By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome back to the latest edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s get this party started.
Funk Wav Bounces, Vol. 2 by Calvin Harris
Scottish DJ and record producer Calvin Harris released a follow-up to his 2017 studio album: Funk Wav Bounces. The second volume features a top group of collaborators that range from multiple musical genres such as pop music (Charlie Puth, Dua Lipa, Halsey, and Justin Timberlake), R&B (Normani and Tinashe), and Rap (Pharrell Williams and Snoop Dogg). As I listened to the Funk Wav Bounces’ second volume, I heard a few hits and lots of duds. “New Money,” “Woman of the Year,” “New to You,” and “Stay with Me (Part 2)” are several songs that I would have left on the cutting room floor or for a Calvin Harris retrospective album. For someone who is one of the best producers in the music industry, Funk Wav Bounces, Vol. 2 would bore its listeners. C-
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Potion,” “Obsessed,” “Ready or Not,” & “Stay with Me.”
Holy Fvck by Demi Lovato
Since releasing 2011’s Unbroken, Demi Lovato has been a significant force in the pop music world. Now, the former X Factor USA judge and Disney darling has headed to the rock and punk world with Holy Fvck. The “Sorry Not Sorry” singer teamed up with Laura Veltz, Warren “Oak” Felder, Alex Niceforo, and Keith “Ten4” Sorrells to craft a bulk of the album’s songs while the latter three were responsible for Holy Fvck’s production. This album showcases a new edger chapter in her career. B+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Skin of My Teeth,” “Holy Fvck,” “29,” “City of Angels,” and “BONES.”
“No Body” by Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton is throwing back to the 1990s, including bringing back his mullet. People Magazine reported that the country music sensation wrote this song that transported his fanbase back to his days breaking into the recording industry. “No Body” is a superb song that will put a smile on your face and showcases why The Voice coach has been a top performer in the country music industry for over 20 years. B+
“Hold Me Closer” by Elton John & Britney Spears
The long-awaited collaboration of Elton John and Britney Spears, “Hold Me Closer,” is finally here! Producers Andrew Watt and Henry Walter (Cirkut) combined elements of Sir Elton and longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin’s previous hits – “The One,” “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” and, of course, “Tiny Dancer,” into a new track. This fabulous song welcomes Britney Spears back into the music world, which marks a new chapter for the pop music star since the end of her controversial conservatorship. I hope more music is to come from Britney! #WelcomeBackBritney A
“Drippin’ in Love” by Frankie Zulferino
Jake’s Take friend Frankie Zulferino released a new single: “Drippin’ in Love.” It is a hypnotic song from start to finish that combines orchestral R&B elements that would remind listeners of Michael Jackson’s “One More Chance” and Silk Sonic’s “Leave the Door Open.” Once again, Frankie Zulferino and his team hit another home run. I cannot wait to see this song’s music video. A-
Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some of the artists that are going to rock the music industry.
“Slowly” by Bri Oglu
Los Angeles-based cinematic pop artist Bri Oglu kicks off this edition of Artists to Watch! Her single, “Slowly,” is amazingly hypnotic! Bri’s bubbly vocals blend with the funk drums and New Jack swing vibe. I am looking to hearing more from Bri! A-
“What is Love” by Jaeden Zoe
Houston-based singer-songwriter Jaeden Zoe released a beautiful single: “What is Love.” When I first listened to the track, it reminded me of the first time I heard Brandy’s “Have You Ever” and Monica’s “For You I Will.” Like these legendary ladies, Jaeden Zoe has the superb ability to tug at the listeners’ heartstrings. What a magnificent talent! A+
“Georgia Off My Mind” by Larkin Poe
Nashville-based multi-instrumentalists Rebecca and Megan Lovell are known as the Grammy-nominated duo, Larkin Poe. The Lovell sisters dropped their latest single: “Georgia Off My Mind.” The song is a brilliant country rock anthem showcasing their superstar talent and why they are a part of Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Festival Tour and sharing the stage with Dave Matthews Band and Black Pumas. A
“Doomed” by New Friends
Canadian indie-pop group New Friends is one group that you need to keep an eye on! The Southern Ontario-based band consists of lead singer Stefan Boulineau, guitarist Cole Wilson, keyboardist and lead songwriter Ayden Miller, and bassist Conrad Galecki. Their latest single, “Doomed,” would be the result if 30H!3’s “Don’t Trust Me” and DNCE’s “Cake by the Ocean” had a baby. B
“Don’t Stop Believing” by Teddy Swims
Teddy Swims rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. I first heard of Teddy Swims when he appeared on Meghan Trainor’s “Bad for Me.” But I became a fan when he sang this song on AGT with beloved winner Kodi Lee and Journey icon Neal Schon. Teddy took on Steve Perry’s vocals and elevated the track for a whole generation of music fans to enjoy. Like the cast of Glee, whose lives were changed when they tackled this song, I believe that Teddy Swims’ fanbase will grow exponentially over the next few months. B+
Please consider heading to PayPal to help support my platform and keep Jake’s Take running.
