Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of June 21, 2024

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

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

 

Forever by Bon Jovi

Forty years ago, Bon Jovi’s first incarnation released their debut studio album. One Grammy, two American Music Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, and 130 million sold records later, the New Jersey-based band has become one of the greatest rock bands ever. Bon Jovi released their sixteenth studio album to commemorate its 40th anniversary and the 2024 Hulu docuseries Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story. Forever features new songs the band wrote with today’s top hitmakers, such as Ed Sheeran, Michael Pollack, Ryan Tedder, and Sean Douglas. Jon Bon Jovi partnered with established producer John Shanks to produce the songs. Forever also marks the first album since the lead singer’s major vocal surgery.  While Jon’s voice has added the huskiness of fellow rock icons Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, Forever is a mixed bag. Some songs like “Living Proof” and “Waves” will give fans nostalgia, but some should have been left on the cutting room floor. C

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Legendary,” “Living Proof,” “Waves,” & “The People’s House.” 

 

BRAT by Charli XCX

The first time I heard of Charli XCX was when I listened to her as a featured artist on Icona Pop’s 2012 hit “I Love It.” 12 years later, Charli XCX became a powerhouse pop music artist. Her sixth studio album, BRAT, showcases her mastery of EDM and rave pop music. Producers including A.G. Cook, Cirkut, Finn Keane, and Hudson Mohawke’s slick production made these songs into addictive ear candy. I predict that BRAT will have the same impact that Britney Spears’ Femme Fatale, Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream, and Taylor Swift’s Red had on pop music in the early 2010s. A

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Sympathy is a knife,” “Talk talk,” “Von dutch,” “So I,” “Mean girls,” & “Apple.”

 

Duality by Lindsey Stirling

I have been a massive fan of Lindsay Stirling since she auditioned for America’s Got Talent in 2010. Over the years, Lindsay has amassed a massive social media following and collaborated with Dan + Shay, David Archuleta, EGOT icon John Legend, Pentatonix, Peter Hollens, and Sabrina Carpenter. Her seventh studio album, Duality, solidifies her legacy as one of my generation’s top musical virtuosos. She seamlessly transports listeners to spectacular worlds like we are in the Kingdom Hearts and Super Smash Bros. universes. Keep an ear out for both Walk Off the Earth and Royal & the Serpent, as they are this album’s featured artists. Bravo, Lindsey! A+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Eye Of The Untold Her,” “Surrender,” “Untamed,” “Inner Gold,” “Survive,” & “Kintsugi.”

 

 

Dopamine by Normani

Normani finally dropped her first solo studio album. The former Fifth Harmony member and X Factor USA finalist assembled an all-star group of collaborators to craft this solo outing. Cardi B, Gunna, James Blake, and Starrah are featured artists. At the same time, Cirkut, Kuk Harrell, Nija Charles, Stargate, and Victoria Monet contributed to either the songwriting or helped executive producer Tommy Brown with the production process. Dopamine cements Normani as one of pop and R&B’s top chanteuses and has the potential to be one of 2024’s most talked about artists. B+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Take My Time,” “Insomnia,” “Candy Paint,” “Grip,” & “1:59.”

 

 

“Wet Dream” by Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert dropped new music just in time for Pride Month. The current Voice Australia coach and Queen frontman’s new song is called “Wet Dream.” The song is part of his upcoming extended play, Afters. While “Wet Dream” has a superbly hypnotic beat, the song was too cheesy and camp even for me. C

 

 

“Leap” by Billy Porter

Emmy, Grammy, and Tony-winning icon Billy Porter has a new song! The Kinky Boots and Pose alum dropped “Leap,” a song that the late Andrea Martin wrote and Lofey produced. Listeners will feel empowered by the lyrics and Billy’s phenomenal voice, perfect for Juneteenth and Pride Month playlists for years to come. A

 

 

“Never Let Go” by Jung Kook

BTS celebrated its eleventh anniversary, and Jung Kook released a new song to commemorate the milestone. “Never Let Go” is a fantastic song that is a superb thank-you note to all the fans who supported him and the band over the past 11 years. B+

 

 

“Pour Me a Drink” by Post Malone & Blake Shelton

Post Malone’s country music journey continues! After collaborating with Beyonce and Morgan Wallen, the “Circles” singer-rapper met with country music icon and former Voice USA coach Blake Shelton. The duo co-wrote the track, and Louis Bell and Charlie Handsome produced it. “Pour Me a Drink” is a superb country music track that would put a smile on listeners’ faces and is an excellent second single off of his upcoming studio album, F-1 Trillion. B

 

 

Artists to Watch:

Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are three artists that are going to shake up the music world.

 

The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan

Missouri-born Chappell Roan is having a moment in pop music. Her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, is closing in on its first anniversary.  She co-wrote a majority of the album with Daniel Nigro, who also executive produced the album, and received assistance from Amy Kuney, Justin Tranter, Mike Wise, and Skyler Stonestreet. Chappell and Daniel have the potential to this generation’s Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff as they create fiery pieces of ear candy that would make listeners dance one minute and reflect the next. The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess reminds me of the first time I listened to Baby One More Time, Love.Angel.Music.Baby, and One of the Boys. Congratulations, Chappell Roan, you made the Midwest proud! A+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Feminiomenon,” “Red Wine Supernova,” “After Midnight,” “Casual,” “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl,” & “Picture You.”

 

 

I tried – EP by Victor Ray

United Kingdom-based recording artist Victor Ray dropped his third expanded play. I tried follows the same outline of his previous two expanded plays, 2023’s I was and I felt. Victor Ray’s velvet vocals weave a beautiful story about escaping a toxic relationship and finding hope in a new life chapter. I hope that Victor releases a full-length studio album in the future.  A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Comfortable,” “Halfway There,” “Lose Myself,” & “Falling Into Place.”

 

 

“War in the Trenches” by Nige

Washington, D.C.-based singer-songwriter Nige transported listeners to a darker side of our nation’s capitol with his new song: “War in the Trenches.” Nige’s honest lyrics will tug at listeners’ heartstrings; hopefully, better days will be ahead. B+

Please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel and my podcast!