Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: The End of September 2017 Edition

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews is back! It is hard to believe that this is the last weekend of September 2017.

This month, a bunch of our old friends have released new material!  For some artists that will be covered in this blog post, a lot of time has elapsed since music lovers have heard from them.  For others that are also featured in this article, it has only been a few years.

Without further ado, let’s get this party started!

Now by Shania Twain

The biggest album that everyone is going to be talking about is Shania Twain’s latest studio album! After 15 years of not releasing a studio album, the Queen of Country Pop is back with new material that will set the world on fire. Ms. Twain wrote all 16 of the tracks that were featured in Now! “Poor Me” talked about her efforts to get over her break-up with ex-husband Robert John “Mutt” Lange, while “We Got Something They Don’t” is the perfect anthem for people looking to raise their confidence. A new generation of producers such as Ron Aniello, Jake Gosling, Jacquire King, and Matthew Koma helped Twain produce an impeccable record that any artist from both the Millennial and Digital generations should take notice. Now is a perfect example of how artists should create an excellent listening experience. Congratulations, Ms. Twain! A+

Tracks to Download: “Swingin’ With My Eyes Closed,” “Poor Me,” “We Got Something They Don’t,” “Life’s About to Get Good,” “Soldier,” & “Roll Me on the River.”

 

Double Dutchess by Fergie

The Black Eyed Peas frontwoman is back! Fergie has released the follow-up album to 2008’s The Dutchess. 11 years have passed since the release of that record and Fergie has grown up, became a mom, married, and got divorced from Josh Duhamel. Double Dutchess is a rebirth album not only for her loyal fan base who have waited years for new material but also to possibly introduce their children to another woman who rocks. Double Dutchess had a monster list of producers and beat makers who helped Fergie get to this point including will.i.am, Toby Gad, Dr. Luke, Cirkut, Alesso, and Justin Tranter.  Also, keep an ear out for Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, YG, and even her son: Axl Jack, who all make cameos throughout the album. Double Dutchess is a perfect album from start to finish and shows that even Fergie has been absent in the pop music scene, she still has all the right moves. A-

Tracks to Download: “Hungry,” “You Already Know,” “Just Like You,” “Life Goes On,” “M.I.L.F. $,” & “Save It Til Morning.”

Tell Me You Love Me by Demi Lovato

Throughout the past seven years, Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, and Selena Gomez have been linked together. In all honesty, Demi Lovato’s Tell Me You Love Me permanently sets Demi Lovato as far from the pack as possible. Starting with “Sorry Not Sorry,” Demi showcases her powerful pipes throughout some of the best songs of her career. Also, keep an ear out for Lil Wayne, Cheat Codes, and Jax Jones, who make guest appearances on the album. B+/A-

Tracks to Download: “Sorry Not Sorry,” “Tell Me You Love Me,” “You Don’t Do It For Me Anymore,” “Sexy Dirty Love,” & “Lonely.”

Gemini by Macklemore

After several collaborations with record producer Ryan Lewis, Macklemore released his sophomore album: Gemini. He invited a plethora of recording artists to assist in Gemini’s recording process that includes Eric Nally, Skylar Grey, and Kesha. However, because of the oversaturation of the guest artists, I quickly lost interested in the album. While I would strongly recommend downloading those three collaborations, I would skip this whole album! Next! D+/C-

Tracks to Download: “Ain’t Gonna Die Tonight,” “Glorious,” & “Good Old Days.”

 

I Believe in You by Dolly Parton

The Queen of Country Music has entertained three generations of fans and now, she is reaching out a new group of fans: children! I Believe in You is Ms. Parton’s 44^th studio album and listeners can tell that the “I Will Always Love You” singer-songwriter crafted every one of the 13 tracks with tender, love, and care.  She even re-worked one of her biggest hits such as “Coat of Many Colors” to teach a new generation about love. In an increasingly frightening world, I Believe in You is one of the brightest albums that will put a smile on everyone’s faces and hope in every listeners’ hearts. A

Tracks to Download: “I Believe in You,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “Together Forever,” & “Brave Little Solider.”

 

“Beautiful Trauma” by P!nk

In a few short weeks, Beautiful Trauma, P!nk’s seventh studio album will be released. The pop rocker released the Jack Antonoff-produced title track this week.  It is a beautiful pop-rock track from start to finish. Between the honest lyrics and the excellent horn section, “Beautiful Trauma” is what pop rock music should be! I, for one, am excited hear this entire album on October 13. A

“I’ll Name the Dogs” by Blake Shelton

The Voice coach has a new album coming out! Texoma Shore, which is expected to drop on November 3, has released its first single. “I’ll Name the Dogs” is an energetic, upbeat track that will be a meltable piece of ear candy.  Music lovers might speculate that this song focuses on Mr. Shelton’s fellow Voice coach and girlfriend Gwen Stefani. “I’ll Name the Dogs” is one of Blake’s stronger songs and I like hearing upbeat music from him once again. B

“Don’t” by Darius Rucker

Darius Rucker’s When Was the Last Time is expected to be released on October 20. Already, Mr. Rucker and his crew have released three different singles. One of those singles that caught my attention is “Don’t.” The track is a real country gem that will inspire the listener who is going through a rough path and also has several sharp guitar riffs. If “Don’t” is any strong indication, When Was the Last Time might be one of Darius’s most memorable albums. B+

“Respect” by Aretha Franklin & The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

On November 10, the Queen of Soul’s voice will be mixed with the fabulous music of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.  This is not the first time that the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra reworked with the songbook of a legendary music icon. In 2015, the orchestra used Elvis’ recordings to create: If I Can Dream. While I enjoyed a taste of Aretha and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s collaboration with “Respect,” I will be honest with you. I am surprised that they did not ask Aretha herself to re-record some of her iconic songs because it would have made it an excellent listening experience. B-

Rising Artists Section

Jake’s Take has always been one of the premiere blogs for new and rising artists! Here are some of the artists that you should keep both an eye and an ear on for the next few months.

 

“Poison” by PRIME

Up first is PRIME! Born in the Philippines and raised in New York City, PRIME considers himself a “citizen of the world.” “Poison” superbly blends his passion for pop and electronic dance music that is out of this world. PRIME makes a strong case that he could bring his music to the Billboard charts and I think he could do it! B+/A-

“Skeletons” by MY

Swedish singer-songwriter MY has been receiving some support from numerous media outlets such as Clash, NME, and Pop Justice. Now, she is making her Jake’s Take debut with “Skeletons.” I find it very ironic that this upbeat tempo track includes some brutally honest lyrics. I think that if radio listeners or Spotify streamers were listening to this superb track, their minds would be blown. I hope that there are more songs like this in your songbook, MY. A

“Spy” by FEVER HIGH

Rounding out this edition of Jake’s Take: New Music Releases is New York duo FEVER HIGH. Multi-instrumentalists Reni Lane and Anna Noreen’s irresistible pieces of ear candy have caught the attention of NPR and Nerdist. Their latest single, “Spy,” will remind listeners of enticing songs from both the B-52s and the Go-Go’s songbooks.  Also, if you are in a foul mood, this song’s sick beats will put a smile on your face. I am looking forward to seeing what FEVER HIGH does next. A-

I do not own any of the links that are in this article. They belong to the recording artists and their respective record companies.