Elise Testone’s brilliant debut album showcases her impeccable songwriting and superb voice at their finest. (Album cover property of Red Tambo Records)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
It’s time for another edition of New Music Releases!
This week, I check on several rising artists including Elise Testone and Matt Goss. In addition, I unpack the latest singles from Miranda Lambert, Hot Chelle Rae and the combinations of Josh Groban and Judith Hill plus David Guetta and Skylar Grey!
In This Life by Elise Testone
Two years ago, Elise Testone made her television debut as she rocked out on American Idol: Season 11. Today, she released her debut album! Elise fans would be happy to hear that she inserted a lot of folk rock, soul and blues into EVERY TRACK on her album. Her songwriting is impeccable and I loved the arrangements throughout the album. I hope to hear more from Ms. Testone soon! A
Tracks to Download: “In This Life,” “Still We Try,” “Never Gave Me Butterflies,” “What I Need” & “I Will Not Break.”
I Do by Matt Goss
I opened up my iTunes this morning and discovered this incredible singer. The crooner has an outstanding voice that has already conquered Las Vegas. Matt Goss’ powerful vocals along with the intensity of the big brass orchestra will keep listeners’ interests throughout the four-track EP. I hope that Mr. Goss releases a full album of new material soon. He could challenge Groban and Buble as his generation’s top crooner. A-
Tracks to Download: “I Do” & “There’s Nothing Like This”
While I love Miranda Lambert, I thought “Automatic” was a little boring. (Album cover property of Sony Music Entertainment).
“Automatic” by Miranda Lambert
The future Voice guest mentor released her first single off of her soon-to-be-announced fifth studio album. As much as I love seeing a softer version of Miranda, I miss the fiery singer who gave us “Gunpowder and Lead” and “Over You. “ I hope that Miranda will bring her fierceness back with future singles. B-
“Don’t Say Goodnight” by Hot Chelle Rae
I love seeing acts getting better. One band that I am proud of is Hot Chelle Rae! Their second single off of their third studio album, “Don’t Say Goodnight,” is a strong successor to “Tonight Tonight” and “I Like It Like That.” I hope that the band has more songs like this on Recklessly. B+
Josh Groban’s goregous duet with Judith Hill is the “Song of the Week.” (Album cover property of Reprise Records)
“Remember When It Rained” by Josh Groban feat. Judith Hill
Last year, Josh Groban teamed up with Voice: Season Four alum (and opening act) Judith Hill to deliver a nightly duet of “Remember When It Rained.” This outstanding performance showed cased beautiful vocal ranges and outstanding harmonies that make this a highlight of the In the Round tour. A+
“Shot Me Down” by David Guetta feat. Skylar Grey
Welcome back David Guetta! His new single, “Shot Me Down,” features incredible EDM beats from the French house music DJ. However, I thought that was a little uncanny to go back and forth between the slowed Skylar Grey solo and up-tempo background. Hopefully, Mr. Guetta has more songs to release because this was a disappointing start to a new promo season. C+
I do not own the clips that are featured in this edition of New Music Releases. They belong to the artists and their respective labels.
