By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the very first July 2015 edition of New Music Releases!
I have a lot of music to get to…so let’s get this party started.
The X Ambassadors’ debut studio album, “VHS” is “Jake’s Take’s” Album of the Week! (Album cover property of KIDinaKORNER & Interscope Records)
VHS by X Ambassadors
The New York-based Alternative band X Ambassadors kicks off New Music Releases. After releasing two EPs on super producer Alex da Kid’s label: KIDinaKORNER, which is part of the Interscope Records family, brothers Sam and Casey Harris and their bandmates Noah Feldshuh and Adam Levin released their epic debut album: VHS. Throughout the 20 tracks, the quartet combined music and sketches that will intrigue music lovers’ interests. Like both Alabama Shakes and the Mowgli’s, X Ambassadors have perfectly carved out their own niche through tracks that will take their listeners on an emotional roller coaster. Between Alex da Kid’s brilliant mentorship and collaborations with fellow KIDinaKORNER labelmates Imagine Dragons and Jamie N Commons, X Ambassadors’ first full-length studio album is a joy to listen to and deserve to receive some brass from the music industry. Congratulations guys! VHS is my Album of the Week! A+
Tracks to Download: “Renegades,” “Fear,” “Gorgeous,” “Unsteady,” & “Jungle”
Mobile Orchestra by Owl City
Owl City frontman Adam Young’s recent music has polarized many listeners. Either they love it or hate it. For his fifth studio album, the Electropop musician recruited a diverse group of artists such as Aloe Blacc, Hanson, Jake Owen and Britt Nicole for an intriguing collection of tracks. While it is personal than his past couple of albums, there are some tracks that felt like it was listening to rejected B-side tracks. However, what saves Mobile Orchestra from flunking out of music school, is the variety of his lyrics that would make 90s kids crave for the old days to giving hope to the troubled kids. B-
Tracks to Download: “Verge,” “My Everything,” “Unbelievable” & “You’re Not Alone”
Singer-songwriter Mike Posner’s revealing EP: “The Truth” will give fans chills. (Album cover property of Island Records)
The Truth by Mike Posner
One singer-songwriter that I kept my eye on over the past couple of years is Mike Posner. He has co-written a bunch of hits such as Justin Bieber’s “Boyfriend,” Austin Mahone’s “Say Somethin,” Olly Murs’ “Nothing Without You” and Maroon 5’s “Sugar.” He also worked on multiple tracks with songwriting royalty such as Benny Blanco, Greg Kurstin and Teddy Riley. For his latest work, The Truth, Mike Posner poured his soul out to his fans over the four tracks. Each track’s lyrics stabbed and broke my heart. I am so glad that Mr. Posner relied on acoustic and honest approach in this chapter of his music career. Congratulations, Mr. Posner! You earned a lifelong fan in me. A
Tracks to Download: “I Took a Pill in Ibiza,” “Buried in Detroit,” “Not That Simple” & “Be As You Are”
The Heydaze by The Heydaze
The last time I heard from The Heydaze was over a year ago, when they had A Conversation with me. What a difference a year has made, the trio became a quartet when Jesse and the two Andrews welcomed Tyler Matte into their group. The New York-based group has continued to release quality toe tapping, smile wearing music that guarantees their future chart-topping success. With their sound stronger than ever and a cameo on Sirius XM’s Hits, the Heydaze continue to blossom right before fans eyes and I cannot wait to see what the quartet has in store for music lovers next time. B+
Tracks to Download: “Dumb,” “Abc” & “Headlights”
Ms. Lauryn Hill, Usher & Mary J. Blige were among the artists that played tribute to the late and great Ms. Nina Simone (Album cover property of RCA Records)
Nina Revisited…. A Tribute to Nina Simone by Various Artists
One of the greatest Soul singers of all-time is Nina Simone. The 15-time Grammy-nominated artist was a groundbreaking legend whose voice made everyone in the music industry tremble. 12 years after her death, some of the most recognizable voices in the world came together to pay homage to Ms. Simone. While Usher, Jazmine Sullivan and Mary J. Blige delivered on their tributes…the real star of the album was Ms. Lauryn Hill! The “That Thing” singer brilliantly interpreted SIX of Ms. Simone’s classics and would have made the “I Put A Spell On You” singer very proud. A
Tracks to Download: “Feeling Good,” “My Baby Just Cares for Me,” “Wild Is the Wind” & “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”
“No Sleeep” marked Janet Jackson’s return to the music world. (Album cover property of Rhythm Nation Records & BMG)
“No Sleeep” by Janet Jackson
Ok! I admit…I am a little late to the party, but I am so happy to say: “Welcome back to the Music World, Janet Jackson!” The Queen of Pop’s first single off of her upcoming studio album showcases Ms. Jackson at her finest. The “Feedback” singer reunited with her songwriting creative team, James “Jimmy Jam” Harris III and Terry Lewis, the men behind some of Janet’s biggest hits such as “That’s The Way Love Goes,” “Together Again,” “Doesn’t Really Matter” and “All For You” to create a track that not only satisfied mega fans, but also introduced the music icon to another generation. Between Janet’s sultry vocals and the Jimmy Jam-Terry Lewis signature R&B sound, “No Sleeep” is a sturdy single that will rock the music world to its core. A
“Hold On Forever” by Rob Thomas
I cannot believe that it has been six years since Rob Thomas has released new material! His latest single, “Hold On Forever,” will not only give fans chills, but also it will also put a guaranteed smile on music lovers’ faces. Congrats, Mr. Thomas! “Hold On Forever” is my Song of the Week! A+
“Morning Sun” by Robin Thicke
In all honesty, I was very hesitant to purchase this song from Robin Thicke. First of all, Paula made him sound desperate and it really made me an anti-Robin fan. However, I have to say that “Morning Sun” is a superb comeback song that will make the fans of the “Blurred Lines” singer-songwriter rally behind him to get into the studio and create quality material! B
I do not own the clips that are featured in this article. They belong to the artists & their respective record labels.
