By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the second to last 2021 edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews!
We got an incredible set of music to unpack, so let’s get this party started!
I Dream of Christmas by Norah Jones
Nine-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Norah Jones released her eighth studio album, her first Christmas album: I Dream of Christmas. I liked the latest record from the “Don’t Know Why” performer due to her decision to make the album a combination of original music and covers. The original tunes such as “Christmas Glow” and “Christmastime” are superb, while Norah Jones made the classics such as “White Christmas” her own. I Dream of Christmas is truly one of the best holiday albums to have been released this year. A
Tracks to Download: “Christmas Don’t Be Late,” “Christmas Glow,” “White Christmas,” “Christmastime,” & “Winter Wonderland.”
SOMETHING ABOUT CHRISTMAS TIME by Rob Thomas
I was very intrigued when I heard that three-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Rob Thomas would be releasing a Christmas album. I had no expectations for this record, but I was thoroughly impressed. He blended the holiday magic with his signature instrumental rock sound into SOMETHING ABOUT CHRISTMAS TIME with superb results. Keep an ear for Abby Anderson, BeBe Winans, Brad Paisley, and Ingrid Michaelson, who collaborated with the “Lonely No More” singer-songwriter. A-
Tracks to Download: “Christmas Time,” “That Spirit of Christmas,” “Small Town Christmas,” “Santa Don’t Come Here Anymore,” & “A New York Christmas ’21.”
The Tears of Hercules by Rod Stewart
Legendary rocker Rod Stewart dropped his thirty-second studio album: The Tears of Hercules. The “Maggie May” singer-songwriter co-wrote nine of the albums’ tracks and produced them with longtime collaborator Kevin Savigar. The Tears of Hercules truly surprised me. A majority of the Stewart-Savigar tracks such as “One More Time,” “Kookooaramabama,” and “All My Days” were the true highlights of the album. However, some of the covers slowed down The Tears of Hercules’ pacing. Otherwise, it is a solid album from the “Forever Young” singer-songwriter. C+/B-
Tracks to Download: “One More Time,” “All My Days,” “Some Kind of Wonderful,” & “Hold On.”
“Mistletoe & Wine” by Collabro & Sir Cliff Richard
Longtime Jake’s Take friends Collabro recently teamed up with music legend Cliff Richard for a beautiful holiday tune. “Mistletoe & Wine” brilliantly blends Collabro’s classic harmonies and superb solos from the guys with Sir Cliff Richard’s musicianship. I can see this tune be on this holiday and future Christmas music playlists. A
“Merry Christmas” by Ed Sheeran & Elton John
Two of the world’s most prominent recording artists came together for a magical holiday tune. “Merry Christmas” is the perfect cherry on top for both men as they both released fabulous albums respectively. The track gave me goosebumps, and I loved the catchy chorus! The song is spectacular! A+
Head to the second page to check out this edition of Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch!
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