LeAnn Rimes opens up with her fiery and passionate “Spitfire” studio album. (Album cover property of Asylum-Curb Records)
By: Jacob Elyachar
Happy first full week of June everyone!
This week’s edition of New Music Releases focuses on new albums from LeAnn Rimes, Matthew Morrison and the Barenaked Ladies.
In addition, get my take on hot new singles from Miley Cyrus, John Oates and Cassadee Pope.
Spitfire by LeAnn Rimes
For her eleventh studio album, the country singer-songwriter called in the big guns that range from guest artists Rob Thomas, Jeff Beck and Allison Krauss, who are featured on several tracks to songwriters Liz Rose, John Shanks and Nathan Chapman, who helped Ms. Rimes co-write some of the tracks featured in Spitfire. This album is a great country album that showcases diverse genres of music including Bluegrass and Country rock. LeAnn’s vocals are polished and any country lover should make this album a part of their library. B+
Songs to Download: “Spitfire,” “What Have I Done,” “Gasoline and Matches” & “Where I Stood.”
Where It All Begin by Matthew Morrison
Glee’s favorite teacher released his sophomore album. Unfortunately, the album is boring! Despite a lively duet of “Ease on Down the Road” with Motown Legend Smokey Robinson and “It Don’t Mean A Thing” in this album, the rest was filled with washed down tributes to Broadway and the American Songbook. The Tony-nominated actor should have stayed away from the Great White Way and added some pop rock classics or songs by Max Martin and Dr. Luke, because this pigeonholed him with the likes of Chris Mann, Josh Groban and Michael Buble (who are very superior to him as artists). Please do not do this again, Mr. Schue! D
Songs to Download: “Ease on Down the Road” & “It Don’t Mean A Thing”
“Grinning Streak” marks a new era for the Barenaked Ladies. (Album cover property of Vanguard Records.)
Grinning Streak by the Barenaked Ladies
Despite the departure of former member Steven Page, the Canadian Alternative Rock band’s eleventh studio album is a must listen to. The Folk-Pop quartet’s newest material of music has some of their best songs since their Gordon and Maroon albums. I have a feeling that this album will be getting a lot of airplay on Adult Contemporary radio stations this summer. A
Songs to Download: “Gonna Walk,” “Odds Are,” “Give It Back to You,” “Best Damn Friend” & “Did I Say That Out Loud?”
“We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus
Miley, this is a mess! Please go back to your “Can’t Be Tamed” or “Rebel Yell”-type tracks that you have been doing over the years. Going into the dance pop field is not a good idea! Fans please save your money and skip this track over! F
“High Maintenance” by John Oates feat. Hot Chelle Rae
The legendary John Oates released his latest single. His collaboration with Hot Chelle Rae has great lyrics, superb harmonies and I predict this will be one of this summer’s hottest songs! A
Cassadee Pope’s first post “Voice” single could be country music’s summer song of 2013. (Album cover property of Universal Republic Nashville)
“Wasting All These Tears” by Cassadee Pope
Cassadee’s first post-Voice single is a terrific country rock power ballad that has potential to set fire to the radio waves. This is a great start for her and I strongly believe that The Voice has finally found their Kelly Clarkson. A-
I do not own any of the clips that are used in this article. They belong to the artists and their record companies.
