By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the latest Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We have a lot of music to unpack, so let’s get this party started.
Ecstasy-EP by Disclosure
Brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence (known as Disclosure) just dropped their latest EP. Honestly, I am disappointed with their EP. I could not connect with any of the tracks. There was not a song like “Omen,” which brilliantly brought Sam Smith, EDM, and gospel music together. Also, the duo did not have significant names such as Lorde, Miguel, Sam Smith, or the Weeknd backing them up. It is a waste of listening time and money. F
Tracks to Download: None
American Standard by James Taylor
Legendary singer-songwriter James Taylor released his twentieth studio album. While American Standard is his first new record in five years, it is the first album of covers since his 2008 Covers album. American Standard is the music legend’s take on the Great American Songbook. There are several outstanding tracks on this record, such as “Teach Me Tonight” and “Moon River.” The “Sweet Baby James” singer-songwriter also did a fantastic job introducing a new generation to vintage tracks from the Great American Songbook such as “Almost Like Being in Love” and “My Blue Heaven.” American Standard is a fabulous album from start to finish and showcases why he is one of the music industry’s “greatest of all-time” artists. B+
Tracks to Download: “My Blue Heaven,” “Almost Like Being in Love,” “Teach Me Tonight,” & “God Bless the Child.”
Make Me Feel” by Jackie Venson
It has been a while since we heard from new music from Jackie Venson. I had the opportunity to see her perform live at Big Indie Records and DIY Magazine’s New Colossus Party last year, and she delivered an impeccable set. “Make Me Feel” has this Nile Rogers-esque funk combined with these impeccable guitar rifts that should be played on all forms of alternative music platforms ASAP. “Make Me Feel” is a fantastic song, Jackie! A-
“Never Worn White” by Katy Perry
Katy Perry is pregnant! Entertainment Weekly reported that the American Idol judge and fiancé Orlando Bloom are expecting a baby. The “Chained to the Rhythm” singer-songwriter revealed the news in her latest music video: “Never Worn White.” While the song previews her upcoming nuptials to the actor, it also showcases her vulnerability (something we have not seen since “The One That Got Away.” Kudos to Ms. Perry and her collaborators, Johan Carlsson, John Ryan, and Jacob Kasher Hindlin, on producing an impeccable piano ballad. A-
“Stupid Love” by Lady Gaga
Grammy and Oscar-winning singer-songwriter Lady Gaga is back! She released her first single off of her highly anticipated sixth studio album: Chromatica. “Stupid Love” marks Lady Gaga’s first time composing a song with iconic songwriter and producer: Max Martin. In addition to the iconic music producer, Gaga recruited Artpop collaborator Tchami and Joanne collaborator BloodPop to create this fantastic track. “Stupid Love” is a tremendous start to Lady Gaga’s next chapter. A
Artists to Watch
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are several recording artists that could shake up the music industry.
No Future by EDEN
EDEN (Jonathon Ng) dropped his second studio album, No Future, on Astralwerks. The Dublin, Ireland native composed all 19 tracks on this record. There are plenty of gems that would entice music fans’ attention. Several tracks such as “hertz,” “how to sleep,” and “projector” could have massive success on radio and streaming platforms. I believe that EDEN does have the potential to be a dominant force in the music industry. B+/A-
Tracks to Download: “hertz,” “love, death, distraction,” “how to sleep,” & “projector.”
~how I’m feeling~ by Lauv
Singer-songwriter Lauv (Ari Leff) has taken the pop music world by storm. He wrote tracks for the Backstreet Boys, Billy Gilman, Cheat Codes, Celine Dion, and Khalid. This week, he released his highly anticipated debut album: How I’m Feeling. This record is a roller-coaster ride from start to finish. While it was a lengthy wait, it was well worth it. A majority of ~how I’m feeling~ sets a new standard when it comes to producing energetic and emotional pop music. Lauv picked the perfect team of co-writers and producers, including Anthony Rossomando, Jon Bellion, and the Monsters & The Strangerz, to craft these impeccable tunes. Also, keep your ear out for Alessia Cara, Anna-Marie, BTS, LANY, and Troye Sivan, who make appearances throughout this album. ~how I’m feeling~ is genuinely a fantastic pop music masterpiece. A+
Tracks to Download: “F—, I’m Lonely,” “Sims,” “Mean It,” “Changes,” “I’m so tired…” & “Modern Loneliness.”
“Forgive Me In The Morning” by Katrina Cain
Denton, Texas native Katrina Cain first received national attention when she auditioned for The Voice in 2018 when her vocals caught the attention of Blake Shelton. Two years later, Katrina released her latest original single: “Forgive Me in the Morning.” The melancholic pop song is very hypnotic and shows Katrina’s potential as a recording artist. A-
“Dust Bowl” by Scarlet Rivera
Rounding out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews is rock violinist Scarlet Rivera. Throughout her historic career, Ms. Rivera worked with music icons such as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Tracy Chapman. On April 17, Ms. Rivera will release her twelfth studio record: All of Me. One song that will be on the album is “Dust Bowl.” Ms. Rivera brilliantly transported the listener to the 1930s, where they set foot in the Dust Bowl. I loved listening to Ms. Rivera’s storytelling and arrangement process on the song. I cannot wait for the album! A
