Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of July 28, 2023

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

 This week’s edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews is dedicated to my brother, Aaron, who turns 34 today! I love you, A! You are an amazing father, husband, brother, son, and marathon runner! Love you to Neptune and back!

We have a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s get this party started!

 

Spark of Light by Michael Bolton 

Music legend Michael Bolton released his first album of original material in 14 years! The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter’s Spark of Light contains potential hits such as the title track and “Beautiful World,” a song that Mr. Bolton co-wrote with Justin Jesso (who duets with him on this version) for NBC’s American Song Contest. Spark of Light shows that the “Go the Distance” entertainer can still enchant music lovers of all ages. B

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Spark of Light,” “Running Out of Ways,” “Beautiful World,” & “Just the Beginning.” 

 

Austin by Post Malone 

Rapper and singer Post Malone dropped his highly anticipated fifth studio album: Austin. He reunited with longtime collaborators Andrew Watt and Louis Bell to collaborate on this record. The trio welcomed Billy Walsh and hitmakers Max Martin and Rami Yacoub to the creative process. Austin features a combination of acoustic, pop rock, and trap music genres with songs that could dominate the end of 2023 and early 2024 radio and streaming playlists. Well done, Post! A- 

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Something Real,” “Sign Me Up,” “Mourning,” “Overdrive,” & “Socialite.” 

 

 

 

“We Are the Champions”/”We Will Rock You” by Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton’s Rockstar just entered the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics chat! The legend’s upcoming rock music album’s latest single is a mashup of Queen’s signature songs: “We Are the Champions.” The mashup is intriguing, and it is a joy to hear the “I Will Always Love You” singer-songwriter tackle the rock anthems. However, I wished that the Queen legends Dr. Brian May and Roger Taylor, along with current frontman Adam Lambert joined her and that “We Will Rock You” had more of a significant role in the mashup. B 

 

 

“Beast” by Idina Menzel 

Legendary Billboard and Tony award-winning entertainer Idina Menzel has set her eyes on the dance floor. On August 18, the Frozen, RENT, and Wicked actress will release Drama Queen. Her latest single, “Beast,” was written by Nolan “Sir Nolan” Lambroza, who also produced the track, and Simon Wilcox. “Beast” is an empowering anthem that will inspire listeners to tap into their inner strengths and harness them to their fullest potential. B+ 

 

“What I Want (Live)” by Sheer Element

2023 has been a breakout year for Jake’s Take friends Sheer Element! The trio (Izzy Kaye, Tabon Ward, and Jej Vinson) traveled to Jej’s old stomping grounds and auditioned for Blake Shelton’s final season as a coach on The Voice. Several months after appearing on the NBC singing competition, the Team Kelly alums released their new single: “What I Want.” The song showcased the group’s signature harmonies and will give listeners a strong case of goosebumps. A

 

“You Left Me a Long, Long Time Ago” by Willie Nelson 

Living legend Willie Nelson will release his seventy-fourth studio album, Bluegrass, on September 15. The upcoming record revisits some of the “Always on My Mind” recording artist’s most significant songs in his storied career. Bluegrass’s first single, “You Left Me a Long, Long Time Ago,” opened Mr. Nelson’s 1972 album The Willie Way. While it might have been my first time listening to this song, “You Left Me a Long, Long Time Ago” enchanted me from start to finish. A- 

 

Artists to Watch:

Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are the musicians and bands that are making noise and ready to shake up the music industry:

 

 

Old Enough EP by Angelina Jordan

America’s Got Talent: The Champions standout and Republic Records artist Angelina Jordan released her latest extended play (EP): Old Enough. As I listened to the EP, I noticed that the “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” singer’s vocal tone is equivalent to Duffy and the late and great Amy Winehouse. Angelina has blossomed as a vocalist, and she has the potential to be the voice of her generation. A 

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Love Don’t Let Me Go,” “Fire and Rain,” “All My Fault,” & “Good in Goodbyes.”

 

First Last Time by Ghost Hounds 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based band Ghost Hounds are a rock and blues band! Lead singer Tre Nation, guitarists Johnny Baab and Thomas Tull, keyboardist Joe Munroe, bassist Bennett Miller, and drummer Blaise Lanzetta form the group. The band has received critical acclaim from both Billboard and American Songwriter. Their latest offering, First Last Time, is one of the best rock albums since 2023 began. In a music era that embraces EDM and genre fusion, Ghost Hounds’ outstanding sound rekindles the rock and blues sound that will satisfy worldwide music lovers. A- 

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Last Train to Nowhere,” “Dirty Angel,” “Make It Shake,” “Love You Too Hard,” & “Here No More.”

 

 

“Georgia Moon” by Julian Taylor

Toronto-based singer-songwriter Julian Taylor is looking back as a solo artist and band leader of the Julian Taylor Band and Staggered Crossing for his upcoming Anthology collection, expected to drop on October 20. His first single, “Georgia Moon,” is a beautiful track from start to finish. Julian is a phenomenal storyteller, and the guitar arrangement is so hypnotizing. A+ 

 

 

“Women’s Intuition” by Lily Lane & Sophomore 

Lily Lane and Sophomore round out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews with “Women’s Intuition.” Lily Lane’s music has been featured in Freeform’s Pretty Little Liars and Netflix’s Get Organized, while Sophomore is Oscar-nominated actress Abigail Breslin’s music project. The real-life best friends delivered a jam that will make listeners dance and has the potential to be on several radio and streaming playlists. B+  

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