By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the second and last Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews of February 2022! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s get this party started.
Good Morning Gorgeous by Mary J. Blige
Before nine-time Grammy winner Mary J. Blige took the Super Bowl Halftime Show stage with Dr. Dre, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, and Snoop Dogg, she dropped her fourteenth studio album: Good Morning Gorgeous. This is her first album since 2017’s Strength of a Woman. Superstar recording artists Anderson . Paak, Dave East, DJ Khaled, and Usher recorded duets with the “Be Without You” singer. Good Morning Gorgeous features tracks co-authored by East, Khaled, Paak, Sean Combs, and H.E.R. Meanwhile, Bongo ByTheWay, Cool & Dre, J.White Did It, and London On Da Track assisted with the album’s production. In all honesty, Good Morning Gorgeous is a mixed bag. The duets are its saving grace, while there were a few songs I would have left on the cutting room floor. C+
Tracks to Download: “Rent Money,” “Amazing,” “Good Morning Gorgeous,” & “Need Love.”
The lost EP by Paris Jackson
Paris Jackson released a new extended play: The lost. Republic Records and Dragonflower Enterprises released the three-track EP features two solo tracks: “breathe again” and “never going back again” and “lost,” a collaboration with Athens, Ohio folk music band Caamp. Ms. Jackson has a stunning voice that especially shines through during “breathe again.” Meanwhile, her cover of Lindsey Buckingham’s “never going back again” reminds me much of the Mowgli’s early music. If Ms. Jackson continues in this direction, she could dominate the alternative music scene. A-
Tracks to Download: “breathe again” & “never going back again.”
“The Joker & The Queen” by Ed Sheeran featuring Taylor Swift
Ed Sheeran released a duet version of the song, “The Joker and the Queen,” which was featured on his 2021 album: =. He recruited his longtime collaborator and friend, Taylor Swift, for this poignant duet. Songwriters Johnny McDaid, Fred Gibson, and Sam Roman co-wrote the track with the superstars, while the trio joined the “Shape of You” singer-songwriter in producing the song. “The Joker and the Queen” is a lovely song and showcases the duo’s growth as vocalists and musicians since their 2012 collaboration: “Everything Has Changed.” B+/A-
“Weatherman” by Eddie Benjamin
One of Jake’s Take’s favorite artists, Eddie Benjamin, just dropped an incredible song. The combination of the hooky chorus and the blending of soul, jazz, and pop makes “Weatherman” is a spectacular jam from start to finish. The song reminds me of the first time I listened to Shawn Mendes’ “Mercy” and Justin Bieber’s “Somebody to Love.” 2022 could be Eddie Benjamin’s year! A-
“Dancing Slow” by Jewel & Train
On April 15, Jewel will release her first studio album of original material since 2015’s Picking Up the Pieces! The first single from Freewheelin’ Woman is “Dancing Slow,” a collaboration with rock group Train. “Dancing Slow” is a breath of fresh air in today’s genre-bending music industry! The “Who Will Save Your Soul” singer-songwriter’s hypnotic voice will make listeners smile with delight and her harmonies with Train frontperson Pat Monahan are superb! A
“Outta Time” by Orville Peck
The first time I listened to Orville Peck was his hauntingly beautiful cover of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.” The Canadian country music artist is about to drop his sophomore album: Bronco. His latest single, “Outta Time,” blew me away. The lyrics are superb, and his Elvis Presley-esque voice blew me away once again. I cannot wait to listen to Bronco. B+
Head to the second page to find out which artists and bands made it to this edition’s Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch!
Pages: 1 2
