Harry Connick, Jr. proves why he is one of the best Jazz artists in the music industry with his seventeenth vocal album. (Album cover courtesy of Columbia Records)
By: Jacob Elyachar
This week’s edition of New Music Releases focuses on new albums from Harry Connick, Jr., the Lonely Island and Big Time Rush. Plus, I have some hot singles from Mike Posner, Blake Shelton and Kosha Dillz.
Every Man Should Know by Harry Connick, Jr.
The New Orleans actor-crooner is back with his seventeenth vocal album. Every Man Should Know is this year’s best Jazz album so far because of his incredible vocal and instrumental arrangements that were sprinkled throughout the album. If listeners close their eyes while playing this album, they will be instantly transported either an elegant ball (“Every Man Should Know”), a church (“Friend (Goin’ Home)”) and of course New Orleans (“S’pposed to Be”). Jazz fans and music aficionados should grab this album. You will be happy that you did. A-
Songs to Download: “Every Man Should Know,” “Greatest Love Story,” “One Fine Thing” & “Friend (Goin’ Home).”
The Wack Album by The Lonely Island
Lonely Island’s 20 tracks features some of the best comedy-rap material that this trio has produced so far in their careers. Their raps may be crude but they always make everyone laugh. In addition, keep an ear out for Adam Levine, Solange, Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga and Hugh Jackman, who make vocal cameos throughout the album. B
Songs to Download: “Semicolon,” “Yolo” & “3-Way (The Golden Rule)”
Big Time Rush’s third studio album showcases the band’s growth and represents bubblegum pop at its finest. (Album cover courtesy of Nick Records & Columbia Records)
24/seven by Big Time Rush
Nickelodeon’s rising pop rock quartet released their third studio album. This is bubblegum pop rock at its finest. This 15-track album definitely features catchy songs and intriguing collaborations with Karmin and Jake Miller. Props should go to the group for actually participating in the song writing process because there are certain groups that actually participate in this crucial process. Top 40 radio stations should be playing several tracks off this album sometime during the latter weeks of summer because a lot of Big Time Rush fans will need a dose of BTR to cool off. B+
Songs to Download: “24/seven,” “Get Up,” “Song for You” & “Like Nobody’s Around.”
“The Way It Used to Be” by Mike Posner
Mike Posner’s new single: “The Way It Used to Be” is an honest track and could be the male counter to “The One That Got Away.” Posner is a great lyricist and this is one of his strongest tracks that I have listened so far this summer and I hope that his sophomore album kicks butt. A
While Blake Shelton’s “Boys ‘Round Here” is a good remix, there are a couple of lyrics that might confuse the listener. (Album cover property of Warner Bros. Records)
“Boys ‘Round Here (Celebrity Remix) ” by Blake Shelton & Friends
This was an interesting remix as it featured multiple country icons including Reba, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan and Brad Paisley. While the red neck verses of the song might be confusing, it is still an interesting listening experience. B
“Hangin’ Out” by Kosha Dillz
One of my favorite rappers that is currently on my playlist is the one and only Kosha Dillz. His latest single: “Hangin’ Out” has a great beat and superb rap lyrics. Kosha is a great diamond in the rough and can actually out rap many rappers that are currently nestled in the Top 40. A
I do not own any clips that are featured in this article. They belong to the artists and their respective record labels.
