Ariana Grande’s “Yours Truly” is the best debut record of 2013! She has a bright future ahead of her. (Album cover property of Republic Records)
By: Jacob Elyachar
Hello music lovers!
Missed getting new tunes this week due to the extended Labor Day weekend?
This week’s edition of New Music Releases has the perfect solutions for you!
Here are my takes on the latest studio albums from Ariana Grande and John Legend plus hot new singles from Celine Dion, Sir Paul McCartney and Icona Pop!
Yours Truly by Ariana Grande
Earlier this summer, I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Ariana Grande when she was performed at Mix 93.3’s Red, White and Boom concert. She had an incredible voice and after her set, I personally told her that she has “a bright future ahead of her.” After listening to her debut album, I still stand by my words, as multiple generations of music lovers will enjoy listening to her sing throughout each of the 13-tracks. In addition, keep an ear out for Big Sean, Mac Miller, Nathan Sykes and MIKA, who make cameos throughout the album. Overall, Yours Truly is the strongest debut album that has been released this year and I cannot wait to hear what Ms. Grande has in store for her fans with her sophomore album. A-
Tracks to Download: “Baby I,” “Right There,” “Tattooed Heart,” “Piano” & “The Way”
Love in the Future by John Legend
John Legend’s fifth studio album is filled with layered songs that fuse R&B, soul, hip-hop and some elements of Dubstep. Mr. Legend continues to showcase his abilities as a virtuoso from his superb instrumental arrangements that were showcased in “All of Me” and “Who Do We Think We Are” to his impeccable vocals that were sprinkled throughout the album. I wish that all R&B albums followed Mr. Legend’s format because this was a very enjoyable album to listen to and I strongly predict that there could be Grammy and BET Awards in his future. A
Tracks to Download: “Made to Love,” “Who Do You Think We Are,” “All of Me,” “Save the Night”& “We Loved It (feat. Seal)”
Celine Dion’s “Loved Me Back to Life” is not only her first English single of the 2010s, but it also serves as a strong single for her upcoming studio album! (Album cover property of Columbia Records)
“Loved Me Back to Life” by Celine Dion
For the first time in five years, Celine Dion has released a new English single! With the help of celebrated songwriter Sia Furler (“Titanium” and “Diamonds”) and producers Sham Hussain and Motesart Motes, “Loved Me Back to Life” will help prepare the music world for her first English album in six years. This song is an intriguing marriage between Dion’s superb voice and a hybrid mix of Dubstep and soft rock. All I have to say about this is just one phrase: “Welcome back, Celine!” A-
“New” by Sir Paul McCartney
Sir Paul McCartney has a “New” single out! The title track of his upcoming studio album might sound similar to music lovers as it features similar sounds to some of Sir Paul’s iconic songs with the Beatles. If you listen very closely, there are shades of “Penny Lane,” catchy choruses that would make listeners reminisce of “Hey Jude,” a horn section from “Got to Get You Into My Life,” simplistic melodies that take a page out of “She Loves You,” “I Saw Her Standing There” and “Love Me Do.” If you need a great pick-me-up, listening to “New” is the perfect solution for you! A+
“In the Stars (Galaxy Mix)” by Icona Pop
One music duo that is continuing to make some noise in the electronic pop world is Swedish duo Icona Pop. The ladies have been dropping some strong beats over the past couple months and received strong radio airplay. “In The Stars (Galaxy Mix)” is a strong record and has the potential of dominating radio, Pandora and music festivals this fall. I wish these women the best of luck with the release of their debut international album. B+
I do not own any of the clips that are featured in this article! They belong to the artists and their respective record companies!
