Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some of the recording artists and bands that I believe could have massive success in the recording music industry.
Small Town Boy by Duncan Laurence
The Voice of Holland semifinalist and Eurovision Song Contest champion Duncan Laurence made his debut length on Universal Music Group’s Spark Records. Small Town Boy is a 12-track pop album that showcases his potential on conquering North America. Thanks to intriguing tracks such as “Beautiful,” “Between Good and Goodbye,” and “Figure It Out,” fans will gravitate towards Duncan’s songwriting and Paul Simon-esque vibe. Small Town Boy is a remarkable debut record, and I look forward to hearing from Duncan in years to come. B+
Tracks to Download: “Beautiful,” “Between Good and Goodbye,” “Figure It Out,” & “Arcade.”
My Baby & the Band by Josh Kelley
It is hard to believe that it has taken me nine years as a music journalist to learn about Josh Kelley, and I am embarrassed that I had to write it out. Since 2003, Josh Kelley has entertained audiences worldwide as a singer-songwriter and even toured with Miranda Lambert, Lady A, and his brother, Charles. Recently, Josh released his tenth studio album: My Baby & the Band. This album is a fantastic combination of Blue-eyed soul, Blues, and gospel. Josh is an impeccable storyteller, and listeners would be transported to his concert. My Baby & the Band is one of my favorite singer-songwriter albums of 2020. I hope that other music media outlets, radio stations, and streaming services feature his superb music. A-
Tracks to Download: “We Don’t Need the Money,” “My Baby & the Band,” “Hold Me My Lord,” “You Can Count on Me,” & “I Want You Tonight.”
Good News by Megan Thee Stallion
Rising rapper Megan Thee Stallion released her debut album: Good News. Megan Thee Stallion delivered a fiery debut that featured a plethora of collaborators such as Beyonce (“Savage Remix”), Big Sean and 2 Chainz (“Go Crazy”), and SZA (“Freaky Girls”). Also, Cool & Dre, Jay-Z, J.R. Rotem, Juicy J, and Scott Storch either co-penned or produced the tracks for Megan Thee Stallion’s debut. Overall, the “Circles” rapper does showcase why she is one of the most talked-about rappers of 2020. Plus, Good News is the breakout album that will accelerate her into superstardom like Pink Friday, and
Tracks to Download: “Circles,” “Sugar Baby,” “Freaky Girls,” “Intercourse,” “Don’t Rock Me to Sleep,” & “Savage Remix.”
Wilted by Paris Jackson
In October, Paris Jackson dropped her first single: “Let Down,” for her Republic Records debut: Wilted. Unlike her legendary father, who found international stardom with hits that incorporated Pop and R&B, Paris decided to stick with the singer-songwriter and alternative music genres. This move was probably the best decision for her because it saved her from getting extremely unfair criticism. Wilted showcases superb songwriting and solid vocals. I believe that Paris does have the potential to make a name for herself in the music industry. B+/A-
Tracks to Download: “repair,” “dead sea,” “let down,” & “eyelids.”
“Million Miles” by Angelina Jordan
Earlier this year, Angelina Jordan stunned the world during the sophomore season of America’s Got Talent: The Champions. Recently, Variety reported that Republic Records signed the Norway’s Got Talent winner. Her debut single, “Million Miles,” is a spectacular song. She co-wrote the song with iconic hit-makers Stargate, and it showcases her potential as a music superstar. A+
“Starry Eyed” by Liza Owen
After writing hits for BTS and Selena Gomez, Liza Owen is stepping into the spotlight and bringing a pop-rock and grunge attitude with her. The song is about how people realizing that their dreams are not as glamourous as they think it is and neither is the road to get there. “Starry Eyed” features excellent guitar licks, and the track has shades of Avril Lavigne’s “Sk8er Boi” and P!nk’s “Feel Good Time.” The song is solid, and it has the potential to dominate several streaming services’ music charts. B+
“This Xmas” by Running Lights featuring Charisma
NYC-based band Running Lights rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews is Running Lights. Made up of brothers Mike Squillante (guitars/vocals) and Nick Squillante (keyboardist), and longtime friend Steve Ranellone (drums), this trio delivered a superb modern Christmas song. “This Xmas,” which features vocalist Charisma, might have been a track off of *NSYNC and 98 Degrees’ holiday albums. It also has the potential to be a standard for making holiday playlists in the future. A-
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