Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of Dec. 20, 2019

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Welcome to Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s get this party started.

Fine Line by Harry Styles 

Thanks to his 2017 self-titled debut album, Harry Styles was able to break out of the One Direction cookie cutter and established himself as a solo superstar in the making. The “Sign of the Times” singer-songwriter released his sophomore album: Fine Line. He reunited with Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson, who co-wrote a majority of the tracks. Together, along with their final team member, Mitch Rowland, honestly believe that this music quartet could be a force to be reckoned with in the future. Both Johnson and Kid Harpoon delivered produced a majority of Fine Line, which could play a significant role in the pop charts next year. A- 

Tracks to Download: “Watermelon Sugar,” “Adore You,” “Lights Up,” “Falling,” & “Sunflower, Vol.6.”  

“I Need You Here” by Andrew de Leon 

It has been a minute since we have heard from longtime Jake’s Take friend Andrew de Leon. The America’s Got Talent alum released a new single: “I Need You Here,” on SoundMojo. It brilliantly combines Andrew’s true loves: rock and opera together. His falsetto is still there, and I got chills while listening to it. I am so happy that Andrew is back, and I wish that Simon and the AGT production team consider him for the third volume of Champions. A+ 

“Nobody But You” by Blake Shelton + Gwen Stefani 

One of country music’s favorite couples, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, recorded their third duet together. This collaboration is featured on the “God Gave Me You” singer’s fourth complication album: Fully Loaded-God’s Country. Wide Eye Country reported that songwriters Ross Cooperman, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, and Tommy Lee James wrote the tune. I believe that “Nobody But You” is a superior track to “You Make It Feel Like Christmas,” but does not tug at the heartstrings like “Go Ahead and Break My Heart.” B 

“Resentment” by Kesha featuring Sturgill Simpson, Brian Wilson, & Wrabel

Kesha decided to give her fans a big holiday present: a new single from her 2020 album High Road. “Resentment” is a massive collaboration between Kesha, Sturgill Simpson, Stephen Wrabel, and music legend Brian Wilson. As Sturgill and Kesha exchange verses, listeners would be able to point out the Kennedy Center honoree’s legendary harmonic arrangements. “Resentment’s” lyrics are haunting, and the song is one of this year’s most heartbreaking tracks. B+ 

“Windows” by Ronny Morris

I love it when Jake’s Take friend Ronny Morris drops new music. His latest single, “Windows,” showcases his worldview when it comes to relationships. Thanks to its impeccable guitar licks and “Ordinary World”-esque lyrics, “Windows” is a solid alternative rock song and it should be played on various music streaming sites around the world. A-

Artists to Watch:

Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back for the second to last time this decade. Here are several recording artists that could take the music world by storm in the 2020s:

“88 Floors” by Alex Harris

Epic Records may have found the next Hip-Hop and Rap sensation. When I first heard Atlanta, Georgia based rapper Alex Harris’ “88 Floors,” I immediately thought I was listening to the next Marshall Mathers. Alex Harris’ delivery style was impeccable from start to finish. Something tells me that he could easily be on Machine Gun Kelly and Yungblud’s playing field in the 2020s. A- 

“Beautiful” by Elise Lieberth 

Denver, Colorado-based singer-songwriter Elise Lieberth is preparing to release her third studio album, Invincible, on January 31, 2020. One track that could dominate soft rock and adult contemporary music charts is “Beautiful.” The music arrangement might have hints of Roxette’s 1988 rock ballad “Listen To Your Heart,” but the song is distinctively Elise’s sound. Elise also has a Jewel-esque vibrato that we desperately need in today’s music industry. A 

“Heartland” by Hailey Whitters 

Singer-songwriter Hailey Whitters is building her presence in the country music scene. “Heartland” is a toe-tapping smile that would transport listeners to my hometown portion of the country. Hailey paints a beautiful picture of the Midwest that would make anyone who moved out of the area-a piece of home. I am looking forward to hearing great tunes from her in the future! B+ 

“Motives” by Kenzie

Arista Records recording artist Kenzie has a massive social media following with over 4 million Twitter followers and over 13.5 million Instagram followers. She released her latest single, “Motives,” and it reminded so much when I first heard Ariana Grande’s “The Way” and Katy Perry’s “Hot N Cold.” Between her bombastic songwriting skills and seductive vocals, “Motives” could be in heavy rotation in Top 40 radio stations and on various streaming platforms’ playlists. B/B+