By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
After a few weeks off, Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews is back! We have a lot of music to unpack, so let’s get this party started!
Diplo Presents Thomas Welsey, Chapter 1: Snake Oil by Diplo
EDM icon Diplo brought his signature sound to the country music world. Diplo Presents Thomas Welsey, Chapter 1: Snake Oil showcases superb collaborations that range from Julia Michaels and Clever’s “Real Life Stuff” to Jonas Brothers’ “Lonely.” While country music purists will cry: “FOUL!” I believe that this album showcases Diplo’s adaptability as a musician and producer. B
Tracks to Download: “Lonely,” “Dance with Me,” “Real Life Stuff,” & “Hometown.”
6-Pack EP by Florida Georgia Line
Since they released “Cruise” in 2012, country duo Florida Georgia Line has amassed a fan base and perfect amount of hits. However, I was unsatisfied when I heard their latest extended play: 6-Pack. I feel like the guys, and their production team decided to take the C-list tracks from their previous records and decided to weave them together for an EP. The only song that stands out to me is “Second Guessing,” a tune that the duo acquired through the hit NBC series: Songland and the soon to be Fourth of July anthem: “I Love My Country.” I felt that Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard were coasting on 6-Pack and let their fans and music aficionados down. D+/C-
Tracks to Download: “Second Guessing” & “I Love My Country.”
Golden Hour by Kygo
Norwegian DJ and producer Kygo released his third studio album. Golden Hour is full of 18 tracks that feature some of the music industry’s most prominent and up-and-coming musicians. Kygo prepped fans for this album by releasing his massive remix of Whitney Houston’s “Higher Love” last year to worldwide acclaim. Kygo successfully recruited Jamie N Commons, OneRepublic, Sasha Sloan, Zac Brown, and Zara Larsson for the vocals. He also brought together a variety of songwriters and producers such as Dua Lipa, Lindsey Stirling, Dr. Luke, and Scott Harris to craft these impeccable tunes. As I listened to this album, it reminded me to the first time I heard David Guetta’s Nothing But the Beat, Calvin Harris’ 18 Months, and Avicii’s Stories. I believe that Golden Hour could be one of the best EDM albums this decade. A
Tracks to Download: “The Truth,” “Lose Somebody,” “Freedom,” “Higher Love,” & “Like It Is.”
Chromatica by Lady Gaga
It is hard to believe that it has been four years since we heard a solo album from Lady Gaga. The Grammy and Oscar-winning singer-songwriter dropped her highly anticipated sixth studio album: Chromatica. Unlike some of its predecessors, Mother Monster recruited a plethora of A-list songwriters and guest artists to bring this record to life. Bloodpop, Max Martin, Rami Yacoub, Ryan Tedder, and Skrillex co-wrote some of the tracks with Gaga. Meanwhile, Ariana Grande, K-pop supergroup Blackpink, and Sir Elton John, all make cameos throughout Chromatica as featured artists. Chromatica brings Lady Gaga back to where her career started: the dance-pop world. Hopefully, we will able to dance to Chromatica in clubs, parks, and stadiums soon. Bravo, Lady Gaga! A+
Tracks to Download: “Stupid Love,” “Rain on Me,” “Sine From Above,” “Fun Tonight,” “Alice,” & “Enigma.”
“Sogno di Volare (The Dream of Flight)” by Angel City Chorale
My favorite choir, the Angel City Chorale, released a powerful music video that showcases how the America’s Got Talent fan favorites have combated the pandemic through song. I loved how the Angel City Chorale incorporated Zoom and brilliant drone footage for an outstanding music video. “Sogno di Volare (The Dream of Flight)” will genuinely lift your spirits! A+
“When Life is Good Again” by Dolly Parton
Leave it to Dolly Parton to insert positivity into the world. Recently, the country music icon released an uplifting and inspirational tune: “When Life Is Good Again.” These lyrics will touch every listeners’ hearts and will give hope to anyone suffering. A
“One More Day” by Lillias White
Emmy and Tony-winning actress and singer Lillias White released a brand new single: “One More Day.” Composed by Gail C. Bluestone and Eileen Bluestone Sherman, “One More Day” honors loved ones listeners lost, but not forgotten. The Broadway veteran excellently interpreted the Bluestone Sisters’ song and would give listeners chills. A
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