Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews (Week of May 17, 2019)

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Welcome to the second May 2019 edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. We got a lot of music to unpack, so let’s get this started.

Father of Asahd by DJ Khaled

DJ Khaled dropped his latest studio record in less than two years. Father of Asahd comes after his sensational 2017 album: Grateful. The new record follows the similar format as The Four: Battle for Stardom judge’s previous albums.  A plethora of all-stars such as Jay Z, Beyonce, Chris Brown, John Legend, Future, Chance the Rapper, CeeLo Green, and Cardi B are spread out throughout the album. Highlights of this album includes SZA’s “Just Us” and “Higher,” DJ Khaled’s collaboration with John Legend and the late Nipsey Hussle. As the 2010s come to the close, I believe that DJ Khaled will go down as one of the decade’s most memorable producers.  Bravo on the album, DJ Khaled and Asahd! A+

Tracks to Download: “Wish Wish,” “Jealous,” “Higher,” “Won’t Take My Soul,” & “Just Us.”

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind by Logic

Grammy-nominated rapper Logic released his fifth studio album. The “1-800-273-8325” performer continues to turn heads in the music world with Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. Logic continues to throw out rapid-fire raps all throughout the album.  Logic along with frequent collaborator, producer 6ix, continues to follow the formula that made this Beverly Hills transplant a household name.  The duo recruited some of rap music’s biggest artists including Eminem, G-Eazy, Will Smith, and Wiz Khalifa to join them in the recording studio. Logic continues to deliver exceptional material and continues to build his legacy as one of his generation’s best rappers. B+

Tracks to Download: “Homicide,” “Out of Sight,” “Still Ballin,” & “Don’t Be Afraid to Be Different.”

“New Eyes” by Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert is entering a new chapter in his career! The Queen frontman released his second single of 2019. “New Eyes” showcases a funkier side of the American Idol alum.  The guitar riffs are impeccable, and Adam’s golden voice shines through. I am very excited about his upcoming solo album. A

“I Don’t Care” by Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber

Two of the hottest pop music makers of the decade reunited for a fantastic dance-pop collaboration. People Magazine  reported that the “Love Yourself” collaborators released their latest duet: “I Don’t Care.”  The pair teamed up with hitmakers Max Martin, Shellback, and FRED to co-write this track. “I Don’t Care” could be a significant club anthem and could play an active role in the “Song of the Summer” 2019 edition. A-

“(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” by Elton John & Taron Egerton

The United States is two weeks away from the premiere of the highly anticipated Sir Elton John biopic. Rocketman, starring Taron Egerton as the “Your Song” singer, celebrates the career of the Grammy and Oscar-winning musician.  Sir Elton and Taron teamed up for a newly released Elton John and Bernie Taupin-penned song. Longtime Elton fans will get goosebumps throughout this four-minute and 11 seconds track. A

“Crave” by Madonna & Swae Lee

The Queen of Pop released the third single off of her highly anticipated album: Madame X. “Crave” showcases Madonna collaborating with Swae Lee. Unlike “Medellin,” fans can instantly gravitate towards to the song instead of replaying it multiple times in hopes to like it.  In all honesty, this song should have been released first to set Madame X’s tone.  Madonna and Swae Lee have vocal chemistry, plus the tune does have Top 40 potential. B+/A-

“A Whole New World” by Zayn & Zhavia Ward

Next week, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures will release a live-action adaption of its 1992 hit animated film Aladdin. Just like its predecessor, Beauty & The Beast, one of the film’s signature songs was re-recorded for the movie’s end credits. Zayn and The Four: Battle for Stardom alum Zhavia Ward had the monumental task in following in Brad Kane and Lea Salonga’s footsteps. Zayn and Zhavia’s rendition does modernize the Alan Menken and Tim Rice-penned love song. Sadly, their chemistry does not compare to Mr. Kane and Ms. Salogna’s iconic performance. C+

Artists to Watch

Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are a few recording artists we believe could shake up the recording industry.

“Diva” by Aazar featuring Swae Lee & Tove Lo

Paris-based producer Aazar released a new collaboration with rapper Swae Lee and singer-songwriter Tove Lo.  The track is a tasty piece of ear candy as Swae Lee’s raps and Tove Lo’s sultry vocals are interwoven between Aazar’s musical arrangements. Following “Diva” and previous collaborations with David Guetta and the Chainsmokers, it is safe to predict that Aazar is about to make a significant impact in the EDM world. A

“Full Love” by Ciaran Lavery

Belfast, Ireland based singer-songwriter Ciaran Lavery is another Irish act that Jake’s Take is keeping its eyes on. Just like friends to the website, Whenyoung, I was immediately captivated with Ciaran’s voice. While Ciaran’s husky voice would haunt listeners’ ears, it is his lyrics that will be branded in their minds. I am interested in seeing how he follows up with this tune. B+

“Smokeclouds” by Grace Gaustad

17-year-old NYC-based singer-songwriter Grace Gaustad is building up a strong presence on social media.  Hundreds of thousands of music lovers have fallen in love with her haunting vocals. Grace’s latest single, “Smokeclouds,” showcases her innate ability to capture the listener’s attention through her superb lyrics and arrangements. Hopefully, someone in the recording industry signs her to a label because she could be just as successful as Billie Eilish and Lorde. A-

I do not own any of the music videos that are featured in this article. They belong to the recording artists and their respective labels.