Welcome to the latest installment of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews of 2024! (Bitmoji property of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Happy New Music Friday, everyone! We got to unpack a lot of new music, so let’s start this party!
GNX is a solid album that showcases Kendrick Lamar as one of the best rappers in the game. (Album cover property of Interscope Records)
GNX by Kendrick Lamar
Rap music fans got a massive surprise on November 22, 2024! Kendrick Lamar surprisingly dropped his sixth studio album, GNX. The “Humble” rapper teamed up with superstars such as producers Jack Antonoff, Kamasi Washington, Mustard, M-Tech, and Sounwave to craft several sturdy pieces of ear candy. Longtime collaborator SZA dropped by for two tracks, “Luther,” which paid homage to the legendary R&B icon, and “Gloria.” Kendrick also welcomed several up-and-coming rappers, such as Dody6, Hitta J3, Lefty Gunplay, and Roddy Ricch, who all appear throughout the album. GNX is a solid album and showcases that he is one of the best rappers in the game. B+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “wacced out murals,” “Squabble up,” “Luther,” “reincarnated.”
“(Isn’t It) Obvious” by Alessia Cara
On Valentine’s Day, Alessia Cara is expected to drop her fourth record, Love & Hyperbole! To prep fans for its release, the “Scars to Your Beautiful” performer dropped her second single, “(Isn’t It) Obvious.” Rising songwriter Yakob co-wrote the song with her, while John Mayer delivered a surprisingly unexpected guitar solo that brought the tune to another level of excellence. A-
“DJ Play a Christmas Song” by Cher & Kelly Clarkson
Cher re-released her 2023 holiday hit “DJ Play a Christmas Song” and invited Kelly Clarkson to the festivities. This version of the song elevated it to a new level of excellence. A+
“Leave Me Here” by Lux
Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar friend Lux dropped a new song: “Leave Me Here.” It is one of his most vulnerable records, and the song will send listeners into orbit. Bravo, Lux! A
“Hammer to the Heart” by Teddy Swims
Breakout vocalist Teddy Swims dropped his latest single, “Hammer to the Heart.” The song is part of his upcoming sequel to his 2023 album, I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part One). The “Lose Control” singer-songwriter co-wrote the track with Mikky Ekko, Rocky Block, Matt Zara, and Julian Bunetta. Both Bunetta and Zara co-produced the track. “Hammer to the Heart” reminds me so much of a classic 1990s to early 2010s James Bond theme songs, and Teddy Swims is turning into one of my generation’s power vocalists. B+
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