By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the second edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews of June 2022!
We have a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s get this party started.
Denim & Rhinestones by Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood dropped her ninth studio album: Denim & Rhinestones. The eight-time Grammy-winning performer reunited with her Cry Pretty producer David Garcia to co-produce this album. Country music’s top songwriters such as Ashley Gorley, HARDY, Hillary Lindsey, and Josh Kear also assisted the duo with crafting the record. Standout tracks including “Crazy Angels” and “Pink Champagne” brought the American Idol icon back to her “Cowboy Casanova” and “Renegade Runaway” days. Denim & Rhinestones showcases the next chapter of the celebrated recording career, and it is a massive improvement from her past two albums. B+
Tracks to Download: “Denim & Rhinestones,” “Ghost Story,” “Crazy Angels,” & “Pink Champagne.”
AGUILERA by Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera dropped her ninth studio album and her second Spanish language album of her career. AGUILERA is divided into two parts: La Fuerza and La Tormenta. The “Fighter” singer-songwriter collaborated with many Latin music songwriters such as Kat Dahlia, Mario Domm, Andrés Torres, and DallasK. Producers Rafa Arcaute and Federico Vindver played a massive role in AGUILERA’s production. While it has been 22 years since the five-time Grammy-winning vocalist produced a full Spanish-language album, she has not lost her golden touch or vocals. Also, keep an ear out for several Latin Pop’s next generations of recording artists, such as Christian Nodal, Becky G, Nicki Nicole, and Ozuma, who are featured throughout the album. AGUILERA is a remarkable record from start to finish. A
Tracks to Download: “Pa Mis Muchachas,” “Somos Nada,” “Santo,” “Cuando Me De la Gana,” & “Traguito.”
Kellyoke – EP by Kelly Clarkson
The Emmy and Grammy-winning talk show host dropped her second extended play in 11 years: Kellyoke. The title comes from the popular segment from Kelly Clarkson’s talk show, where she and her house band, Y’all, cover a diverse group of songs from different genres. Kellyoke features several fantastic interpretations of classic tunes such as Roy Orbison and Linda Ronstadt’s “Blue Bayou” and Whitney Houston’s “Queen of the Night.” I loved this cover EP, and I hope that Kelly considers releasing an entire cover album in the future! A+
Tracks to Download: “Blue Bayou,” “Call Out My Name,” “Happier Than Ever,” “Queen of the Night,” “Trampoline,” & “Fake Plastic Trees.”
Prince & The Revolution: Live by Prince & The Revolution
On March 30, 1985, Prince and the Revolution stormed Syracuse, New York, for a concert as part of the Purple Rain Tour. Recently, this live album entered the Apple Music and iTunes store. While the downside is not being able to download the 10-minute version of “Baby I’m a Star” and the classic 18-minute arrangement of “Purple Rain,” Prince & The Revolution: Live is a remarkable album that music lovers and up-and-coming artists and musicians should listen to have success in the music industry. B+
Tracks to Download: “1999,” “Little Red Corvette,” “Take Me with U,” & “When Doves Cry.”
“Breakaway” by Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne released the twentieth-anniversary edition of her 2002 debut album: Let’s Go. What I was surprised to find was her version of Kelly Clarkson’s “Breakaway.” It turned out that the “Sk8er Boi” singer-songwriter co-wrote the track with Bridget Benenate and Matthew Gerrard before turning it over to the first American Idol champion. While the song took the Emmy-winning talk show host to superstardom status, it was fabulous to hear the original version. I got chills from listening to Avril’s performance, and it is the perfect anniversary gift for her fans! A-
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Collabro
Collabro released their interpretation of the classic “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” the first single from their forthcoming October 7 studio album: Be Still My Soul. As someone who has covered this group since their Britain’s Got Talent win, I am in awe of their outstanding harmonies, brilliant solos, and superb arrangement. Collabro has grown leaps and bounds, and I know that eager Collaborators (the group’s loyal fanbase) will listen to this song again and again! Congratulations, Jamie, Michael, Thomas, and Matt, this is your personal best! A+
Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are the bands and singers that could make an impact in the industry.
Awaken by the Curtis Family C-Notes
It has been one year since San Francisco’s First Family of Song, the Curtis Family C-Notes, auditioned for America’s Got Talent. Recently, the Season 16 quarterfinalists dropped their full-length debut studio album: Awaken. This album is an outstanding record from start to finish. The family’s superb musicianship should inspire families to embrace the arts and make music together. I believe listeners would be much better after listening to Awaken. Well done, the Curtis Family C-Notes. A-
Tracks to Download: “Rising Sun,” “Just Reminiscin’,” “Love Is What You Do,” & “Keep a Positive Mind.”
Drake Milligan – EP by Drake Milligan
While talking about AGT, let’s talk about country music singer Drake Milligan. During the second edition of the AGT: Season 17 Judges Auditions, the Texas native blew the audience and judges away with his original song: “Sounds Like Something I’d Do.” The extended play showcases why he has the potential to be one of the season’s first frontrunners. His superb music and fantastic country music radio-ready voice potentially cement Drake as one of 2022’s breakout music stars. B+
Tracks to Download: “Over Drinkin’ Under Thinkin’,” “Don’t Look Down,” & “Sounds Like Something I’d Do.”
“Bay Dale” by SweetNur
SweetNur rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. SweetNur is the stage name of Memphis-based singer-songwriter Chris Nurthen. His latest single, “Bay Dale,” has hints of music greats John Mellencamp and Van Morrison. Like both men, SweetNur has superb storytelling ability and captures folk rock as well. I look forward to seeing what he does next. B+
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