New Music Releases: Week of February 9, 2015

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Did everyone enjoy the Grammys?

While Sam Smith is still taking his victory lap for his four wins, New Music Releases marches forward with artists who might just shake things up at the 2016 Grammy Awards.

 

Face the Fire by Michelle Chamuel

One of Jake’s Take’s favorite Voice alums has dropped her first full-length studio album! The former Team Usher finalist crafted 10 phenomenal tracks with her co-writers and co-producers Tyler Duncan and Theo Katzman that will definitely keep the listeners interested. I really hope that radio stations across the country pay attention to this album, because it is full of gems that are worthy of airplay! Congrats, Michelle…Face the Fire is my Album of the Week! A+

Tracks to Download: “Face the Fire,” “Golden,” “Lottery,” “Weight of the World” & “Rock It”

Echo Blue by The Tulips

Los Angeles based psych-folk group The Tulips have released their latest record: Echo Blue. For this record, the sextet recorded all across LA including a historic hotel and a baroque church. The group successfully transported the listeners back in time to the mid-20^th Century, where glamorous Tinseltown finished ruling the entertainment industry and psychedelic music began to rise. The Tulips’ sound is very unique and has a place on the market place, but their challenge for the next album is “how do they top it?” I hope they figure out the answer to the riddle during their touring process. B+

Tracks to Download: “Scorpio Moon,” “Winter Winds,” “Beggar’s Alley” & “Feel Free”

 

A Quien Quiera Escuchar by Ricky Martin

It has been ages since we have heard from Ricky Martin! The last time, the Voice Australia & Voice Mexico coach released new material was 2011’s Musica + Alma + Sexo. For his tenth studio album, Mr. Martin returned to his Latin roots and unleashed 10 tracks of pure Latino delights. Although, it would have been nice to have some English-language songs on the album, Ricky’s suave vocals and the impeccable calypso arrangements that are sprinkled throughout this album make up for that factor. B

Tracks to Download: “Adios,” “La Mordidita” & “Cuanto Me Acuerdo de Ti”

50 Shades of Grey: The Motion Picture Soundtrack by Various Artists

While I have no desire to see this film, 50 Shades of Grey’s soundtrack is causing quite the stir. The first salvo came from a remix of Beyonce’s “Crazy In Love,” which is more seductive than her 2003 up-tempo original track. In addition, other acclaimed singers-songwriters such as Sia, Awolnation, Ellie Goulding, The Weeknd & Skylar Grey added their original compositions to the soundtrack. The album also incorporates several classic tracks including Annie Lennox’s mesmerizing cover of “I Put A Spell on You,” Frank Sinatra’s “Witchcraft” and The Rolling Stones’ “Beast of Burden.” All of the songs perfectly go with this film and I have a feeling that we are going to be hearing more quality tracks when 50 Shades Darker soundtrack is released. B+

Tracks to Download: “I Know You,” “Salted Wounded,” “I’m On Fire” & “Love Me Like You Do”

 

“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” by Jessie J & Sir Tom Jones

Last Sunday, two of the United Kingdom’s most recognizable voices reunited on the Grammys stage to pay homage to songwriting team: Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil. “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” is a very sacred song that talks about the downfall of a loveless couple. 18 years ago, Neil Diamond and Dolly Parton set the standard with their superb duet on Mr. Diamond’s Up On The Roof-Songs from the Brill Building. Both Ms. J and Sir Tom Jones’ high-octane collaboration not only surpassed the standard set by Ms. Parton and Mr. Diamond, but also successfully modernized the tune and united the generational gap. For that reason, Jessie J and Sir Tom Jones’s “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” is my Song of the Week! A+

“Blah” by Sydney Jo Jackson

For a long time, the word “Blah” meant boring and had a derogatory meaning that frustrated millions of parents around the world. However, Sydney Jo Jackson’s definition of “Blah” might mean, “hit.” The hypnotic EDM beat combined with Jackson’s intriguing lyrics would definitely entice to listen up. I predict big things are in Sydney’s future. A-

“Superman” by ENL1TE & Valerie Broussard

However, Sydney might have some competition in the trance department. Los Angeles-based beat maker ENL1TE teamed up with spellbinding rising singer Valerie Broussard to pay homage to the Man of Steel. The song’s lyrics will captivate the listener’s imagination as they could be easily transported to Metropolis. Broussard’s strong vocals and ENL1TE’s beats make a great combination and both of them could be the next Guetta and Sia. B+

All clips that are featured in the article properties of the artists and their respective record labels!