Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of March 15, 2024

Welcome to the latest edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews of 2024!

 

Eternal sunshine by Ariana Grande

It has been 11 years since Ariana Grande dropped her debut studio album, Yours Truly. Since then, the recording artist and Nickelodeon alum has become one of the world’s biggest stars. However, her personal life has made headlines, including her broken engagement with Pete Davidson and alleged affair with Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, which allegedly shattered both of their respective families. When I first heard that she would drop Eternal sunshine, her seventh studio album, I believed she would address some of these stories in her music. With the help of veteran collaborators Max Martin and Ilya, along with newcomers Oscar Gorres and David Park, the “thank u, next” singer-songwriter delivers one of her strongest albums in years. I also believe that she superbly took her pain and transformed it into potential chart-topping hits. B/B+ 

Tracks to Download or Stream: “bye,” “don’t wanna break up again,” “supernatural,” “the boy is mine,” & “yes, and ?”

 

Saviors by Green Day 

In January, Green Day released its fourteenth studio album, Saviors. Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tre Cool reunited with longtime producer Rob Cavallo to craft 15 tracks focusing on current events surrounding our society. From calling out conspiracy theories on the opening track “The American Dream is Killing Me” to people constantly finding themselves in trouble in “Dilemma,” Billie Joe Armstrong’s strong lyrics continue to make listeners think. Saviors is also a solid callback to some of the band’s defining albums, including 1994’s Dookie and 2004’s American Idiot. As always, Green Day delivers a sturdy record containing tunes to inspire the next generation of fans. A- 

Tracks to Download or Stream: “The American Dream is Killing Me,” “Dilemma,” “One Eyed Bastard,” “Corvette Summer,” &  “Look Ma, No Brains!”

 

Djesse, Vol. 4 by Jacob Collier

Jacob Collier ended an era in his musical career as he released the fourth and final volume of Djesse, which he starred in 2018. The final volume features an all-star group of collaborators. Brandi Carlile, Chris Martin, John Legend, John Mayer, Kirk Franklin, Lawrence, Michael McDonald, Shawn Mendes, Stormzy, and Tori Kelly appear on this album. At the same time, Remi Wolf, Scott Harris, and Willow Smith assisted with the writing process. Djesse, Vol. 4 cements Jacob Collier as one of the millennial generation’s best musicians, songwriters, and arrangers as he takes listeners on a global trip across numerous musical genres across multiple continents. Bravo! A+ 

Tracks to Download or Stream: “100,000 Voices,” “She Put Sunshine,” “Little Blue,” “Wherever I Go,” “A Rock Somewhere,” “Witness Me,” & “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

 

Visions by Norah Jones

Nine-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Norah Jones dropped her ninth studio album, Visions. The “Don’t Know Why” singer-songwriter collaborated with Pete Remm, Homer Steinwess, and Leon Michels, who also produced the record, to craft the 12 tracks. Visions showcase Ms. Jones’ innate ability to elevate blues and jazz musical genres to modern-day audiences. Several of the songs, such as “Running” and “I Just Wanna Dance,” could put listeners in a hypnotic trance, while “I’m Awake” rejuvenates them thanks to the combination of the piano and guitar riffs. B 

Tracks to Download or Stream: “I’m Awake,” “Staring at the Wall,” “Running,” & “I Just Wanna Dance.”

 

 

“Teardrops” by Liam Payne 

Over the past few years, Liam Payne has searched for a sound to help him stand out in the music industry. While he had success with “Strip That Down,” “Polaroid,” and “Familiar,” “Teardrops,” his latest single (written by Jamie Scott and JC Chasez) could dominate the pop/R&B scene for years to come. The song reminds me of the late 1990s and early 2000s battle of the boybands. Congratulations, Liam! “Teardrops” is a pure music touchdown! A 

 

 

“Doctor (Work It Out)” by Pharrell Williams & Miley Cyrus 

Former Voice coaches Pharrell Williams and Miley Cyrus reunited to record a new song for the first time in nearly a decade. The duo recruited Michael Pollack, and the trio wrote “Doctor (Work It Out).” Pharrell’s suave production elevates Miley’s superb vocals to excellence. “Doctor (Work It Out)” is a superb dance-pop jam, and I could see the potential of the single being one of the early frontrunners in the “Top Songs of 2024” playlist. A+ 

 

 

“Powerful Women” by Pitbull & Dolly Parton 

I never thought I would see Mr. 305 and the Queen of Country Music collaborate. Rapper Pitbull infused Dolly’s classic “9 to 5” into a new single: “Powerful Women.” While I initially laughed when I first heard the song, I thought it was an intriguing mash-up of country music, EDM, and Reggaeton. B

 

 

Artists to Watch:

Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some of the recording artists that you need to keep your eyes on: 

 

 

“Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone 

Singer-songwriter Benson Boone has built a massive following thanks to his American Idol appearance and TikTok exposure. The Monroe, Washington native released “Beautiful Things,” a folk and pop rock anthem exploding across multiple music charts and streaming playlists. He co-wrote the track with Jack LaFrantz and Evan Blair, who also produced the track. Benson’s lyrics and powerful vocals deliver powerful punches, and just like several Got Talent and Idol judges, I believe that “Beautiful Things” has changed Benson’s life for the better. A+ 

 

 

“Walk Like This” by FLO

UK-based girl group FLO released their latest single: “Walk Like This.” Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma, and Renee Downer make up this London-based trio. The girls are a BRIT Award-winning trio, and Brandy, Kelly Rowland, and Missy Elliott are fans. “Walk Like This” is a superb R&B jam that reminds me so much of the classic Destiny’s Child and TLC music that I grew up in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The addictive baseline and their spellbinding harmonies would make listeners smile. A  

 

 

“Trying” by Major Myjah 

Los Angeles-based songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Major Myjah released his latest single: “Trying.” Major produced this track with Deion Gill, which mixes trap soul and Indie R&B with satisfactory results. B

 

 

“Godless” by Nikitaa 

India-born and Los Angeles-raised Nikitaa’s music has been featured in various media outlets such as Rolling Stone India, Radio One India, and Ones to Watch. When I listened to their latest single: “Godless,” I was blown away by her voice, which reminded me of the first time I listened to Ariana Grande’s “The Way” a decade ago. “Godless” is an empowering anthem that inspires listeners to find their self-worth and break free from toxic relationships. A

 

 

“Goosebump Moment” by N’Kenge

New York City-based vocalist N’Kenge has a five-octave voice and can sing in 11 languages. She also performed for numerous Presidents and dignitaries around the world. N’Kenge released a power-pop anthem: “Goosebump Moment.” N’Kenge produced the song with Cris Willis and Andre Danek and wrote the tune with six-time BMI Award winner Preston Glass and his brother, Alan. “Goosebump Moment” is a hypnotic global pop anthem that will make listeners dance thanks to N’Kenge’s hypnotic voice and catchy chorus. “Goosebump Moment” could be a strong contender for being a fantastic addition to spring and summer music playlists. A- 

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