By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
I am so excited to welcome everyone to the latest edition of New Music Releases!
We have a lot to get too…so let’s get this party started!
Smokey Robinson’s “Smokey & Friends” takes listeners all across the Motown icon’s fabled career featuring some of today’s most iconic recording artists. (Album cover property of The Verve Music Group)
Smokey & Friends by Smokey Robinson
The Motown icon gathered an A-list of singers to tackle some of soul music’s greatest tracks. Each of Mr. Robinson’s guests added a plethora of ingredients that made this album…my Album of the Week. Steven Tyler infused rock into “You Really Got A Hold On Me,” British songbird Jessie J added her sexy, dynamo vocals to “Crusin’” and the uncanny trio of Miguel, Aloe Blacc and JC Chasez would make the Temptations proud when they tackled the group’s signature song with the Kennedy Center Honoree. Smokey & Friends was stunning to listen to from beginning to end! A+
Tracks To Download: “Track of My Tears,” “You Really Got A Hold On Me,” “Crusin’,” “My Girl,” “Tears Of A Clown” & “Get Ready”
Testify by Caleb Johnson
What I admire about Caleb Johnson is that he released his post-American Idol debut album…three months after the finale! (Take notes on punctuality, Candice and P2). Now, Testify has some great moments as Caleb co-wrote seven out of 10 tracks (the Idol coronation song, “Sailing Away” and)…but it seems like the song structure is repeated more than once throughout the album. Caleb missed several opportunities to show off his tender side (see “I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing” and “The Edge of Glory” for examples). I hope that he has a chance to show off this in his sophomore album. B
Tracks to Download: “As Long As You Love Me,” “Sailing Away,” “Fighting Gravity” & “Devil’s Daughter”
Pre-Game by Diwon
DJ-producer Diwon released an impeccable instrumental album this week! All 19 tracks that are featured in on this record are superb. While I do miss hearing vocals in a bulk of the tracks, Diwon makes up for it by transporting listeners to different venues from trance clubs to places far away in their imagination. This album combines the best that Dancehall has to offer. A
Tracks to Download: “Slam,” “Yanu,” “Good Life,” “What To Do” & “Break of Death”
“I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” by Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
The second single off of Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga’s highly anticipated duet album continues to show that Cheek to Cheek is going to be an epic soundtrack! Gaga’s flirty vocals to her iconic duet partner will tie Little Monsters in delightful knots. In addition, the combination of the trumpet and organ helped the artists transport their listeners to a Jazz club in their primes. I cannot wait for this album. A-
Taylor Swift’s music video for “Shake It Off” already hit 5,000,000 views at the time of this article’s publishing! (Photo property of Big Machine Records)
“Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
Yesterday, Taylor Swift took the Internet by storm as she announced her first full-length pop album! 1989’s first single, “Shake It Off,” features Ms. Swift’s signature encouraging lyrics slick production from Max Martin & Shellback! I have a feeling this song is going to be dominating the charts worldwide soon! Congratulations, Ms. Swift! You are my Song of the Week! A
“The Big Knock” by Jaded Incorporated
What happens when you combine Mayer Hawthorne with rapper 14KT? You get the super duo: Jaded Incorporated! Their first single, “The Big Knock,” features smooth EDM/Dubstep sounds that will make listeners get down with their bad selves! I look forward to hearing their debut album. B+
Blake Shelton’s “Neon Light” shows that “The Voice” coach can bounce back after an album full of fillers. (Photo property of Warner Bros. Nashville)
“Neon Light” by Blake Shelton
You know it is almost time for The Voice to begin when its illustrious coaches release new music. First, Adam Levine and Maroon 5 released the first two singles off of their upcoming studio album: V. Now, the three-time winning coach and the other half of Shevine is releasing his first single. “Neon Light” is a nice and refreshing tune compared to a bulk of the filler that was in Based On A True Story. I hope we get to hear songs like “Neon Light” on this album. B
I do not own the clips that are featured in this article. They belong to the artists and their record labels.
