Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of June 28, 2024

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

 Welcome to the final New Music Reviews of June 2024! We got a lot of music to unpack, so let’s start this party!

Freak Show by G-Eazy

Rapper G-Eazy dropped Freak Show, his first album of new material in three years. Honestly, I wish that G-Eazy left this album in the vault. As I listened to the album, the material felt redundant. Despite having some superstar collaborators such as Coi Leray (“Femme Fatale”), French Montana (“Freak Show”), and Leon Bridges (“One Day”), Freak Show is one of the worst albums I listened to this year. D-

 Track to Download or Stream: “Freak Show.”

 

CRASH by Kehlani

Kehlani has come a long way since they fronted PopLyfe on America’s Got Talent 13 years ago. They opened for Demi Lovato and Halsey and were nominated for several Grammy and American Music Awards. Their fourth studio album, CRASH, features appearances from Jill Scott, Omah Lay, and Young Miko and production assists from Ant Clemons, Camper, Darius Scott, and Warren “Oak” Felder. Kehlani co-wrote the 13 tracks with the previously mentioned producers, Scribz Riley, Atia Boggs, and Kwame Holland. CRASH showcases that the “Good Thing” performer is dipping their toes into several musical genres. “Tears” and “Vegas” feature hypnotic house synthesizer beats, while “Better Not” would remind listeners of a folk and country music hybrid. CRASH is a superb album that highlights why Kehlani is one of their generation’s top recording artists. B

Tracks to Download or Stream: “GrooveTheory,” “After Hours,” “What I Want,” & “8.”

 

Kygo by Kygo

EDM and tropical house music superstar Kygo dropped his fourth studio album! Kygo follows the same formula that in 2020’s Golden Hour and 2022’s Thrill of the Chase, the producer and songwriter teams up with various artists from across the music industry. He reunited with longtime collaborators Joe Jonas, Sando Cavazza, Sasha Alex Sloan, and Zak Abel. For Kygo, the “Higher Love” and “What’s Love Got to Do with It” DJ recruited Ava Max (“Whatever”), the Jonas Brothers (“Healing (Shattered Heart),” Julia Michaels and Chance Peña (“Louder”), and music icon Nile Rodgers (“For Life”). Kygo is one of the best EDM albums I have listened to thus far in 2024! It is an emotional roller coaster that fans will not want to get off! A+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “The Feeling,” “Whatever,” “Can’t Do It On My Own,” “Healing (Shattered Heart),” “Found Another Love,”  “Louder,” & “For Life.” 

 

Petty Country by Various Artists

On October 2, 2017, the music world was shocked when longtime rocker Tom Perry passed away at 66 years old from an accidental overdose. The country music community recently came together to honor Tom Petty’s artistry with 20 cover songs. Petty Country features an all-star group of artists that include Brothers Osbourne, Chris Stapleton, Dolly Parton, George Strait, Lady A,  Lainey Wilson, Margo Price, Thomas Rhett, Willie & Lukas Nelson, and Wynonna. Each participating performer does a great job interpreting Mr. Petty’s songbook, which honors the “I Won’t Back Down” singer-songwriter’s legacy and will introduce a new generation of fans to his music. A-

Tracks to Downloaded or Stream: “I Should Have Known It,” “Wildflowers,” “Southern Accents,” “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,”&  “I Won’t Back Down.”

 

 

“Feels Like I’m Falling in Love” by Coldplay

Coldplay will drop their tenth studio album, Moon Music, on October 4! The band (Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, and Will Champion) dropped a brand new single: “Feels Like I’m Falling in Love” to prepare fans for this new era! The quartet co-wrote the song with Apple Martin, Jon Hopkins, Tim Rutili, and Max Martin. Meanwhile, the celebrated songwriter co-produced the track with Oscar Holter, Bill Rahko, Daniel Green, and Michael Ilbert. “Feels Like I’m Falling in Love” reminds me of the group’s Viva La Vida and Music of the Spheres eras. The song is the equivalent of a warm hug that you have received from a loved one or a lifelong friend. B+

 

 

“Midnight Ride” by Orville Peck, Kylie Minogue & Diplo

Orville Peck continues to gather superstars to join him on his upcoming collaborative album, Stampede. The latest single features two dance-pop superstars – international pop music sensation Kylie Minogue and EDM producer and DJ Diplo! Kylie’s verses purr in the listeners’ ears, while Diplo’s hypnotic beats bring fans to a country EDM dance party. A

 

 

Artists to Watch:

 

Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are five artists that are going to shake up the music industry!

 

“Summer Down South (featuring The Cadillac Three)”/ “Can’t Hold Me Back” by Kyle Daniel

Bowling Green, Kentucky native Kyle Daniel’s southern rock has gotten the attention of both Billboard and Rolling Stone. His debut album, Kentucky Drop, is expected to drop on July 19.  To give fans a taste of things, Kyle dropped a two-song EP featuring “Summer Down South,” featuring the Cadillac Three, and “Can’t Hold Me Back.” This EP blew my mind. Kyle’s artistry, including the guitar arrangements and bold lyrics, will ignite a fire in Southern rock music fans’ hearts. I cannot wait to hear Kentucky Drop! A

 

 

“Other People” by Daniel Arison

Singer, songwriter, producer, and Miami, Florida native Daniel Arison dropped his first song of 2024. “Other People” delves into his Daniel’s experiences and reflecting on a profound and personal loss. This song will make listeners think about the people who were once an imperative part of their lives and now are radio silent. B+

 

 

“After Midnight” by Kelsie Watts

During The Voice USA’s nineteenth season, Kelsie Watts became known as one of Kelly Clarkson’s iconic team members. Since then, she has built a massive social media audience with her impeccable covers and original songs. Recently, Kelsie dropped her latest single: “After Midnight.” The song is a beautiful pop-rock ballad that would delight all listeners. Bravo, Kelsie! A

 

 

“Let Me Leave“ by Lily Kincade

Indie-pop sensation Lily Kincade’s music has received praise from MTV, PopCrush, and Rolling Stone. Her recent song, “Let Me Leave” is a superb empowerment anthem as she dealt with the end of a relationship and all the emotions she experienced, including grief, gratitude, and love. B

 

 

“LOSER!“ by McKenna Grace

McKenna Grace rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. The Ghostwriters: Frozen Empire and Young Sheldon actress is also a phenomenal pop punk recording artist. Her latest single, “LOSER!,“ could be the heir to Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time,“ Green Day’s “American Idiot,“ and Kesha’s “Tik Tok.“ I could see McKenna becoming one of her generation’s best actresses and recording artists if she continues to release this quality of music.  A-

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