By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the first Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews of the 2020s! We got a lot of music to unpack so let’s get this party started.
Rare by Selena Gomez
Fans saw Selena Gomez grow up in front of their eyes last decade. Between ending Selena Gomez + The Scene and becoming a solo artist to co-headlining the Hotel Transylvania franchise with Adam Sandler, the actress-singer was always in the public eye. Her third album, Rare, showcases the “Come and Get It” performer tackle mature songs. Selena and her team assembled tracks from her go-to collaborators such as Justin Tranter, Julia Michaels, the Monsters and the Strangerz, Mattman & Robin, and Ian Kirkpatrick. Also, rising stars 6lack, Finneas, Kygo, and Marshmello made their Team Selena debuts as songwriters and featured artists. Rare is probably one of her most influential albums to date, and I believe that she is going to have one fantastic year. B
Tracks to Download: “Rare,” “Look At Her Now,” “Lose You to Love Me,” & “Crowded Room.”
“Underdog” by Alicia Keys
When I first heard Alicia Keys’ “Underdog,” it took me back when I first her sing: ‘If I Ain’t Got You.” The Grammys host delivered a phenomenal uplifting track that would paint smiles onto listeners’ faces. I truly believe that this song should be on everyone’s playlists! A+
“Life is Good” by Future featuring Drake
Two of rap music’s top artists, Future and Drake, reunited in the recording studio. “Life is Good” is the first time since 2016 that the duo recorded together. I think “Life is Good” does showcase why these two remain at the top of the charts. However, I would advise both rappers not to rely on swear words in their respective beats, but otherwise, it is a good track. B
“Yummy” by Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber was one of the breakout pop stars that made it big in the last decade. He won fans with his incredible songs such as “Somebody to Love,” “As Long As You Love Me,” “and “Sorry.” However, the “Love Yourself” singer-songwriters might have polarized music lovers with “Yummy.” The track’s producers, Poo Bear, Kid Culture, and Sasha Sitora did a phenomenal job with the production, but the lyrics are abysmal. I hope that the other singles’ have stronger lyrics. C-
Artists to Watch
For the first time in the 2020s, Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are a few artists and groups that we believe could make it big this decade.
World Keeps Spinning: An Antidote for Anxiety by the Brilliance
The Brilliance is the group name of the symphonic-pop duo: composer John Arndt and songwriter David Gungor. Through Spotify, the duo captivated a plethora of fans and is built its presence thanks to being featured in Audiofemme. World Keeps Spinning: An Antidote for Anxiety is this decade’s first concept album that blends pop music, choral and orchestra in a unique way that entices listeners. You should definitely keep an ear out for this duo because I predict that the Brilliance will be a significant player in the music industry for years to come. A-
Tracks to Download: “Release Me,” “How Do We Know,” “Facebook,” “I Wanna Know,” & “Moods.”
Black Hole Rainbow by Devon Gilfillan
By the first few notes of “Unchained,” I asked myself: “Why have I not heard of Devon Gilfillan?” This singer-songwriter’s voice is outstanding! He just dropped his debut album with Capitol Records, and it is probably one of the most influential first albums that I have ever heard in my nine years of reviewing music. I genuinely believe that Devon has a bright career in the recording industry, and I think that he is just getting started. A
Tracks to Download: “Unchained,” “Get Out and Get It,” “Stay A Little Longer,” “Find A Light,” & “Full Disclosure.”
“Stop This Flame” by Celeste
Soul singer Celeste wraps up this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. She has spent the past few years building a following with her impeccable voice. Recently, it was announced that she won the 2020 BRITs Rising Star award and topped BBC Sound of 2020 poll. “Stop This Flame” is a phenomenal track that should be playing radio stations and Spotify playlists right now. Congratulations, Celeste! “Stop This Flame” is my first top song of 2019! A+
