By: Jacob Elyachar, Jakes-take.com
Need last minute gift ideas for Chanukah?
Try getting these albums and singles for your friends and family!
Ms. Streisand showed why she is one of the greatest entertainers of all-time with her eight live album:”Back to Brooklyn.” (Album cover property of Columbia Records)
Back to Brooklyn by Barbra Streisand
The legendary EGOT winner released her eighth live album today! Back to Brooklyn showcases Barbra at her best. Her enchanting vocals will make listeners fall under her spell and delight both old and new fans alike. Also…keep an ear open for celebrated trumpeter Chris Botti and Streisand’s own son, Jason Gould, who make cameos on the album. I would highly recommend this album to anyone who likes traditional or Jazz music and for true music aficionados everywhere. A
Tracks to Download: “You’re The Top,” “Evergreen,” “People,” “How Deep is the Ocean” & “Rose’s Turn/Some People/Don’t Rain On My Parade”
Meltdown by Pitbull
Pitbull’s latest EP featured five songs that were leftovers from Global Warming. Some of the latest offerings from the American Music Awards host should have been on the album. His collaboration with Ke$ha brilliantly merged country and dance music with “Timber” and it always great to see Mr. Worldwide team up with Kelly Rowland. I hope to hear another album soon. B+
Tracks to Download: “Timber,” “That High,” “Do It” & “Sun in California”
One Direction showed signs of maturity with their third studio album: “Midnight Memories.” (Album cover property of SYCO & Columbia Records)
Midnight Memories by One Direction
There is one word that I can describe Midnight Memories and it is…interesting! Is this the same bubblegum pop group that drove me off the wall with “Live While We’re Young” and “What Makes You Beautiful”? I am very proud of the lads for producing a more mature sound and for four of the guys to co-writing the album with the likes of Wayne Hector, Savan Kotecha and Ryan Tedder. They are heading in the right direction and Simon…don’t change their course! B
Tracks to Download: “Story of My Life,” “Diana,” “Strong” & Don’t Forget Where You Belong”
“High Hopes” by Bruce Springsteen
All hail the Boss! Rock’s greatest innovators returned onto the music scene with the re-recording of “High Hopes” from his 1995 Blood Brothers EP. This features solid production work from Springsteen and his co-producer: Jon Landau and both the rhythm guitar and brass sections will really make Springsteen enthusiasts happy. A
Jamie Lynn Spears’ “How Could I Want More” is a brilliant country ballad that will intrigue the listener. (Album cover property of Sweet Jamie Music, Inc.)
“How Could I Want More” by Jamie Lynn Spears
How many of you remember that Britney is not the only member of the Spears family that is in the music industry? Her younger sister, Jamie Lynn, who took a hiatus to raise her daughter has released her first country single. I loved this single because of its simplistic acoustic melody and it also showcases Jamie’s gorgeous vocals. I think there is a place for her in the over-crowded country music genre and I would like to hear more from her. A-
“Savages” by Breathe Carolina
I love Breathe Carolina! The Denver-based electronic music group has delivered a superb follow-up single to “Blackout.” “Savages” is an impeccable club anthem that will dominate 2014! Can’t wait for the next album, guys! A-
I do not own any of these clips that are sprinkled throughout this article. They belong to the artists and their respective record labels.
