By: Jacob Elyachar
New Music Releases is back for another edition filled of exciting music!
In this edition, I will look at the new albums from Josh Groban and Tim McGraw plus new singles from Lady Antebellum, Fall Out Boy, Cee Lo Green and Prince.
Josh Groban’s sixth studio album features a mix of new material, covers and collaborations. (Album cover property of Warner Bros. Records)
All That Echoes by Josh Groban
For his sixth studio album, the Grammy-winning Operatic pop singer recorded 12 songs that are a mixture of originals including “Brave” and covers of variety of music categories including classic folk hymns, an Academy Award-winning song and one of Stevie Wonder’s greatest hits. In addition, keep an ear out for his collaborations with singer-songwriter Laura Pausini and celebrated Jazz trumpeter Arturo Sandoval. Overall, it is a great album that showcases Groban’s superb vocal range and strong musicianship. Grade: A-
Songs to Download: “Brave,” “Falling Slowly,” “E Ti Prometerro (feat. Laura Pausini)” & “I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever).”
Two Lanes of Freedom by Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw’s 12th studio album showcases the actor-singer’s acceleration move into country rock territory. For this album, McGraw picked an all-star group of songwriters and producers to produce an okay country album including the Warren Brothers, Tom Douglas and Jaren Johnson. While there are several good songs on album, the true highlight of the album has to be his collaboration with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban. Grade: B
Songs to Download: “One of Those Nights,” “Southern Girl” & “Highway Don’t Care.”
“Downtown” by Lady Antebellum
It is always a risk when a well-established group returns with a new single that showcases a brand new sound. Lady Antebellum’s risk paid off; as their new single “Downtown” is an upbeat piece of ear candy that will make their fans put the song on repeat. A
To watch the official lyric video, click here: http://youtu.be/D6S-0SbIVgs
Fall Out Boy ended their nearly four-year hiatus with their new single: “My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark (Light Em Up)” (Album cover property of Island Def Jam Music Group)
“My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark (Light Em Up)” by Fall Out Boy
This single marks the first piece of music that the Wilmette, Illinois-based rock band since their four-year hiatus. “My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark” showcases the band’s signature alternative rock sound and also features strong vocals from lead vocalist Patrick Stump. This author strongly believes that this single is a good indicator that Fall Out Boy’s fans are going to be happy this May when the band’s sixth album is released. A-
“Only You” by Cee Lo Green featuring Lauriana Mae
The former Voice coach has released his first single since leaving the hit NBC show. “Only You” is a classic R&B/Soul song that features Cee Lo’s superb velvety vocals and will re-introduce the beautiful and soulful Lauriana Mae to its listeners. This song is pure gold and it is one of the best R&B/Soul duets of 2013. A-
The Purple One’s “Screwdriver” features his signature sound and is one of the best songs that he released in the 2010s. (Album cover property of Purple Music)
“Screwdriver” by Prince
Prince’s “Screwdriver” is the Purple One at his finest. “Screwdriver” features catchy lyrics, impressive guitar licks and amazing vocals. Hopefully, Prince will release an album this year because he continues to amaze music lovers with his iconic sound and musicianship. A+
I do not own the music clips that are featured throughout the article. They belong to the artists and their respective record companies.
