By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome back to Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! Several significant music projects dropped since we were last together, so let’s get this party started!
A Very Backstreet Christmas by Backstreet Boys
The Backstreet Boys have released their very first-holiday album! AJ, Brian, Howie, Kevin, and Nick recorded 13 tracks of the quintet’s interpretations of 10 Christmas classics and three new songs. The Backstreet Boys co-wrote two of them: “Together” and “Happy Days,” with collaborators Darius Coleman, Taylor Hill, Tommy Brown, Tommy Parker, and Travis Sayles. Meanwhile, Gary Baker, Greg Barnhill, and Walt Aldridge provided the group with “Christmas in New York.” A Very Backstreet Christmas is a strong holiday record, and I could hear several of these songs on several holiday party playlists this year. B
Tracks to Download or Stream: “White Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Last Christmas,” “Christmas in New York,” & “Happy Days.”
CHARLIE by Charlie Puth
Charlie Puth’s third full-length studio album, CHARLIE, is finally out! The “Left Right Left” singer-songwriter produced this entire project but co-crafted songs with Voicenotes collaborator Jacob Kasher Hindlin and newcomer Jake Torrey. While his previous albums featured multiple notable guest artists such as Boyz II Men, James Taylor, Meghan Trainor, and Selena Gomez, BTS member Jungkook, featured on “Left and Right,” was the only guest invited to the party. On various publicity engagements, the “We Don’t Talk Anymore” performer revealed that CHARLIE resulted from him throwing out the original record. I am grateful that Charlie Puth trusted his gut instincts, as CHARLIE is an outstanding record! A
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Light Switch,” “Smell Like Me,” “Left and Right,” “Loser,” “When You’re Sad I’m Sad,” “Tears On My Piano,” & “I Don’t Think That I Like Her.”
Be Still my Soul by Collabro
Eight years ago, I watched one of the unique music acts – a musical theatre boyband called Collabro – win Britain’s Got Talent: Series Eight. I have watched as Jamie Lambert, Michael Auger, Matt Pagan, and Thomas Redgrave built a massive following worldwide with their fantastic interpretations of musical theatre and the pop world’s beloved songs. Sadly, the quartet announced that Be Still My Soul would be their final album. For their last effort, Collabro tackled classic folk songs, hymns, and other classic pop culture tunes. The vocal arrangements showcased how each member grew vocally and how much their signature vocal harmonies garnered the praise of Collaborators and music lovers worldwide. Gentlemen, thank you for the happiness, and global community Collabro has created over the past eight years. Thank you for visiting my platform on three unique occasions! Most importantly, thank you for the music! Good luck with the following chapters of your respective careers, Jamie, Matt, Michael, and Thomas! A+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Abide with Me,” “Amazing Grace,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Let the River Run,” “Tears in Heaven,” & “Be Still My Soul.”
Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are three recording artists that you need to keep an eye on as they could potentially shake up the music industry.
Here Between by Eric Bolton
Cambridge, Ontario native Eric Bolton released his debut studio album: Here Between. When the E-Bolt Music owner kicks off the album with “World of Dreams,” fans would be in awe of his voice, which has shades of Bruce Springsteen and the late Chris Cornell. Rock music enthusiasts would be impressed with the instrumental arrangements throughout the album. Most of Here Between’s songs feature jam breaks that inspire the listeners. Here Between is an excellent debut record, and I look forward to hearing more from Eric in years to come. B+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “World of Dreams,” “Hello, Angels,” “The Way,” “Before You Wake,” & “Tears of the Sky.”
Jeanick Fournier by Jeanick Fournier
Earlier this year, singer Jeanick Fournier became an international household name when she performed a powerful cover of Celine Dion’s “I Surrender” on Canada’s Got Talent. Not only did she receive host Lindsay Ell’s Golden Buzzer, but she began a journey that took her to become the show’s sophomore season winner. Her self-titled debut album is a joy to listen to from start to finish. The record features duets with Ell (“Paris”) and Maxime Landry (“Tous les cris, les S.O.S.”). Jeanick delivered a solid debut that showcased her dynamo voice. I cannot wait to see what she does next. B+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “I Surrender,” “I’m Outta Love,” “Beautiful Goodbye,” & “All Throughout the Night.”
Ego: playlist I by VeeAlwaysHere
Los Angeles-based producer, songwriter, and recording artist VeeAlwaysHere rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. On September 30, VeeAlwaysHere dropped his latest album, Ego: playlist I. The album showcases VeeAlwaysHere’s potential to dominate the music industry. He has created impeccable tracks such as “other side” and “omw” that remind me of Justin Bieber, Post Malone, and the Weeknd’s early material. I could also see him becoming another Andrew Watt or FINNEAS as he continues the road to becoming a record producer. A-
Tracks to Download or Stream: “We are,” “other side,” “get away,” “maybe,” & “ego.”
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