By: Jacob Elyachar
Welcome to another edition of New Music Releases!
This week, I reviewed new albums from John Mayer, Jimmy Buffett and Charlie Worsham plus new singles from Jennifer Nettles, John Legend and Simmy.
John Mayer’s “Paradise Valley” is probably the best album of the summer because of his impeccable guitar skills and superb lyrics. (Album cover property of Sony Music & Columbia Records)
Paradise Valley by John Mayer
John Mayer’s sixth studio album is his first album since his vocal surgery last year. Paradise Valley shows that the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter went in-depth with songwriting, instrumental arrangement and production in this album. He continues to showcase his impeccable guitar skills on his cover of J.J. Cale’s “Call Me the Breeze” and the soft rocking “Waitin’ On the Day.” Also, keep an ear out for Mayer’s on-and off-girlfriend Katy Perry and R&B artist Frank Ocean, who make vocal cameos in the album. A
Tracks to Download: “Wildfire,” “Waitin’ On the Day,” “Call Me the Breeze,” “Who You Love” & “I Will Be Found (Lost at Sea)”
Songs from St. Somewhere by Jimmy Buffett
For his 29th studio album, the legendary country singer-songwriter transported listeners to an island paradise. Mr. Buffett’s feel good tracks will definitely put anyone listening to it in a good mood, but at times…the listener might drift away and fall asleep. Other than that, Songs from St. Somewhere, features a great mix of country, soft rock and pop music and it is a must have for any country music fan. B+
Tracks to Download: “Too Drunk to Karaoke,” “I Want to Go Back to Cartagena,” “Soulfully” & “Rue de la Guitare”
Charlie Worsham’s debut album: “Rubberband” is filled with multiple tracks that could dominate country radio. (Album cover property of Warner Bros. Records)
Rubberband by Charlie Worsham
One rising star that continues to gain momentum in the country music scene is Charlie Worsham. As I was listening to his debut album, I was impressed with his impeccable songwriting abilities, superb arrangements and his ability to get both country icons Vince Gill and Marty Stuart to appear on his debut album. I strongly believe that Charlie has a strong future in this industry and could possibly be a future “King of Country Music.” A-
Tracks to Download: “Could It Be,” “Trouble Is,” “Rubberband,” “How I Learned to Pray” & “Tools of the Trade.”
“That Girl” by Jennifer Nettles
Jennifer Nettles is one of my favorite female vocalists in country music! Her powerful raw voice entices listeners and her flawless storytelling ability is showcased in her first single off of her solo album. “That Girl” is a perfect counter song to “Jolene” and I hope that we get more quality material from Ms. Nettles on her solo album. A+
The impeccable John Legend is back with a fantastic piano ballad. (Photo property of GOOD Music & Sony Music)
“All of Me” by John Legend
There is one word to describe this song and it is OUTSTANDING! This beautiful piano ballad showcases Mr. Legend at his finest as a songwriter, vocalist and pianist. His upcoming studio album, Love in the Future, would be a perfect birthday gift for my 25th birthday on September 3. A+
“You Are Who You Love” by Simmy feat. Joey Ruckus
My good friend, Simmy, delivered a strong up-tempo track that featured superb beats that can dominate any club playlist and radio charts. I hope that Simmy’s debut album hurries up so that you can listen to this incredible music producer who will take the world by storm. A
I do not own the clips that are featured in this review, they belong to the artists and their respective record companies!
