The parody master unleashes his talents of some of the most recognizable songs of the 2010s. (Album cover property of RCA Records)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to this week’s New Music Releases!
Mandatory Fun by “Weird Al” Yankovic
Since the early 1980s, comedian-singer “Weird Al” Yankovic produced multiple parody albums! For Mandatory Fun, Mr. Yankovic turned the songs of Iggy Azalea, Lorde, Robin Thicke and Green Day on their heads into spectacular tunes that will make you smile! Each of these parodies are sharp, witty and will keep the attention of the listener! Make sure you take a listen to “NOW That’s What I Call Polka,” because it features a mixture of the hottest songs of the early 2010s. Congratulations on a successful album, Mr. Yankovic! A-
Tracks to Download: “Handy,” “Word Crimes,” “NOW That’s What I Call Polka” & “Tacky”
Bridges by Mary Sarah & Friends
My Album of the Week goes to Mary Sarah! At 18-years-old, Mary Sarah is not only living her dream, but also performing with some of country music’s elite artists! Her collaborations with Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Vince Gill and Big & Rich are superb pieces of ear candy! At a very young age, she mastered the art of storytelling and switching from slow-tempo and fast-tempo tracks. The future is bright with this young lady and I wish her nothing but the best! A+
Tracks to Download: “Jolene,” “Crazy,” “Texas (When I Die),” “Rose Garden” & “My Great Escape”
Usher & Nicki Minaj reunite for a sexy single: “She Came to Give It to You.” (Album cover property of RCA Records)
“She Came to Give It To You” by Usher featuring Nicki Minaj
The Voice coach’s vocals would remind longtime fans of the Confessions days. In addition, his vocals blend well with Nicki Minaj’s peppy and spunky beats. This was a worthy track for being a single for Usher’s upcoming studio album. A-
“No Mediocre” by T.I. featuring Iggy Azalea
One song that I think could challenge “She Came to Give It To You” on the Urban radio charts is “No Mediocre.” This is a solid collaboration between the Atlanta MC and his hot Australia protégé. The beats that they dropped will electrify the listener! B+
Paloma Faith transformed Diane Warren’s “Only Love Can Hurt Like This” into a beautiful piece of gold! (Album cover property of Sony Music Entertainment UK)
“Only Love Can Hurt Like This” by Paloma Faith
The English songbird rounds out this week’s edition of New Music Releases. Her third single (and my Song of the Week) off of her upcoming studio album, A Perfect Contradiction, is a brilliantly penned Diane Warren tune. Like Celine, Steven Tyler, Gloria Estefan and LeAnn Rimes before her, Paloma masterfully interprets Ms. Warren’s lyrics and uses her upper register to take listeners to heaven! A+
All videos that are featured in this article are not mine! They belong to the artists and their respective record companies.
