By: Jacob Elyachar
Welcome to another exciting edition of New Music Releases!
This week, I will look at new albums from Bret Michaels and Gwen Sebastian. Plus, hot new singles from the Backstreet Boys, Elton John, Kelly Clarkson and two very good friends of Jake’s Take: Daniel Joseph Baker and Cody Belew!
Bret Michaels’ fourth studio album “Jammin’ with Friends” features superb collaborations with Loretta Lynn, Jimmy Buffett, Joe Perry & Miley Cyrus. (Album cover property of Poor Boy Records)
Jammin’ with Friends by Bret Michaels
The Poison frontman recruited some of music’s biggest stars for his fourth studio album. While many fans might be exhausted of Michaels’s constantly re-recordings of his some of his classic hits and covers of his favorite songs, Michaels has done an incredible job revamping a good majority of the album. The guest spots by legendary artists Jimmy Buffett, Joe Perry and Loretta Lynn and Top 40 artists Miley Cyrus and Lil John are interesting, creative and will easily start conversations in coffee shops and on music sites. Nice work, Mr. Michaels! A
Songs to Download: “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “The App Song,” “Nothing to Lose” & “Nothin’ but a Good Time”
Gwen Sebastian by Gwen Sebastian
Ever since her debut on the sophomore season of The Voice, Gwen Sebastian has captured the hearts of millions of country fans. Her third self—titled studio album showcases Sebastian’s superb vocals that have shades of Dolly in it. This is a great hybrid between the soft and soothing country ballads and the rough and tough country rock songs. In addition, keep an eye out for her family members and mentor Miranda Lambert, who made vocal cameos throughout the album. B+
Songs to Download: “Suitcase,” “I Ain’t the Middle,” “Farmageddon” & “When I’m Gone”
“Home Again” shows the legendary songwriting team of Sir Elton John & Bernie Taupin at their finest! (Album cover property of Capital & Mercury Records)
“Home Again” by Elton John
Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin have hit another home run! “Home Again” will give listeners goose bumps while listening to it. Elton’s beautiful musical arrangements combined with his longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin’s superb lyrics will showcase true music that has been missing in the Top 40 for years! A+
“In A World Like This” by Backstreet Boys
The classic Millennium line-up of the Backstreet Boys is back together for the first time since their fifth studio album: Never Gone. The band’s first single: “In A World Like This” shows that even though they matured over the years, their harmonies and signature hooks are still there. Props to Max Martin, Shellback and Kristian Lundin to creating this incredible track and making Generation Y crave for the late 90s and early 2000s again. A-
While Kelly shines vocally on “Tie It Up,” the country pop style would make bore some listeners. (Album cover property of RCA & Columbia Nashville)
“Tie It Up” by Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson’s first single of 2013 focuses on the original American Idol’s upcoming wedding to her manager, Narvel Blackstock. While Kelly killed it with the vocals, I think the country pop route was the wrong decision for her. I rather have listened to a pop rock version of the song because that is where Kelly belongs. B
“Well” by Daniel Joseph Baker
Former America’s Got Talent semi-finalist Daniel Joseph Baker delivered a haunting debut single. Daniel’s honest lyrics and incredible piano playing shows that he has grown so much since his 2011 AGT debut. He has a great career ahead of him and Jake’s Take is proud to support him. A
“You Make Me Wanna” by Cody Belew
Another artist that Jake’s Take is proud to back is Cody Belew. Cody’s “You Make Me Wanna” is a terrific Pop/R&B hybrid that would make both Prince and Olivia Newton-John proud. Cody’s vocals were very impressive and the key change at the latter half of the song was a clever idea! I cannot wait for the studio album. A
I do not own the clips that are featured throughout the article. They belong to the artist and their record companies respectively!
