Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of October 11, 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!

 

 

Happy Days by CelloVoci

CelloVoci dropped their debut album, Happy Days! CelloVoci comprises vocalists (and talent competition veterans) Branden James, Effie Passero, and cellist James Clark. Happy Days features the trio’s takes on iconic songs that range from the Great American Songbook and cinematic classics to adult contemporary music standards. The arrangements are gorgeous, and the mashups, such as the unexpected “Bésame Mucho / Hotel California” and A Great Big World’s “Say Something”/”Fall on Me,” will make listeners smile. Happy Days is a brilliant start to a new chapter for all three artists’ careers, and I hope music lovers can see them live when they visit their towns. A

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Happy Days Are Here Again/Get Happy,” “Bésame Mucho / Hotel California,” “Hallelujah,” “Say Something”/”Fall on Me” & “The Prayer.”

 

Moon Music by Coldplay

Coldplay released their tenth studio album; this time, the UK band sent their fans to the Moon. Moon Music features songs written by the “Clocks” band (Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion, and Chris Martin) and a plethora of superstar collaborators, including Brian Eno, Jacob Collier, Orlando le Fleming, and Nile Rodgers, while the Chainsmokers, Ilya, Oscar Holter, and the one and only Max Martin pulled double duty as they produced the album and co-wrote numerous songs. Moon Music showcases that Coldplay continues elevating its music while incorporating timeless melodies that make fans return for more. A+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Feels Like I’m Falling in Love,” “We Pray,” “Jupiter,” “Good Feelings,” “All My Love,” & “IAAM.”

 

Harlequin by Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga surprised fans when she dropped a jazz album to accompany the jukebox musical Joker: Folie a Deux. The Grammy and Oscar-winning singer will bring her version of Harley Quinn to the film. However, Gaga could not let Harley go, so this album was born. Variety reported that Harlequin is full of songs inspired by the iconic character. The “Shallow” singer-songwriter teamed up with frequent collaborators BloodPop and Jason Ruder, along with Benjamin Rice and legendary composer David Campbell, to find songs that her Harley Quinn could embody. Harlequin is a fantastic record and Lady Gaga is near the top of her game. A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Get Happy (2024),” “Oh, When the Saints,” “If My Friends Can See Me Now,” “The Joker,”& “Gonna Build a Mountain.”

 

 

“My World” by Calum Scott

Britain’s Got Talent champion Calum Scott dropped another single. The “You Are The Reason” singer co-wrote the song with Josh Record, Adrien Nookadu, and longtime collaborator Jon “MAGS” Maguire, who also co-produced the track with LVLS. “My World” is a splendid song with a lush string arrangement that accompanies Calum’s superb vocals.  B

 

“What a Girl Wants”  by Christina Aguilera featuring Sabrina Carpenter

Christina Aguilera celebrated the 25th anniversary of her self-titled album by releasing a Spotify Anniversaries Live album. One of the highlights was a duet of “What a Girl Wants” featuring Sabrina Carpenter. The collaboration was phenomenal thanks to the impeccable arrangement, the superb backing vocalists, and the impeccable vocals from the iconic performer and the up-and-coming superstar. A

 

 

 

“In My Dreams Tonight” by Jon Brennan

Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar friend and country music singer Jon Brennan released a new song! “In My Dreams Tonight” is a gorgeous song that would give fans chills. It is a beautiful song from start to finish, showcasing Jon’s strength as a songwriter and singer. A-

 

 

“Bad Valentine (Piano Diaries)” by Toby Gad featuring Angelina Jordan

Celebrated producer and songwriter Toby Gad collaborated with America’s Got Talent: The Champions standout and Republic Records recording artist Angelina Jordan for a new duet. The duo tackled “Bad Valentine” and I must say that this song is brilliant! Angelina’s Amy Winehouse-esque vocals hypnotize listeners as Toby’s piano arrangements will tug at their heartstrings. A-

 

Artists to Watch:

Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some of the artists that are ready to shake up the music world!

 

For Cryin Out Loud! By Finneas

Grammy and Oscar-winning songwriter and producer Finneas released his second solo studio album, For Cryin’ Out Loud. The “Bad Guy” songwriter recruited Aron Forbes, David Marinelli, Lucy Healy, Matthew Fidley, and Miles Morris to craft ten tracks. Thanks to superb instrumental arrangements and catchy lyrics, For Cryin’ Out Loud shows that the two-time Golden Globe-winning performer quickly becomes one of his generation’s masters of alternative and indie rock. A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Star******,” “What’s Going to Take to Break Your Heart,” “Little Window,” & “2001.”

 

My Way by Sydnie Christmas

2024 has been a breakout year for Sydnie Christmas. She auditioned for Britian’s Got Talent: Series 17, where her influential take on the Annie anthem “Tomorrow” won over Simon Cowell, received Amanda Holden’s Golden Buzzer, and began a path to eventually winning the show. Sydnie’s first studio album, My Way, features a collection of songs that features her takes on iconic songs from legendary musicals and the Top 40.  Sydnie’s superb vocal delivery showcases her potential as an international superstar, and I cannot wait to see what she does next. A

Tracks to Download: “My Way,” “Tomorrow,” “Believer,” “The Impossible Dream,” & “Starlight Express.”

 

 

“Must Be Nice (A.O.U.)“ by Lyfe Jennings

R&B sensation Lyfe Jennings wraps up this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. He is celebrating the twentieth anniversary of his breakout single: “Must Be Nice,“ which peaked at number five on Billboard’s US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop charts in 2004. The re-recorded “Must Be Nice (A.O.U.)“ contains haunting vocals that showcase his innate ability to tug at listeners’ heartstrings. It is a brilliant ballad! B+

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