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
Welcome to the last July 2024 edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party!
While Adam Lambert takes listeners to the club in AFTERS – EP, some of them (like me) might need to get home by 9:30 PM, because of the raunchiness. (Album cover property of More is More LLC)
Afters – EP by Adam Lambert
Adam Lambert has had a massive 2024 so far. He voiced two characters for Fragile Rock: Back to the Rock and Megamind, is a coach on The Voice Australia, and will star in CABARET at the Kit Kat Club this fall. The American Idol icon recently dropped a new extended play: AFTERS – EP. PAPER reported that the new record was inspired by new love and hosting after-parties at his Los Angeles home. AFTERS – EP has some raunchy tracks but is slowly crossing an uncomfortable line. While the Queen frontman takes listeners to the club, some of them (like me) might need to get home by 9:30 PM. C+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “DEEP HOUSE,” “NECK,” & “LUBE.”
Bando Stone and The New World is a strong finale for Donald Glover’s Childish Gambino era. (Album cover property of RCA Records & mcDJ recording)
Bando Stone and The New World by Childish Gambino
Actor Donald Glover is ending an era. The Grammy winner revealed that Bando Stone and The New World will be his final album under the Childish Gambino moniker. The “This is America” performer reunited with his longtime collaborator Ludwig Goransson to craft the final Childish Gambino record. They also recruited Joseph Raposo, Max Martin, Michael Uzowuru, Oscar Holter, Steve Lacy, and Tierra Whack to co-pen several tracks. There are also a lot of newcomers and rising artists, such as Fousheé, Jorja Smith, and Yeat, who are the featured artists of this album. Bando Stone and The New World is a strong finale for Glover’s Childish Gambino era, and I look forward to seeing how the Community alum does under his real name. B/B+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Lithonia,” “Survive,” “Got to Be,” & “In The Night.”
Listeners will feel empowered as they listen to I’m Not Broken: Live from Topeka Correctional Facility. (Album cover property of MLE Music, Inc.)
Melissa Etheridge: I’m Not Broken (Live from Topeka Correctional Facility) by Melissa Etheridge
My fellow Kansan, Melissa Etheridge, performed a live concert for Topeka Correctional Facility inmates, which was part of the two-part Paramount+ docu-series Melissa Etheridge: I’m Not Broken. While the “Come to My Window” rocker and her band do a phenomenal job giving the women a memorable show, she opened to her audience, sharing stories about the heartaches she faced throughout her life, such as battling cancer and losing her son. Listeners will feel empowered as they listen to this live rock album! Bravo, Melissa, and rock on!!! A+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “All American Girl,” “Born Under a Bad Sign,” “Shadow of a Black Crow,” “I Want to Come Over,” “I’m the Only One,” & “Come to My Window.”
Twisters: The Album has powerful songs that perfectly capture the sequel’s themes. (Album cover property of Atlantic Records)
Twisters: The Album by Various Artists
Twisters, one of 2024’s most highly anticipated films, has dropped into movie theatres. Like its 1996 predecessor, which featured songs from rock stars such as the Goo Goo Dolls, Lisa Loeb, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, and Van Halen, Twisters: The Album features an all-star cast of country music recording artists. Benson Boone, Jelly Roll, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, and Thomas Rhett are some of the artists who contributed songs to the soundtrack. One of the biggest surprises from the record is Shania Twain’s collaboration with Breland, “Boots Don’t.” She is the only recording artist participating in the 1996 album that returned for the project. My only complaint is that the album is too long, but Twisters: The Album has powerful songs that perfectly capture Twisters’ themes. A-
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” “Ain’t in Kansas Anymore,” “Out of Oklahoma,” “Hell or High Water,” “Dead End Road,” & “Country Classic.”
“Hey Yo Rodeo” by Alicia G
Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast friend Alicia G dropped her latest single: “Hey Yo Rodeo.” This new single would put a smile on listeners’ faces and features several catchy choruses. Also, the music video where Alicia G performs the song at a county fair is superb. Bravo, Alicia G! B+
“Da Stanotte in Pol” (“From This Moment On”) by Andrea Bocelli & Shania Twain
Andrea Bocelli is celebrating his 30th anniversary in the recording industry! The classical crossover sensation is releasing a Duets album featuring classic duets and newly recorded ones with many music superstars. “Da Stanotte in Pol,” his duet with Shania Twain, is the first single off this collection. I loved this arrangement of Shania’s 1998 hit; it is a powerful start to celebrate his 30th anniversary. A+
“Death Valley High” by Orville Peck & Beck
“Death Valley High” is the latest single from Orville Peck’s highly anticipated duets album Stampede. This new single sees the “Lafayette” singer-songwriter collaborate with alternative music superstar Beck. “Death Valley High” is pure fire! Orville and Beck have outstanding chemistry, and the backing musical arrangement is an addicting piece of ear candy. A-
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