By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome back to Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s get this party started.
Body Language by Blake Shelton
The Voice stalwart dropped his twelfth studio album: Body Language. This is Blake Shelton’s first album in four years, and honestly, I am glad that he decided to wait a few years. The “God Gave Me You” singer dropped SIX albums last decade, and it was difficult to keep track of both his artistry and songs. Body Language contains some sturdy songs such as “Now I Don’t,” which could allude to his superstar ex-wife: Miranda Lambert, the personal “Bible Verses,” and the hysterical ode to “Corn.” Also, keep an eye out for Gwen Stefani and The Voice: Season Four Third Place finalists (and Team Blake alums) The Swon Brothers as they make cameos throughout the album. B/B+
Tracks to Download: “Body Language,” “Happy Anywhere,” “Corn,” & “Makin’ It Up As I Go.”
Beam Me Up Scotty by Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj surprised her fans and re-released her 2009 mixtape: Beam Me Up Scotty. There were several significant changes between the 2009 mixtape and the 2021 re-release. Several tracks, such as “Handstand” and “Mind on My Money,” which featured Rihanna and Busta Rhymes, are nowhere to be found. New songs such as “Fractions” and the Drake-Lil Wayne assisted “Seeing Green” are in their place. While Lil Wayne and Drake make additional appearances on the album, Beam Me Up Scotty also features Gucci Mane (on three different songs), PTAF, Rocko, G Herbo, and Bobby V. The re-released mixtape showcases the impact Nicki Minaj made on the rap side of the music industry. B/B+
Tracks to Download: “Crocodile Teeth,” “Boss Ass Bitch (remix),” “I Get Crazy,” & “Best I Ever Had (Remix).”
All I Know So Far: SetList by P!nk
I love when P!nk releases new music! Rolling Stone reported that the “Raise Your Glass” singer-songwriter recorded a live album that included some of her performances from her last pre-COVID pandemic tour: Beautiful Trauma World Tour. In addition to live performances of some of her classics such as “So What,” “Who Knew,” and “Just Like a Pill,” there are some surprising additions. There are several covers, including two Queen songs, Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” and Bishop Briggs’ “River.” Also, there are two new songs: “Cover Me in Sunshine, a duet with her daughter Willow Sage Hart and “All I Know So Far.” All I Know So Far: SetList showcases P!nk’s legacy as an impeccable live performer and a badass recording artist. B+/A-
Tracks to Download: “Funhouse/Just a Girl (Live),” “River,” “Time After Time,” “All I Know So Far,” & “I Am Here (Live).”
“Reasons” by Andrew De Leon
It’s been a while since Jake’s Take friend and America’s Got Talent fan-favorite Andrew De Leon released new music. His latest single, “Reasons,” is a beautiful jazz track. Produced and arranged by David Serero, “Reasons” showcases a new side to Andrew’s artistry that fans would love to hear. A-
“Blessings” by Anthony Ramos
Hamilton and In the Heights performer Anthony Ramos dropped his latest single, “Blessings,” through Republic Records. ”Blessings” is a superbly fine blend of R&B and EDM music, and Anthony’s vocals are on pointe. I cannot wait to hear more music from him. A
“Electric” by Katy Perry
I love Pokemon and Katy Perry music. As part of the legendary video game franchise’s silver anniversary, the American Idol judge released a new song inspired by Pokemon. “Electric” was co-written by the “Never Really Over” singer-songwriter, Jon Bellion, and the Monsters & Strangerz. This song reminds me of “Never Really Over” and “Part of Me.” It perfectly captures my feelings when I played Pokemon Yellow, Pokemon Silver, and both Pokemon Stadiums. Happy Anniversary, Pokemon! B+
Head to the second page to find out which musicians made this edition of Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch
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