Welcome to the latest installment of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! (Bitmoji property of Jake’s Take)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the latest edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party.
Bebe Rexha’s Bebe is her best album of her career so far. (Album cover property of Warner Records)
Bebe by Bebe Rexha
Since she appeared on Florida Georgia Line’s “Meant to Be,” Bebe Rexha has become an important part of today’s pop music scene. Her third studio album, Bebe, features tunes crafted by the “I’m a Mess” singer-songwriter and a new team of collaborators such as Bonnie McKee, Ido Zmishlany, Joe Janiak, and TMS. In addition, music icons David Guetta, Dolly Parton, and Snoop Dogg appear on the album. Bebe features some of the best songs I have heard in 2023! Bravo, Bebe! Your album is one of your best pieces of work! A+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Heart Wants What It Wants,” “Miracle Man,” “When It Rains,” “Call on Me,” “I’m Good (Blue),” & “Born Again.”
Diplo recruited Dove Cameron, Kodak Black, Lily Rose, and Parker McCollum for Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley: Chapter 2 – Swamp Savant. (Album cover property of Columbia Records & Sony Music Entertainment)
Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley: Chapter 2 – Swamp Savant by Diplo
Three years ago, music producer and DJ Diplo entered the country music world with Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley: Chapter 1 – Snake Oil. The album featured epic collaborations with a combination of country (Danielle Bradbery, Morgan Wallen, Orville Peck, and Zac Brown) and pop (Jonas Brothers, Julia Michaels, and Lil Nas X)’s finest. Diplo released the second chapter of Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley – Swamp Savant. While the album does contain the first chapter, I am focusing on the six new songs. Diplo recruited a combination of up-and-coming country superstars such as Lily Rose and Parker McCollum, along with established recording artists such as Dove Cameron, Kodiak Black, and Sturgill Simpson. This new set of songs is superb, and there are contenders for end-of-the-year playlists and award nominations. Well done, Diplo! B
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Sad in the Summer,” “Use Me (Brutal Hearts),” “Lonely Long,” & “Wasted.”
Smokey Robinson’s Gasms might be NSFW music. (Album cover property of Smokey Robinson)
Gasms by Smokey Robinson
Music legend Smokey Robinson dropped his first studio album of original material since 2009! The Motown icon’s Gasms showcases a new side to longtime and new fans. While most of the album features NSFW material and possibly ignites cancel culture enthusiasts, Mr. Robinson’s legendary voice is still in top form. B-
Tracks to Download or Stream: “How You Make Me Feel,” “I Keep Callin’ You,” “Roll Around,” & “If We Don’t Have Each Other.”
Tiësto’s DRIVE features few standouts and several tracks that should have been left on the cutting room floor. (Album cover property of Musical Freedom Label)
DRIVE by Tiësto
EDM superstar released his seventh studio album: DRIVE. The Dutch DJ and music producer took the formula he used in 2020’s The London Sessions and invited some of the recording industry’s biggest names of this decade, such as A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Ava Max, Freya Ridings, Karol G, and Tate McRae to collaborate. DRIVE contains epic tracks such as “10:35” and “The Motto,” but the main problem that I have is that there are songs that fall flat such as the Black Eyed Peas-featured song: “Pump It Louder,” which should have been left on the cutting room floor. C
Tracks to Download or Stream: “10:35,” “The Motto,” & “Don’t Be Shy.”
“When You Believe” by Angel City Chorale
My dear friends, the Angel City Chorale are celebrating its 30th anniversary. Earlier this month, they released a beautiful cover of The Prince of Egypt’s iconic anthem: “When You Believe.” The Los Angeles choir elevated Stephen Schwartz’s lyrics and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds’ production to new heights that will touch listeners’ souls and raise spirits. A+
“Part of Your World” by Halle Bailey
Disney’s live-action adaptation of its 1989 animated masterpiece The Little Mermaid is heading into theatres soon. Recently, Disney Music released Hallie Bailey’s cover of the film’s signature song: “Part of Your World.” Hallie’s biggest uphill battle is being compared to the legendary Jodi Benson, who voiced the title character since the end of the 1980s. Hallie’s beautiful version gave me goosebumps and is a worthy successor to this generation’s Disney fans! A
“Game On (Bring It On)” by Jesse Kinch
Rising Star winner Jesse Kinch released a new original song: “Game On (Bring It On).” This song perfectly captures his return to music after battling brain cancer. Jesse, this song was spectacular from start to finish, and I am so happy you are back! “Game On (Bring It On)” should be on every rock music lover’s playlist. A
“Hey God” by John Mellencamp
Rock music icon John Mellencamp will drop his twenty-fifth studio album: Orpheus Descending, on June 2. The “Pink Houses” singer-songwriter dropped “Hey God,” one of the record’s standout tracks. I loved the gritty guitars and the great horn section showcased throughout the song. “Hey God” is an impeccable single to kick off Mr. Mellencamp’s latest chapter in his storied career in the recording industry. B/B+
Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is proud to feature up-and-coming recording artists ready to take the music world by storm!
“18” by Jonah Kagen
Singer-songwriter Jonah Kagen has developed a massive social media following with 54K Instagram followers and 451K TikTok followers. His latest single, “18,” transports listeners to their innocent days of high school days and first love. Jonah’s folk-pop vocals will give hypnotize listeners, and this could be an early contender for one of the songs of Summer 2023. A-
“My Sister’s Blue Suitcase” by Lisa De Angelis
Brisbane, Australia-based singer-songwriter Lisa De Angelis represents the Dark Americana and Southern Gothic musical genres. “My Sister’s Blue Suitcase” is one of the most haunting pieces of music I have heard this year, as the lyrics and melody are hypnotizing. I am looking forward to hearing what Lisa does next. B+
“Overdrive” by Malavika
International R&B singer-songwriter Malavika dropped her latest single: “Overdrive.” The song was recorded in three different international cities: Berlin, Dubai, and Los Angeles. “Overdrive” blends R&B, hip-hop, and pop music with excellent results that could remind millennial music lovers of Brandy, Monica, and Nelly Furtado. I am looking to see what she does next. B+
“MASOCHIST” by Thomas Day
Thomas Day rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. He dropped his latest single, “MASOCHIST,” and it’s an excellent pop-rock anthem! Since his 2020 America’s Got Talent debut, Thomas has grown leaps and bounds. If he continues to release outstanding material like “MASOCHIST,” I can see him becoming a regular on several streaming playlists and charts. A-
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