By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s Best of 2024 series continues!
Throughout the year, I gave my take on countless songs. I have narrowed it down to 40 tracks. Here is the playlist:
Breathing New Life into Classics:
I love it when performers cover songs. They paid homage to the classics but put their spin on it. My friends, CelloVoci, took “The Prayer” to new heights. Brothers Osborne, Lainey Wilson, and Wynonna delivered powerhouse versions of two of Tom Petty’s iconic songs, “I Won’t Back Down” and “Refugee,” respectfully. Jon Batiste introduced Beethoven to a new generation with “Ode to Joyful,” while Demi Lovato and Slash reunited for a rousing version of “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” Tenacious D shocked the music world when they covered Britney Spears’s “…Baby One More Time” for Kung Fu Panda 4, and Jamie Lambert delivered a new take on “I Surrender.” Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo, Nicole Scherzinger, and Sydnie Christmas delivered epic vocal performances with their covers of iconic Broadway tunes – Wicked’s “The Wizard and I,” Sunset BLVD’s “As If We Never Said Goodbye,” and the titular song from Starlight Express.
Killer Collaborations:
2024 was full of outstanding team-ups! Post Malone received some help from Morgan Wallen to break into the country world. Orville Peck, Kylie Minogue, and Diplo took fans on a “Midnight Ride.” Zedd received an “Automatic Yes” from John Mayer, and Gary Clark Jr. asked, “What About the Children?” in his duet with living legend Stevie Wonder. Worlds collided when Andrea Bocelli sang “Holding On” with Gwen Stefani and Nelly Furtado, Tove Lo and SG Lewis declared that “Love Bites.” Kygo and the Jonas Brothers tried to heal a shattered heart, as David Guetta and OneRepublic declared: “I Don’t Wanna Wait.” My friend, Demi the Daredevil, claimed he was an “American Zombie” in collaboration with RudyWade, Ethan Gander, and Mitchel Dae. Finally, Cher and Kelly Clarkson made the holiday season brighter when they pleaded: “DJ Play a Christmas Song.”
Braving the “Hurricane”:
Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar commemorates Eden Golan for her powerful artistry and being a beacon of hope for the Jewish world. This year, she represented Israel at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest with “Hurricane.” Eden faced massive obstacles that ranged from anti-Israeli protesters, including climate activist Greta Thunberg (who is a huge disappointment), to her fellow competitors. Her powerful performances of “Hurricane” blew me away and made every Israel lover so proud. The Hollywood Reporter reported the song’s original version, “October Rain,” at the 2024 Anti-Defamation League Concert.
Around the Music World:
Billy Joel pleaded to “Turn the Lights Back On” in his first new song in 17 years. Beyonce taught us about “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” and Bonnie McKee wanted to be “Forever 21.” Adam Lambert invited fans to the “DEEP HOUSE,” while Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar friend Kyle Daniel declared: “Can’t Hold Me Back.” Lily Rose sat in the “Back Pew” as Melissa Etheridge told the tale of “The Shadow of A Black Crow” to the Topeka Correctional Facility inmates. Morgan Wallen’s “Lies, Lies, Lies” was hauntingly good, and Benson Boone told us about the magic of “Beautiful Things.”
During their America’s Got Talent run, Ashes & Arrows warned us about “Wild Horses.” Empire of the Sun wanted to be “Happy Like You.” Lady Gaga teased LG7 with “Disease,” while X Ambassadors declared “Smoke on the Highway.” Marc Anthony made us dance with “Ale Ale,” while Lenny Kravitz reminded us of all to be “Human.”
What were your favorite songs of 2024?
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