By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to a massive edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We have a lot of great music to unpack, so let’s get this party started.
We Are by Jon Batiste
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s musical director dopped his eighth studio album. We Are showcases the Golden Globe-winning singer and composer’s excellent musicianship. Jon Batiste brilliantly blends classic 70s soul with blues, gospel, and jazz. He also recruited several collaborators, including the Hot 8 Brass Band (“ADULTHOOD”), PJ Morton & Trombone Shorty (“BOYHOOD”), and Zadie Smith (“SHOW ME THE WAY”). When it comes time to determine the 2021-2022 awards season’s nominations, I hope that Jon Batiste’s We Are is in the conversation. This album is one of 2021’s best R&B records! A
Tracks to Download: “WE ARE,” “TELL THE TRUTH,” “CRY,” “I NEED YOU,” & “SHOW ME THE WAY.”
Justice by Justin Bieber
A lot has happened since the “Yummy” singer-songwriter dropped a record. Now, Justin Bieber released his sixth studio album: Justice. This 16-track album features some of the successful elements from his past work. Up-tempo dance-pop tracks (“Deserve You,” “Hold On,” and “Anyone”) and the inclusion of more R&B/hip-hop guests such as some of his generation’s top talents including Chance the Rapper (“Holy”), Daniel Caesar & GIVEON (“Peaches”), and Khalid (“As I Am”) make the album a success. Justice is definitely on par with his 2015’s Purpose, and hopefully, Justin Bieber is ready to begin a new chapter in his career in a brand new world. A-
Tracks to Download: “Holy,” “Deserve You,” “Anyone,” “Peaches,” & “Hold On”
Spaceman by Nick Jonas
Nick Jonas’ fourth solo album, Spaceman, comes at an incredible time for the actor-recording artist. He did a superb job as host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live, and he returned to The Voice as a coach for his second season. For his third album, the “Jealous” singer-songwriter turned to hitmakers Greg Kurstin and Maureen “Mozella” McDonald to help him craft the entire album. Spaceman’s sweet section begins at the title track and ends at “Deeper Love.” Despite having several dud tracks, Spaceman is one of Nick Jonas’ best pieces of work so far in his career. B/B+
Tracks to Download: “Spaceman,” “2Drunk,” “This is Heaven,” & “Deeper Love.”
Revelación by Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez released the first set of Spanish-language music in her career. Revelación is a seven-track extended play that features an impeccable combination of Reggaeton, electropop, R&B, and Pop Latino musical genres. The production team of Albert Hype, Jota Rosa, Neon16, and Tainy did an impeccable job bringing Revelación to life as they produced most of the album. In addition to reuniting with longtime collaborators Julia Michaels and DJ Snake, the “Love Song” singer-songwriter worked with some of Pop Latino’s top hitmakers, including Elena Rose, GALE, Myke Towers, and Rauw Alejandro. Revelación is a lovely change of pace for the “Lose You to Love Me” singer-songwriter, and I believe that she is on her way to following Linda Ronstadt’s iconic footsteps. A-
Tracks to Download: “De Una Vez,” “Buscando Amor,” “Baila Conmigo,” “Vicio,” & “Selfish Love.”
“CAMERAS ON” by AJ Mitchell
Jake’s Take friend AJ Mitchell is inching closer to his highly anticipated debut album: Skyview. His latest single, “CAMERAS ON,” is one of his powerful tracks to date. The song is pure magic, and I truly believe that this song will dominate 2021. A-
“Leave the Door Open” by Silk Sonic
There is a new super duo in the music world. Bruno Mars and rapper Anderson Paak formed R&B/Soul duo Silk Sonic. The duo’s first single: “Leave the Door Open,” is magical! I got chills while I was watching the music video, and after their incredible performance at the Grammys, I genuinely believe that Silk Sonic will conquer 2021! A+
Head over to page two to check out the latest edition of Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch!
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