Kelly Clarkson’s “Piece By Piece” pulls inspiration from multiple musical genres and received support from superstars Sia and John Legend. (Album cover property of 19 Records & RCA Records)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Hello everyone!
Hopefully winter will “Let It Go” with its icy grip and give us some springtime weather soon.
While you go look for your blankets, hats and cocoa glasses, you should listen to some of this week’s featured artists!
Piece by Piece by Kelly Clarkson
It is hard to believe that the original American Idol’s trailblazing Breakaway was released 10 years ago! Today, Kelly Clarkson released a superb follow-up with her seventh studio album: Piece by Piece. This album showcases Ms. Clarkson’s mastery of several musical genres including pop, R&B/Soul and rock. While Ms. Clarkson soared as a vocalist, she left a fantastic group of collaborators such as Kara DioGuardi, Sia, Greg Kurstin, John Legend, Jesse Shatkin and Justin Tranter to craft superb, quality tracks. Congrats, Ms. Clarkson, Piece by Piece is my Album of the Week! A
Tracks to Download: “Heartbeat Song,” “Invincible,” “Run Run Run,” “Take You High” & “Dance with Me”
Rixton’s “Let the Road” is one of the strongest debut albums that I have ever heard from a band. (Album cover property of SchoolBoy Records & Interscope Records)
Let the Road by Rixton
Rising British band Rixton is the latest group from across the pond to venture stateside. I have a feeling that they are going to be grabbing the hearts of pop rock lovers in the process. Their music is very refreshing to the ears. While I admire that this quartet is fusing multiple musical genres in their music such as pop rock and Reggae, listeners should also give credit to their high-profile collaborators Benny Blanco, Stargate, Ed Sheeran, Robopop and Mike Posner for creating these delicious pieces of ear candy! Jake, Charley, Danny and Lewi…I strongly believe in this band and you are more than welcome to come on to tackle The Five Question Challenge or A Conversation anytime. B+
Tracks to Download: “Let the Road,” “Wait on Me,” “Me & My Broken Heart” & “Hotel Ceiling”
“If I Don’t Have You” by Autumn Rowe
One of the latest singer-songwriters that captured my attention is Autumn Rowe. In the past, she has written for several top artists including Kylie Minogue, Leona Lewis, Nicole Scherzinger and Zedd. Now, Autumn Rowe has stepped into the spotlight with her sure-to-be club hit: “If I Don’t Have You.” Her hypnotic voice will leave listeners in a trance and put a smile on your face. A-
Jordin Sparks teamed up with 2 Chainz for her latest single in three years: “Double Tap.” (Album cover property of RCA Records & Sony Music Entertainment)
“Double Tap” by Jordin Sparks feat. 2 Chainz
It has been three years since Jordin Sparks released new material. “Double Tap” marks her first single since her collaboration with Whitney Houston on “Celebrate.” Jordin’s mature vocals will make listeners beam with delight and 2 Chainz’s rap is more than welcomed addition to the production. I cannot wait to hear more tracks from Ms. Sparks’ upcoming album. B+
“Stay With Me” by Kevin “K.O.” Olusola
My Song of the Week goes to Kevin “K.O.” Olusola! Many readers might know him for his work with his bandmates: Grammy-winning a cappella group Pentatonix! He beautifully covered Sam Smith’s goose-bump inducing “Stay With Me” on his cello. This is a worthy cover and I hope that he performs this song (along with vocals from Pentatonix), while the group is tour and when they join Kelly Clarkson later this year. A+
I do not own the clips that are featured in this week’s “New Music Releases,” they belong to the artists and their respective record labels.
