By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
It is a busy week in the music world as legends, Top 40 darlings and country superstars released new material!
The Script continues to grow as a pop rock band with their latest album: “No Sound Without Silence.” (Album artwork property of Columbia Records)
No Sound Without Silence by the Script
Irish pop rock band The Script’s fourth studio album showcased deeper tracks from the trio. The group continues to honor similar themes of hope, rebuilding and rebellion that were built-in the Script’s previous outings. While Danny O’Donoghue continues to prove that he is one of our generation’s best singer-songwriters, his songwriting partnership with fellow band members Mark Sheehan and Glen Power continues to produce future radio hits for the group! While other pop rock bands continue to lose their way, the Script’s growth will make sure that they leave a legacy for future generations. B+
Tracks to Download: “Superheroes,” “It’s Not Right For You,” “Army of Angels” & “Paint the Town Green”
Bringing Back the Sunshine by Blake Shelton
While I admire Blake as a coach on The Voice, he might need to put as much energy into his music as he does his contestants. While listening to Bringing Back the Sunshine, I felt that it was a very generic country album! Blake needs to record another “God Gave Me You” or “Sure Be Cool If You Did,” because both songs connected with listeners. Luckily, Ashley Monroe and RaeLynn’s appearances were able to keep fans interested but Blake needs to dig deeper! C-
Tracks to Download: “Neon Light,” “Lonely Tonight” & “Buzzin’”
Prince electrified music lovers with his latest album: “Art Official Age.” (Album cover property of Warner Bros. Records & NPG Records)
ART OFFICIAL AGE by Prince
Prince is back! At 56-years-old, The Purple One has delivered a powerful album that not only is the best R&B record of the year…but also outshines and outperforms artists from the Millennial Generation. For 12 tracks, the iconic rocker revisited his classic Funk and Rock roots, which will take listeners on a modern-day psychedelic ride to music utopia! A+
Tracks to Download: “CLOUDS,” “BREAKDOWN,” “BREAKFAST CAN WAIT,” “WHAT IT FEELS LIKE,” “WAY BACK HOME” & “FUNKNROLL”
747 by Lady Antebellum
Like Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum is releasing consecutive albums for the second year in the row. However, unlike The Voice coach, Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley & Dave Haywood, have evolved their sound. While 747 leans towards a more Rock and Roll sound, the trio’s superb production and harmonies will not disappoint or bore listeners. B+
Tracks to Download: “Long Stretch of Love,” “Bartender,” “Freestyle” & “She Is”
Aretha Franklin breathed new life into Adele’s super hit: “Rolling in the Deep.” (Photo property of CBS)
“Rolling in the Deep” by Aretha Franklin
The Queen of Soul is tackling some of the best diva classics of all-time! Her first single is a monstrous one as she gave her twist to Adele’s signature song: “Rolling in the Deep.’ Leave it to Aretha…to transform it to an upbeat gospel track (which features a Supremes twist) that will give listeners goose bumps! Congrats, Ms. Franklin! Your cover is my Song of the Week! A+
“Something in the Water” by Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood is celebrating her 10 years in the music industry! “Something in the Water” is a strong country track with hints of gospel music (great tie-in of “Amazing Grace”). Like every song that she released, Carrie connects with the listener and the choir adds another dimension of excellence to this track. A-
