Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of July 19, 2024

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Welcome to the latest edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We have a lot of music to unpack, so let’s start this party!

 

 

Hereditary by Cassadee Pope

It has been 12 years since the “Wasting All These Tears” performer won The Voice’s third season; the Team Blake alum spent a long time in the country music world and revealed in a February 2024 Rolling Stone interview that she left country music. Hereditary, Cassadee Pope’s fourth solo studio album, marks the Nashville-based singer-songwriter’s return to the pop-punk music world. As fans listen to Hereditary, they will notice that most of these tracks are the equivalent of power punches. The Grammy-nominated performer and her team did an excellent job assembling these songs that mark her return to the genre that made her a household name. A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “People That I Love Leave,” “Eye Contact,” “More to Me,” “I Died (featuring Daisha McBride),” & “Three of Us.”

 

The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace) by Eminem

25 years ago, Eminem dropped The Slim Shady LP, forever changing hip-hop. 220 million records, 15 Grammy Awards, eight American Music Awards, and an Academy Award later, the Detroit, Michigan, resident has become one of the Kings of Hip-Hop and Rap. The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace) is his twelfth studio album, and it reunited the “Stan” rapper with longtime collaborators, including mentor Dr. Dre, Big Sean, Skyler Gray, and Luis Resto, who produced half the record. Eminem also welcomed new collaborators such as Benny Blanco, Ez Mil, JID, Jelly Roll, and Juvenile into the fold.  The “Headlights” rapper’s latest material continues to make headlines as he called out both (rightfully) Candace Owens and Sean “Diddy” Combs. Meanwhile, the Skyler Gray-supported “Temporary,” which paid homage to his daughter, Hailie Jade, warmed my heart. The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace) showcases why he is one of the masters of modern-day hip-hop and rap. A

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Houdini,” “Lucifer,” “Temporary,” “Bad One,” “Tobey,” & “Somebody Save Me.”

 

 

Quit!! By HARDY

HARDY is one of country music’s top recording artists. Now, the “Wait in the Truck” singer-songwriter continues driving onto the heavy metal rock music road he previously featured on 2023’s the mockingbird & THE CROW. HARDY’s frequent collaborator, Joey Moi, executive produced the album, while HARDY received songwriting assistance from Ashley Gorley, David Garcia, ERNST, Hillary Lindsey, Hunter Phelps, Ryan Hurd, and Tyler Hubbard. Quit also features cameos from Chad Smith (“GOOD GIRL PHASE”), Fred Durst (“SOUL4SALE”), and Knox (“HAPPY HOUR”).  HARDY showcases that he can rock out and create superb musical material no matter what genre he tackles. B+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “ROCKSTAR,” “I DON’T MISS,” “PSYCHO,” & “HAPPY HOUR.”

 

 

Artificial Paradise by OneRepublic

OneRepublic dropped their sixth studio album, Artificial Paradise. Lead vocalist Ryan Tedder, lead guitarist Zack Filkins, rhythm and lead guitarist Drew Brown, drummer Eddie Fisher, bassist Brent Kutzle, and keyboardist Brian Willett make up this incarnation of the Colorado Springs-formed band. Ryan Tedder and Brent Kutzle welcomed many collaborators, including Justin Tranter, Mattman and Robin, Noel Zancanella, Zach Skelton, and Tyler Spry. The group also welcomed featured artists David Guetta (“I Don’t Wanna Wait”), Mishaal Tamer (“Mirage”), and  Leony & Meduza (“Fire”). As I listened to Artificial Paradise, I felt like I was listening to two different records. One half was Coldplay or the Script album, while the latter felt more like a OneRepublic record. There are some sturdy and robust songs on Artificial Paradise, but I wish the album were more cohesive. B-  

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Hurt,” “I Ain’t Worried,” “I Don’t Wanna Wait,” “West Coast,” & “Runaway.”

