Welcome to the second April edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Editions. We have a lot of music to look over, so let’s get the party started!
HOMECOMING: The Live Album by Beyonce
Beyonce Knowles-Carter is the Queen of dropping surprise albums. On April 17, the “Freedom” singer-songwriter released HOMECOMING: The Live Album, which was a part of her headline-making 2018 Coachella appearance. She released the album at the same time she released the Netflix documentary. Thirty-eight tracks could be traced from her Destiny’s Child days to Lemonade. The Beyhive would be happy that Beyonce included cameo appearances from J Balvin, Jay-Z, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, and even Blue Ivy Carter. Also, Beyonce decided to add two more bonus tracks for fans. Those songs were a cover of Maze’s “Before I Let Go” and the Timbaland-produced “I Been On.” HOMECOMING: The Live Album raises the standard level of excellence for all recording artists wanting to record a live concert. Hopefully, we can get more albums like this in the future. Bravo, Beyonce! A+
Tracks to Download: “Mi Gente,” “Lose My Breath,” “Déjà vu,” “Get Me Bodied,” & “Before I Let Go.”
Lo-Fi Soul by Haley Reinhart
Haley Reinhart has one of my favorite voices from the millennial generation. Recently, she released fourth studio album: Lo-Fi Soul. This record is classic Haley! The American Idol alum and the F is for Family voice actress showcased her love of pop, rock, and jazz music on Lo-Fi Soul’s 13 tracks. I believe that Lo-Fi Soul allowed the “Better” singer-songwriter to expand her storytelling to another level of excellence. I cannot wait to see how the next chapter in Haley’s career develops. B+/A-
Tracks to Download: “Shook,” “Honey, There’s the Door,” “Broken Record,” & “Some Way Some How.”
Legendary Covers, Vol. 1 by Peter Hollens
Jake’s Take’s longtime friend Peter Hollens released his latest album: Legendary Covers, Vol. 1. Peter tackled 14 tracks represent some of the best songs from cinema, classic rock, and Top 40 radio. Legendary Covers, Vol. 1 showcases Peter’s strength as a producer and arranger. Listeners would get chills as they listen to his takes on the inspirational “You Raise Me Up,” his haunting duet with Tim Foust (“Sound of Silence”), and Phillip Phillips’ “Home.” Fans should keep an ear out for Tiffany Alvord, Tyler Ward, Lindsey Stirling, and Peter’s wife, Evynne, as they make cameos throughout the album. A-
Tracks to Download: “You Raise Me Up,” “Sound of Silence,” “Somewhere Out There,” “A Thousand Years,” & “The Prayer.”
Hurts 2B Human by P!nk
In 2017, P!nk released her best album of the decade, Beautiful Trauma. The record featured superbly crafted tracks such as “What About Us,” “Whatever You Want,” “Where We Go,” and “I Am Here.” Almost two years later, the “So What” singer-songwriter released her eighth album: Hurts 2B Human. In addition to her frequent collaborators such as Max Martin, Shellback, and Greg Kurstin, an all-star group of musicians and songwriters were recruited for this record. Fans need to keep their ears open for Beck, Imagine Dragons front man Dan Reynolds, and Teddy Geiger’s contributions. Also, P!nk collaborated with four distinct recording artists: Cash Cash (“Can We Pretend?”), Chris Stapleton (“Love Me Anyway”), Khalid (the title track), and Wrabel (“90 Days). Hurts 2B Human showcases a personal side of the high flying performer that will satisfy fans and music lovers. B+
Tracks to Download: “Hustle,” “Can We Pretend?” “Hurts 2B Human,” “& “Happy.”
“NOISE!” by Chris Mann
Chris Mann is making some “NOISE!” with his new single. I love that The Voice superstar alum and my fellow Kansan tackled an up-tempo track. “NOISE!” brilliantly blends Chris’ fantastic vocals with EDM. Many listeners might want to add this song into their workout playlists, because it will put you in a fantastic mood. B+
“Medellin” by Madonna & Maluma
The Queen of Pop revealed her latest alter ego (and the name of her fourteenth studio album): Madame X. Madonna teamed up with Columbian singer Maluma for her first new single in four years. “Medellin” is a hypnotic bilingual track that blends Latin pop with hip-house together in an interesting way. NME revealed that Madame X is expected to be released on June 14 and that her adventures in Portugal inspired this upcoming album. Madonna fans might need to listen to this song multiple times to adjust to the “Living for Love” performer’s new artistic styling. Madame X is going to be an interesting chapter in Madonna’s career. B-
“Anytime” by Mavis Staples
The outstanding Mavis Staples dropped her latest single, “Anytime,” which is a part of her upcoming fourteenth studio album: We Get By. Written by Ben Harper, “Anytime” showcases Ms. Staples at her finest vocally. At 79-years-old, the gospel music icon and Kennedy Center Honoree sounds better than artists half her age. I believe that “Anytime” sets the tone for another superb record from the music legend. The track also proves that the musical partnership between Ms. Staples and Ben Harper is probably one of the best duos of the 2010s. A-
Artists to Watch
Artists to Watch is Back! Here are several artists that Jake’s Take believes could shake up the music industry!
“Sicky Slip” by Eat the Evidence
London, England-based Eat the Evidence loves punk, reggae, and ska music. The band is made up of Jack Lattimer, Tom Lattimer, Ric Lygo, Joe Bartlett, and Rich Lichard. Eat the Evidence is gaining a reputation in the UK music festival circuit for its risqué songwriting that edges on observational comedy. “Sicky Slip” is based on their former roadie who injured during his line of work. While the song’s lyrics are interesting, the instrumental music is very good! I think Eat the Evidence could be an intriguing act to watch during the late 2019 and early 2020 music festivals. C+/B-
“Storm” by Rhymes Band featuring Summer Dennis
The Washington D.C. based soul-funk artists, Rhymes Band and Summer Dennis, have released a new single called “Storm.” This track is based upon recovering from a bad relationship and moving on with a new life. Summer Dennis’s voice will hypnotize listeners, while Rhymes Band showcased their sultry guitar licks. “Storm” is a sturdy single and hopefully, it will make its way towards the R&B charts. B+
“Almost Faded” by The Sweet Things
New York City-based rock band The Sweet Things released their new single: “Almost Faded.” The Sweet Things is made up of Dave Tierney (lead vocalist/rhythm guitar), Lorne Behrman (lead guitar/vocals), Sam Hariss (bass/vocals), and Darren Fried (drums/vocals). It was love at first listen for me when I listened to “Almost Faded.” It reminded me of “It’s Only Rock & Roll (But I Like It)” and “Old Time Rock’N’Roll.” The Sweet Things are going to take the rock world by storm, and I cannot wait to listen to their next piece of work. A-
“Heartbeat” by We’re No Gentlemen
Los Angeles-based alternative rock group We’re No Gentlemen round out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. We’re No Gentlemen is made up of front woman Amanda Gabel, bassist Daniele Boneddu, drummer Vince Gudino, and guitarists Dan Schiz and Nick Sword. Their single, “Heartbeat,” focuses on the lingering feelings someone has after leaving an abusive and manipulative relationship. Thanks to Gabel’s commanding voice, the track’s impeccable lyrics, and fantastic guitar work, “Heartbeat” could be an alternative chart smash. A
I don’t own any of the music videos that are sprinkled throughout the article. They belong to the recording artists and their respective record labels.
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