Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: November 15, 2019

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Happy New Music Friday! Welcome to the latest Jake’s Take’s “New Music Reviews.” We have a lot of music to unpack, so let’s get this party started!

Courage by Celine Dion

For the first time in six years, Celine Dion released a new English-language studio album. Courage is a transitional album for the “My Heart Will Go On” songbird as it is the first record that Ms. Dion recorded without her husband, the late Rene Angelil, by her side. It also marks the first time that she has recorded over 20 songs on an English-language record. A plethora of songwriters and producers played a significant role in commemorating her return to the music world. Fans can expect material from David Guetta, Giorgio Tuinfort, Mozella, Ross Golan, Sam Smith, Sia, and more that are sprinkled throughout Courage. Bravo, Celine! A

Tracks to Download: “Flying on the Own,” “Lovers Never Die,” “Lying Down,” “Imperfections,” & “For The Lover That I Lost.”

Christmas Jukebox EP by Chris Mann

There are only a few people that found success on The Voice and Chris Mann is one of then. The Season Two finalist turned Phantom of the Opera star released his latest extended play: Christmas Jukebox. Parade revealed that he made his stamp on the holiday season by adding several original songs such as “Christmas Love” and “Happy Holidays.” Also, Chris and his producer, Scott Simons, revitalized two-holiday anthems by adding EDM twists that would definitely be a hot topic around the dinner table. Way to go, Chris! B

Tracks to Download: “Christmas Love,” “Up On the Housetop,” & “Drink It Up.”

Love Like This by Collabro

It is so great to hear new material from longtime Jake’s Take friends: Collabro! The quartet (Thomas Redgrave, Jamie Lambert, Matt Pagan, and Michael Auger) just dropped their fifth studio album: Love Like This. What I love about the album is that they took a step outside of their comfort zone and covered non-musical theatre tracks. Yes, A Star is Born’s “Shallow” and The Greatest Showman’s “A Million Dreams” are included but it was very refreshing to hear them cover Top 40 hits and iconic songs that range from “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” to “Somewhere Only We Know.” From their fantastic harmonies to their phenomenal arrangements, Love Like This cements Collabro as one of the decade’s top music acts. A

Tracks to Download: “Shallow,” “Perfect,” “A Million Dreams,” “My Heart Will Go On,” & “Love Me Like You Do.”

2Sides (Side 1) EP by Jason Derulo

Former So You Think You Can Dance judge and Cats star Jason Derulo dropped his first EP in five years. 2Sides (Side 1) has six tracks that blend R&B, hip-house, and pop together in a superb way. The “Talk Dirty” singer-songwriter collaborated with Stefflon Don, Ty Dolla $ign, and a plethora of newcomers including Jacob Manson, Rosina Mitchell, and 1Mind to deliver some of his best material in years. Way to go, Jason! B/B+

Tracks to Download: “Talk About Us,” “Best Friend,” “Talk with Your Body,” & “Be the One.”

Ocean by Lady Antebellum

Lady Antebellum (Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood & Charles Kelley) have had a successful decade. The trio recorded a memorable string of songs including: “Just a Kiss,” “We Owned the Night,” “Downtown,” and “Bartender.” Recently, the trio’s released Ocean their final studio album of the decade. Ocean features songs not only written by the trio, but also music composed by Chris DeStefano, Hillary Lindsey, Ryan Herd, and the late Busbee. Also, keep an ear out for Little Big Town as the quartet joined the group for sway-worthy “The Thing That Wrecks You.” B

Tracks to Download: “What If I Never Get Over You,” “Pictures,” “What I’m Leaving For,” & “You Can Do You.”

“O Holy Night” by Alexander Jean

Jake’s Take friends, Alexander Jean (Mark Ballas and BC Jean Ballas), released their first single under their new label: Parts + Labor Records. Their haunting cover of “O Holy Night” gave me goosebumps. Mark’s guitar arrangement and their vocal harmonies were impeccable from start to finish. The cover is definitely worthy of any holiday music playlist this year! Bravo, Mark & BC! A+

“Lover (Remix)” by Taylor Swift & Shawn Mendes

Two of pop music’s biggest names finally collaborated. Taylor Swift invited Shawn Mendes to record a remix of the “You Need to Calm Down” singer-songwriter’s title track. The “In My Blood” singer-songwriter definitely added some much-needed texture to the track. I think that this track should have been used when Ms. Swift dropped Lover in August. I definitely believe that this song will be on Top 40 playlists until February. B+/A-

“Christmas Eve” by Tristan Cole

Longtime Jake’s Take friend Tristan Cole is celebrating Christmas by covering a Justin Bieber tune. The “Sorry” singer co-wrote “Christmas Eve” with Chris Brown and Kevin McCall and it appeared on his 2011 album: Under the Mistletoe. Honestly, I hate to break it to you, Justin, but this song is Tristan’s now. A-

Artists to Watch

Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some artists that could shake up the music industry.

Leslie Odom, Jr. by Leslie Odom, Jr.

Grammy and Tony-winning actor-singer Leslie Odom, Jr. released his sophomore studio album. The Hamilton alum is rejuvenating jazz and pop for a new generation with an electrifying record. His self-titled album is seriously one of the best albums that I have heard this year. His arrangement skills are superb, plus a majority of Leslie Odom, Jr. is full of hits that could dominate iTunes charts and adult contemporary radio stations across the country. A

Tracks to Download: “Standards,” “Go Crazy,” “Cold,” “Foggy,” & “Hummingbird.”

“How I Move” by Flipp Dinero featuring Lil Baby

Brooklyn native Flipp Dinero found viral success after Odell Beckham, Jr. danced to his song: “Leave Me Alone.” Now, the Epic Records-signed rapper is about to release to a new album: Love for Guala. He dropped his latest single: “How I Move.” The song definitely has strong potential to dominate the Hip-Hop charts and I think Flipp could be a significant name to keep an eye on as we move into the 2020s. B+

“Peach” by Whitacre

Alt-Americana band Whitacre rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! This Denver, Colorado-based band has the sound to fill a gap in the music industry’s Alt-Americana market. “Peach” comes off as a jam band smash hit with strong lyrics. I expect great things from this group. A-

I do not own any of the soundbites that are featured in this article. They belong to the artists and their respective record labels.