By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the latest edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We got a lot of music to unpack, so let’s get this party started!
ALICIA by Alicia Keys
15-time Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Alicia Keys finally released her seventh studio album: ALICIA. This album is her first record of new material since 2016’s Here. Ms. Keys co-wrote all the tracks to ALICIA with a plethora of superstar hitmakers. Ed Sheeran, Khalid, Miguel, Noel Zancanella, and Ryan Tedder are some of the songwriters that contributed the album. Also, keep an ear out for both Khalid and Miguel, who make cameos throughout ALICIA. This record is one of my favorite R&B/Soul albums of the year. Hopefully, ALICIA is talked about once it is time for nominate albums for music awards. A
Tracks to Download: “Time Machine,” “Underdog,” “Show Me Love,” “Love Looks Better,” & “Good Job.”
THE SPEED OF NOW-Part 1 by Keith Urban
Keith Urban dropped his eleventh studio album: THE SPEED OF NOW-Part 1. The former American Idol judge and Voice Australia coach recruited many collaborators such as Eric Church, Nile Rodgers, and P!nk. However, outside the P!nk duet, I yawned while I was listening to the album. Sorry, Mr. Urban, but this album is not good. C-
Tracks to Download: “One Too Many,” “Superman,” & “Polaroid.”
“Letter To You” by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
The Boss is back! For the first time in four years, “The Rising” singer-songwriter will release new music with the mighty E Street Band. “Letter To You” showcases a master songwriting class from the Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient. Springsteen fans will still get chills every note that he sings. Also, the E Street Band still has it as their instrumental arrangements will make fans smile. I cannot wait for this album to drop. A-
“Let’s Love” by David Guetta & Sia
Every time David Guetta and Sia Furler get together, magic happens! The iconic music duo created a new song that samples Pat Benatar’s 80s song: “Love Is A Battlefield.” I love the song’s lyrics and how its hypnotic beats draw listeners in. I hope that “Let’s Love” is a hit on both the radio and streaming charts. B+
“OK Not To Be OK” by Marshmello & Demi Lovato
Last week, music producer Marshmello teamed up with Top 40 mainstay Demi Lovato for an intriguing single: “OK Not To Be OK.” The “Sorry Not Sorry” singer-songwriter and electronic music DJ collaborated with Gregory Hein, James Gutch, and James Nicholas “Nick” Bailey to pen this track. This song was this year’s anthem for Hope for the Day, a suicide prevention movement. I love the 80s synthesizer licks that are incorporated on the track. Plus, Demi’s vocals take this song to another level of excellence. B+/A-
“(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher” by NDLOVU Youth Choir
On last week’s America’s Got Talent, Season 14 finalists (and one of Jake’s Take’s favorite AGT acts of all-time) NDLOVU Youth Choir returned to the show. Remotely, they performed a cover of the legendary Jackie Wilson’s “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher.” Their rendition brilliantly blended South African music and Motown soul together that will warm your spirits. A+
Head to the bottom of the page for the latest edition of Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch!
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