Adele’s “25” is an epic album from start to finish. (Album cover property of XL)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to another exciting edition of New Music Releases!
We have a lot of ground to cover…so let’s get this party started!
25 by Adele
It has been four years since the Grammy and Oscar-winning singer-songwriter has released a full length studio album. 21 is my generation’s Thriller and has set the standard for musicians everywhere when it comes to arranging, composing, marketing and music studio production. With all of the high expectations that were associated with this album, did the last Adele numbered album live up to its maximum hype? While many listeners might be shocked with up-tempo tracks such as the Max Martin and Shellback produced “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” and the Greg Kurstin co-written “Water Under the Bridge”, there are still goose bump inducing tracks such as the potential 2015 Song of the Year: “Hello,” the Ryan Tedder-penned “Remedy” and “All I Ask,” a tune that Adele co-penned with Bruno Mars and the Smeezingtons. I think 25 not only shows off a new side of the 10-time Grammy winner, but it is also a worthy successor to 21. Congratulations, Adele! 25 is my Album of the Week! A+
Tracks to Download: “Hello,” “Send My Love (To Your New Lover),” “Remedy,” “When We Were Young,” “Water Under the Bridge” & “River Lea”
CeeLo Green returned to the music scene with his latest studio album: “Heart Blanche.” (Album cover property of Atlantic Records)
Heart Blanche by CeeLo Green
Welcome back to the music world, CeeLo Green! The five-time Grammy-winning artist returned his roots as a soul singer in this epic fifth studio album known as Heart Blanche. For this effort, CeeLo recruited some of the hottest names in music such as Charlie Puth, Cook Classics, the Futuristics and Jack Splash for production assistance and the music makers did not disappoint. Listeners will not be disappointed with the impeccable tracks that are sprinkled throughout the album. “Sign of the Times” feels like a future James Bond anthem, while both “Est. 1980’S” and “Robin Williams” are retrospect tracks that will put listeners in a nostalgia mood. However, “CeeLo Green Sings the Blues” is the former Voice coach’s most personal song to date and I believe that the down-on-their-luck listeners would relate to. While it does not have the same diversity that The Lady Killer had, Heart Blanche will attract hardcore fans of the “Forget You” singer, but also a new generation of music lovers. Great work, CeeLo! A-
Tracks to Download: “Est. 1980’S,” “CeeLo Green Sings the Blues,” “Robin Williams,” “Sign of the Times” & “Music To My Soul”
Ben Haenow by Ben Haenow
Last year, Ben Haenow took X Factor UK: Season 11 by storm as he became Simon Cowell’s third act to win the popular UK singing competition. He is also Mr. Cowell’s fourth act to release his debut album in America joining Leona Lewis, Olly Murs and a little band known as One Direction in this elite group. While I admit I wanted Paul Akister to win the series, I cannot deny the talent that this man has. For his debut album, both RCA Records and SYCO Music (Ben’s labels) brought out the big guns. Popular songwriters and producers such as J.R. Rotem, Daniel Bedingfield, Steve Robson, Iain James, Ryan Tedder and Benny Blanco to help Ben co-write several of the tracks. Meanwhile, another superstar discovered by Cowell sang a duet with Ben…the original American Idol and 12-time Billboard Music Award recipient Kelly Clarkson that perfectly kicked off his debut album. Mr. Haenow’s material is really solid and I think we are witnessing a rise of a future superstar. B+
Tracks to Download: “Second Hand Heart,” “Lions,” “Testify” & “Something I Need
XIII EP by Cloves
Over the years, Interscope Records have introduced us to ingénues such as Lady Gaga, Lana Del Rey, Ellie Goulding and Skylar Grey, who have captured the music world by storm. Hoping to join this prestigious group is Cloves (Kaity Dunstan), the London-via-Melbourne artist’s debut EP is filled with superb tracks such as “Don’t You Wait,” which was featured on the BBC’s Radio 1 and placed in the Top Two on Hype Machine. I have a strong feeling that we will be hearing more from this amazing young lady in the future. B+
Tracks to Download: “Frail Love,” “Don’t You Wait,” “Everybody’s Son” & “Don’t Forget About Me”
“Ain’t Easy” is not only Justin Morelli’s breakout single, but a strong indicator of things to come. (Album cover property of JM Songs)
“Ain’t Easy” by Justin Morelli
Let’s face it! With Justin Timberlake and Usher sparingly releasing new music, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Jason Derulo and Nick Jonas publishing material that is either hit or miss, the Pop/R&B male singer category might need some new blood to deliver fresh sounds. Enter Justin Morelli! The NYC-based singer-songwriter combines vintage sounds from both Stevie Wonder and the King of Rock and Roll and the crisp sounds of Boyz II Men, Brown, Timberlake and Usher that will rejuvenate music lovers’ ears. “Ain’t Easy” is not only a great first single off of his upcoming February 2016 EP: I’m Ready, but it is also a strong indicator of things to come! Congrats, Justin! “Ain’t Easy is my Song of the Week! A+
“Kiss Me Clean” by Scavenger Hunt
I want to make a prediction! Nostalgic pop band Scavenger Hunt is going to take the music world by storm! Made up of vocalist Jill Lamoureux, bassist and keyboard master Dan Mufson, guitarist Nick Annis and drummer Aaron Prather, this LA based quartet’s infectious melodies and awesome lyrics that will definitely put you in a good mood. I cannot wait to hear what they have in store next! A-
“Sometimes” by King. B
I am not a huge fan of rap, but when I find someone who might just change the rap game…I will listen to them! Canadian rapper King. B can spitfire beats faster than any rapper in the modern music industry and his lyrics do not talk about sex, drugs and weed…but enjoying life and partying. Mark my words, King. B is going places! B+
I do not own the clips that are sprinkled throughout the article. They are properties of the artists and their respective record labels.
