Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga breathed new life into the Great American Songbook in their first collaborative album: “Cheek to Cheek.” (Album cover property of Interscope Records & Columbia Records)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to an Albums edition of New Music Releases!
Cheek to Cheek by Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
Throughout Tony Bennett’s seven-decade career, he previously recorded full albums with four different artists or groups. This week, Lady Gaga joined Count Basie and his Orchestra, Bill Evans, k.d. Lang and the London Symphonic Orchestra in this prestigious group. Cheek to Cheek showcases the duo’s brilliant take on the Great American Songbook. Tony and Gaga have beautiful vocal chemistry that would make listeners smile with delight. Also, keep an ear out for solo tracks from both of them. Cheek to Cheek is not only one of the best vocal jazz albums of the year, but it is also one of my Albums of the Week. A+
Tracks to Download: “Cheek to Cheek,” “Anything Goes,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” “Nature Boy,” “Let’s Face the Music and Dance” & “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)”
JHUD by Jennifer Hudson
There is nothing boring about Jennifer Hudson’s third studio album! I like that the Oscar winner tackled several more up-tempo tracks that were missing from both her 2008 self-titled debut album and 2011’s I Remember Me. Ms. Hudson’s new acquired vocal edginess was sprinkled throughout the album and it is awesome that listeners will get to hear a new side to her. B+
Tracks to Download: “Dangerous,” “It’s Your World,” “He Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” & “Walk It Out”
Pentatonix unleashes three new original songs and four unbelievable covers! (Album cover property of RCA Records)
PTX, Vol. III by Pentatonix
All hail Pentatonix! The group’s third EP continues to showcase their growth as a group and arrangers. Listeners would get chills as they listen to the quintet’s original songs: “On My Way Home” and “See Through.” Congratulations, Scott, Kirsten, Mitch, Kevin and Avi! Your third EP is one of my Albums of the Week! A+
Tracks to Download: “Problem,” “On My Way Home,” “La La Latch,” “See Through” & “Rather Be”
Strut by Lenny Kravitz
I always look forward to hearing Lenny Kravitz’s studio albums! The tenth studio album showcases the Grammy-winning rocker’s versatility as he played a bulk of the instruments on the album (ranging from three guitars and the mellotron) and arranged every single track! He is also able to transport the listener to different environments like New York City (self-titled track), a fashion show (“Strut”) and a horror film (“Frankenstein”). Great work, Lenny! A-
Tracks to Download: “The Chamber,” “New York City,” “Strut” & “Ooo Baby Baby”
Big & Rich’s “Gravity” marks the first release from the country duo’s self-titled record label. (Album cover property of Big & Rich Records)
Gravity by Big & Rich
Big Kenny and John Rich are my favorite country duo of the 2000s. Every time, they release a record…I have high expectations from them. Gravity showcases the duo’s songwriting skills and how they work with iconic country singer-songwriters such as Tim McGraw, Eric Paslay, Marti Frederiksen and Frankie Ballad. Their melodies will hypnotize listeners and leave them with stuff to talk and think about. B+
Tracks to Download: “Lovin’ Lately,” “Gravity,” “Brand New Buzz” & “Run Away With You”
All the clips that are sprinkled throughout this article do not belong to me! They belong to the artists and their respective labels.
