By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the latest Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We have a lot of music to unpack, so let’s get this party started.
ROLL WITH ME by Natasha Bedingfield
Welcome back, Natasha Bedingfield! It has been over nine years since the “Unwritten” singer-songwriter released a studio album. Thanks to executive producer Linda Perry (Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Dolly Parton, and P!nk), Natasha Bedingfield began a new chapter in her career with an epic record. ROLL WITH ME successfully blends several musical genres including Reggae, R&B, and pop. She also addresses some of her important personal life events on several tracks such as “King of the World,” which is about her son Sebastian. Also, her voice still continues to give me chills. ROLL WITH ME is a fabulous listening experience from start to finish and I am so happy that Natasha Bedingfield is back in the music world. A
Tracks to Download: “Kick It,” “Everybody Comes Together,” “It Could Be Love,” “Where We Going Now,” & “Sweet Nothing.”
The Owl by Zac Brown Band
Billboard reported that for the Zac Brown Band’s upcoming sixth album, The Owl, they recruited a plethora of pop/EDM hitmakers. Andrew Watt, Benny Blanco, Max Martin, Poo Bear, Ryan Tedder, and Shawn Mendes are some of the songwriters and producers that helped craft The Owl. While some hardcore Zac Brown Band fans might be unhappy with the lack of country music that is featured on this record, it does showcase that the jam band is willing to explore different genres. However, “Leaving Love Behind” is probably one of 2019’s haunting masterpieces that will give listeners chills. B
Tracks to Download: “Need This,” “Someone I Used to Know,” & “Leaving Love Behind.”
“Don’t Call Me Angel” by Ariana Grande, Lana Del Rey & Miley Cyrus
Three of 2019’s most prominent artists came together for an epic collaboration. Ariana Grande, Lana Del Rey, and Miley Cyrus recorded a new song for the rebooted Charlie’s Angels film starring Disney’s Aladdin star Naomi Scott and Kristen Stewart. All three women co-wrote the track with Max Martin, Ilya, Savan Kotecha, and Finnish singer Alma. Initially, I was concerned for all three artists because of their opposing vocal styles. However, they all blended very well together. Also, keep an eye out for a surprising cameo in the song’s music video. B
“Lying Down”/”Courage”/”Imperfections” by Celine Dion
The legendary singer is getting ready to release her first English-language album since 2013’s Loved Me Back to Life. The former Las Vegas headliner released three singles for her upcoming record, Courage. USA Today reported that the three tracks were “Lying Down,” “Courage,” and “Imperfections.” All three songs showcase Ms. Dion at her finest. She captivates the listener with her phenomenal voice and transports them into her world. The biggest and possible potential radio hit is “Lying Down,” while “Courage” and “Imperfections” are robust. I cannot wait to hear the rest of Courage. A-
“I’ve Been Watching You” by Matt LeGrand & Mestiza
Jake’s Take friend Matt LeGrand is back with a new collaboration: “I’ve Been Watching You.” This time, the “12 AM” singer-songwriter joined forces with the Venezuelan rapper Mestiza. “I’ve Been Watching You” reminds me of old school 1990s/2000s R&B, where Bryan McKnight and Joe reigned supreme. Matt continues his climb to pop-R&B superstardom with his superb songwriting and excellent voice, but Mestiza’s spitfire beats make this song a potential radio (and possible club) hit. A-
Artists to Watch
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are three artists that we believe could make an impact on the music industry!
Jaime by Brittany Howard
Alabama Shakes frontwoman Brittany Howard released her first solo album. Jaime’s 11 tracks showcases her innate ability to blend Blues and alternative together in one impeccable listening experience. Throughout the record, listeners will get a better sense of her vision as an artist. Also, Brittany Howard is showing Generation Z how to rock. B+
Tracks to Download: “History Repeats,” “Stay High,” “Short and Sweet,” & “Run to Me.”
Fall 2019 EP by Rence
Singer-songwriter Rence finally released his long-awaited EP: Fall 2019. The New York City-based musician has blended numerous multiple musical genres together in an epic six pack of tracks. While the music is a bit dark, Rence establishes himself as a storyteller and an important voice for this current group of up-and-coming recording artists. I am looking forward to seeing what he does next. A-
Tracks to Download: “Darkside,” “Patience,” “I know” & “Darker.”
“Focus” by Wes Mason
Wes Mason rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. The Rockwood, Ontario native recording artist just dropped a potential club hit with “Focus.” The song has a catchy chorus: “I pray, I pray, I don’t lose focus” and the production value is superb. With the right songs and the fantastic production team behind him, I believe Wes has potential to be a breakout recording artist. B
I do not own any of the clips that are featured in this edition of “Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews.” They belong to the artists and their respective record label.
