The ladies of Fifth Harmony finally dropped their debut album today! Was it worth the wait? (Album cover property of SYCO Records & Epic Records)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to another exciting edition of New Music Releases!
This week, I am taking a look at the latest material from Bob Dylan, a couple of fan-favorite bands and two new artists that are going to rock the music scene.
Reflection by Fifth Harmony
Three years ago, Fifth Harmony placed in the Top Three of the now-defunct X Factor USA. We have patiently waited for the group to release a full-length studio album! Unlike Melanie Amaro, who only released a couple of singles after winning the show, the girls finally released their debut record! Reflection is a great reward for Harmonizers, because it shows how much talent the group has. In addition, I want to give props to the group’s A-list collaborators: Jacob Kasher, Julian Bunett, Tyga, Meghan Trainor, Kid Ink and Harvey Mason, Jr. for taking a chance on them. Congrats, ladies on an impeccable debut! B+
Tracks to Download: “Sledgehammer,” “Worth It,” “Them Girls Be Like” & “This Is How We Roll”
Shadows in the Night by Bob Dylan
One of music’s greatest pioneers is back with a new studio album! For his 36th full-length record, Bob Dylan, paid homage to the Chairman of the Board! Mr. Dylan delivered raw vocal performances throughout the album. But, even though he sang well…I could not connect with the songs. I wished that the “Blowin’ in the Wind” singer chose better tracks from Mr. Sinatra’s vast library. It would have been interesting to hear his take on “New York, New York” & “Bewitched,” but we have to the C-tracks. C
Tracks to Download: “Stay With Me,” “Full Moon & Empty Arms” & “That Lucky Old Sun”
Sons of Serendip’s fans will not be disappointed with the quartet’s debut album. (Album cover property of Shef Reynolds & Artistic design by Creative Me’s Aaron Perry)
Sons of Serendip by Sons of Serendip
The Sons of Serendip is one of my favorite bands that ever appeared on America’s Got Talent. When I talked to the group last month, they were ecstatic to release their debut album. Their self-titled album features tracks that the group performed on the Radio City Music Hall stage and their takes on their iconic classics such as “Hallelujah,” “I Can’t Make You Love Me” & “How Will I Know.” The group successfully transformed each song and made it their own! In addition, this group has a strong career ahead of them! Congrats, Sons of Serendip! Your debut album is my Album of the Week! A+
Tracks to Download: “Wicked Game,” “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” “Bring Me to Life,” “Hallelujah” & “Ordinary World”
“Reign” by The New Tarot
New York alt-rock band The New Tarot recently released their latest single off of their upcoming album: Indie Shuffle! “Reign” transports its listeners to another plane of existence! At that plane, The New Tarot’s hypnotic synthesizers and psychedelic flair will leave its fans in a trance that they would not want to get out of. If you are looking for a place to explore new music…check this track out! B+
“I’m Good” by The Mowgli’s
It has been a while since my favorite Alternative rock band released new material! Luckily, The Mowgli’s are back in action and have released their second single off of their upcoming album: Kids in Love! No matter if you are on Cloud Nine or had a bad day, the band’s powerful lyrics and upbeat arrangement will put a smile on your face! Congrats The Mowgli’s! “I’m Good” is my Song of the Week! A+
“Stay With Me” by Chris Batson
It is very rare that I review remixes on Jake’s Take. However, Chris Batson’s remix of Sam Smith’s iconic Grammy-nominated hit: “Stay With Me,” is an exception to the rule. The track combines multiple musical genres including Hip-hop, gospel and techno soul into one superb track. It is an interesting remix to say the least and I think that Chris has a bright future ahead of him. B+
I do not own the clips featured in this article. They belong to the artists and their respective record labels.
