By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the first October 2021 edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We got a lot of music to unpack, so let’s get this party started.
In the Meantime by Alessia Cara
In six years, Alessia Cara has become an important name in the pop music genre. Recently, the “Not Today” singer-songwriter dropped her third studio album: In the Meantime. NME reported that Ms. Cara collaborated with producer Salaam Remi, who worked with one of her music idols: the late Amy Winehouse. Ms. Cara noted in her conversation with Apple Music that In the Meantime was “a capsule of the last year” of her life. The album is filled with superb songs that could conquer both the radio charts and streaming playlists. I hope that Ms. Cara continues in this direction because it will cement her importance in today’s music industry. B+/A-
Tracks to Download: “Box In The Ocean,” “Bluebird,” “Lie to Me,” “Somebody Else,” & “Best Days.”
Dearly Beloved by Daughtry
Rock band Daughtry released their sixth studio album: Dearly Beloved. This record is a first for the six-piece group as it was released on Dogtree Records and the Alternative Distribution Alliance as the group left their longtime home: RCA Records. Dearly Beloved also marks a tone as they left behind the pop-rock music genre for serious rock. The guitar licks are impressive, and producers Scott Stevens and Marti Frederiksen’s work also get kudos. Finally, I believe that Dearly Beloved is one of Chris Daughtry’s best as a songwriter. B
Tracks to Download: “World on Fire,” “Heavy is the Crown,” “Dearly Beloved,” & “Asylum.”
Recovery by Natalie Nicole Gilbert
Jake’s Take friend Natalie Nicole Gilbert dropped her latest album: Recovery. Natalie recorded the album throughout the pandemic. Recovery features four original songs and eight covers. Latin Grammy-nominated producer Robert Eibach produced the entire album, which showcases Natalie’s vulnerability and resilience as a recording artist. Keep your ears out for singer-songwriter Jarrett Johnson and The Voice Germany alum David Blair as they make cameo appearances on the album. Bravo, Natalie! A-
Tracks to Download: “Say Anything,” “All We Do,” “Say You’ll Be There,” & “Fix You.”
Love for Sale by Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
For the second (and sadly possibly last) time in their careers, music legends Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga released a duets album containing materials from the Great American Songbook. With the help of producer Dae Bennett, the duo tackled Cole Porter’s iconic anthems. In addition to recording eight tracks together, both the “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” crooner and “Rain on Me” singer-songwriter have two solo songs. While it does not replicate the same Cheek to Cheek magic, I am glad that they recorded together again. B-
Tracks to Download: “Love for Sale,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “I Get A Kick Out of You,” & “You’re The Top.”
“Finish Line by Elton John & Steve Wonder
Sir Elton John’s latest studio album, The Lockdown Sessions, is getting closer to being released. The music icon used his isolation time to make music with a diverse group of performers that range from today’s biggest hitmakers to industry icons. The third single off of the album reunites him with fellow music legend – Stevie Wonder. Both men collaborated on “That’s What Friends Are For” in the 1980s and “Go On and On” in the 1990s. “Finish Line” reminded me so much of “The Power,” Elton’s collaboration with Little Richard. Billboard reported that the Sunday Service Choir provided backing vocals. “Finish Line” is a beautiful track. A
“Hard Skool” by Guns N’ Roses
Legendary rock band Guns N’ Roses released their latest single: “Hard Skool.” My jaw dropped as I listened to the song. The group’s iconic frontman, Axl Rose, sounded terrific, and I loved Slash and Duff McKagan’s guitar and bass licks. “Hard Skool” is one of the best rock songs I have heard in a long time. Well done, GNR! A
“What If” by Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo dropped a new single: “What If.” Produced by Ebenezer, Magnus Klausen, and Curtis “Sauce” Wilson, “What If” showcases Ne-Yo at his finest, and the track is on par with his 2018 dancehall track “Push Back,” which featured Bebe Rexha and Stefflon Don. B+
“Don’t Speak” by Postmodern Jukebox featuring Haley Reinhart
Postmodern Jukebox and Haley Reinhart go together like peanut butter and jelly. Their latest collaboration reimagines No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak” as a lush 1960s track. Once again, Haley’s vocals shine, and I love Postmodern Jukebox’s orchestra arrangements. Also, the hints of “You Don’t Own Me” sprinkled throughout the track were a plus. A+
Head to the second page for this edition’s Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch!
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