The Queen of Pop soared on her 13th studio album: “Rebel Heart.” (Artwork cover property of Boy Toy Records, Live Nation & Interscope Records)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the latest edition of New Music Releases!
This week’s highlights include two queens (one pop and one county), Pentatonix’s go-to celloboxer and new releases from your favorite Reality TV alums! Also, I take a look at a couple of new artists that are really going to shake up the music world.
Rebel Heart by Madonna
The Queen of Pop dropped her 13th studio album and it is one of her strongest albums yet! With the help of hitmakers Alicia Keys, Avicii, Diplo, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj and Savan Kotecha, Madonna unleashed 19 catchy tracks that will get everyone on the dance floor. While “Bitch I’m Madonna” and “Looking For Love” might be on multiple club playlists; “Ghosttown” and “Hold Tight” are perfect up-lifting songs that would even put a smile on Howard Stern’s face. All hail the Queen! A-
Tracks to Download: “Ghosttown,” “Hold Tight,” “Joan of Arc” & “Veni Vidi Vici”
Never Been Better by Olly Murs
Ever since his second place finish on the 2009 edition of The X Factor UK, Olly Murs continues to explode all around the world! His sophomore album, Never Been Better, finally dropped in the United States this week and it is an incredible album. Not only did Olly brilliantly combined the funky elements that were featured in both Off the Wall, “Le Freak” and “Uptown Funk” with elements of pop rock and soul music, but all of his collaborators ranging from songwriters Wayne Hector, Claude Kelly, John Newman, Ryan Tedder and the TMS team to featured vocalists Demi Lovato and Travie McCoy really helped Olly sprinkle enough positivity that created countless ear candy gems. I strongly believe that some of these tracks could not only be nominated for a couple of AMAs later this year, but also could conquer the radio during our upcoming summer. B+
Tracks to Download: “Did You Miss Me,” “Up,” “Seasons” & “Nothing Without You”
Pentatonix’s resident celloboxer-in-chief stepped into the spotlight for an unforgettable debut EP! (Album cover property of RCA Records)
The Renegade EP by Kevin “K.O.” Olusola
Ever since Nuttin But Stringz auditioned on America’s Got Talent seven years ago, multiple artists such as 2CELLOs and Lindsey Stirling have set out to blend classical music with pop, soul, EDM and Hip-hop elements. Today, Pentatonix’s Kevin “K.O.” Olusola stepped into the spotlight with his astonishing arrangements on several Top 40 fan favorites “Heart Attack” and “Stay With Me,” plus one pretty impressive curveball: “Julie-O.” I truly hope that Top 40 radio stations can play this outstanding music, because it deserves to be heard! Congratulations, Kevin! The Renegade EP is my Album of the Week! A+
Tracks to Download: “Julie-O,” “Renegade,” “All of Me,” “Heart Attack” & “Stay With Me”
Still the One: Live from Vegas by Shania Twain
The Queen of Country Music dropped her first live album! Still the One showcases the highlights from Ms. Twain’s residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Ms. Twain’s run through some of her greatest hits and undiscovered gems will satisfy any country music lover and might make you line dance at the office or at the gym. Also, this is the perfect go-to album for anyone going to see her upcoming Rock This Country Tour. A-
Tracks to Download: “You Win My Love,” “Man! I Feel Like A Woman,” “(If You’re Not In It For Love) I’m Outta Here” & “Rock This Country!”
“Catch & Release (The Deepend Remix)” by Matt Simons feat. Deepend
I love introducing you to new artists! “Catch & Release (The Deepend Remix)” is a remix that highlights two up-and-coming talents: Brooklyn singer-songwriter Matt Simons and Netherlands producing team Deepend. While Matt Simons has crisp vocals, Deepend’s superb producing style perfectly sandwiches between a small string recital and a club Dubstep hit. This intriguing combination will satisfy even the pickiest music lover. A-
The latest incarnation of the Forte Tenors tackled the”Games of Thrones” theme song! (Artwork property of the Forte Tenors)
“Games of Thrones (Opera Cover)” by the Forte Tenors
My Song of the Week goes to the third incarnation of the Forte Tenors (Josh Page, Sean Panikkar and Hana Ryu). The America’s Got Talent alums recently released their excellent cover to the Games of Thrones theme. This amazing arrangement gave me chills and the vocal harmony between the trio is astonishing! I cannot wait to hear what else they have in store this year! A+
I do not own the clips that are featured in this week’s edition of “New Music Releases.” They belong to the artists and their respective record labels.
