By: Jacob Elyachar
This addition of New Music Releases focuses on some of my favorite artists and vocalists of all time!
In addition, I take a look at rising artists A Great Big World and Drew Six’s new singles!
Forte by Forte
The Forte Tenors is one of the best vocal groups that have ever appeared on a Reality TV competition. These 10 tracks show the tenors at their finest as they reprise some of their best moments from America’s Got Talent and some new surprises. Also keep an ear out for Cami Bradley, who made a cameo appearance when the trio performed “The Prayer.” I cannot wait to hear more from Forte in the future. A+
Tracks to Download: “Caruso,” “My Heart Will Go On,” “The Prayer,” “Somewhere” & “Something”
ARTPOP by Lady GaGa
ARTPOP was one of the most highly anticipated albums of 2013. Did it deliver? Unfortunately, in all honesty…it was hit and miss! As much as I like Mother Monster, there were a lot of tracks that were not needed on this album. While her collaboration with R. Kelly pushes the envelope, I thought that “Jewels n’ Drugs” was massive waste of time. GaGa continues to express herself as an artist, but she needs to be careful on what tracks make her fourth studio album. C
Tracks to Download: “Venus,” “Dope” & “Gypsy”
You’re The Reason by Melinda Doolittle
I love Melinda Doolittle! The American Idol alum can sing anyone and has the innate ability to weave a story through song and keep the listeners’ attention throughout the entire album. Longtime fans would be very happy to stumble upon her cover of “Home,” which is one of the highlights on You’re The Reason. In addition to her album, make sure you check her weekly appearances on TVLine, where she offers her insight on both The Voice and American Idol with Michael Slezak. A
Tracks to Download: “Never Giving Up,” “Without You,” “Give,” “You’re the Reason (U.R.Y.) [Extended Version]” & “Home”
“Faith When I Fall” by Drew Six
One of my favorite country rockers is KC’s own Drew Six! He delivered an impeccable take on Brett James and Kip Moore’s “Faith When I Fall.” His vocals were superb and he immediately will hook listeners (and YouTube viewers) in with his showmanship! I cannot wait to see what is next in his career! A
“The Art of Letting Go” by Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s latest single, “The Art of Letting Go,” is probably the most honest single that we have heard from her this decade. Both old and new lambs alike would like this single because of Ms. Carey’s impressive vocals and the high quality of song’s production. A-
“Say Something” by A Great Big World feat. Christina Aguilera
One musical duo that is finding success is A Great Big World. The New York-based Indie pop band has toured with Ingrid Michaelson, Matthew Morrison and Five for Fighting. Their latest single, “Say Something,” is a brilliant ballad that features incredible arrangements from the duo and outstanding vocals from Christina Aguilera. I hope that we can here more from this incredible duo in the future. A
I do not own the clips that are featured in this article. They belong to the artists and their respective record labels.