Welcome to the latest installment of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! (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 get this party started!
Hozier’s Unreal Unearth showcases how the “Take Me to Church” singer-songwriter dealt with the pandemic. (Album property of Rubyworks Ltd & Columbia Records)
Unreal Unearth by Hozier
Irish singer Andrew Hozier-Byrne (known simply as Hozier) dropped his third studio album, Unreal Unearth, on August 18. The “Take Me to Church” performer’s latest offering focuses on how he dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic. The album also marks the first time that Hozier sang in the Irish language, which will enhance listeners’ experience. Hozier turned several hitmaking producers and songwriters, such as Bekon, the Grammy-nominated Jeff Gitelman, and the Grammy-winning Jennifer Decilveo, to help him execute his vision. Also, keep an ear out for Brandi Carlile, who joins Hozier on “Damage Gets Done.” Unreal Unearth is a superb listening experience showcasing Hozier’s mastery of alternative and Americana music. B+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “De Selby (Part 2),” “Francesca,” “Eat Your Young,” & “Damage Gets Done.”
Tony-winning actress and singer Idina Menzel took her fans to the dance floor with her latest record: Drama Queen. (Album cover property of Walkman Records LLC & BMG Rights Management)
Drama Queen by Idina Menzel
Tony-winning actress and singer Idina Menzel is taking her fans to the club. Drama Queen, her first solo album in six years, features the Wicked and Frozen superstar in a new element. All-star collaborators, including Jake Shears, Justin Tranter, Laura Veltz, Lindy Robbins, and Sir Nolan, helped the “Let It Go” singer defy gravity and brilliantly tackle dance music. Also, keep your ears out for music legend Nile Rodgers, who pops in for “Paradise (Prelude)” and “Paradise.” I love it when recording artists go out and try something new, and Drama Queen is a musical touchdown for Idina Menzel. A
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Move,” “Beast,” “Dramatic,” “Paradise,” & “Royality.”
Jon Batiste’s World Music Radio takes listeners global as the Grammy and Oscar winner collaborates with a diverse group of recording artists. (Album property of Verve Records & Interscope Records)
World Music Radio by Jon Batiste
Grammy and Oscar-winning musician Jon Batiste released his seventh studio album, World Music Radio. Near the end of the album’s introductory track, the former Late Show with Stephen Colbert bandleader told his fans that he would introduce songs from around the world. World Music Radio features a plethora of featured recording artists that range from up-and-comers such as K-pop group NewJeans, Native American percussion and voice group Native Soul, and Nigerian singer Fireboy DML to established music icons such as Kenny G, Lana Del Rey, and Lil Wayne. World Music Radio features an all-star group of producers that include Jon Bellion, Dan Wilson, DJ Khalil, the Monsters and Strangerz. While I was not too fond of the constant use of the radio DJ, World Music Radio is a superb listening experience that might play a role in the 2023-24 awards season. B+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Raindance,” “Be Who You Are,” “Worship,” “Drink Water,” “Calling Your Name,” & “Life Lesson.”
Tim McGraw’s Standing Room Only is one of the worst albums in his career. (Album property of McGraw Music)
Standing Room Only by Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw dropped his sixteenth studio album, Standing Room Only. The “Live Like You Were Dying” recording artist has worked on this record since the pandemic. In a conversation with The Tennessean, Tim McGraw revealed that this album was the “most emotional, thought-provoking and life-affirming music” he has ever done. While there were some sturdy tracks, Mr. McGraw only wrote some. Co-writers such as Drake Milligan, Heather Robbins, Lori McKenna, and the Warren Brothers are credited for 12 out of 13 songs. Honestly, not being active in the songwriting process injures his brand. D+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Hold On To It” & “Standing Room Only.”
“Let It Be” by Dolly Parton, Paul McCartney, & Ringo Starr
The Queen of Country Music teamed up with the two surviving members of rock and roll’s greatest band to tackle the Beatles’ powerful anthem: “Let It Be.” Listeners will get goosebumps, chills, and a pure taste of heaven with this version. A+
“Last Time I Saw You” by Nicki Minaj
Rapper Nicki Minaj dropped her second single off her highly anticipated Pink Friday 2 album. The “Anaconda” performer collaborated with ATL Jacob, Alex Bak, Frankie Bash, Lesidney Ragland, and Derrick Miller on the track. “Last Time I Saw You” showcases a softer side to the rap icon, and it is also a great jumping-off song for Nicki newbies. B+
“Keep Going Up” by Timbaland, Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake
The powerhouse trio of Timbaland, Nelly Furtado, and Justin Timberlake round out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. The trio first teamed up 15 years ago with “Give It to Me.” “Keep Going Up” is the perfect toe-tapping song to get everyone to the dance floor. A-
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