Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of October 25, 2024

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

 Happy New Music Friday, everyone! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party!

 

It’s Officially Christmas: The Double Album by Dan + Shay

Powerhouse country music duo Dan + Shay surprised fans by releasing their first double Christmas album: It’s Officially Christmas. For years, the “Save Me the Trouble” duo have teased a holiday album and, on October 17, finally fulfilled their promise.  The first disc features treasured classics such as “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Have Yourself a Merry Christmas,” and “Silent Night” (where the duo gave fans chills with their A cappella take). Meanwhile, disc two features original songs that Dan + Shay co-penned. Their original Christmas tunes are some of the best holiday songs I have heard and would put anyone in a holiday mood. Bravo, guys! It’s Officially Christmas: The Double Album is one of the best Christmas albums I heard in years. A+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Have Yourself a Merry Christmas,” “Silent Night,” “Officially Christmas,” “Holiday Party,”& “Christmas Isn’t Christmas.”

 

The Epilogue by Dean Lewis

Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar friend Dean Lewis dropped his highly anticipated third studio album, The Epilogue. Dean assembled an impeccable group of co-writers whose line-up include Andy Grammer, Hayley Warner,  Jon Hume, Jon Levine, Nick Atkinson, and Sasha Alex Sloan, who also is a featured artist on “Rest.” Dean’s latest set of songs tug at listeners’ heartstrings and showcases his bright future as one of his generation’s top storytellers. A

 Tracks to Download or Stream: “Empire,” “All I Ever Wanted,” “Rest,” “I Still Do,” “Memories,” & “Trust Me Mate.”

 

The Gift of Love by Jennifer Hudson

EGOT entertainer and Emmy-nominated talk show host Jennifer Hudson released her first album in ten years. The Gift of Love is also her first-holiday record. An all-star group of collaborators helped Dreamgirls and Respect actress-singer assemble this album. Ryan Tedder executed produced the record, while David Foster, Greg Phillinganes, and Kirk Franklin assisted in the production process. South African quintet The Joy and Grammy winner Common appear respectively on “Carol on the Bells” and “Almost Christmas.” The Gift of Love brilliantly showcases Ms. Hudson’s passion for the holiday season and should be included on numerous holiday party playlists. A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Hallelujah,” “Carol of the Bells,” “O Holy Night,” “My Favorite Things,” & “Go Tell It On The Mountain.”

 

Tension II by Kylie Minogue

Pop music icon Kylie Minogue released the sequel to her 2023 hit album, Tension. The second part features songs that were co-penned with an impeccable group of songwriters such as Benjamin Kohn, Brett McLaughlin, Caroline Ailin, Sarah Hudson, and Steve Mac, while Lewis Thompson, Lostboy, Neave Applebaum, and TMS are some of the record’s co-producers. My main concern with Tension II is that three collaborations that feature guest artists such as “Edge of Saturday Night” (with the Blessed Madonna), “Midnight Ride” (with Orville Peck and Diplo), and “Dance Alone” (with Sia) are included. These tracks could have been left off the album, and three original duets should have been in their place.  Otherwise, Tension II is full of superb dance-pop tracks. B

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Lights Camera Action,” “Someone for Me,” “Diamonds,”&  “Dance to the Music.”

 

“Say Something (revisited)” / “Say Something (ukulele version)” by A Great Big World

A decade ago, A Great Big World (Ian Axel and Chad King) released one of the most haunting songs in modern pop music: “Say Something.” This song inspired an iconic collaboration with Christina Aguilera and the 2015 Grammy Award for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.”  To mark the song’s anniversary, Ian and Chad released two reimagined versions – a revisited version with acoustic guitar and a “Ukulele version,” which would leave anyone in tears.  Both versions of “Say Something” showcase Ian Axel and Chad King’s mastery of their craft and innate abilities to stir up powerful emotions among music lovers. A++

 

“Love Somebody” by Morgan Wallen

Country music superstar Morgan Wallen dropped his latest single: “Love Somebody.” He co-wrote the track with John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Ryan Vojtesak, and Elof Loelv, while Charlie Handsome and Joey Moi. The “Last Night” performer’s latest song showcases why he is looking for the perfect partner who is uninterested in the dollar signs. I love the Spanish guitar riffs that were sprinkled throughout the song. “Love Somebody” is a fabulous song from start to finish that will make fans listen to it repeatedly. A

 

Artists to Watch:

 

Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are a few artists that are shaking up the music industry.

Godspeed by The Blessed Madonna

The Blessed Madonna, Marea Stamper, first came on my radar when she remixed “Levitating,” which featured Dua Lipa, Madonna, and Missy Elliott. Now, the Chicago DJ and producer has released her first debut album. Godspeedfeatures a mixture of collaborators from across the music industry, including A-Trak, Clementine Douglas, Jacob Lusk, James Vincent McMorrow, and music legend Kylie Minogue. Godspeed is a splendid album that showcases the Blessed Madonna’s mastery of house music. B

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Somebody’s Daughter,” “Serotonin Moonbeams,” “Edge of Saturday Night,” & “Blessed Already.”

 

 

BECKER by SWMRS

Brothers Cole, Max, and Cade Becker are SWMRS. The Piedmont, California pop-punk trio released their second album as a trio, BECKER. The Becker Brothers superbly transport their listeners to southwestern California throughout the listening process. BECKER showcases the trio’s slick guitar arrangements and superb drumming from Wyatt Blair, who also produced the album. BECKER also has shades of American Idiot and could play a role in their generation’s shaping of pop-punk music. A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Brand New Lungs,” “California Wintertime,” “Rain on my Parade,” “Emo Kids,” & “Delongesong.”

 

“Do Me” by Darline Desca

Haiti’s Darline Desca has a massive social media following thanks to her 1.1 million Facebook and 1.3 million Instagram fans. The singer’s “Do Me” is a fantastic piece of ear candy that features superb Afrobeats production and irresistible vocals. B+

 

“Story of My Life (Nigerian Cover)” by Ejiyk

Nigerian musician Ejiyk rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. He paid homage to the late Liam Payne by performing “Story of My Life.” This was a beautiful acoustic take on the song and a powerful tribute to the “Strip That Down” singer-songwriter. B+

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