By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the post-Thanksgiving edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! As you prepare to face the Black Friday crowds, here are several albums and songs that you should keep a close eye as holiday gifts. Without further ado, let’s get this party started.
30 by Adele
Grammy and Oscar-winning singer Adele has finally released 30! The “Hello” singer-songwriter’s fourth studio album comes six years after her blockbuster third album: 25. In addition to reuniting with longtime partner-in-crime Greg Kurstin, hitmakers such as Max Martin, Shellback, and Tobias Jesso Jr. also returned to craft this album. Throughout this album’s press tour, the “Skyfall” performer spoke that “recording music was therapy” to her. 30 continues to showcase why Adele is the millennial generation’s premier performer and vocalist. The only minor complaint is that the album does not contain the recently announced duet version of “Easy on Me” with country music star Chris Stapleton. I hope that 30 earns kudos for the 2022-23 award seasons. A
Tracks to Download: “Easy on Me,” “Oh My God,” “Can I Get It,” “I Drink Wine,” & “To Be Loved.”
Forever by Lea Michele
Actress and singer Lea Michele recently released a cover album to celebrate her son, Ever. The album, Lullaby, is a beautiful album from start to finish. The arrangements showcase the Glee and Scream Queens alum’s gorgeous vocals. I did not expect this album, but Lea proved me wrong and delivered a superb product. B+
Tracks to Download: “Sweet Child of Mine,” “Here Comes the Sun,” “Oh, What a World,” & “Yellow.”
Snoop Dogg Presents Algorithm by Snoop Dogg
Rap legend Snoop Dogg released a compilation album that showcased the power of Def Jam Recordings. The rapper invited countless of his friends and colleagues to record Snoop Dogg Presents Algorithm. Snoop Dogg himself appears on 50-percent of the album as he offers artists such as Malaya (who started on American Idol 13), Jane Handcock, AUGUST 08, and Method Man and Redman solo slots. While Malaya’s tracks (“Anxiety” and “Inspiration”) were true standouts, the filler tracks were subpar. When the established artists joined Snoop Dogg, Algorithm got better. Rap lovers would love “Big Subwoofer” and “Murder Music,” while DJ Cassidy and Mary J. Blige’s “Diamond Life” is a strong contender for a potential Top 40 crossover. C/C+
Tracks to Upload: “New Oldie,” “Make Some Money,” “Big Subwoofer,” & “Diamond Life.”
The Bridge by Sting
Celebrated musician Sting dropped his fifteenth studio album (and first rock album since 2016’s 57th & 9th): The Bridge. The 17-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter’s record features new material co-produced with Martin Kierszenbaum and Maya Jane Coles. After the impeccable “Rushing Water” and “If It’s Love,” it seems as The Bridge loses listeners’ attention. Sting is a remarkable recording artist, but I was very bored with this album! C–
Tracks to Download: “Rushing Water,” “If It’s Love,” & “The Bridge.”
“Somebody to Use” by Alesso
World-renowned DJ and producer Alesso dropped his latest single: “Somebody to Use.” The song would enchant EDM fans at the first note. “Somebody to Use’ might be one of the last best dance tracks to be released this year. Well done, Alesso! A-
“Don’t Tell Me How to Live” by Kid Rock featuring Monster Truck
Kid Rock released a new single that certainly get his critics shaking in their boots. “Don’t Tell Me How to Live” feels like one of the “All Summer Long” rocker’s classic songs from the start of his career. “Don’t Tell Me How to Live” is a great protest song for this decade. B+
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