Welcome to the first installment of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews of 2024! (Bitmoji property of Jake’s Take)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the latest edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party!
Dolly Parton’s ‘Rockstar’ released its deluxe edition that featured new covers and a duet with Måneskin. (Album cover property of Butterfly Records)
Rockstar (Deluxe) by Dolly Parton
Recently, Dolly Parton released a deluxe version of Rockstar. In addition to the 30 previously released tracks, there are also nine new songs. The songs include a live performance of “Rockin’ It,” several covers including “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “The Entertainer,” and “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” The album also contains a rock version of “Jolene” that features X Factor Italia and Eurovision sensations Måneskin. Rockstar continues to showcase that Dolly can interpret any song she touches and elevate it to the next level. A
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” “Jolene,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “The Entertainer,” & “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).”
“Foolish” by AJ Mitchell
It has been a minute since we heard new music from AJ Mitchell. His latest single, “Foolish,” is a fantastic dance-pop track with shades of “Blinding Lights” but contains the same magic that made the world fall in love with him in “Slow Dance.” Welcome back, AJ! We have missed you! B+
“Turn the Lights Back On” by Billy Joel
The Piano Man is back! Billy Joel dropped his first new song in 17 years: “Turn the Lights Back On.” The Madison Square Garden headliner teamed up with Freddy Wexler, Arthur Bacon, and Wayne Hector to pen a piano-based tune to give listeners goosebumps. “Turn the Lights Back On” is classic Billy Joel, and I am delighted he graced us with another anthem. A+
“Selfish” by Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake will be releasing new solo music for the first time since 2018. “Selfish” is the first single off his upcoming sixth studio album, Everything I Thought It Was. The former Super Bowl headliner worked with Amy Allen, Cirkut, Louis Bell, and Theron Thomas to craft the tune, while Bell and Cirkut worked with Justin Timberlake on production duties. While it is a good song, it is difficult to listen to any new music from him since the revelation in his ex Britney Spears’ The Woman in Me that the superstar forced the “Stronger” performer to get an abortion against her wishes. The “Say Something” singer-songwriter has a long way to go to redeem himself in the eyes of this Britney fan. D
“The Journey of You & I” by Kodi Lee
America’s Got Talent: Season 14 WINNER & AGT: Fantasy League finalist Kodi Lee dropped another piece of original music. “The Journey of You & I” is a beautiful tribute to his mom, Tina, leaving me with goosebumps. Kodi is an outstanding songwriter and musician, and “The Journey of You & I” should be an automatic addition to a Mother’s Day playlist. A+
“Spin You Around (1/24)” by Morgan Wallen
Morgan Wallen surprised fans by releasing a new song during the last full week of January. While the “Last Night” singer-songwriter’s music normally features heavy guitar licks and drum backgrounds, “See Your Around (1/24)” is a haunting song that will leave listeners with goosebumps. B+
Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are several recording artists that have potential to shake up the music world:
F***in Weird by Leonelle
Los Angeles-based artist Leonelle released her extended play, F***in Weird. This emerging singer-songwriter’s superb voice will hypnotize listeners. Several tracks have the potential to become mainstays on streaming playlists. I am looking forward to seeing how Leonelle develops as a musician as her career progresses. A-
Tracks to Download or Stream: “F***in Weird,” “Human Condition” & “Never Enough.”
“Laws of Desire” by Jason Gould
Singer, songwriter, and creator Jason Gould will release his latest Sacred Days EP on March 22. The first single off the EP is “Laws of Desire,” and he scored a musical touchdown. “Laws of Desire” is a fantastic song from start to finish and is the first of my favorite dance tracks of 2024! A
“The Star” by Maijah
West Coast-based singer-songwriter Maijah is inspired by many artists ranging from Frank Ocean and Lana Del Rey to the late Amy Winehouse and David Bowie. Her latest single, “The Star,” starts with an intergalactic feeling before a combination of synthesizers and bass guitar continues to blast listeners across the galaxy. Maijah does have enchanting vocals, and I could see sparkle across the music universe in the future. B+
“Chills” by Maya J
Actress, singer, and songwriter Maya J rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. Her latest single: “Chills,” brilliantly combines Pop/R&B and jazz elements. Maya J has a superb voice and does an excellent job selling the tune to listeners. A-
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