JT’s New Music Reviews: Week of June 9, 2023

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 start this party!

 

Sweet Western Sound by Tanya Tucker

Country music legend Tanya Tucker released her twenty-sixth solo studio album. Produced by Brandi Carlile (who joined the singer on “Breakfast in Birmingham”) and Shooter Jennings, Sweet Western Sound contains songs co-written by not only Carlile, Jennings, and Tucker but also Bernie Taupin, Billy Joe Shaver, Phil and Tim Hanseroth, and JT Nero. The album contains impeccable self-reflective tracks, including “Ready as I’ll Never Be,” “The List,” and “Letter to Linda,” a powerful tribute to the late Linda Ronstadt. In an era of country music that values affection for drinking and trucks, Tanya Tucker’s Sweet Western Sound showcases country music’s true power of storytelling and grabbing listeners’ heartstrings. A 

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Kindness,” “Breakfast in Birmingham,” “Waltz Across A Moment,” “Ready as I’ll Never Be,” & “Letter to Linda.”

 

“Alone Tonight” by Cristina Rae

America’s Got Talent: Season 15 Third Place Finalist Cristina Rae released a new single: “Alone Tonight.” The fan-favorite performer delivered a fabulous song that showcases her extraordinary vocal range and will give listeners chills. A- 

 

“Up” by David Archuleta

The first half of 2023 has been incredible for David Archuleta. The performer blew the audience and panelists away as the Macaw on The Masked Singer USA’s ninth season. The “Crush” singer-songwriter recently released a new single: “Up,” which he co-wrote with Jeremy Thurber and Taylor Sparks, who also produced the song. The lyrics hit like a gut punch, and it also is a perfect song for anyone overcoming adversity. Well done, David! B+ 

 

“Both Sides Now (Live at the Newport Folk Festival, Newport, RI, 7/24/2022)” by Joni Mitchell 

Last year, music legend Joni Mitchell headlined Newport, Rhode Island’s Newport Folk Festival. Variety coined the event “Joni Jam,” which featured the “Big Yellow Taxi” singer-songwriter and an all-star cast that included Brandi Carlile, Marcus Mumford, and Wynonna Judd. The “Joni Jam” is being released into an album on July 28 (my brother Aaron’s birthday). The first single off this record is the beautiful rendition of “Both Sides Now.” Once again, Joni delivered a spectacular performance that tugged at fans’ heartstrings and showcased why she remains one of the best storytellers in the music industry. A+ 

 

Artists to Watch:

Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are the recording artists that are shaking up the music industry.

 

“Dauntless” by Bree Taylor featuring The Boneheads

Mississauga, Ontario-based country rock performer Bree Taylor released a new empowerment single: “Dauntless.” From start to finish, “Dauntless” is an impeccable anthem that will light the fires of all its listeners. I am looking forward to seeing what she does next. B+ 

 

“girls that aren’t my girlfriend” by Mike Ruby

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Mike Ruby’s new single: “girls that aren’t my girlfriend,” deals with losing his longtime girlfriend and pursuing other options. The track reminds me of a tune that fell out of Charlie Puth, Mike Posner, and Shawn Mendes’ songbooks. The song, which Mike co-wrote with producer David Arkwright, is radio ready, and I hope that “girls that aren’t my girlfriend” are on multiple playlists.  

 

 

“Losing My Religion” by Theo Tams

As June is Pride Month, Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar stands with the LGBTQIA community. One of Canada’s prominent performers, Theo Tams, tackled R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion.” He transformed the antsy song into a dark EDM anthem that showcases how the LGBTQIA community faces a difficult decision of whether to be their authentic selves or choose their religion. This was a moving cover, Theo. A- 

Please consider heading to PayPal to help support my platform and keep Jake’s Take running.