Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of Sept. 24, 2021

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

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

Ch. 1 Vs. 1 by Cynthia Erivo 

Cynthia Erivo has established herself as one of her generation’s top performers by winning an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award in a few short years. The “Stand Up” singer-actress dropped her first solo studio album from Verve Records. Ch. 1 vs. 1 showcase another side of The Color Purple actress’ voice. I loved hearing her velvet voice on the up-tempo tracks such as “Alive” and “The Good.” While I wished there were fewer ballads and a collaboration or two, Ch. 1 vs. 1 is a sturdy solo record from Ms. Erivo. B 

Tracks to Download: “Alive,” “The Good,” “A Window,” & “I Might Be in Love with You.”

Star-crossed by Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves decided to follow Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift’s path for her fifth studio album and blend country and pop music. Star-crossed reunited the “Rainbow” singer-songwriter with her Golden Hour collaborators: songwriters and producers Ian Fitchuk and Daniel Tashian. Once again, this trio created magic! Star-crossed is an album that I did not have high expectations for, but the trio and collaborators Ilsey Juber, BJ Burton, Andrew Neely, Dante Jone, and Dewain Whitmore Jr. surprised me. Star-Crossed continues to cement Kacey Musgraves’ legacy as a top storyteller, and I look forward to seeing how she follows up with her next record. B+/A- 

Tracks to Download: “Star-crossed,” “Good Wife,” “Cherry Blossom,” “Justified,” & “Breadwinner.”

Montero by Lil Nas X 

Ever since Lil Nas X released “Old Town Road,” he has become one of the music industry’s top rising stars. Now, the “Panini” singer-rapper released his first studio album: Montero. I was hooked to the album from the first notes of “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name).” This is the first time in a long time that a male rapper has excited me as a listener. Montero features a top group of his peers whose respective stars are also rising, including Doja Cat, Jack Harlow, and Megan Thee Stallion. The album also features a plethora of established names, including Ilsey Juber, Miley Cyrus, Nick Mira, Ryan Tedder, Sir Elton John, and the Take a Daytrip production team. Hopefully, Montero can enter several music award competitions, and I hope that this record establishes Lil Nas X as a force in the recording industry. A 

Tracks to Download: “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name),” “Industry Baby,” “That’s What I Want,” “SCOOP,” & “AM I DREAMING.”

Lindsey Buckingham by Lindsey Buckingham 

The legendary rocker has had a rough few years. From being wrongfully fired from Fleetwood Mac to his health battles, the “Holiday Road” singer-songwriter-guitarist has risen above his circumstances to deliver his first solo album in a decade. The self-titled album is filled with superb toe-tappers that will have fans dancing in their seats. Also, kudos to Mr. Buckingham for recording all the instruments on the album. He is truly one of rock music’s top virtuosos. A- 

Tracks to Download: “I Don’t Mind,” “On the Wrong Side,” “Swan Song,” “Blind Love,” & “Santa Rosa.”

Dedicated by 2CELLOS 

2Cellos (Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser) have released a new studio album: Dedicated. These two have raised the classical crossover music genre to new heights. The duo followed their successful formula of 2012’s In2ition and 2018’s Let There Be Cello for their sixth studio album, covering popular songs. Their arrangements will give listeners chills. I am so grateful that 2CELLOS dropped this record! A- 

Tracks to Download: “Bad guy,” “Sweet Child O’Mine,” “Shallow,” “Demons,” & “Cryin’.”

“Come Home” by Voices of Service 

Jake’s Take friends and America’s Got Talent fan-favorites Voices of Service released a brand new song. “Come Home” gave me goosebumps from start to finish. The quartet (Retired Master Sgt. Class Caleb Green, retired Sgt. 1st Class Jason Hanna, Sgt. Major Christal Rheams, and retired Staff Sgt. Ron Henry) wrote and recorded the tune for the PGA Hope (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Campaign. Well done, Voices of Service! A 

Head to the second page to check out this edition’s Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch!

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