New Music Releases-Week of May 3, 2015

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Welcome to the biggest edition of New Music Releases yet!

We have a lot to get to, so let’s get this party started!

 

Special Effects by Tech N9Ne

Kansas City-based rapper Tech N9Ne has released his 15^th studio album: Special Effects. If you are unfamiliar with Tech N9ne’s work, his albums are divided into two parts—skits and tunes. Tech’s beats continued to amaze me and I enjoyed listening to his collaborations with music veterans like Eminem, E-40, Corey Taylor and Krizz Kaliko, as well as young guns such as Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz and B.o.B. Fans should also give kudos to Seven, N4, Excision and Joseph Bishara for their excellence producing skills that are sprinkled throughout the album. Tech N9ne continues to prove that he is not only one of the Midwest’s most remarkable artists, but a strong role model for any rapper that wants to work in the music industry. B+

Tracks to Download: “Lacrimosa,” “Hood Go Crazy,” “On the Bible” & “Speedom (Wcc2)”

Wilder Mind by Mumford & Sons

Grammy-winning Mumford & Sons’ third album showcases the band’s decision to leave the banjos behind them and take a walk on the electric side. It is always risky for a hit band to do a 180-degree switch during their rise to popularity; there are many factors that could go wrong. One factor that proved to be the Achilles’ heel to the quartet was the album’s pacing. Despite the three fantastic punches of “Tompkins Square Park,” “Believe” & “The Wolf,” I got bored during the next four tracks. Luckily, my interest picked up during “Broad-Shouldered Beasts.” While they were able to save face with the last few tracks, the Mumford & Sons team need to improve on their pacing…otherwise there might not be a fourth album. C

Tracks to Download: “Believe,” “The Wolf” & “Ditmas”

 

Some Type of Love by Charlie Puth

One of the biggest songs of the year so far is Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again.” The Furious 7 tune has peaked at number one on 10 international music charts and viewed over 168 million times on YouTube. A huge part of that success was due to the song’s co-writer and Wiz’s collaborator: Charlie Puth. Last week, the Atlantic Records singer-songwriter dropped his first EP: Some Type of Love. Like his pal and “Marvin Gaye” collaborator Meghan Trainor, Mr. Puth’s perfectly played homage to doo-wop icons as Paul Anka and Frankie Valli in all four tracks. In addition to having a sick vocal range, I have to add that Mr. Puth’s music is what should be playing on the radio today! Congratulations, Charlie! Some Type of Love is my Album of the Week! A+

Tracks to Download: “I Won’t Tell a Soul,” “Marvin Gaye,” “Some Type of Love” & “Suffer”

 

“Pretty Girls” by Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea

Britney is back…bitches! The Princess of Pop teamed up with Australia’s hottest rapper in a tarty new single that is bound to explode all over the world. Ms. Spears’s sultry vocals will continue to make her fanbase implode with delight, while Ms. Azalea’s seductive hooks should have made a bigger presence on the song. I also have to commend Little Mix and the Invisible Men for creating a catchy tune and superb production for this track. B

“Flashlight” by Jessie J

One of the most highly anticipated sequels of the summer is Pitch Perfect 2! As Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson prepare to usher the Barden Bellas on their next adventure, the Pitch Perfect 2 Powers-That-Be released the first song off of the soundtrack. While Jessie J’s “Flashlight” does not feature any a cappella music in the track, the current Voice Australia coach beautifully interpreted the Sia and Sam Smith-penned tune. “Flashlight” is an inspirational tune that not only perfectly incorporates themes from the Pitch Perfect Universe, but also delivers a beacon of hope to listeners as well. B+

“Angels of Fenway” by James Taylor

James Taylor is one of America’s greatest singer-songwriters of all-time! Fans have been waiting for Mr. Taylor to release new material for a decade since the release of October Road. Mr. Taylor’s recent single, “Angels of Fenway,” paid homage to the Boston Red Sox and one of baseball’s favorite sanctuaries: Fenway Park. This track showcases James Taylor’s finest storytelling and musicianship, it gave me chills and like other fans cannot wait for Mr. Taylor’s Before This World album to drop on June 16. A-

 

“Clair Huxtable” by Louis York

Every week, I try to introduce you to new artists who are ready to break out and conquer the music world. This week focuses on Louis York! You might have heard of hitmakers Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony, who have penned songs for pop music queens Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Jessie J and Kylie Minogue and soul superstars Fantasia, Mary J. Blige and Ne-Yo. Now, the duo is preparing to enter their charts with a superb R&B-New Jack Swing hybrid tune looking for the perfect woman-their “Clair Huxtable.” It is probably one of the best R&B songs that I have listened to in a very long time. The duo’s vocals were superb as well as the single’s production. I cannot wait to hear more material from them in the future! Congrats, Louis York! “Clair Huxtable” is my Song of the Week! A

“California Song” by Patrick James

Patrick James concludes this week’s edition of New Music Releases! The Sydney, Australia-based singer-songwriter paid homage to the Golden State with his latest single: “California Song.” Mr. James’ voice is a breath of fresh air in today’s auto-tuned music market. His guitar skills hypnotized me and I was instantly transported to the Santa Monica Pier. I hope Mr. James meets the right people, because he has the makings of an international phenomenon. A-

I do not own any of the clips that are featured in this week’s “New Music Releases.” They belong to the artists and their respective record labels.