will.i.am’s fourth studio album featured dozens of recording artists and sick beats. (Album cover property of Interscope Records)
By: Jacob Elyachar
This week’s New Music Releases focuses on new albums from will.i.am, Fantasia, Michael Buble and Tate Stevens; plus, new singles from Watkin’s Empire, Cody Simpson & Sara Bareilles
#willpower by will.i.am
The Voice UK coach’s fourth studio is album is (finally) out. #willpower is a strong album that contains strong singles that are radio and club ready plus cameos from recording artists Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and Nicole Scherzinger. However, the only that listeners could have on this album is the Black Eyed Pea front man not acknowledging the true creators of the beat behind “Let’s Go” until today but otherwise it is one of his stronger albums. B
Tracks to Download: “#thatPOWER,” “Scream & Shout” & “Far Away from Home”
Fantasia’s “Side Effects of You” featured some impressive vocals and tracks from an A-list of singers and songwriters. (Album cover property of 19 Recordings and RCA Records)
Side Effects of You by Fantasia
Fantasia is back with her fourth studio album. This time around, the American Idol winner brought friends as Big K.R.I.T., Kelly Rowland and Missy Elliot make appearances on the album while L.A. Reid, Babyface, E. Kidd Bogart & Emeli Sande contributed tracks. Fantasia showed a mix of subdued and outstanding vocals that were sprinkled throughout the album and hopefully, she delivers more up-tempo tracks like “Get It Right” in her next album. B+
Tracks to Download: “Without Me,” “Get It Right” & “Lose To Win.”
To Be Loved by Michael Buble
Michael Buble’s latest studio album features a mix of brand new material plus covers of classic songs including Smokey Robinson’s “Who’s Lovin’ You” and the signature country standard “Have I Told You Lately that I Love You?” to the Bee Gees’ “To Love Somebody” to Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” Michael’s impeccable delivery of all of these tracks plus collaborations with Reese Witherspoon, Bryan Adams and the Puppini Sisters make To Be Loved a must listen for pop music fans. A-
Tracks to Download: “It’s A Beautiful Day,” “Who’s Lovin’ You,” “After All” & “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.”
Tate Stevens by Tate Stevens
The second X Factor USA’s winner’s debut album is an excellent toe-tapper that will put a smile on a listener’s face. Tate’s vocals will remind country music fans of Garth Brooks, George Strait and add a touch of Keith Urban’s musicianship. Tate has an impressive freshman album that could help him out in getting several American Country Awards and CMT Awards in the future. A-
Tracks to Download: “I Got This,” “Power of a Love Song, “ “El Camino” & “The Last Thing I Do.”
Watkin’s Empire’s latest single showcases why he is one of the most talented rising producers to watch out for in 2013. (Artwork cover property of Watkin’s Empire)
“Driftwood Bonfire” by Watkin’s Empire
I have been following Watkin’s Empire for the past two years and he continues to grow as a producer. “Driftwood Bonfire” is a robust instrumental track that shows off diverse beats and intriguing transitions. He has a bright future ahead of him and I, for one, cannot wait to hear his latest EP. A
You can listen to Watkin’s Empire’s “Driftwood Bonfire,” by clicking here: https://soundcloud.com/watkins-empire/driftwood-bonfire
“Pretty Brown Eyes” by Cody Simpson
The Australian singer released his latest single: “Pretty Brown Eyes” for the delight of screaming fan girls all over the world. Cody has grown as an artist, guitarist and rapper and it will be interesting to see how he continues his journey as an singer-songwriter. B
Sara Bareilles’ “Brave” is a great piece of ear candy that will put a smile on your face. (Album cover courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment)
“Brave” by Sara Bareilles
“Brave” is the first single off of Sara Bareilles’ fourth studio album. This song has great lyrics and a sturdy but elegant vocal from the former Sing-Off judge. “Brave” has a strong message and a good indicator of the things to expect from her latest release. A-
I do not own any of the clips that are featured in this article. They belong to the artists and their respective record labels.
