, “Loyal Brave True” perfectly captures Mulan’s story. The track also contains flawless vocals from the former Voice coach and Las Vegas headliner. A+
“I Should Probably Go to Bed” by Dan + Shay
“I Should Probably Go to Bed” gave me chills when I first listened to it. The song gave Shay the chance to shine as a vocalist. It is probably one of my favorite country songs this year, and I pray that “I Should Probably Go to Bed” gets attention when it is time for the significant music awards shows. A-
“Save the Day” by Mariah Carey with Ms. Lauryn Hill
Columbia Records announced that Mariah Carey is releasing a new studio album: The Rarities. While it is unknown what songs will make up the record, the legendary singer-songwriter included a new song: “Save the Day.” The track showcases superb vocals from the “Hero” singer-songwriter, but I would have loved to heard Ms. Hill’s excellent freestyle instead of her being looped into the track. C+/B-
“I’ll Stand By You” by Peter Hollens featuring The Hound + the Fox
Once again, Jake’s Take friend Peter Hollens hit another home-run cover. He reunited with previous collaborators The Hound + the Fox for a socially distanced performance of The Pretenders’ “I’ll Stand by You.” The trio’s cover perfectly blends folk and alternative rock. Another strong factor is the trio’s vocal harmonies that will give listeners hope and chills. A
“Butterflies Fly Away” by Sons of Serendip
America’s Got Talent alums Sons of Serendip rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. The Season Nine fourth place finalists and AGT Champions participants dropped a beautiful original piece: “Butterflies Fly Away.” Between the flawless arrangement and vocalist Micah Christian’s fantastic vocals, “Butterflies Fly Away” is a song that you will have to hit repeat on your playlist. A+
