Sir Paul McCartney delivers with his “New” studio album! (Album cover property of Hear Music)
By: Jacob Elyachar
Welcome to the latest edition of New Music Releases!
This week, I look at new material from music icons Sir Paul McCartney and Willie Nelson and today’s biggest hitmakers: Gavin DeGraw, Justin Bieber and Pentatonix.
New by Sir Paul McCartney
For his sixteenth studio album, the legendary musician turned to producers Mark Ronson, Ethan Johns, Paul Epworth and Giles Martin to help him create his new material. The album has strong compositions from the celebrated singer-songwriter that will transport listeners to McCartney’s glory days and the production team delivered incredible instrumental arrangements. I think music lovers will devour this album and I hope that several of Mr. McCartney’s tracks get played on Adult Contemporary stations everywhere. A
Tracks to Download: “Save Us,” “Queenie Eye,” “New, “Everybody Out There” & “I Can Bet”
To All the Girls…by Willie Nelson
The country music legend recorded 18 collaborations with some of the music industry’s greatest voices. Some of the album’s highlights include his poignant duet of “From Here to the Moon and Back” with fellow country icon Dolly Parton to the blues/soul-infused cover of “Grandma’s Hands” with vocal dynamo Mavis Staples. To All the Girls is the perfect collaborative album because it will unite multiple generations of music lovers and everyone will gravitate to the song selections. A+
Tracks to Download: “From Here to the Moon and Back,” “Always on My Mind,” “Grandma’s Hands” & “Walkin’”
Gavin DeGraw continues to grow as a singer-songwriter. His fifth studio album, “Make a Move,” is some of his best work to date. (Album cover property of RCA Records)
Make a Move by Gavin DeGraw
Gavin DeGraw’s sound and songwriting improved tremendously since his 2011 album: Sweeter. The 11-tracks are impressive pieces of ear candy that any Top 40 lover will consume. Out of all of the singer-songwriters that are in the pop rock field, I gravitate towards Mr. DeGraw because of his impressive lyrics, musical licks and the fact that he packs a punch with each song. I hope that he continues to deliver more quality material. A-
Tracks to Download: “Best I Ever Had,” “Everything Will Change,” “Every Little Bit” & “Different For Girls”
“All That Matters” by Justin Bieber
One item that I have always docked Justin Bieber on in the past is his constant use of auto-tune. While I was listening to “All That Matters,” I was pleasantly surprised to hear his vocals for once. I wish that Justin recorded these types of songs over EDM songs any day of the week. I can’t believe I am giving this grade to him…but congrats Justin, you received an A- from me!
Pentatonix released their first single from their upcoming EP: “PTX, Vol. 2.” (Photo property of Madison Gate Records)
“Can’t Hold Us” by Pentatonix
Jake’s Take’s favorite a cappella group has released their first single off of their upcoming studio album: PTX, Vol. 2. Their cover of one of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ biggest hits is my favorite cover of the year! From Avi and Kevin’s superb beat boxing and Mitch’s powerful Lambert-like high notes, everyone will fall madly in love with this cover. A+
I do not own any of the clips that are featured in this piece. They belong to the artists and their record companies.
