Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of Sept. 23, 2023

 

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Welcome to the last Jake’s Take’s September 2023 New Music Reviews! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s this party started.

 

The Love Album: Off the Grid by Diddy

For the first time in 17 years, rapper and music producer Diddy dropped his solo album. He recruited a who’s who of pop, R&B, and hip-hop recording artists to join him on The Love Album: Off the Grid. I think Diddy overdid it with the featured recording artists (30), and it could be challenging for listeners to pay attention throughout the nearly 1 hour and 30-minute listening experience. There are several standout singles on the record, including “Another One of Me” (with French Montana, The Weeknd, and 21 Savage), the Justin Bieber-supported “Moments,” the H.E.R.-supported “Space,” and his moving (and at times tense) tribute to his longtime love, the late Kim Porter, which featured Babyface and John Legend. While The Love Album: Off the Grid showcases a plethora of Diddy’s superb abilities as a recording artist and producer, I hope that he learns that sometimes “less is more” and not recruit 30 featured artists for his next project. B- 

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Another One of Me,” “Moments,” “Space,” & “Kim Porter.”

 

Tension by Kylie Minogue 

Dance-pop music legend Kylie Minogue released her sixteenth studio album, Tension. The Australian music icon celebrated the synthpop world as she collaborated with songwriters Kamille, Jon Green, Duck Blackwell, and Richard Stannard on the bulk of the album. At the same time, the latter three produced a majority of Tension. The album also features “10 Out of 10,” a collaboration with Dutch DJ Oliver Heldens. While Tension has true highlights, including the title track and the epic worldwide smash hit “Padam Padam,” some songs sound either similar or redundant.  B-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Padam Padam,” “Hold On To Now,” “Tension,” & “Green Light.” 

 

Bluegrass by Willie Nelson 

Country music legend Willie Nelson dropped his seventy-fourth studio album! Bluegrass is the “Always on My Mind” singer-songwriter who infused bluegrass music into his classic tunes. Mr. Nelson and his team delivered an incredible masterpiece that will introduce a new generation to his music and satisfy his longtime superfans. A- 

Tracks to Download or Stream: “No Love Around,” “A Good Hearted Woman,” “Sad Songs and Waltzes,” “You Left Me a Long, Long Time Ago” & “On the Road Again.”

 

“Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star is Born)” by Barbra Streisand 

The legendary Barbra Streisand commemorates six decades as a part of the Columbia Records family. The label will release a special album highlighting songs from Ms. Streisand’s storied career. The first single was a 2023 mix of her classic “Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star is Born).” This mix perfectly highlights the “New York State of Mind” performer’s iconic vocals and will give listeners chills. A 

 

“Dance with Me” by Los Lonely Boys

Twenty years ago, the Los Lonely Boys captured the world with their iconic hit: “Heaven.” Recently, the trio – brothers vocalist Henry Garza, bassist and vocalist Jojo Garza, and drummer Ringo Garza – released “Dance with Me.” “Dance with Me” is a beautiful successor to “Heaven” and beautifully captures the group’s superb Tex-Mex rock music roots. B+

 

Artists to Watch:

 

Magnetic Muse Chapter 1 by Alyssa Rose Hunt 

Ontario, Canada, native Alyssa Rose Hunt harnesses multiple music genres for sound. Listeners would enjoy the blend of R&B, soul, blues, jazz, and pop. Her latest offering, Magnetic Muse Chapter 1, is the first album of a two-part experience that symbolizes the yin and yang of musical expression. Magnetic Music Chapter 1 is the yang chapter that uses bold and bombastic instrumentation and lyrics that explore the initiation of romantic pursuits. I believe that this album showcases Alyssa Rose Hunt’s star-making potential. B+ 

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Trapped in My Head,” “You,” “Muse,” & “Take Me.” 

 

“LOVE, SHINE” by Erene Mastrangeli 

Music critics have crowned singer-songwriter Erene Mastrangeli – the “Italian Joni Mitchell.” Her latest single, “LOVE, SHINE,” perfectly shows why she is among the heirs to the “Big Yellow Taxi” singer-songwriter legacy. The lyrics are haunting, and the superb instrumental arrangement makes this song a hopeful piece of ear candy. A  

 

 

“Hold Me” by J8ke 

Canadian singer-songwriter J8ke (Jake Robertson) dropped his new single: “Hold Me.” The song focuses on the lack of love and passion. As I listened to the track, I thought I heard shades of Eagle-Eye Cherry’s “Save Tonight” and was impressed with his ability to fuse alternative rock with reggae music. I cannot wait to listen to his next track. A- 

 

“ESCAPE!” by JoeJas 

Rapper and producer JoeJas is slowly gaining a following through music genre-blending and taking influences from jazz, hip-hop, punk & R&B music. His latest single, “ESCAPE!” focuses on not succumbing to peer pressure and being free to do your own thing. I loved the lyrics, while the jazz-esque background is an intriguing choice. I feel we will be hearing more from JoeJas in the future. B 

 

“Ugliest Girl on The Beach” by Kyle Gordon featuring Antonio Frankfurt

Comedian and musical artist Kyle Gordon is back! This time, he introduces a new character named Antonio Frankfurt, a German recording artist who emigrated with his family to Brazil in 1945. In the early 1960s, Antonio Frankfurt made a name for himself playing in nightclubs and bars in his hometown of Praia de Pipa. “Ugliest Girl On The Beach” is a hysterical bossa nova track that will make audiences laugh. I have a strong feeling that Kyle has the potential to be the ”Weird Al” of his generation. B+