By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the latest edition of New Music Releases!
This week, I am taking a look at some of the hottest music from all over the music world. From the Great White Way and rock to EDM pop and Indie Folk, Jake’s Take has all of your music needs covered!
A plethora of artists raised their voices to bring Gary Barlow & Eliot Kennedy’s music to life. (Album cover property of Republic Records)
Finding Neverland: the Musical by Various Artists
16-years-ago, Sir Elton John and Tim Rice released a concept album for their musical: Aida. Several musical superstars such as Sting, Tina Turner, Janet Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, James Taylor and LeAnn Rimes lent their voices to The Lion King team’s tunes. Years later, former X Factor UK judge Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy collaborated to create music for fan-favorite Broadway musical Finding Neverland. Just like John and Rice, the duo recruited a diverse group of artists to record several of the musical numbers. I can guarantee that listeners would be get chills listening to either John Legend’s “My Imagination” or Christina Aguilera’s “Anywhere but Here” or feel hope as they listen to Kiesza’s “Stronger,” Bon Jovi’s “Beautiful Day” and Pentatonix’s “Stars.” This album’s impeccable music will raise your spirits and one of the best Broadway soundtracks I have ever heard. Congrats, Mr. Barlow and Mr. Kennedy, the Finding Neverland: the Musical soundtrack is my Album of the Week! A+
Tracks to Download: “Anywhere But Here,” “Beautiful Day,” “Stars,” “My Imagination,” “Stronger” & “What You Mean to Me”
How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful by Florence + the Machine
The mighty Florence Welch and her machine are back for Round Three! Ms. Welch’s vocals continue to soar like a mighty Valkyrie as she continues to set the standard when reinventing Alternative Rock. In addition to the Machine’s superb sound, super producer Markus Dravs’s wonderful production would definitely satisfy music lover’s ears. Also, kudos should go to Ms. Welch for co-writing the entire album with an excellent group of songwriters such as band mate Isabella Summers, Ester Dean and Paul Epworth. If Ms. Welch continues to release high quality material, then we might need to start a conversation on why this band deserves to be at the top of a countdown of the most influential bands from the 2010s! B+
Tracks to Download: “Ship to Wreck,” “What Kind of Man,” “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” & “Delilah”
Silverball by Barenaked Ladies
One band that has continued to impress me over the years is Barenaked Ladies. I fell in love with their classic hits: “If I Had $1,000,000,”“One Week” and “Pinch Me.” Then, all of a sudden more bands caught my attention. However, when Barenaked Ladies released their 2013 album Grinning Streak, they immediately came back on my radar stronger than ever. Silverball does showcase Barenaked Ladies’ infectious melodies and splendid lyrics, but the repetitive formula might drive away some newcomers and irritate naysayers. Despite that, the Barenaked Ladies prove to they continue to get better with age. B
Tracks to Download: “Get Back,” “Duct Tape Heart” & “Silverball”
Jason DeRulo’s “Everything is 4” surprised me in a positive way. (Album cover property of Beluga Heights & Atlantic Records)
Everything is 4 by Jason DeRulo
2015 is a busy year for Jason DeRulo! He joined Nigel Lythgoe and Reality TV veteran Paula Abdul on the So You Think You Can Dance panel and now he released his fourth studio album. What amazes me is that Mr. DeRulo continues to pump up quality tunes over the past two years, because in my opinion…this man and his co-writers/producers (Ian Kirkpatrick, the Monsters & the Strangerz, Charlie Puth and Mitch Allan) never run out of ideas. Speaking of ideas, it was intriguing to learn that both Keith Urban and Stevie Wonder appeared on the same track: “Broke.” While I was skeptical when I learned of the collaboration, the song is one of the highlights of the album. Everything is 4 is definitely one of the most pleasant surprises of the summer! B+
Tracks to Download: “Cheyenne,” “Painkiller,” “Broke” & “Try Me”
The Hunts’ debut album: “Those Younger Days” successfully breathed new life into Indie Folk rock. (Album cover property of Cherrytree Records & Interscope Records)
Those Younger Days by the Hunts
Earlier this year, I introduced you to The Hunts! This musical family made up of twin sisters Jenni and Jessi plus brothers Josh, Jonathan, Jordan, Justin and Jamison, are continuing to raise the bar for Indie Folk groups. The group’s outstanding arrangements are soothing to the ear and would definitely put a smile on any listener’s face. The future of the Hunts’ musical career is so bright, you might need sunglasses to watch them shine! A-
Tracks to Download: “Valentina,” “Make This Leap,” “This is Love” & “Illuminate”
“The Original High” by Adam Lambert
Okay, Glamberts! T-minus one week until Adam releases his third studio album: The Original High! The title track is an addicting piece of ear candy that beautifully blends EDM with pop rock. Adam’s seductive vocal range is definitely the highlight of the piece and would make listeners wish that Warner Bros. Records released The Original High a week early! A
Leona Lewis blazes back onto the music scene with a superb single: “Fire Under My Feet.” (Album cover property of Island & Def Jam Records)
“Fire Under My Feet” by Leona Lewis
It’s a brand new world as Leona Lewis released her first post-SYCO Records single: “Fire Under My Feet.” Ms. Lewis continues to prove why she is one of the most remarkable vocalists of her generation as she showcased her power victory notes throughout the track. This track is not only a rebirth, but this song gives Leona—her magnificent voice back. Congratulations, Ms. Lewis and co-writer Toby Gad, “Fire Under My Feet” is my Song of the Week! A+
I do not own the clips that are sprinkled throughout this article. They belong to the artists and their record labels.
