By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
It’s another big week of New Music Releases!
Aloe Blacc brilliantly showcased different musical genres in his third studio album: “Lift Your Spirit.” (Album cover property of Interscope Records)
Lift Your Spirit by Aloe Blacc
Aloe Blacc released his third solo album today! His presence in the music industry has grown since the release of his highly successful collaboration with Avicii (“Wake Me Up”) and his team-up with Will Champlin on last season’s Voice finale. He wonderfully blends multiple musical genres such as pop, R&B and soul that make this album a wonderful listening experience. In addition, keep on the look out for some clever productions from Pharrell, DJ Khalil and the Rock Mafia team. I hope Aloe tours the country soon…I have a feeling; he would put on an impeccable show. A-
Tracks to Download: “Wake Me Up (Acoustic)” “Love is the Answer,” “Ticking Bomb” & “Lift Your Spirit”
King of Clubs by Cowboy Troy
Cowboy Troy is one brave artist! The basis of his musical career is merging country with Hip-hop! I know that a lot of country conservative music fans attacked this album on iTunes or their respective online music stores. I, for one, will not join the hate bashing. Cowboy Troy should be applauded for being the brave soul pioneering this merged musical genre. King of Clubs definitely has good quality sound production and great guest artists. Good job, Cowboy Troy. B
Tracks to Download: “Drink Drank Drunk,” “Giddy Up” & “Daisy Dukes & Cowboy Boots”
Sara Evans’ “Slow Me Down” is a strong country album with impeccable duets. (Album cover property of RCA Nashville)
Slow Me Down by Sara Evans
I have to admit…I was not a huge fan of Sara Evans when she was either on Dancing with the Stars or when she released her first few albums. However, I (and other music lovers should) recognize that Ms. Evans has grown as a vocalist and a songwriter over the past few years. Her duets with Gavin DeGraw and the Fray’s Isaac Slade are some of her stronger material to date. I think that the CMA female artists should look out because they have a contender in Ms. Evans for both Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year. B+
Tracks to Download: “Not Over You (feat. Gavin DeGraw),” “Can’t Stop Loving You,” “You Never Know” & “If I Run”
“I Luh Ya Papi” by Jennifer Lopez feat. French Montana
For her first single of her upcoming album, the American Idol judge revisited her urban/Hip-hop roots. While it may not be “Jenny from the Block” or “I’m Into You,” “I Luv Ya Papi” has intriguing beats and that Jennifer still can rap-sing better than some of the current artists in the industry (rhymes with Tiana & Vicki Renaj). Plus, French Montana dropped a strong rap solo. I cannot wait to hear Jennifer’s new album. A-
With Justin Cardner’s assistance on the guitar, Amanda Brown soared on her cover of the Foo Fighters’ “Best of You” (Photo property of Amanda Brown)
“Best of You” by Amanda Brown
My song of the week is Amanda Brown’s “Best of You.” I have been waiting to hear new music from her…for so long! Her cover of the Foo Fighters’ “Best of You” knocked me off my feet! Amanda’s vocals will tug at your heartstrings and I think it will make Dave Grohl and the guys very proud of her work. A+
I do not own any of the clips that are featured in this article. They belong to the artists and their respective record labels!
