By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and is ready for an impeccable holiday season!
This week, I looked into some of the biggest albums and hottest singles of winter.
Despite the departure of founding member Malcolm Young, the group returned with a brasher sound and catchy tracks that made everyone rock out. (Album cover property of Columbia Records)
Rock or Bust by AC/DC
One of the world’s most recognizable rock bands is back! The Australian rock legends AC/DC has released their 16th studio album that showcases some of the best material that both Angus and Malcolm Young has produced in the new millennium. While it does not feature founding member Malcolm, who had to withdraw from the group due to his battle with dementia and health problems…his nephew, the incredible Stevie Young took over and delivered superb riffs. As for Brian Johnson, his vocals continued to elevate the listener’s interest! Overall, this is one of the best Rock albums of the year! A-
Tracks to Download: “Rock or Bust,” “Play Ball,” “Rock The Blues Away,” “Dogs of War” & “Sweet Candy”
The London Sessions by Mary J. Blige
The Grammy-winning Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul traveled to London to capture the sound that she needed to record her latest studio album. Her collaborators, Sam Smith, Disclosure, Naughty Boy and Emeli Sande, represent the millennial generation and their creativity was evenly split into 12 superb tracks. Their influence also helped the “Be Without You” singer interpret the heavy lyrics and heart-wrenching melodies, which would stab the listeners’ hearts. B+
Tracks to Download: “Therapy,” “When You’re Gone,” “Right Now” & “Whole Damn Year”
This year’s “Britain’s Got Talent” winners made their stateside debut with a special edition of their debut album: “Stars.” (Album cover property of Syco Music)
Stars (Special Edition) by Collabro
Do you like musicals? Do you like boy bands? Then, you are in luck! This year’s Britain’s Got Talent winners, Collabro, have made their stateside debut with their debut album. While the guys showcase brilliant harmonies and prove that they are better singers than their X Factor UK big brothers (One Direction), it seems the song selection is hit or miss! Where’s “The Music of the Night”? “Circle of Life”? Or “For Good”? I understand their two Les Miserables covers and “Let It Go,” but the grade goes down for not including those three classics. Minus that…the guys have a great career ahead of them. B
Tracks to Download: “Let It Go,” “Stars,” “Secrets” & “Say Something”
“Time” by Mikky Ekko
One of the most in-demand singer-songwriters in the music industry is Mikky Ekko! After collaborating with Rihanna (“Stay”) two years ago, Mr. Ekko continues to be a breath of fresh air in the overcrowded pop music world. “Time” is a powerful track that would make its listeners think and the guitar licks will leave anyone in a trance. A-
Emily West released her cover of Sia’s “Chandelier.” Her spectacular version is my “Song of the Week.” (Album cover property of Sony Masterworks)
“Chandelier” by Emily West
I have been waiting for Emily West to release a full-length cover of Sia’s “Chandelier” since she performed the track on America’s Got Talent. This track is sublime from beginning to end. Emily’s vocal performance was impeccable and gave me chills. Congrats, Emily! “Chandelier” is my Song of the Week! A+
I do not own any of the video or audio clips that are sprinkled through the article, they belong to the artists and their respective record companies.
