Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of August 2, 2019

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Welcome to the first August 2019 edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! Several notable names in music released new material. Also, Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back with several artists that are ready to shake up the music industry! We got a lot of music to unpack so let’s get this party started.

The Big Day by Chance the Rapper

Chance the Rapper is continuing to redefine the rap genre with his debut studio album: The Big Day.  Throughout 22 tracks, music lovers get the opportunity to meet Chance the Rapper as a rapper and a person. The Big Day features a plethora of featured artists and collaborators that range from John Legend and En Vogue to Shawn Mendes and Randy Newman. However, the biggest concern that I had while listening to The Big Day was the album’s length. There were times at this album that I lost interest. I believe that if Chance eliminated unnecessary elements such as the skits and a few songs, then The Big Day would have been a better overall album. C+/B-

Tracks to Download: “Do You Remember,” “Eternal,” “I Got You (Always and Forever),” & “Ballin’ Flossin.”

Inner Monologue, Pt. 2  by Julia Michaels

Earlier this year, Julia Michaels released her an EP called Inner Monologue, Pt. 1. The EP featured duets with Selena Gomez and Niall Horan, but only six tracks. However, part two of Ms. Michaels’ Inner Monologue does have two additional tracks. There are several sturdy songs such as “17,”.  Also, Ms. Michaels continues to showcase why she has one of the best songwriting and production teams in the pop music industry.  Longtime collaborators Justin Tranter, Jesse Shaktin, Louis Bell, and Ben Miller have definitely helped Julia raise her game in the pop world. I believe that Julia is getting started and hopefully, she will deliver a spectacular studio album in the future. A-

Tracks to Download: “17,” “Hurt Again,” “Body,” & “F****d Up, Kinda.”

Twang by Mason Ramsey

Last year, Mason Ramsey scored a shot of instant fame when his cover of a Hank Williams, Jr. classic blew up all over the Internet. NMEreported that the young yodeler traveled to Coachella (where he performed and met Justin Bieber) and the Grand Ole Opry on the same weekend. He also dropped his debut EP, Famous. Nearly, one year later, Mason Ramsey returned with his follow-up: Twang.  His EP showcases Mason’s bright future in the country music industry and he could follow the same path that took Hunter Hayes and Dan + Shay. Way to go, Mason! B+

Tracks to Download: “Twang,” “Before I Knew It,” & “How I Could Not.”

“Someone That I Used to Know” by Zac Brown Band

Two years after releasing Welcome Home, the Zac Brown Band will release its sixth studio album, The Owl, next month. One of the first singles that the group released was “Someone That I Used to Know.” Taste of Country reported that Shawn Mendes co-wrote the track with the band. The song is probably one of the group’s best Country and EDM songs since their 2015 collaboration with Avicii. I am looking forward to hearing the rest of the album! A-

Artists to Watch

The Wrong Man by Ross Golan

Ross Golan is one of my favorite singer-songwriters. He co-wrote hits for Ariana Grande, CeeLo Green, Lady Antebellum, and Nicki Minaj. Also, he hosts one of my favorite podcasts: And The Writer Is. Recently, he dropped his latest project: a concept album called The Wrong Man. Rolling Stone reported that The Wrong Man will make its NYC debut in October. The show focuses on Duran, a man who was wrongly accused of murder in Reno, Nevada. The Wrong Man is a fantastic listening experience because it showcases Mr. Golan’s impeccable artistry and superb talent as a lyricist. I hope that his record label is able to make a cover album out of this like The Hamilton Mixtape and The Greatest Showman: Reloaded, because I would love to see some of his artists cover these amazing tunes. A-

Tracks to Download: “Walk of Shame,” “Stay Positive,” “When Evil Men Go On the Run,” “Put Your Hands Up,” & “Line Up.”  

“Shy” by The Big Takeover

New Paltz, NY-based band The Big Takeover is one band that you need to keep your eye on.  Vocalist Nee Nee Rushie, bassist Rob Kissner, guitarist Guthrie Lord, trombonist Andy Vogt, saxophonist Chas Montrose, drummer Roger Larochelle, and drummer-percussionist Manuel Quintana make up this septet. The group’s latest single: “Shy,” would remind listeners of the doo-wop era and other modern-day classics like Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie.” Nee Nee has a fantastic voice, and I loved the song’s arrangement. I believe that if the right record label signed them, then the Big Takeover could be one of 2019’s top breakout bands. A

“All That I Got Tonight” by Judah Holiday

Miami-based Judah Holiday is looking to take his shot in the music industry. The NYC-raised artist honed his craft in the Big Apple after playing at several classic venues such as the CBGB Gallery, Crash Mansion, and the Recoup Lounge. “All That I’ve Got Tonight” definitely has an Owl City-vibe and I could see this song being on several DJs’ playlists in the future. B+/A-

“You Know What You Did” by Zack Mackey

Closing out this edition of “Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews” is Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter, Zack Mackey.  His single, “You Know What You Did,” reminds me of longtime Jake’s Take friend Van Alden and So You Think You Can Dance alum Blake McGrath. All three artists have a darker tone with their music, but I think Zack seduces the listener more on this track. I am looking forward to hearing more of his music in the future. B

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