By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the first March edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews!
In this edition, several of our Top 40 favorite artists are back releasing new material. Also, I will be introducing you to several incredible artists, who might be making big moves throughout the remainder of the year.
Now, let’s get this party started!
(Album cover property of Asylum Records UK & Warner Bros. Records)
Divide by Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran is back! Today, he released his third studio album: Divide. Originally, I was worried about how he was going organize this album after his two breakout albums: 2011’s + (Plus) and 2014’s X (Multiply). However, Mr. Sheeran brought back his successful songwriting formula, recruited familiar collaborators such as Benny Blanco (who also serves Divide’s executive producer) and Johnny McDaid, while recruiting some of the hottest hitmakers such as Julia Michaels, Jessie Ware, Ryan Tedder, and Ammar Malik who provide songwriting assists that are sprinkled throughout the album. Divide shows the depth that Mr. Sheeran invested in his career as he co-wrote the entire album and outstanding instrumental arrangements that are on every single track. I think Divide will be the record that cemented Ed Sheeran as the millennial generation’s singer-songwriter laurite. Congratulations, Mr. Sheeran! Divide is my Album of the Week! A+
Tracks to Download: “Dive,” “Shape of You,” “Perfect,” “Galway Girl,” “Castle on the Hill,” & “What Do I Know.”
“Halfway There” by Sheryl Crow
I have been waiting for new material from Sheryl Crow for a very long time. “Halfway There” transports listeners back to her formative 1990s sound. Ms. Crow’s vocals are like fine wine that continues to gracefully age throughout the years. Her songwriting skills are still intact, and I cannot wait to hear her upcoming full-length studio album, Be Myself, on April 21. A-
(Album cover property of Universal Music Group)
“Green Light” by Lorde
It is hard to believe that it has been four years since New Zealand singer-songstress Lorde enchanted the world with her 2013 debut album: Pure Heroine. This summer, Lorde is expected to drop her sophomore studio album: Melodrama. Lorde co-produced the album’s first single, “Green Light,” with Jack Antonoff and Frank Dukes and the song is probably the biggest surprise that I have heard so far, this year. I loved hearing the up-tempo beat that drove this track for a bulk of “Green Light’s” four-minute run time. If this song is not at the top of the charts at the end of the month, then there is something wrong with Top 40 radio. Congratulations, Lorde, “Green Light” is my Song of the Week! A+
“Options” by Pitbull featuring Stephen Marley
It has been three years since Pitbull released his full-length studio album: Globalization. On March 17, Pitbull is expected to drop his tenth studio album: Climate Change. Among the many artists that are dropping by to play in Pitbull’s sandbox is Reggae artist Stephen Marley. The duo released their collaboration, “Options,” onto iTunes earlier and I like the combination of Mr. 305’s beats, Mr. Marley’s vocals, and an acoustic guitar that riffs across the four-minute song. This is a sturdy track and I hope the rest of Climate Change is full of quality material. B
“KISS?” by Childcare
At the end of 2016, I introduced you to rising UK rock band Childcare. Made up of singer-songwriter Ed Cares, bassist Emma Topolski, guitarist Rich Legate, and drummer Glyn Daniels, CHILDCARE’s bold and vivacious sound will wake up listeners who have fallen asleep from their winter’s nap. Their latest single, “KISS,” might be the song that takes them to international stardom. It has brash guitar licks, a catchy chorus, and powerful drums that will unlock the listener’s inner warrior. A
(Photo courtesy of MLC PR)
“All of My Life” by Isabella
Over its past five years, Jake’s Take has introduced its fantastic readers to rising artists. The first artist that I am introducing to you this edition is Isabella! Inspired by La Lupe, Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin, and Marc Anthony, the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter has crafted her infectious sound that blends pop music together with Caribbean soul. When I first listened to “All of My Life,” it reminded me of the first time I listened to both Jennifer Lopez’s “Waiting for Tonight” and Shakira’s ‘Whenever, Wherever.” The track was hypnotic, and I immediately wanted to dance across my coffee shop. Ms. Isabella has a very seductive voice, and I truly believe that Isabella is just scratching the tip of her potential. A-
(Album cover property of BB Gun Press)
“Kill for Candy” by DREAMCAR
There is a new band in town, and its nucleus is full of familiar faces. No Doubt’s Tony Kanal, Adrian Young, and Tom Dumont are joined by AFI front man Davey Havok as they launched their new group: DREAMCAR. The quartet’s first single, “Kill for Candy,” is an up-tempo pop rock meets alternative track that will leave listeners tapping along. Havok’s vocals get along well with the former No Doubters, and this is shaping out to be a solid start for the new band. B
I do not own the video clips that are featured in this article. They belong to the artists and their respective record labels.
