Artists to Watch
For the second to last time this year, Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews-Artists to Watch is back! Here are some of the recording artists and bands that I believe could shake up the music industry.
Infrared by Justina Valentine
I first became a fan of Justina Valentine during her time on Wild ‘N Out. She delivered impeccable rhymes and superb shade on the show. Her latest offering, Infrared, showcases her outstanding emcee skills throughout the 14 tracks. Keep an ear out for guest appearances Vena E, B.Simone, DJ IOD, and frequent collaborator Chris Webby. I cannot wait to hear more music from Justina Valentine because her star continues to rise. A–
Tracks to Download: “Strawberry Soda,” “Big Bag Energy,” “Love You Better,” “Ya Damn Right,” & “Hide & Seek.”
Signs of Life by Sarah Buxton
For the first time in 13 years, my fellow Kansasn native Sarah Buxton released an extended play. I must apologize to Ms. Buxton because, in my nine years of doing Jake’s Take, this is the first time I heard her impeccable voice. As I listened to Signs of Life, I genuinely believe that she is the love child of both Jewel and Kylie Minogue. Sarah captures the perkiness of the 2000s and DISCO eras of the “I Can’t Get You Outta My Head” singer-songwriter in tracks like “Some Things Don’t Change.” She also channels the “Foolish Games” singer-songwriter with songs including “Like I Need You.” Signs of Life is a brilliant EP, and I hope to hear new music from Sarah in 2021. B+/A-
Tracks to Download: “Some Things Don’t Change,” “Signs of Life,” “Like I Need You,” & “By Myself.”
“Hero” by CNCO
Over the past five years, CNCO (Christopher Velez, Richard Camacho, Zabdiel De Jesus, Joel Pimentel, and Erick Brian Colon) have built up a massive following in the Latin pop community. Next year, the quintet will release their third studio album: Déjà vu. On this album is CNCO’s reimagined version of Enrique Iglesias’ “Hero.” This song is one of my all-time favorite tracks, and I believe CNCO honors its legacy and introduces it to a new audience. A-
“Perfectly Imperfect” by Declan J Donovan
United Kingdom-based singer-songwriter Declan J Donovan is slowly gaining global attention with his bombastic vocals and fantastic song lyrics. His latest song, “Perfectly Imperfect,” is pure brilliance! “Perfectly Imperfect” is a song that everyone on the planet needs to hear. A+
“Future Crimes” by Matt Boroff
Matt Boroff rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. When listeners hear Matt Boroff’s “Future Crimes,” they might think they hear an unreleased track from Bono, David Bowie, or Marilyn Manson. “Future Crimes” is an Orwellian-esque track with superb lyrics that comment on canceled culture and the polarizing country. I hope that some significant radio show or streaming service uses this song because it needs to be heard by more than just the jakes-take.com audience. A
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