By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome back to the latest edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We have a lot to unpack, so let’s get this party started.
Namesake by Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon
American Idol fan-favorite and Jake’s Take friend Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon dropped his highly anticipated debut album: Namesake. From the very first notes of “Castles in the Sand,” Jeremiah brilliantly captures the listeners’ attention with a combination of his superb vocals and fantastic arrangements. I believe American Idol fans would be happy to hear that Jeremiah included his original and audition song: “Almost Heaven” on his album. Jeremiah is probably one of the best songwriters to have come from the ABC version in its three seasons. I hope that the music industry leaders have the chance to checkout Namesake because Jeremiah is going places! A
Tracks to Download: “Castles in the Sand,” “Almost Heaven,” “Namesake,” “Sweet June Nectar,” & “Mermentau.”
Neon Future IV by Steve Aoki
For over a year-and-a-half, DJ and producer Steve Aoki released a majority of his album one single at a time. Do not get me wrong; some of the music on this album is fantastic! The Backstreet Boys’ collaboration “Let It Be Me” and “Love You More,” a single featuring will.i.am and LAY are some of his best in his career. However, Neon Future IV had over two dozen tracks, and some of them should have been used for another album. Despite that significant issue, I enjoyed the variety of the featured artists that are sprinkled throughout the album. Keep an ear out for Darren Criss, Matthew Koma, Monsta X, SHAED, Sting, and Zooey Deschanel, who all make cameos throughout the album. C+
Tracks to Download: “Maladad,” “Love You More,” “Let It Be Me,” & “Play It Cool.”
“Like a Wave” by Brian Falduto
Jake’s Take friend Brian Falduto released a brand new single: “Like a Wave.” When I first heard “Like a Wave,” Brian’s vocals reminded me of listening to a young Randy Travis. Just like the “Forever and Ever, Amen” singer-songwriter, Brian has a healthy future in the country music scene. The lyrics stab listeners in the heart, and the catchy chorus will uplift anyone listening to this track. “Like a Wave” is a secure single, and in these crazy times we are living in, it is a perfect inspirational song that everyone should listen to. A
“Last Time I Say Sorry” by Kane Brown & John Legend
Rising country music superstar Kane Brown teamed up with The Voice coach and EGOT icon John Legend for an epic (and surprisingly good) collaboration. Entertainment Weekly reported that the duo would perform the track on the upcoming April 5 TV special: ACM Presents: Our Country. “Last Time I Say Sorry” brilliantly showcases both vocalists’ strengths while merges their worlds. This is one of my favorite country crossover songs of the year so far. B+
“All In It Together” by Mavis Staples featuring Jeff Tweedy
Soul and gospel music icon Mavis Staples teamed up with longtime collaborator Jeff Tweedy for a new single: “All In It Together.” The song is a fantastic message of unity, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. I love Tweedy’s guitar riffs, and Mavis’ reassuring voice would put a smile on listeners’ faces. A (Ms. Staples’ record label, ANTI- Records, noted that all proceeds from the song would be directly donated to the Chicago-based My Block, My Hood, My City. This non-profit’s mission is to make sure seniors have access to the essentials needed to fight COVID-19.
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