New Music Releases-Week of September 23, 2013

By Jacob Elyachar

This edition of New Music Releases features a combination of music legends and rising superstars you need in your music library!

The Diving Board by Elton John

I have been looking forward to this album for two years! Sir Elton’s 30^th solo studio album is filled of impeccable musical arrangements, superb lyrics from Elton’s legendary songwriting partner: Bernie Taupin, outstanding production from T-Bone Burnett and of course, Elton’s legendary voice.   If there is one album that you need to buy this September…it is The Diving Board. A+

Tracks to Download: “A Town Called Jubilee,” “The Ballad of Old Tom,” “Home Again,” “Take This Dirty Water” & “Mexican Vacation (Kids In the Candlelight).”

This is…ICONA POP by Icona Pop

The debut album by the Swedish duo featured intriguing tracks that contain catchy lyrics, memorable production licks and an all-star group of writer-producers including Stargate and Shellback.  I think that Icona Pop is a unique group that could become a force to be reckoned with in the dance pop world.   I hope that the girls continue to grow as artists and come back with a solid sophomore album.  B+

 Tracks to Download: “I Love It,” “All Night,” “We Got the World” & “Girlfriend”

 

The Last Ship by Sting

Sting’s 11^th studio album is based upon his forthcoming play: The Last Ship, which is scheduled to hit the Great White Way next year.  As much as I respect the English musician, this album seems divided between superb up-tempo tracks and to depressing pub ballads.    Some of the songs will successfully hit listeners at the gut but he will have a hard time convincing them to listen to the entire album.  B-

Tracks to Download: “And Yet,” “What Have We Got?” & “Sky Hooks and Tartan Paint”

Clarity by Zedd

Zedd’s debut album features a lot of great beats from the EDM producer.  However, a lot of Clarity’s success comes from guest artists including Ryan Tedder, Foxes, Lucky Date and Hayley Williams.   Listeners will be interested in how the artists’ vocals rub off from Zedd’s beats plus it has plenty of material to workout to.  A-

Tracks to Download: “Lost at Sea,” “Clarity,” “Fall Into the Sky” & “Stay the Night”

 

“I Will Not Break” by Elise Testone

One of my favorite artists from American Idol: Season 11 was Elise Testone. Week-after-week, she delivered incredible performances and entertained the crowd with her showmanship.  Her first post-Idol single: “I Will Not Break” has strong lyrics, great vocals and is a superb single.  I hope that we hear more from her soon! A

“Keep Running” by Michael V. Doane

A friend of Jake’s Take is back with a hot new single!  “Keep Running” is a terrific tribute to 80s glam rock.  Michael delivered a steamy vocal performance and the song will put a smile onto the listener’s face.  A

All of the clips that are sprinkled throughout this album belong to the artists and their respective record labels!