Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of May 3, 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 music to unpack, so let’s start this party!

 

 

Clear Skies by ICYDAY

Jake’s Take friends ICYDAY finally dropped their debut studio album, Clear Skies. Sloane Morgan Siegel, David H. Bloom, and Isaac Cohen make up this Southern California-based trio. Clear Skies is a superb blend of pop and R&B music that will remind veteran music listeners of a combination of the Beach Boys, Gavin DeGraw, Green Day, and They Might Be Giants. Clear Skies is an excellent debut album, and I look forward to hearing more music from this trio in the future. A- 

Tracks to Download or Stream: “One More Song,” “Love Isn’t Fair,”  “Deserve Better,” “Where You Are,” & “Paint a Ghost.”

 

 

Muevense by Marc Anthony

On April 26, the legendary Marc Anthony dropped his fourteenth studio album, Muevense. The “I Need to Know” and “You Sang to Me” performer focused on classic tropical Latin music for this go-around. While many of his contemporaries focus on adding EDM and Reggaeton elements to their sound, Marc Anthony continues to expand on his legacy with superb brass and percussion arrangements that will make his fanbase dance. Also, watch for Pepe Aguilar as he appears on the Latin ballad “Ojalá Te Duela.”  B+ 

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Muevense,” “Si Te Enamoro,” “Malos,” “En la Distancia,” & “Ale Ale.”

 

 

Reasonable Woman by Sia

Singer-songwriter Sia is back! The “Titanium” and “Alive” performer dropped her latest studio album, Reasonable Woman. Sia reunited with her longtime collaborators Greg Kurstin and Jesse Shatkin and welcomed an all-star group of collaborators that ranged from millennial hit makers such as Benny Blanco, Cashmere Cat, Charlie Heat, and Labrinth to music legends such as Chaka Khan, Kylie Minogue, and Missy Elliott to her world. Reasonable Woman is one of Sia’s top albums that will empower its listeners as they glide into Sia’s realm. A

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Dance Alone,” “Gimme Love,” “I Forgive You,” “Fame Won’t Love You,” “Immortal Queen,”  & “Little Wing”

 

 

“Well Alright” by Johnny Cash

Thirty-one years ago, the late Johnny Cash recorded 11 songs at the LSI Studios. On June 28, Mercury Nashville will release this set of songs in the fifth posthumously studio album, Songwriter. “Well Alright” showcases the “I Walk the Line” performer at top form as he weaves an engaging story that will transport listeners to classic country music’s heyday. 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:

 

Funk Generation by Anitta

Brazilian singer Anitta is one of the top rising stars of the 2020s. She is earning praise for bringing Brazilian funk and Miami bass to the forefront. Her sixth studio album, Funk Generation, features an all-star group of collaborators that include Amy Allen, Amy Wadge, Diplo, Jason Evigan,  Jimmy Napes, and StarGate. Bad Gyal, Pedro Sampaio, and Sam Smith are featured artists in the album. Funk Generation is a bombastic album that showcases that Anitta is a triple threat.  She mastered English, Spanish, and Portuguese songs, and her production team helped Anitta create superb beats. Finally, a few singles could be on countless streaming playlists and “Best Of” lists as 2024 continues. A 

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Lose Ya Breath,” “Fria,” “Love in Common,” “Savage Funk,” “Puta Cara,” & “Ahi.”

 

 

Us by Bowen * Young

Actress-singer Clare Bowen (Nashville) and her husband, singer-songwriter Brandon Robert Young, released their debut album, Us. Bowen*Young collaborated with Americana songwriter and producer Sean McDonnell to create this superb record. The melodies are haunting, and their incredible harmonies create goosebump moments. Us is one of the best debut records of the year so far, and Bowen* Young will be one of 2024’s breakout vocal groups. A- 

 Tracks to Download or Stream: “Hair of the Dog,” “God Forbidden,” “Seven Days,” “Us,” & “Halo.”

 

 

Boy by Luke Hemmings

5SOS lead vocalist Luke Hemmings released his first solo extended play, Boy. The EP focuses on a moment in the  “Starting Line” singer-songwriter’s life where he questioned “everything about the world” and himself. Boy showcases how Luke Hemmings and his production team of Sammy Witte and Ellie Rizk are close to hitting the blockbuster superstar status in the music world. I am looking forward to seeing what Luke does next. B 

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Shakes,” “Close My Eyes,” & “Garden Life.”

 

 

“SOAR (Tom Martin Remix)” by Barbara Nadas

With roots in England and Hungary, Barbara Nadas is a rising singer-songwriter who has captured global attention with her song: “SOAR.” Following its success, Barbara and her team invited Tom Martin, who worked with Alesso, David Guetta, Tiesto, and Travis Barker, to remix the song. “SOAR (Tom Martin Remix)” brilliantly elevates the original song to another level of excellence and will inspire listeners around the globe. A 

 

 

“Doesn’t Matter” by Caroline Romano

Caroline Romano released a new song! The Nashville-based alternative pop artist teamed up with songwriter John Dyke to craft “Doesn’t Matter.” The song perfectly blends indie pop and alt-rock genres and enchants listeners. B+ 

 

 

“Kill the Love” by Emily Wolfe

Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Emily Wolfe dropped her latest single: “Kill the Love.” The anthem focuses on our current political divide. “Kill the Love’s” lyrics will hit listeners like gut punches and both Emily’s killer riffs and drum beats channels her anger so brilliantly. The song is one of the best politically charged pieces of music I have heard so far this year. A-

 

 

“Myself & I“ by TheFatRat featuring Riell

Gaming music legend TheFatRat rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. He teamed up with Canadian vocalist Riell to release an EDM banger: “Myself & I.” Riell’s beautiful vocal range will bewitch listeners. At the same time, TheFatRat’s trance-like beats will transport them into a fantasy world perfect for The Legend of Zelda or Middle Earth. B+ 

Please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel and my podcast!