By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the final Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews of 2019! As we prepare to say “farewell” to this decade, a lot of our favorite artists and future movers-and-shakers have dropped last-minute singles and albums. We have a lot of music to get to, so let’s get this party started.
K Bye for Now (swt live) by Ariana Grande
Two nights before Christmas, Ariana Grande gave her devoted fanbase a fantastic holiday gift: her first live music album. All of the tracks were recorded during her Sweetener World Tour. The songs are from a majority of all five of her albums: 2013’s Yours Truly, 2014’s My Everything, 2016’s Dangerous Woman, 2018’s Sweetener, and 2019’s Thank u, next. While there are a plethora of recording artists that need microphone enhancers when they perform live, Ariana Grande sounds exactly like she sounds on her records. Also, keep an ear out for Big Sean (“Right There”), Childish Gambino (“Break Your Heart Right Back”), and Nicki Minaj (“Side to Side” and “The Light is Coming”), who made cameos throughout the album. I believe that K Bye for Now is one of 2019’s best live albums. A-
Tracks to Download: “be alright,” “Side to Side,” “7 Rings,” “Love Me Harder,” & “Break Your Heart Right Back.”
“Alive” by Daughtry
Fans were blown away by The Masked Singer: Season Two Runner-Up Chris Daughtry’s performances as The Rottweiler. While he lost the crown to Wayne Brady, the American Idol alum delivered impeccable performances each week that kept the panel guessing. He released his cover of the Adele and Sia-penned track: “Alive.” This cover was outstanding from start to finish, and I am so happy that Chris decided to release this song for the fans! A
“Fire, Ready, Aim” by Green Day
Green Day is set to return in 2020! The alternative rock band has released its second single: “Fire, Ready, Aim” and it could be this generation’s “American Idiot” and “Kill the DJ.” The guitar riffs are explosive and Billy Joe Armstrong’s voice still commands the listeners’ attention. I cannot wait to listen to their thirteenth studio album: Father of All… B
“Over Drinking” by Little Big Town
Little Big Town is getting ready to release their ninth studio album: Nightfall. One of the group’s lead singles off of the album is “Over Drinking.” Several of Nashville’s best songwriters: Jesse Frasure, Hillary Lindsey, Ashley Gorley, Cary Barlowe, and Steph Jones, penned the track. While the song’s music video features actress Michelle Monaghan, “Over Drinking” showcases the quartet at their finest and sets the tone for Nightfall. B+
Artists to Watch:
For the final time this decade, Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back with several artists and groups that have a bright future in the music industry.
Jesus is Born by the Sunday Service Choir
Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir released their debut album: Jesus is Born. While the group was featured on only one track on 2019’s Jesus is King, I believe that the “Famous” rapper made a terrific decision to give the spotlight to the Sunday Service Choir. The group’s arrangements are superb from the first note. Also, I believe that the Choir did a phenomenal job transforming several of Kanye’s songs, such as “Father Stretch My Hands” and “Ultralight Beam” into believable gospel anthems. Also, the group even breathed new life into the 80s and 90s hip-hop groups such as Aly-Us’s “Follow Me” and Soul II Soul’s “Back to Life.” Another highlight was the complete reworking of Sia’s “Elastic Heart,” which was transfigured into “Lift Up Your Voices.” Jesus is Born is a strong debut, and I hope that this is not the last we have heard from the Sunday Service Choir. B+
Tracks to Download: “Rain,” “Father Stretch,” “Lift Up Your Voices,” & “Total Praise.”
“I Just Want U” by DioMara
Brooklyn, New York-based soul singer DioMara is gaining a following thanks to her sultry vocals and social media following. Her latest single, “I Just Want U,” is a hypnotic track that showcases why she is one of soul music’s rising up-and-comers. If she continues to write and release quality material, then the 2020s could be DioMara’s decade. A-
“Magnetic” by Monsta X & Sebastian Yatra
Monsta X and Sebastián Yatra are the last two artists that round out the final Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews of this decade. “Magnetic” is the result of K-pop meets Pop Latino. While I was hesitant of this combination, both Monsta X and Sebastián Yatra have done a fabulous job crafting this epic collaboration. I genuinely believe that this track is going to set music charts on fire. A
