By: Jacob Elyachar
Welcome to this week’s edition of New Music Releases!
This week, I looked at some of the best artists that got their start on reality TV, an all-star soundtrack from one of the year’s most highly anticipated films and a new single from one of Jake’s Take’s favorite bands.
Classical crossover singer Branden James infuses his operatic vocals into holiday classics. (Album cover property of Branden James)
The Voice of Christmas by Branden James
The America’s Got Talent shines on his first holiday album! Branden will enchant every listener with his angelic and powerful voice on each song of the album. If this album does not get you into the holiday spirit, I do not know what will! Congrats Branden and I cannot wait to see what you put out next. A+
Tracks to Download: “Ave Maria,” “Danny Boy,” “Hallelujah,” “T’Was the Night Before Christmas” & “Amazing Grace”
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
While I am not a huge fan of the Hunger Games, I love the artists that contributed to the soundtrack. All of these artists captured the essence of Suzanne Collins’ books and Lionsgate films. If you are looking for a perfect stocking stuffer for your little Katniss Everdeens or Peeta Mellarks in your lives, this album is the perfect holiday gift. A
Tracks to Download: “Atlas,” “Elastic Heart,” “We Remain,” “Mirror” & “Who We Are”
Daughtry’s “Baptized” is a strong album that features acoustic and folk rock anthems. (Album cover property of 19 Records & RCA Records)
Baptized by Daughtry
Daughtry’s fourth studio album was a joy to listen to! They improved so much from 2011’s Break the Spell! There is a bulk of potential radio hits on this album that range from “Battleships” (Top 40 radio candidate) to the band’s ode to rock in “Long Live Rock & Roll.” Daughtry is back on the game and I think they can definitely get some music award nominations next year. A-
Tracks to Download: “Waiting for Superman,” “I’ll Fight,” “Long Live Rock & Roll” & “The World We Knew”
“Go Down Singing” by Michelle Chamuel
The Voice: Season Four’s Runner-Up delivered her first post single: “Go Down Singing.” This inspirational single features an impeccable arrangement from Chamuel and her close friends: producer team Theo Katzman and Tyler Duncan. I think everyone can relate to this song and I hope that it gets radio play because it is outstanding! A+
The Rebel Light’s “Jukebox Dream” will transport its listeners back to the late 1950s and early 1960s where surf rock ruled the airwaves. (Album cover property of The Rebel Light)
“Jukebox Dream” by The Rebel Light
One of my favorite bands, the Rebel Light, released their fourth single: “Jukebox Dream.” I think that Brian Wilson, Al Jardine and Mike Love need to listen to this song because it will transport them and its listeners back to the golden days of surf rock. I cannot wait to hear their next single. A
I do not own any of the clips that are in this article, they belong to the artists and their respective record labels.
