By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the latest edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s get this party started.
Better Mistakes by Bebe Rexha
With singles such as “I’m a Mess” and “Meant to Be,” Bebe Rexha is one of pop music’s top singer-songwriters. Three years after releasing her debut album, Expectations, Ms. Rexha dropped her sophomore album. While Justin Tranter is the only holdover from her last album, Greg Kurstin and a host of up-and-comers such as Madison Love, Nick Mira, Pink Sweat$, and the Six helped craft the tracks for this album. There is almost an exponential increase in the number of featured recording artists on Better Mistakes. Fans can expect to hear Doja Cat, Lil Uzi Vert, Rick Ross, Travis Barker, and Ty Dolla $ign make cameos throughout the album. Better Mistakes has radio-ready and potential streaming blockbuster hits. I am looking forward to seeing what the “Ferrari” singer-songwriter does next. B+
Tracks to Download: “Sabotage,” “Sacrifice,” “Die For a Man,” & “Baby, I’m Jealous.”
Khaled Khaled by DJ Khaled
Last Wednesday, I received word that DJ Khaled would release his twelfth studio album. The iconic rapper and producer dropped Khaled Khaled on Friday, April 30. I genuinely admire the “Wild Thoughts” performer because he uses his Rolodex to his advantage. There are 31 FEATURED ARTISTS on this album. Beyonce (credited as “Harmonies by the Hive”), Cardi B, Jay-Z, Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake, Migos, Megan Thee Stallion, Nas, Post Malone, and Puff Daddy all appear on the album. Meanwhile, Lil Baby, Drake, and the Oscar-winning H.E.R. make cameos on multiple tracks. While DJ Khaled is a master hustler in the recording industry, there are several songs that I would remove to make Khaled Khaled a sturdier album. B-
Tracks to Download: “BIG PAPER,” “WE GOING CRAZY,” “I DID IT,” & “SORRY NOT SORRY.”
When Does It Become Real? by The Rah’s
The Rah’s have FINALLY dropped their debut album: When Does It Become Real? The Rah’s are made up of lead vocalist and guitarist Jack McLeod, lead guitarist and backing vocalist Jordan McIntyre, drummer Neale Gray, bassist Lee Brown, and keyboardist-guitarist Jack Miller. From the first note of their opening song: “The Time is Now,” this Prestonpans, Scotland band will take alternative rock fans on a wild ride. Between the powerful guitar licks and the superb production, When Does It Become Real? is an impeccable album that is a MUST LISTEN to all alternative rock music fans! A
Tracks to Download: “The Time is Now,” “Land of the Dreamers,” “If You Never Try (You’ll Never Know),” “Sweet Talker,” & “Watch the World.”
“Wild Horses” by Branden + James
Two of Jake’s Take’s dear friends, Branden + James, released their cover of The Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses.” Once again, Branden’s haunting vocals will tug at the heartstrings, while James’s cello arrangement takes the song to another level of excellence. This song is simply beautiful. A+
“Hit That” by Frankie Zulferino featuring Melii
Singer-dancer Frankie Zulferino made headlines with his tributes to Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul. Now, the recording artist teamed up with Universal Music Group-signed Melii for an epic collaboration called “Hit That.” When I first heard “Hit That,” it reminded me of the first time I heard Bruno Mars and Cardi B’s “Finesse (Remix).” Just like that song, “Hit That” features superb vocals from Frankie, an excellent solo from Melii, and an outstanding synth arrangement that would put a smile on your face. This song should be on the radio and various streaming playlists ASAP! A–
“Jaguar” by Jasmine Ortiz
Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast alum Jasmine Ortiz dropped her latest single: “Jaguar.” The track reminds me of a combination of a Lana Del Rey track with a hip-house beat. Jasmine’s seductive vocals still enchant listeners’ ears, and I think that this song has the potential to be a candidate for the 2021 Song of the Summer. B+
Head to the second page for this edition of Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch!
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