“Jake’s Take’s” latest new music review features Clark Beckham, Charlie Puth, Celine Dion, and Christina Aguilera. (Bitmoji property of Jake’s Take)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews is back! In this edition, I will look at new material from some of our favorite artists.
(Album cover property of Clark Beckham)
Year One by Clark Beckham
I have been waiting for years for new music from a friend of the blog, Clark Beckham. The American Idol alum recently released an EP, Year One. This five-song mixtape showcases Clark at his finest as a singer-songwriter. The songs are stunning including “I Need,” a spectacular five-minute song that features members of John Mayer’s band: drummer Steve Jordan, bassist Pino Palladino, and guitarist Isaiah Sharkey. This EP is a vocal master class performance that music aficionados should add to their music library! A
Tracks To Download: “Must Be Hard Being You,” “I Need,” “Sleep,” & “James and Natalie.”
(Album cover property of Warner Music Group and Artist Partner Group)
Voicenotes by Charlie Puth
Charlie Puth’s sophomore album, Voicenotes, has finally been released! The “We Don’t Talk Anymore” singer-songwriter went above and beyond with his latest record. He co-wrote the entire album and even produced it as well. Puth crafted some of the tunes with impeccable collaborators such as Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Hall & Oates, Ross Golan, DJ Frank E, Rami Yacoub, and Savan Kotecha. Also, he delivered outstanding collaborations with Kehlani (“Done For Me”), James Taylor (“Change”), and Boyz II Men (“If You Leave Me Now”). Voicenotes is a strong album that creates several potential singles and sets Puth up for a new chapter in his career. B+/A-
Tracks To Download: “The Way I Am,” “Done For Me,” “Change,” “How Long,” & “Attention.”
“Ashes” By Celine Dion
Deadpool 2 is coming out in a few weeks. Columbia Records, which will release the Deadpool 2 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) on May 18, gave fans a significant surprise when they released the first single. “Ashes” is sung by the one and only Celine Dion. When I first heard about this combination, I thought that “My Heart Will Go On” singer and Deadpool go together like peanut butter and pickles. However, Dion delivered a spectacular vocal performance that would give listeners chills. Also, Jake’s Take would like to give a special shout-out to The Voice: Season Nine champion Jordan Smith, Tedd T, Petey Martin, and producer Steve Mac for creating and producing this fantastic song. A-
(Album cover of Sony Music Entertainment)
“Twice” By Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera reached the second album of her highly anticipated album, Liberation. The song could remind longtime fans of “Beautiful,” “The Voice Within,” and “Bound to You.” “Twice” is a beautiful ballad that will haunt listeners and showcases Aguilera’s vulnerable side. B+
“Girls” by Rita Ora, Cardi B, Bebe Rexha, & Charli XCX
17 years ago, Christina Aguilera, P!nk, Mya, and Lil’ Kim made history when they recorded Labelle’s “Lady Marmalade” for Moulin’ Rouge. The song spent nine weeks at number one on Billboard’s Mainstream Top 40 chart. Recently, Rita Ora released a collaboration in the same vein with Cardi B, Bebe Rexha, and Charli XCX called “Girls.” I respect each of these women, but to be honest with you, it was a complete mess! D
I do not own any clips that are featured in this article. They belong to the artists and their respective record labels.
