Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of Sept. 13, 2024

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Welcome to the first September 2024 edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We got a lot of music to unpack, so let’s start this party!

 

While We Wait 2 by Kehlani

Months after releasing her fourth studio album, CRASH, Kehlani decided to drop another mixtape. While We Wait 2, the sequel to her 2019 mixtape of the same name, follows the same formula as the “Good Life” singer-songwriter recruited rising collaborators such as featured artists Dixson, Flo, Lil’ Mo, Lucky Daye, and Vince Staples. AJ Tucci, Anthony Clemons, Jr., Jack Rochon, Darhyl Camper, Jr., and frequent collaborator Scribz Riley assisted Kehlani, Dixson, and Staples in the songwriting and production. Honestly, I wished that Kehlani dropped While We Wait 2 during 2025’s second quarter. That way, her fans and music lovers would have appreciated the mixtape more and not wash this off as an average record. C

Tracks to Download or Stream: “When He’s Not There,” “Clothes Off,” “Around,” & “Know Better.”  

 

 

Infinite Icon by Paris Hilton

Reality TV star and business mogul Paris Hilton has found a successful new chapter in the music industry. Since 2012, the socialite became a DJ and one of the most sought after performers to host and perform at various clubs worldwide. Infinite Icon is Paris’s first studio album in 18 albums and many listeners might agree that within three or four songs in that, Infinite Icon runs circles its self-titled predecessor. Megan Thee Stallion, Meghan Trainor, Rina Sawayama, and Sia appear on the album and assisted Paris with the songwriting process. Banx and Ranx, Emily Warren, Greg Kurstin, Jesse Shatkin, Kid Harpoon, and Ryan Trainor are some of the album’s high-profile collaborators. Congratulations, Paris! Infinite Icon is a beautiful record, and I know that several of these songs should be incorporated into various playlists in the years to come.  A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “I’m Free,” “Chasin’,” “Fame Won’t Love You,” “ADHD,” & “Legacy.”

 

90s Proof  by Straight No Chaser

Legendary A cappella group Straight No Chaser is taking their fans back to the 1990s as they bring their signature sound to seven songs. They tackled the bubble gum pop era hits such as Backstreet Boys’ “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” and Spice Girls’ “Wannabe” while exploring other genres such as alternative (Lisa Loeb’s “Stay (I Missed You)”), country rock (Tom Cochrane’s “Life is a Highway”), and Latin (Santana featuring the Product G&B’s “Maria Maria”). 90s Proof is a fun flashback ride that would take millennials, Gen X, and baby boomers to a simpler time. B+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back),” “Life is a Highway,” “Stay (I Missed You),” & “Wannabe.”

 

Telos by Zedd

DJ-producer-songwriter Zedd released a full-length studio album for the first time in nine years! Telos features ten new collaborations with performers from across the music industry. Zedd recruited musicians, including pop stars Bea Miller and Remi Wolf, EDM duo Grey, rockers John Mayer, Muse, and the late Jeff Buckley. Telos is filled with sturdy songs that could be featured in festivals, radio, and streaming playlists throughout this year and 2025. Telos showcases why Zedd is one of the world’s best producers and DJs; this album is the best EDM record of 2024. A+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Out of Time,” “Tangerine Rays,” “Shanti,” “Lucky,” “Dream Brother,” “Descensus,” & “Automatic Yes.”

 

 

“You’ll Be Okay, Kid” by Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato released a new single, “You’ll Be Okay, Kid.” The song accompanies her new documentary, Child Star. The former X Factor USA judge’s film will feature interviews with Drew Barrymore, JoJo Siwa, Raven-Symoné, and Kenan Thompson, who spoke about their experiences working in the entertainment industry at a young age. “You’ll Be Okay, Kid” is a powerful song that offers hope to current and former young performers.   B+ 

 

 

“Long Ride Home“ by John Morgan

Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar friend John Morgan released his latest single: “Long Ride Home.“ There is only one word to describe this song: perfection! The powerful country rock guitar arrangement, along with the superb songwriting, is pure gold! Bravo, John! A

 

 

“Dancing in the Flames” by the Weeknd

The Weeknd is back! The four-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter dropped his latest single, “Dancing in the Flames.” The “Blinding Lights” performer dropped another gem of a song and collaborated with Anton Tammi and Erik Henrikkson to release a new music video recorded on Apple’s latest iPhone 16 Pro. “Dancing in the Flames” sets the tone for the Weeknd’s latest studio album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, thanks to its hypnotic beats and the Weeknd’s superb voice. A-

 

Artists to Watch:

 

Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some of the artists that are looking to shake the music industry!

Cascades, Cascading, Cascadingly by Conner Youngblood

Nashville-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Conner Youngblood dropped his recent album. The musician has received praise from FLOOD Magazine, Pitchfork, and Under the Rader for his unique sound. His latest album, Cascades, Cascading, Cascadingly, is the sonar equivalent of a cinema masterpiece. From incorporating multiple languages such as Danish, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish to hypnotizing beats, Conner Youngblood’s latest record will send listeners on an emotional roller coaster ride. I am looking forward to hearing more music from Conner in the future.  A 

Tracks to Download or Stream: “From an Ocean, to a Lake,” “All They Want is Violence,”  “Blue Gatorade,” “Lampi,” “Oh, when I was in Love with You,” & “Reveille!”

 

Ten days by Fred Again

Fred Again (Fred Gibson) has become one of the top producers in the music industry thanks to his collaborations with Ed Sheeran, Little Mix, P!nk, and Stefflon Don. His latest album, Ten Days, is an intriguing mix of short commentary and EDM tracks. Established recording artists such as Anderson .Paak, Four Tet, the Japanese House, Skrillex, music legend Emmylou Harris, and up-and-comers Chika, Obongjayer, and Soak all appeared throughout the album. Ten days cements Fred Again as one of my generation’s top beatmakers and producers. I am glad that he is finally stepping into the spotlight. A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “adore u,” “ten,” “fearless,” “Places to Be,” & “glow.”

 

 

“Oakland, Pt. 2“ by Karri

Bay Area native Karri wraps up this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. The “Chasing U” performer’s latest single, “Oakland, Pt. 2“ is a melancholy tale that focuses on him moving on from an ex who has left town but still has feelings for her. B

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