Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of June 28, 2019

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Welcome to the first Summer of 2019’s Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We got a lot of music to unpack, so let’s get this party started.

Indigo by Chris Brown

For Chris Brown’s ninth studio album, the R&B singer-songwriter recorded 32 tracks! Indigo will probably end up being 2019’s only double record. While there are some outstanding songs and collaborations, I almost checked out from the listening experience. Indigo does feature an elite group of collaborators such as Drake, Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, and Trey Songz, which entices listeners to stick around.  However, I would advise Chris to keep it to at least 14 to 15 songs maximum and save the rest of the tracks for another album. C+/B-

Tracks to Download: “Wobble Up,” “No Guidance,” “Back to Love,” & “Don’t Check On Me.”

Late Night Feelings by Mark Ronson

Oscar and Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Mark Ronson released his fifth studio album. Late Night Feelings transports listeners to his luxurious night club that features headliners such as Alicia Keys, Camilla Cabello, Lykke Li, Miley Cyrus, and YEBBA. Mr. Ronson recruited a plethora of EDM, hip-hop/rap, and hip-house producers such as Ilsey Juber, Stephen Kozmeniuk, Kevin Parker, and the Picard Brothers that put together a superb album.  Late Night Feelings does have superb and well-produced tracks, but I needed something that would put a kick in my step. B-/B 

Tracks to Download: “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart,” “Late Night Feelings,” “Don’t Leave Me Lonely,” & Find U Again.”

Originals by Prince

It has been three years since Prince passed away. Following the success of a Piano & A Microphone 1983, the Prince Estate dove into his music vault and released a collection of demos of songs that he gave to other artists. Listeners would easily gravitate the Purple One’s covers of the Bangles’ “Maniac Monday,” Sheila E.’s “The Glamorous Life,” and  The Time’s “Jungle Love.” All 15 tracks showcase Prince’s fantastic musicianship that comes once around a generation. We miss you, Prince! A+

Tracks to Download: “Manic Monday,” “Jungle Love,” “100 MPH,” “Holly Rock,” & “The Glamorous Life.”

You’re Not Who You Used to Be by Van Alden

Van Alden is back with a new EP! When the group’s frontman and friend to Jake’s Take, Paul Abrahamian, visited the website, he told me that the EP dealt with changes that he dealt with throughout his life.  The group’s signature pop noir sound continues to transport the seedy parts of Los Angeles as all four tracks showcase what happens during his late night reflection sessions. You’re Not Who You Used to Be does showcase growth in Paul’s songwriting and musicianship. The EP also builds his case that he is ready to move the pop noir genre a bit closer to prominence. B+/A-  

Tracks to Download: “Stay,” “Forever,” and “Xo.”

Señorita” by Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello

Four years ago, Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello electrified radio stations across the country with their first collaboration: “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” The “Lost in Japan” and “Havana” singers reunited to release their second duet: the steamy “Señorita.” The duo co-penned the song with Benny Blanco, Cashmere Cat, Charli XCX, and Watt. The song showcases their brilliant chemistry, but at times, I believe that Camila outshined Shawn vocally. However, this tune could be the next “Despacito,” which could ignite the Internet community. A-

“All the Time” by Zara Larsson

Thanks to her superstar collaborations with Clean Bandit (“Symphony”), David Guetta (“This One’s for You”), and Tom Walker (“Now You’re Gone”), Zara Larsson has become one of pop music’s top ingenues. Her latest solo single, “All the Time,” blew me away when I first listened to it. Between the lyrics that Zara co-wrote with Noonie Bao and Ilsey Juber plus Linus Wiklund’s amazing production, “All the Time” has definite potential to become the song of Summer 2019! A+

Artists to Watch

Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back with his take on up-and-coming recording artists that could dominate the music industry.

7 by Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X has finally released his debut EP! The “Old Town Road” rapper has released an eight-track record called 7. The EP does feature “Old Town Road (Remix),” his blockbuster collaboration with Billy Ray Cyrus. 7 also features “Rodeo,” a duet with Cardi B and tracks penned and produced by Trent Reznor, Zac Skelton, and Ryan Tedder.  While there are sturdy tracks, I wished that Lil Nas X incorporated a bit more country rap into his EP. Hopefully, Lil Nas X can use this EP to accelerate his recording career. B-

Tracks to Download: “Old Town Road (Remix),” “Rodeo,” and “C7osure (You Like).”

“Modern High” by The Band Gooch

Salt Lake City-punk rockers The Band Gooch is making their Jake’s Take debut. Made up of brothers Jared and Jordan Gooch,  “Modern High” reminds me so much of the first time that I listened to Black Oxygen and SWMRS. Their sound is superb and their guitar licks are on point. I am surprised that any of the major alternative rock or heavy metal radio or music streaming channels have not picked up their music. I have a feeling that we are going to be hearing big things about them in the future. A-

“Read My Hips” by Lulise

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Lulise entered into the music world with a hypnotic track: “Read My Hips.” The song definitely has potential to be in heard in Top 40 radio stations across the country, in addition, it showcases Lulise’s lovely vocals.  With the right people behind her, Lulise could be in categorized in the same group as Ariana Grande and Camilla Cabello. B+

“The Lake” by Wylder

The Washington D.C.-based rock band Wylder concludes this edition of “Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews.” Wylder is made up of guitarist and main vocalist Will, guitarist and mandolinist Lonnie, bassist Jackson, and drummer Mike.  “The Lake” has impeccable lyrics and I love their instrumental arrangements. Plus, “The Lake” will instantly transport listeners to a summer lover’s paradise. I think this group definitely has the potential to break into the indie rock world! A-

I do not own any of the clips that are featured in the article. They belong to the artists and their respective record labels.