By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the latest edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We have a lot of new music to get to, so let’s get this party started!
Stay EP by The Score
Friends of Jake’s Take, The Score, released their second EP of 2019! Stay is a six-track EP that showcases Eddie Anthony and Edan Dover pushing closer to the rock genre. Eddie’s vocals continue to strengthen and grab listeners’ attention, while Edan’s arrangements are some of the best of his career. I think this set of six songs are some of The Score’s significant tunes and should be considered for several radio and streaming playlists on top media platforms. I believe that The Score’s Stay EP will help them break into the music industry’s stratosphere. Excellent work, guys! A-
Tracks to Download: “Rush,” “In My Bones,” “Run Like a Rebel,” & “Can’t Stop Me Now.”
Inspired by True Events by Tori Kelly
Singer-songwriter Tori Kelly released her third studio album. After conquering the gospel music genre with the Grammy-winning album Hiding Place, the former American Idol hopeful released a personal album called Inspired by True Events. This album showcases the singer-songwriter at her finest vocally and as a lyricist. Also, I commend Ms. Kelly and her team for including family home movies. These personal moments were transformed into song transitions that were sprinkled throughout the album. In all honesty, Inspired by True Events is probably one of the best albums that I listened to so far this year. Bravo, Tori! A+
Tracks to Download: “Change Your Mind,” “Language,” “Kid That I Used to Know,” “Pretty Fades,” “Actress,” & “Sorry Would Go a Long Way.”
“Slow Dance” by AJ Mitchell featuring Ava Max
Jake’s Take friend AJ Mitchell is one week away from dropping his highly anticipated EP with Epic Records. The “All My Friends” singer teamed up with fellow rising star Ava Max for superb bop called “Slow Dance.” Outside of Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello’s steamy “Senorita,” “Slow Dance” has the potential to be a Top 40 hit on both the pop and EDM music charts. Both singers’ vocals were on point and it definitely will be on several “End of Summer” playlists. B+/A-
“Kick It” by Natasha Bedingfield
It feels like it has been ages since music lovers heard from Natasha Bedingfield. “Unwritten,” “These Words,” and “Easy,” her duet with Rascal Flatts are significant tracks that made an impact on my life. Her first single in nine years, “Kick It,” recently dropped and it is fantastic! Natasha’s superb vocals still have the innate ability to draw listeners in. Welcome back, Natasha Bedingfield! You have been missed! A
Artists to Watch
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are several new artists that you should keep an eye on. I believe that these people might have the opportunity to make their mark in the recording industry.
Everything Changed… By Social House
Social House has built up an audience over the past four years. Originally from Philadelphia, Michael Foster and Charles Anderson relocated to Sherman Oaks and spent time writing tunes for Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, and Lil’ Yachty. Recently, the duo released their first EP: Everything Changed. The duo blends pop, R&B, hip-hop, rap, and rock into a six-song roller coaster ride. I think that Social House is a duo that has potential in the music industry. All that they need is the right songs and collaborators, and they will be dominating the pop music world. B
Tracks to Download: “At Least We Can Say That We Tried,” “Haunt You,” & “Boyfriend.”
“Another Summer Night Without You” by Alexander 23
Rising pop artist Alexander 23 is continuing to blossom in his breakout year. The “When I Die” singer-songwriter’s latest single is featured in the hit Netflix series 13 Reasons Why’s soundtrack. This song definitely borders on the edge of synthpop and rock and perfectly addresses heartbreak. B+
“Lay Low” by Amy Guess
Singer-songwriter Amy Guess is the next artist to be featured in Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch. The Las Vegas native released her latest single: “Lay Low.” This alt-pop recording artist’s track has shades of Fall Out Boy’s “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark” and Panic! At the Disco’s “High Hopes.” “Lay Low” is a great anthem for people escaping toxic relationships and showcases Amy Guess’ superb ability as a songwriter and vocalist. A-
“God’s Favorite” by Travis Thompson
Rapper Travis Thompson concludes this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! When I first listened to “God’s Favorite,” I thought I was listening to Drake for the first time. Travis immediately caught my attention with his rapid-fire beats. After receiving praise from countless media outlets such as Billboard, Earmilk, and XXL, I truly believe that Seattle native is going places. B+/A-
I do not own any of the music video clips that are featured in this article. They belong to the artists and their respective record labels.
