Eric Clapton gathered a group of A-list rockers to pay tribute to the late JJ Cale. (Artwork property of Bushbranch & Surfdog Records)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
This week’s New Music Releases focuses a tribute to a music icon and hot new singles from Top 40 favorites!
The Breeze: An Appreciation of JJ Cale by Eric Clapton
Last year, the music community mourned JJ Cale’s passing. Today, a tribute album headlined by Eric Clapton was released! The iconic rocker collaborated with a group of heavy hitters (Mark Knopfier, John Mayer, Tom Petty and Willie Nelson) and they tackled some of Cale’s signature tracks. Each of these covers showcased how diligently Cale’s friends took care of his babies. If anyone wants to have a career in the music industry, I strongly recommend downloading this album. A+
Tracks to Download: “Call Me the Breeze,” “Someday,” “Lies,” “Songbird” & “Crying Eyes”
“It Was Always You” by Maroon 5
Maroon 5’s second single off of V is a brilliant produced pop rock gem! “It Was Always You” showcases Maroon 5’s growth in the pop rock world! With catchy lyrics from Adam Levine, Sam Martin (who also provided the backing vocals) and Jason Evigan, plus superb production from The Monsters & The Strangerz makes this song an editable piece of ear candy. B+
Ariana Grande teamed up with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj for one of summer’s biggest hits. (Album cover property of Lava and Republic Records)
“Bang Bang” by Ariana Grande, Jessie J & Nicki Minaj
One of this year’s highly anticipated collaborations is “Bang Bang.” This track brought rising superstar Ariana Grande together with former Voice UK coach Jessie J and former American Idol judge Nicki Minaj for a soulful Hip-hop/pop track that was worth the wait. While Nicki delivered superb beats, it was great to hear Jessie’s superb falsetto for the first time in nearly three years! “Bang Bang” will be a part of the deluxe edition of Ariana’s sophomore studio album: My Everything! A-
“Fireball” by Pitbull featuring John Ryan
In all honesty, Pitbull has hit his glass ceiling! While “Feel This Moment, “Timber” and “We Are One (Ole Ola)” made everyone get up in dance, fans will have a hard time connecting with “Fireball.” I hope Mr. 305 has something big in store for his eighth studio album, because this track does not give music lovers good vibes. D+
Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga’s cover of Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes” is my Song of the Week! (Album cover property of Streamline, Interscope and Columbia Records)
“Anything Goes” by Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
My Song of the Week goes to Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga’s cover of Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes.” They have great vocal chemistry and I have a feeling that Cheek to Cheek will introduce a good bulk of the Digital Generation to not only the Great American Songbook, but also the Jazz genre. Bravo, Mr. Bennett and Ms. Germanotta! I cannot wait for September 23 (Cheek to Cheek’s release date). A+
I do not own any of the clips that are featured in this article! They belong to the artists and their respective record labels!
