By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to another exciting edition of New Music Reviews!
Let’s get this party started!
(Album cover property of Interscope Records)
Encore by DJ Snake
Over the past few years, French DJ and EDM music producer DJ Snake has been building a following thanks to his projects with Lil John (“Turn Down for What”) and Major Lazer and MO (“Lean On”). DJ Snake has dropped a dope debut album that features a lot of sick beats that would be the ideal album for the first week of school or university and a Labor Day house party. He also had a diverse group of collaborators ranging from rising EDM superstars Bipolar Sunshine and Mr. Hudson to Top 40 favorites Skrillex and Justin Bieber. I am going to make a reliable prediction that DJ Snake is going to be one of his generation’s most influential voices in the EDM world within the next few years. This was a sturdy debut record, DJ Snake! B+
Tracks to Download: “Middle,” “Talk,” “The Half” & “Let Me Love You.”
Hurricane by Nick Fradiani
It has been two years since Nick Fradiani won American Idol and I am very surprised it took so long for Nick to release a record. While I was listening to Hurricane, I was unable to connect with any of the tracks. Hurricane features an excellent group of songwriters such as LP, Marty James, Jaden Michaels, David Hodges, and even Jason Mraz. Unfortunately, none of these tracks are radio made hits. Nick should have done a more rock-sounding debut album over this superficially sweet pop album. Sorry, Nick, this album is just plain awful and it is officially one of the worst albums of 2016! F
I highly recommend not downloading any tracks from this album.
(Album cover property of Atlantic Recording Corporation & Warner Bros. Entertainment)
Suicide Squad: The Album by Various Artists
One of the most highly anticipated films is out today: Warner Bros’ Suicide Squad! To commemorate the movie’s release, some of today’s hottest R&B, hip-hop, alternative rock and EDM artists came together for one epic soundtrack. Skrillex and Rick Ross’ “Purple Lamborghini” is the perfect theme song for the Joker (Jared Leto), while both Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa and Imagine Dragons’ “Sucker for Pain” and Grimes’ “Medieval Warfare” are excellent fight tracks. Meanwhile, Panic! At the Disco pays homage to Queen with their superb cover of “Bohemian Rhapsody” that will introduce the rock classic to a new generation of fans. Congratulations to all of the artists involved with this impeccable soundtrack, Suicide Squad-The Album, is my Album of the Week! A+
Tracks to Download: “Purple Lamborghini,” “Sucker for Pain,” “Standing in the Rain,” “Medieval Warfare” & “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
“Private Show” by Britney Spears
Breaking News! Britney’s back! The pop star and Vegas headliner stated that her ninth studio album, Glory, will drop August 26! The Princess of Pop teased fans with her latest single: “Private Show.” I loved that Britney and her team (Carla Williams, Tramaine Winfrey & Simon Smith) incorporated elements of EDM and doo-wop into this sexy track. Britney sounds seductive as ever, and I am very excited to see what she has in store for us on August 26! A
(Album cover property of The TenTwentySix, Mercury Nashville & Interscope Records)
“Comeback Kid” by The Band Perry
The Band Perry is one of my favorite country music groups, and I was very excited to learn that they dropped their new single: “Comeback Kid.” Kimberly, Reid, and Neil created a fantastic track that blended country music and Bluegrass together for one epic goose bump inducing song. “Comeback Kid” is the ultimate track dedicated for people who have been bullied in the past and are ready to overcome any obstacles in their way. Congratulations, The Band Perry, “Comeback Kid, ” is my Song of the Week! A+
“Stacking Stones” by Jean Kelley
Rounding out this edition of New Music Releases is Voice alumni Jean Kelley! Her latest single, “Stacking Stones,” brilliantly combines pop and soul into one perfect song. I am very surprised that someone like Scott Borchetta or Jimmy Iovine have not the audacity to sign Ms. Kelley to their label. She has gorgeous vocals, her songwriting skills are on fleek and have songs that are very radio friendly. I hope that we get to hear more from her in the future. A-
I don’t agree at all with your F grade of Nick Fradiani’s debut album Hurricane, but to each his own I guess. I loved every song on this album, the single released early “Get You Home” is my least favorite of the whole album. But anyone reading this, please make your own decision on this album by listening to it yourself.