By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the Albums edition of New Music Releases!
This week, I dove into a brand new album from one of my favorite Voice coaches, a posthumous album from a music icon and new material from three acts that you need to keep an eye on during the remainder of 2014.
Shakira recruited a diverse group of A-list vocalists and producers to bring her self-titled album to life. (Album cover property of Sony Latin & RCA Records)
Shakira by Shakira
The two-time Grammy winner’s tenth studio album features a diverse group of musical genres. From the pop rock rifts in “”Empire” to the reggae influences in “Cut Me Deep,” this album will satisfy even the pickiest music listener. In addition, the Voice coach recruited some heavy hitters in both the songwriting and singing departments. Keep an ear open for Rihanna, Reggae pop group Magic! and Shakira’s fellow Voice counterpart, Blake Shelton, who provided vocal support and hitmakers Max Martin, Cirkut, Busbee and the Messengers who provided the tunes that are sprinkled throughout the album. All-and-all, it is one of Shakira’s better albums and I think it could be a contender for several awards later on this year. A-
Tracks to Download: “Dare (La La La),” “Spotlight,” “Medicine” & “Empire”
If You Wait by London Grammar
One group that has impressed me is London Grammar. The English electronic music trio released their debut album: If You Wait. Vocalist Hannah Reid’s voice is a brilliant blend between Florence Welch and Sia Furler. Her vocals throughout the album are calming and very lullaby-esque. However, the sound provided by Dan Rothman and Dominic ‘Dot’ Major will keep listeners engaged throughout the album. I think that this is an impressive debut and I see big things ahead for this group. B+
Tracks to Download: “Hey Now,” “Stay Awake,” “Shyer” & “Strong (US Radio Edit)”
“Out Among the Stars” is an incredible posthumous album that showcased Johnny Cash at his finest. (Album cover property of Legacy Recordings)
Out Among the Stars by Johnny Cash
The King of Country’s latest posthumous studio album came from lost recordings during 1980s recording sessions. I am very glad that Mr. Cash’s son, John Carter Cash, was able to find these tracks and transfer them into an album. Out Among the Stars showcases the country music icon at his finest. The production by Billy Sherrill and Steve Berkowitz is outstanding, plus it is amazing to hear Cash’s duets with Waylon Jennings and his lovely wife, June Carter Cash. I hope that several country artists listen to this album, because this is country music at its finest. A+
Tracks to Download: “Out Among the Stars,” “Baby Ride Easy,” “If I Told You Who It Was,” “Call Your Mother” & “I Drove Her Out of My Mind”
Pulses by Karmin
One of the biggest breakout hitmakers of the early 2010s was Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan, aka Karmin. The duo impressed music lovers all over the world with their outstanding hits: “Hello” and “Brokenhearted.” Everyone had high expectations for this album and the duo delivered. I loved the fact that the duo co-wrote every song on this album and the production from powerhouse producers The Elev3n, The Messengers and Martin Johnson makes every single song on this album…delicious pieces of ear candy. A+
Tracks to Download: “Pulses,” “Acapella,” “I Want It All,” “Drifter” & “Puppet”
Manchester quartet Rixton will be taking over the world this year! (Album cover property of Interscope Records)
Me and My Broken Heart by Rixton
Another breakout group that you need to keep an eye out for is Rixton. The Manchester, UK quartet delivered a superb EP that showcases their musicianship and their drive to conquer the pop rock charts. Lead vocalist Jake Roche might remind music lovers of a cross between Adam Levine and Ryan Tedder. I love his harmonies with Charley Bagnall and Danny Wilkin. Plus, Lewi Morgan’s drum playing is impeccable. I hope that we get a debut album from them soon. B+/A-
Tracks to Download: “We All Want the Same Thing,” “Hotel Ceiling,” “Me and My Broken Heart” & “Appreciated”
I do not own the clips that are sprinkled throughout the album! They belong to the artists and their respective record companies.
