OneRepublic’s third studio album showcases some of their best material yet. (Album cover property of the Warner Music Group)
By: Jacob Elyachar
This edition of New Music Releases focuses on new albums from One Republic, Blake Shelton and Crystal Bowersox, hot singles from Jessica Sanchez and Fall Out Boy. In addition, I will introduce you to rising artist Sarah D in a new segment called Artist to Watch.
Native by OneRepublic
OneRepublic’s third studio album shows that the band has grown in the past four years. Fans will be amazed to hear some incredible pop rock tracks that would brighten their days and this is some of Ryan Tedder’s best material that he has produced. Overall this is high quality pop rock album that could have the potential to earn some AMAs or even Grammys at the latter half of 2013. A
Songs to Download: “Counting Stars,” “If I Lose Myself,” “What You Wanted,” “I Lived” & “Can’t Stop”
Based on a True Story by Blake Shelton
The Voice coach’s eighth studio album has an interesting mixture of ballads and up-tempo songs. However, it seems like that Shelton feels like he has rushed some of his material because he wanted to promote the album during the show. Because of this fact, listeners’ interest in the album might dwindle in the middle of the record. C+
Songs to Download: “Boys ‘Round Here (with Pistol Annies),” “Sure Be Cool If You Did” & “My Eyes (with Gwen Sebastian)”
Crystal Bowersox goes back to her folk rock roots for her sophomore studio album. (Album cover property of Shanachie Records)
All That for This by Crystal Bowersox
Crystal Bowersox…. is…back!!! The former American Idol finalist’s sophomore album is a pleasant piece of ear candy that will mesmerize anyone who listens to this album. In addition, keep an ear out for her duet with Jakob Dylan; their voices blend very well together. A
Songs to Download: “Movin’ On,” “Everything Falls into Place,” “Someday,” “Till the Whisky’s Gone” & “Stiches (with Jakob Dylan)”
“Tonight” by Jessica Sanchez feat. Ne-Yo
Speaking of American Idol, another former finalist dropped new material today. Jessica Sanchez’s first single for her upcoming debut studio album is an up-tempo club collaboration with Ne-Yo. This is a great change for the runner-up as she normally performed ballads on the show. “Tonight” is a great single and will make everyone catch its seductive groove on the dance floor. A
“The Phoenix” by Fall Out Boy
“The Phoenix” is probably one of Fall Out Boy’s best singles that they released in the 2010s. Fans will be very excited to hear Patrick Stump’s strong vocalists and the three-part guitar harmony between Stump and his fellow band members: Pete Wentz and Joe Trohman. This author is counting down the days till Save Rock & Roll hits iTunes. A+
Sarah D’s powerful vocals and superb showmanship makes her the first jakes-take’s “Artist to Watch.” (Album cover property of Sarah D)
Artist to Watch: Sarah D
This Australian bombshell is an incredible singer-songwriter that has demonstrated her ability to integrate her stunning voice into the pop rock world. From her superb EP Over You to her amazing Hallway Sessions on her YouTube channel, Sarah D has a bright future ahead of her and continues to grow with every single project that she tackles.
Hallway Sessions to Watch: “Titanium,” “Part of Me” and “Try.”
