Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of Oct. 25,2019

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Welcome to the latest edition of Jake’s Take’s “New Music Reviews.” We got a lot of music to unpack, so let’s get this party started!

MALA SANTA by Becky G

Over the past few years, Becky G has become a breakout star in the music community. After dropping breakout singles such as “Can’t Stop Dancin,” “Break a Sweat,” and “Shower,” the singer-actress dropped her debut album. Becky G chose to record a significant amount of her debut album in Spanish. MALA SANTA showcases Becky G’s innate ability to keep listeners interested throughout the 16-track album. Also, keep an ear out for Latino trap and reggaeton artists such as Bad Bunny, Dalex, Myke Towers, and Natti Natasha, who make cameo appearances throughout the album. B+

Tracks to Download: “Si Si,” “Peleas,” “En Mi Contra,” & “Mayores.”

Scary Nights by G-Eazy

G-Eazy has definitely built up a massive following thanks to his collaborations with Britney Spears, Cardi B, Charlie Puth, and Halsey. He recently released a new EP just in time in Halloween. Scary Nights features a plethora of collaborators that range from French Montana to Miguel and The Game. While I admire his blunt tracks such as “Demons & Angels” and “A Very Strange Time,” I think that he put way too many collaborations on an eight-track EP. Despite that small issue, G-Eazy is still building a strong presence in the music industry. C+/B-

Tracks to Download: “I Wanna Rock,” “Demons & Angels” & “A Very Strange Time.”

Christmas: A Season of Love by Idina Menzel

Tony-winning actress and singer Idina Menzel released her second holiday album. Christmas: A Season of Love features a mix of classic Christmas carols and new tunes. For instance, Frozen’s Oscar-winning songwriting team: Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, wrote “A Hand for Mrs. Claus,” a song that Ms. Menzel recorded with Ariana Grande.  I also applaud Ms. Menzel for recording two Hanukkah songs including “Walker’s 3^rd Hanukkah” and Flory Jagoda’s penned “Ocho Kandelikas.” She also included a surprise for Broadway fans that would give them chills. Bravo, Ms. Menzel! A

Tracks to Download: “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “We Wish You the Merriest,” “A Hand for Mrs. Claus,” “Ocho Kandelikas,” & “Seasons of Love.”

“Shallow” by Collabro

Jake’s Take friends Collabro (Jamie Lambert, Matt Pagan, Michael Auger, and Thomas Redgrave) released their latest single off of their upcoming album: Love Like This. The quartet tackled A Star is Born’s Grammy and Oscar-winning duet “Shallow.” This cover was pure bliss from start to finish and their arrangements were impeccable. Bravo, guys! A+  

“Hold On” by Hootie & The Blowfish

Hootie & The Blowfish are back together! After taking a hiatus and working on several solo projects, the band (Darius Rucker, Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, and Jim Sonefeld) signed a new recording contract with music powerhouse Capitol Records Nashville. ET Canada reported that the band released their latest single: “Hold On,” which Chris Stapleton co-wrote it. This optimistic track gave me chills and I am beyond thrilled that this quartet is back together. A

“Harleys in Hawaii” by Katy Perry

I believe it is safe to say that Katy Perry will go down as one of the best recording artists of the 2010s thanks to Teenage Dream and Prism. However, she has been rebuilding her presence in the music industry after Witness’ mixed reception.  Recently, the American Idol judge has bounced back with several new singles that she co-wrote with Charlie Puth, Carolina Liar’s Johan Carlsson, Jacob Kasher, and Zedd. “Harleys in Hawaii” definitely has the potential to become another breakout hit for the “Chained to the Rhythm” songstress. Here’s hoping that a new album is on the way. B+/A-

Artists to Watch

Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is Back! Here are several artists and bands that are featured in this edition.

I’m Sorry I Love You by Alexander 23

Interscope Records rising star Alexander 23 dropped his debut EP: I’m Sorry I Love You. Throughout the nine track EP, Alexander 23 showcases his potential as both a songwriter and musician. I’m Sorry I Love You’s production is incredible and there are several prospective radio hits in this mixtape. I am looking forward to seeing what Alexander 23 brings to the table in the future. B+

Tracks to Download: “Mars,” “The Internet,” “High School,” & “Dirty AF1s.”

Kairos by Nicole Bus

Kairos is Dutch singer Nicole Bus’s debut album with Roc Nation. The X Factor Dutch and The Voice of Holland alum found success in Europe, but Kairos is her first shot in conquering the American music market. Ms. Bus’ vocals will hypnotize listeners throughout the album. Plus, her artistry received recognition from Essence, Vibe, and Vogue. Something tells me that Ms. Bus will experience the American Dream and I hope that some of the industry’s finest guide her to become an impeccable artist. A-

Tracks to Download: “Mr. Big Shot,” “Unchanging,” “Comfort Me,” “Love It,” & “With You.”

“Justice” by Edo Ferragmao

Italian singer-songwriter Edo Ferragmo makes his Jake’s Take debut with his single: “Justice.” I was very impressed with Edo’s production as the Nile Rodgers-esque guitar riffs. Also, EDM fans would akin to a combination of this track to David Guetta, Giorgio Mordor, and Steve Aoki. I believe that justice could be an instant radio smash if the track finds itself in the right hands. A

“Postcard Park” by Late Night Thoughts

Brian Rauch and Michael Harlow conclude this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. The duo, Late Night Thoughts, met at Brandeis University and now are setting their eyes on the music world. Their latest single, “Postcard Park,” is a picturesque single that blends the pop and folk rock genres. I think that there is a gap for this genre of music and I think that the Late Night Thoughts are well on their way to establishing themselves in the music industry. B+

I do not own any clips that are featured in this article. They belong to the recording artists and their respective record labels.