Miley Cyrus successfully moved her way from child star status to pop star. (Album cover property of RCA Records)
By: Jacob Elyachar
This week, I dove into some of the most highly anticipated albums, EPs and singles of the year!
Bangerz by Miley Cyrus
I thought it was going to be easy to grade Ms. Miley Cyrus’ fourth studio album: Bangerz. There are some intriguing songs that are sprinkled into the album. It seems that Ms. Cyrus accomplished her goal of showing to the world that she is an grown-up artist…but I wish that Ms. Cyrus had more songs like “Wrecking Ball” on this album because it would have been great to hear more of Ms. Cyrus’ great vocals without the interference of auto-tune. B-
Tracks to Download: “4×4,” “My Darlin’” & “GETITRIGHT”
Do Your Work by Mime Game
One of Jake’s Take’s favorite artists released his second EP! Kansas City-based alternative rock group Mime Game’s Do Your Work is an impeccable EP. I am very proud of Mime Game’s frontman Dillon DeVoe for perfecting the balance between peppy hard rock songs and honest soft ballads. Mime Game will be heading out on tour…so make sure that you get tickets for this excellent band.
Tracks to Download: “Do Your Work,” “Murderer,” “Son” & “Do You”
Cassadee Pope’s debut album could help “The Voice” maintain their credibility as a successful show. (Album cover property of Republic Nashville)
Frame by Frame by Cassadee Pope
Cassadee Pope’s highly anticipated debut album could be the key for The Voice to dominate the music market. Cassadee perfectly showcased her vocal range on this 11-track album. I would also like to give props to songwriters Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson, Max Martin and Shellback and producer Dann Huff for helping Cassadee craft this brilliant debut album. I hope that Cassadee continues to deliver as a singer-songwriter and performer because she deserves to have success in the music industry. A-
Tracks To Download: “Wasting All These Tears,” “I Wish I Could Break Your Heart,” “You Hear a Song” & “Easier To Lie”
The Quarterback EP by the Glee Cast
For the first time in two years, I will be returning to watch Glee. The reason why is to say goodbye to Finn Hudson (Cory Monteith). I wish I had the opportunity to watch this EP being recorded because this is probably the best Glee EP to date. Amber Riley’s cover of “I’ll Stand By You” gave me the same type of chills I had when I heard both Pia Toscano and Team Shakira sing the song on American Idol and The Voice respectfully. In addition, both Lea Michele and Naya Rivera’s tributes are both beautifully heartbreaking. The only wish I had was that the Glee music directors utilized certain longtime cast members (Chris Colfer and Jenna Ushkowitz) more but otherwise this was a stunning tribute that ever Gleek should grab. A-
Tracks to Download: “Seasons of Love,” “I’ll Stand By You,” “If I Die Young” & “Make You Feel My Love.”
Pitbull and Ke$ha teamed up to deliver a superb collaboration called “Timber.” (Photo property of Z100 and H&M)
“Timber” by Pitbull feat. Ke$ha
Who would have thought that Pitbull and Ke$ha would have made an impeccable duo? This is probably one of the best dance pop singles of the year because of its superb beat, Ke$ha’s strong vocals and Pitbull’s rap licks. A
“I Can’t Describe (The Way I Feel)” by Jennifer Hudson feat. T.I.
The Oscar-winning singer delivered a superb single that showcased her amazing vocal range in this great retro R&B up-tempo track. T.I.’s rap cameo and Pharaell’s excellent production are welcomed additions to this song. I hope that Jennifer has several songs like this on her upcoming third studio album. A-
All of the tracks that are featured in the article belong to the artists and their respective record companies.
