Welcome to the latest installment of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! (Bitmoji property of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the final Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews of November 2024! We got a lot of music to unpack, so let’s start this party!
Reboot II introduces a new generation of fans to Brooks & Dunn while showcasing why the “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” duo should always be considered country royalty. (Album cover property of Sony Music Entertainment)
Reboot II by Brooks & Dunn
Country music super duo Brooks & Dunn released the second volume of Reboot. The “Neon Moon” performers recruited an all-star group of recording artists, including Halestorm, Hailey Whitters, Hardy, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, and Morgan Wallen, to revisit 18 of their classic songs. Reboot II introduces a new generation of fans to Brooks & Dunn while showcasing why the “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” duo should always be considered country royalty. B+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Play Something Country,” “Neon Moon,” “Ain’t Nothing ‘bout You,” & “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.”
As people listen to the soundtrack, I believe that the cast of Wicked added to the legacy that Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Norbert Leo Butz, Joel Grey, and the late Carole Shelley started building in 2003. (Album cover property of Republic Records)
Wicked: The Soundtrack by Various Artists
Today is the day fans of the iconic musical Wicked have waited for—the long-awaited first part of the movie adaptation is officially in theatres! Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and Jonathan Bailey have performed the monstrous task of transferring the iconic characters to the silver screen. I admit I had too high expectations for everyone involved with the production. As I listened to the soundtrack, I believe they added to the legacy that Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Norbert Leo Butz, Joel Grey, and the late Carole Shelley started building in 2003. Cynthia Erivo beautifully elevated “The Wizard and I” and “Defying Gravity” to new levels of excellence, while Ariana brilliantly mastered her version of “Popular.” I am looking forward to seeing the film. A
Tracks to Download or Stream: “The Wizard & I,” “Dancing Through Life,” “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” & “What is this Feeling?”
“Texas” by Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton dropped his first single from his new record label, Ten Point Productions. “Texas” marks the first single from the retired founding The Voice coach. It is a fabulous single from start to finish and celebrates the Lone Star’s state’s close ties with country music. B+
“I Adore You” by J Balvin, Ellie Goulding, HUGEL, Topic, Arash & Daeclom
Reggaeton superstar J Balvin and pop music superstar Ellie Goulding teamed up with French DJ HUGEL, German/Croatian DJ and producer Topic, Swedish artist Arash, and Southern African singer Daeclom for an irresistible international jam: “I Adore You.” All these artists are at the top of their respective games, and “I Adore You” is one of the best pieces of ear candy that I have devoured this year. A+
“Iced Coffee” by JoJo Siwa
After “Karma” became the talk of social media during 2024’s first half, JoJo Siwa dropped another much-anticipated single: “Iced Coffee.” This latest single is an impeccable piece of ear candy that will start another social media conversation and leave its listeners craving for an “iced coffee.” A-
Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some of the artists that are looking to shake up the music industry:
Bonfire by CIFIKA
Seoul-based recording artist CIFIKA is developing a supportive following on Spotify and social media. Recently, she was nominated for the Best Electronic Album at the 2024 Korean Popular Music Awards and won the Best Electronic Song category for “Hush.” Now, she dropped her latest album, Bonfire. The album combines several of CIFIKA’s favorite musical genres, such as electronic music, pop, and alternative folk. Bonfire is a superb array of songs that showcases CIFIKA’s potential to be Korea’s next big breakout star. A
Tracks to Download or Stream: “If I Could Be,” “Little Drama,” “Hand in Hand,” “Babes in the Wood,” “Selena,” & “Bonfire.”
“Falling Sideways” by Marla Mase
Brooklyn native, actress, and musician Marla Mase expects to release her latest album exclusively on vinyl in 2025. Her latest single is “Falling Sideways.” Music lovers would listen to the song “Falling Sideways,” which could be this generation’s “Tom’s Diner.” Marla superbly takes listeners from the fantastical diner world. “Falling Sideways” is a great start and shows what audiences can expect from this vinyl-exclusive record. B+
“All I Have” by Terra Renae
Kentucky native Terra Renae closes this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! Initially pursuing modeling and completing a doctoral degree, her life changed when she met Grammy winner Macy Gray, who took her on as her protégé. Terra’s latest single, “All I Have,” has been missing in pop music for ages. Her vocal performance reminds me so much of Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga, and Leona Lewis’s power-punch vocals. “All I Have” should be incorporated into today’s Top 40 and pop playlists. A+
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