By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the first October 2015 edition of New Music Releases!
We have a lot of ground to this week, so let’s get this party started!
The Queen of Pop is back with all-new material that will satisfy every Janet Jackson fan on the planet! (Album cover property of Black Doll Inc.)
Unbreakable by Janet Jackson
Welcome back to the music world, Janet Jackson! I have been looking forward to hearing tunes from Ms. Jackson for years! Unbreakable features Ms. Jackson’s reunion with longtime collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and the tracks will not disappoint veteran fans, millennials reconnecting with the “If” singer and Janet newbies. Between her dance floor smash “BURNITUP!” with Missy Elliott and honest ballads like “After You Fall,” Unbreakable have songs that will satisfy everyone in your crew. I cannot wait to see Janet in action when takes the Unbreakable World Tour to Sprint Center on October 27. A-
Tracks to Download: “BURNITUP,” “Dammn Baby,” “The Great Forever” & “Night”
Stories by Avicii
Avicii is not only one of the best DJs in the EDM market, but he is also the best Electronic dance producer to come from the millennial generation. For his sophomore album, Stories, Avicii surprised music lovers by teaming up with a diverse group of acts that ranged from Wyclef Jean and Zac Brown to Chris Martin and Gavin DeGraw. Stories also successfully showcase Avicii’s ability to bring numerous musical genres such as alternative rock and folk to country rock and hip-hop and blend them with up-tempo EDM beats, which could transform into radio and chart gold. I cannot wait to see what he brings to the table next. B+
Tracks to Download: “For a Better Day,” “Broken Arrows,” “Pure Grinding” & “Sunset Jesus”
Two legendary Jazz icons team up to celebrate one of the Great American Songbook’s greatest composers: Jerome Kern (Album cover property of Columbia Records)
The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern by Tony Bennett & Bill Charlap
Over the past 10 years, Mr. Tony Bennett has released collaborative albums that featured numerous artists such as the late Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Carrie Underwood, Christina Aguilera, Billy Joel, Elton John, Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony, Mariah Carey and Stevie Wonder. Following Cheek to Check, his highly successful studio album with Lady Gaga, Mr. Bennett released a follow-up album called The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern. This album features the 18-time Grammy winner’s interpretation of Jerome Kern, one of the most important composers in American history and one of the masters of the Great American Songbook. Sharing the bill on this album is accomplished Jazz pianist Bill Charlap, whose brilliant arrangements and illustrious piano playing makes this album an instant classic. As for the legendary vocalist, Mr. Bennett’s vocals remain on point, pitch and a guide for millennial artists who want to know what real singing is! Congratulations, Mr. Bennett & Mr. Charlap, The Silver Lining is my Album of the Week! A+
Tracks to Download: “The Song Is You,” “Pick Yourself Up,” “The Last Time I Saw Paris,” “Look For The Silver Lining” & “Dearly Beloved”
“Music to My Soul,” CeeLo Green’s third single off of his upcoming “Heart Blanche” album, will impress fans! (Album cover property of Atlantic Recording Group)
“Music To My Soul” by CeeLo Green
The soul man is on a roll! Over the past few months, the former Voice coach has released singles for his upcoming solo album: Heart Blanche. Just like earlier singles “Robin Williams” and “Sign of the Times,” “Music To My Soul” is a meaningful tune that features superb lyrics that takes listeners on CeeLo’s musical journey. This is another strong single from the “Forget You” singer and if he continues to deliver, Heart Blanche might be one of CeeLo’s best albums to date. B
“Where Are U Now” by Pentatonix
A cappella icons Pentatonix are finally releasing their very first studio album in a few weeks! Fans can expect not only original material on the album, but covers of some of this year’s catchy songs. Among the covered songs includes Justin Bieber’s collaboration with Skrillex and Diplo: “Where Are U Now.” While most radio stations across the country have overplayed it to no end, Pentatonix breathed new life into EDM chart topper and made it a hundred times more enjoyable than the original version. Congratulations, Pentatonix! Your cover of “Where Are U Now” is my Song of the Week! A+
“Make You Feel My Love” by Straight No Chaser
Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” has been covered hundreds of times since its debut back in 1997. Joining the music legend, Billy Joel, Garth Brooks, Adele, Kelly Clarkson, and Lea Michele in this exclusive club is A cappella group and music sensations Straight No Chaser. From the first note of the track, I instantly got chills from their outstanding harmonies and arrangement. The song also made me think of the people in my life that I loved and lost over the past 27 years of my natural life. I hope that Bob Dylan himself listens to their cover, because I believe Straight No Chaser made him proud. A
Skylar Grey & X Ambassadors made an impressive collaboration with “Cannonball.” (Album cover property of KIDinaKORNER & Interscope Records)
“Cannonball” by Skylar Grey & X Ambassadors
What happens when one of the hottest in-demand singer-songwriters of today meets one of biggest rising rock bands of today? The result is “Cannonball!” This track features superb vocals from the “Love The Way You Lie” co-writer and impeccable instrumentation from X Ambassadors. Make sure that you catch both of them on tour this fall, because they are the next big acts in the music industry! B+/A-
“Spring” by Sam Burchfield
Every so often, Jake’s Take introduces two new artists to its readers. The first artist that I am introducing to you is folk-soul artist Sam Burchfield. The Atlanta folk-soul singer-songwriter recently released “Spring,” which is a strong track that features sturdy lyrics and one of the most intriguing folk voices I have ever heard. So far, Sam has received praise from both Billboard and Folk Radio UK and I believe that he might be receiving more praise (and fans) in the future. B-
“Nothing at All” by Minor Soul
The last act that I am introducing to you is Minor Soul! British brothers Jack and Max are building a huge social media following with impressive acoustic-pop jams such as “Nothing at All.” While there are numerous songs out on the radio that talk about sex, drugs and rock and roll, Minor Soul’s “Nothing at All” is exactly the track that listeners should be asking for! From their smooth acoustic guitars to their ear candy-like lyrics, “Nothing at All” should launch Minor Soul into the big leagues. Way to go, guys! B+
I do not own any of the clips that are sprinkled throughout this article. They belong to the artists and their respective record labels.
