By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the second 2020 edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We have a lot of music to unpack, so let’s get the party started.
Music To Be Murdered By by Eminem
Slim Shady dropped a surprise album last week! Music to Be Murdered By is Eminem’s eleventh studio album and features a plethora of guest stars. Frequent collaborators Ed Sheeran, Royce da 5’9”, and Skylar Grey brought their A-games to various tracks that appear throughout the albums. Veteran rappers Black Thought, Q-Tip, and Mr. Porter also made cameos throughout the album. The late Juice WRLD also made a posthumous appearance as he delivers rapid-fire verses on “Godzilla.” Music To Be Murdered By showcases why the Oscar and 15-time Grammy-winning rapper continues to showcase that he remains one of the best rappers on the planet. B+/A-
Tracks to Download: “Those Kinda Nights,” “In Too Deep,” “Godzilla,” “Leaving Heaven,” & “Marsh.”
Manic by Halsey
Over the past several years, Halsey has become a household name thanks to her revealing lyrics and haunting voice. Her third studio album, Manic, continues to build on the same themes that are explored in 2015’s Badlands and 2017’s Hopeless Fountain Kingdom. Just as I saw while researching Music to Be Murdered By, there were a plethora of music superstars that sat in songwriting and production sessions with the “Nightmare” singer-songwriter. In addition to Halsey’s longtime collaborator, Lido, fans can expect tunes that were co-penned by Alanis Morissette, Benny Blanco, Ed Sheeran, Greg Kurstin, and the Monsters and the Strangerz. Manic is truly a roller coaster ride of epic proportions, and I believe that Halsey elevated the bar of expectations for many of her peers and colleagues this year. A+
Tracks to Download: “Graveyard,” “You Should Be Sad,” “3am,” “Without Me,” & “Alanis’ Interlude.”
Nightfall by Little Big Town
Little Big Town (Karen Fairchild, Kimberley Schlapman, Philip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook) released its ninth studio album. Just like in 2014’s Pain Killer and 2016’s Wanderlust, Nightfall contains tracks that the majority of the group co-wrote. Some moments would give listeners chills, including their powerful “Forever and a Night,” which featured Philip Sweet on lead vocals. Also, I generally think that “Wine, Beer, Whiskey” could be the most requested line dancing song. The only complaint that I have is that I wished that Little Big Town included more up-tempo and upbeat tracks. Otherwise, Nightfall is a solid album and a great start for the group’s 2020s activities. B+
Tracks to Download: “Nightfall,” “Forever and a Night,” “Over Drinking,” & “Sugar Coat.”
“Ordinary Man” by Ozzy Osbourne featuring Sir Elton John & Slash
For the first time in a decade, Ozzy Osbourne will release solo music. The album’s title track, “Ordinary Man,” is probably one of the best heavy metal rock songs that I have heard in a long time. The Godfather of Heavy Metal recruited several rock icons to co-write this autobiographical song. Andrew Watt, Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan, Red Hot Chilli Peppers drummer Chad Smith, and Billy Walsh helped the “Scream” singer-songwriter craft this track. Also, Sir Elton John provided the piano and vocal assists, while Slash delivered a phenomenal guitar solo. I cannot wait to hear more of Ozzy’s material soon! A+
“hate u btw” by Rence
Jake’s Take friend Rence just dropped his first song of the new decade. “Hate u btw” is a brutally honest track that goes from 0 to 60 mph. The song is a roller coaster ride that has shades of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and Machine Gun Kelly & YUNGBLUD’s “I Think I’m OKAY.” “Hate u btw” is edgy, and it showcases Rence’s much-needed presence in the music industry. B+/A-
Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are several artists that could potentially become the music industry’s next game-changers in 2020.
“Seventeen” by Chey Rose
Singer-songwriter Chey Rose is breaking hearts in her latest single: “Seventeen.” I can hear that Chey could be in the same lane as Halsey and Taylor Swift when it comes to sound and lyrics. The track is a song that you need on the playlist if you are going through a tough breakup. I believe that several record labels would be interested in adding Chey Rose to their line-up because she has a secure future in the industry. B+
“Runway” by Stunna Girl
Northern California native Stunna Girl does have the potential to be rap’s next breakout star. When I first heard “Runaway,” I was in awe of how explosive and confident Stunna Girl was with her lyrics. While “Runway” had far too many (expletive) bombs thrown, I believe that the song would ignite on the club, radio, and streaming playlists. B
“Please Don’t Fall in Love” by VINCINT
Los Angeles-based vocalist VINCINT rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. My jaw dropped when I heard, “Please Don’t Fall in Love.” VINCINT’s vocals were out of this world, and I believe that he can masterfully interpret any song that comes his way. Bravo, VINCINT! A-
