Artists to Watch
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some of the recording artists that this platform believes could impact the music industry.
Star Stealer by Kenyth
Los Angeles-based Kenyth is one artist that has the potential to shake up the music world. The Gaynrd reporter and former Huffington Post contributor just released his debut LP called Star Stealer. I love this album because of his ability to transport some of the music industry’s forgotten eras: glam rock and synthpop. He breathed new life into several Gen X classics, including Toni Basil’s “Mickey,” and he gave an acoustic rock makeover to Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now.” Excellent work, Kenyth! B+
Tracks to Download: “You & Me,” “Mickey,” “Live Your Life Be Free,” & “I Think We’re Alone Now.”
The Soundflowers by The Soundflowers
One debut that countless media outlets are talking about is The Soundflowers. This duo consists of Paris Jackson and Gabriel Glenn. The Soundflowers’ specialty is blending soul, bluegrass country, and beach reggae music. When I first heard Paris sang “Geronimo’s” lyrics, I was impressed with her hypnotic voice. The Soundflowers do have a strong potential to dominate the music industry. All they need is to continue to produce superb content and have the right production team behind them. What a solid debut! B+
Tracks to Download: “You Look (Glorious),” “Geronimo,” Notes on a Ghost,” & “In the Blue.”
The Album by Teyana Taylor
Over the past few years, singer-songwriter Teyana Taylor has made an impact in the R&B/Soul/Rap music genres. Her third record, The Album, features nearly two dozen tracks. There were many guest artists and countless writers and producers involved in the creation process of The Album. The collaborations are The Album’s real stars of the “Google Me” singer’s record. From the Missy Elliott and Future-supported “Boomin” to Lauryn Hill’s “We Got Love,” the collaborations are a crucial part of The Album’s success. However, only a few times, music listeners would lose interest due to a few dud tracks. Otherwise, The Album should help Teyana Taylor rise in the ranks in the music industry. A-
Tracks to Download: “Lowkey,” “Let’s Build,” “Morning,” “We Got Love,” & “Boomin.”
“Ándale” by Amara La Negra
My jaw dropped when I first heard Amara La Negra’s “Ándale.” This track perfectly combines Hip-Hop and Spanish music. “Ándale” is a fierce song, and I want to hear more from Amara. Mark my word, Amara La Negra, is going to be in the mainstream music industry soon enough. A+
“What Was I Thinking?” by Mia Ariannaa
Epic Records’ latest discovery and social media star Mia Ariannaa dropped her single: “What I Was Thinking?” The Charlotte, North Carolina native’s “What Was I Thinking?” deals with a scorned woman coping with an ex-love. I immediately was drawn into Mia’s innate storytelling, and she immediately transported me into the world. I predict big things are ahead for Mia. A–
“Secrets” by DJ Regard featuring Raye
DJ Regard rounds out this edition of “Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews.” The Kosovan DJ has been taking the global music scene by storm. Recently, he dropped the music video of his latest single: “Secrets.” I love the production value of this song. “Secrets” has shades of Disclosure and Sam Smith’s “Omen” and Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams, and Nile Rodgers’ iconic “Get Lucky.” I loved the combination of Regard and Raye’s vocals, and I hope to see this song on several streaming playlists this year. B+
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