By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the first Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews of March 2019! We have a lot of music to digest, so let’s get this party started.
Father of 4 by Offset
Offset is the final member of the Atlanta hip-hop power trio Migos to release a solo offering. Father of 4 features the rapper collaborate a plethora of guest artists including CeeLo Green, J. Cole, Travis Scott, Quavo, and wife Cardi B. Father of 4 showcases Offset’s superb ability to create hypnotic beats, but it might be hard for listeners to understand the rapid fire lyrics that Offset spits out. The redeeming aspect of Father of 4 is the autobiographical take on his life and brings new fans up to speed regarding his recording career. C+/B-
Tracks to Download: “Clout,” “Red Room,” & “Legacy.”
This Land by Gary Clark, Jr.
Gary Clark, Jr. is slowly becoming one of the Millennial Generation’s top musicians. The Grammy-winning guitarist’s superb ability to blend blues-rock, R&B, and rap together caught the attention of some of the music industry’s finest musicians including Alicia Keys, B.B. King, the Dave Matthews Band, Eric Clapton, and Sheryl Crow. Recently, he released his fifth studio album: This Land. Throughout the album, Gary Clark, Jr. perfectly captures the emotional roller coaster that the United States is experiencing. This Land also features unusual instrumental arrangements that could help Mr. Clark, Jr. score several Grammy nominations during the 2020 awards season. A
Tracks to Download: “Gotta Get into Something,” “Pearl Cadillac,” “When I’m Gone,” “Don’t Wait Til Tomorrow,” & “This Land.”
Wasteland, Baby! By Hozier
Irish singer-songwriter Andrew Hozier-Byrne released his sophomore studio album. The Irish Independent reported that Wasteland, Baby! was recorded within a year, which is a superb feat in the recording industry. Music legend Mavis Staples dueted with Hozier on the moving “Nina Cried Power,” while Booker T. Jones provided the instrumentation for the album. Thanks to Wasteland, Baby! Hozier continues to make his mark on the music industry with his remarkable vocals, impeccable arranging skills, and superb lyrics. A-
Tracks to Download: “Nina Cried Power,” “Almost (Sweet Music),” “No Plan,” “To Noise Making (Sing),” & “Dinner & Diatribes.”
“Feel Something” by Adam Lambert
It is hard to believe that Adam Lambert came into the music world 10 years ago when he auditioned for American Idol. Adam has grown leaps and bounds as a solo artist and with Queen’s Dr. Brian May and Roger Taylor. The “Whataya Want from Me” singer announced a brand new chapter in his fabled career by releasing new music including new single: “Feel Something.” This track is powerful 2-minutes and 58-second track that will grab listeners’ heartstrings. B+
(Album cover property of Brian Justin Crum)
“Circles” by Brian Justin Crum
Following his participation in America’s Got Talent: the Champions, Brian Justin Crum released his first original piece of music: “Circles.” This song is tailormade for radio and it perfectly maps out Brian’s artistic vision. I cannot wait to see what he does next because he is going to be one of 2019’s breakout artists. A
“I Can’t Get Enough” by Benny Blanco, Tainy, Selena Gomez, & J Balvin
Superstar songwriter and producer Benny Blanco released his latest single: “I Can’t Get Enough.” The 2-minute and 38-second track blends Pop Latino, Hip-hop, and hip-house superbly. J Balvin steals the show with his groovy rap beats, while the “Same Old Love” singer cooed her way through the Tainy and Benny Blanco-penned lyrics. It is a big supergroup gathering that could conquer both radio charts and the dance hall. B+
“Walk Me Home” by P!nk
P!nk just released the first single off of her upcoming eighth studio album: Hurts 2B Human. The “What About Us” singer teamed up with her “Just Give Me a Reason” collaborator Nate Ruess and up-and-coming songwriter Scott Harris to write “Walk Me Home.” While the single is a great arena pop rock track, listeners might think that the three-time Grammy-winning performer took a page from Avril Lavigne’s Head Above Water. B
“He Lives in You” by Peter Hollens
Friend to the blog, Peter Hollens, released one of his best interpretations of a Disney song to date! He covered the Lebo M-penned “He Lives in You,” which is featured in the Broadway adaptation of The Lion King. With the help of several cast members, Peter took the tune to new heights, and it is an emotional experience that will leave listeners with hope. A+
“Land of the Dreamers” by the Rah’s
Last year, Jake’s Take introduced you to British alternative rock band The Rah’s. This group of performers just gave the website an exclusive listen to their new single: “Land of the Dreamers.” Holy moly, this song is spectacular. From the impeccable guitar riffs to the amazing lyrics, “Land of the Dreamers” might remind music lovers of a classic Bon Jovi rock anthem. I cannot wait to hear their next song. A
Artists to Watch
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! In this edition, we introduce readers to artists who might take the music industry by storm!
What a Time To Be Alive by Tom Walker
Tom Walker kicks off Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch. The Scottish singer-songwriter has been on wild roller coaster ride over the past two years. Recently, he won the Best Breakthrough Act at the 2019 Brit Awards and he supported a plethora of English and Irish acts such as Jake Bugg, George Erza, and the Script. What a Time To Be Alive showcases Tom Walker’s massive potential in the music industry. The album’s 13 tracks will take listeners on an impeccable listening experience that showcases Tom Walker’s many passions as an artist. I cannot wait to see what he does next. B+
Tracks to Download: “Blessings,” “Cry Out,” “Leave a Light On,” & “Walk Alone.”
Lips On Lips by Tiffany Young
Many music lovers know Tiffany Young as part of the celebrated K-pop girl group Girls Generation. Recently, she dropped her first U.S. solo project, an EP called Lips on Lips. After listening to the five tracks, I think that she could give Ariana Grande, Bebe Rexha, and Demi Lovato, a run for their money. I believe that Tiffany does have enough star power to compete as a solo artist in the international music market. This EP is a perfect way for Ms. Young to stir up a presence in the United States. A
Tracks to Download: “Born Again,” “Lips on Lips,” “The Flower,” & “Runaway.”
Sleepkillers by Sleepkillers
Hard rock band Sleepkillers closes out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Releases. Sleepkillers is made up of multi-instrumentalists Sam Rivers (Limp Bizkit), Damian Starkey (Puddle of Mudd), and touring members drummer Bobby Amaru (Saliva) and guitarist Adam Latiff (ex-Puddle of Mudd member). The group’s self-titled debut album will definitely impress both veteran metal fans and newcomers. Sleepkillers definitely showcases that this newly formed group will definitely play a role in shaping heavy metal and rock for years to come. A-
Tracks to Download: “Dirty Foot,” “Left for Dead,” “Drown,” “End of the Rope,” & “So Low.”
I do not own any of the video clips that appear in this article. They belong to the artists and their respective record labels.
[…] released his debut album: What A Time To Be Alive. The album peaked in the Top 20 on six different countries’ music charts. Tom Walker was also […]