 

 

“Roots“ by Calum Scott

Calum Scott is having a busy 2024! The Britain’s Got Talent champion released his third single, “Roots.“ He co-wrote the song with Richard Boardman, Mike Needle, and Jon “MAGS“ Maguire, while Maguire co-produced the track with Dino Madanhodzic and The Six. “Roots“ is a super pop rock song with shades of OneRepublic’s “Counting Stars,“ and superb lyrics and production will make fans dance. “Roots“ is an excellent song that leaves his North American fans anticipating his upcoming The Songbook So Far tour.   A-

 

 

“Work It Out“ by Joe Jonas

Joe Jonas is working on a solo album! After releasing music with his brothers and DNCE, the former Voice Australia coach expects to drop his first solo record, Music For People Who Believe in Love, on October 18. “Work It Out“ is the first single off the album.  He co-wrote the song with Victoria Evigan, Blush, and co-producers Jason Evigan and Kane Ritchotte. “Work It Out“ is a toe-tapping dance-pop track and a satisfying start to the latest chapter in his music career. B+

 

 

“Woman’s World” by Katy Perry

Katy Perry dropped her first single, “Woman’s World,” off her upcoming seventh studio album, 143. The song reunited Katy Perry with Dr. Luke, who produced some of the “Firework” performer’s biggest hits. The duo co-wrote the track with Chloe Angelides, Aaron Joseph, Vaughn Oliver, and Rocco Did It Again, who all co-produced the track with Dr. Luke. “Woman’s Word” is the song I have been waiting for the former American Idol judge to release! It is empowering and has a phenomenal hypnotic beat that should be added to dance parties’ playlists. A-

 

 

“Adore U“ by Khalid

Khalid is expected to release his third studio album, Sincere, in a few weeks. He wrote his second single, “Adore U,“ and Digi and Justin Lucas co-produced the song. Khalid told Rolling Stone that this song was a ‘melancholic experience.‘ “Adore U“ is a superb song and marks a new chapter in the “Location” performer’s career. B+

 

Artists to Watch:

 

Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are several artists that are looking to shake up the music industry.

 

Kentucky Gold by Kyle Daniel

Bowling Green, Kentucky native Kyle Daniel is known for blending classic southern rock and modern country music. He received high praise from both Billboard and Rolling Stone. Today, he dropped his debut album, Kentucky Gold. Kyle captivates the listener with “Can’t Hold Me Back’s” first guitar riff and holds their attention like a tight shoulder grip throughout the album.  Listening to Kentucky Gold reminded me of my first time listening to Chris Stapleton.  Just like the “Broken Halos” singer-songwriter, Kyle has the potential to be one of my generation’s key players in the Southern rock and modern country music industry. He also did a phenomenal job picking artists to collaborate with, such as The Cadillac Three (“Summer Down South”), Kendell Marvel (“Southern Sounds”), and Maggie Rose (“Fire Me Up”), all of whom make cameos throughout the album. I cannot wait to see what he does next. A+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Can’t Hold Me Back,  “Fire Me Up,” “A Man Like That,” “Southern Sounds,” “Me and My Old Man,” & “Deep in the Woods.”

 

 

Oculus by LIVIA

Originally from a small town outside of New York City, LIVIA uses her classical music background to bring her ambient pop songs to life. LIVIA’s debut extended play, Oculus, was crafted entirely on Analog equipment.  This is also my first time listening to a piece of music incorporating NASA’s Perseverance Rover. Oculus is a soothing and intriguing listening experience. I am looking forward to seeing what LIVIA does next. B

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Departed,” “Through the Cracks,” “Home,” & “Times I Knew.”

 

 

“Was That All It Was“ by Gentleman Brawlers & N’Kenge

The Gentleman Brawlers wrap up this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. Producers Becca Fox and Matt Walsh lead a collective of Brooklyn musicians that blend disco-based horn lines, sticky highlife guitar, and rhythms from Brazil, Trinidad, and West Africa!  Their latest single, “Was That All It Was,“ features Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast friend N’Kenge. Becca and Matt did a phenomenal job harnessing N’Kenge’s voice in a way that has been missing in this decade’s EDM tracks. “Was That All It Was“ is a spellbinding track that should be incorporated into your playlists ASAP! A

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