By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Happy New Music Friday! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s get this party started.
Traumazine by Megan Thee Stallion
Rapper Megan Thee Stallion dropped her sophomore album Traumazine. The “Hot Girl Summer” performer’s sophomore studio album features fiery tracks. Unlike some of her peers, Megan Thee Stallion and her production team used original music instead of sampling previously published pieces. While listeners probably recognize collaborators Dua Lipa, Future, Jhene Aiko, and Latto, the Houston, Texas native did a superb job recruiting potential superstars such as Key Glock, Lucky Daye, and Rico Nasty, who are featured across Traumazine. The album is one of the best pieces of rap music I heard so far in 2022, and I believe that Megan Thee Stallion could potentially clean up during award season. A
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Budget,” “Her,” “Red Wine,” “Plan B,” & “Sweetest Pie.”
“Break My Soul (The Queens Remix)” by Beyoncé & Madonna
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter honored the Queen of Pop through her latest remix of “Break My Soul,” known as “The Queens Remix.” The “Spirit” singer-songwriter and her team incorporated Madonna’s “Vogue” into the Renaissance single. People Magazine reported that the 28-time Grammy-winning performer also honored music icons such as Diana Ross, Janet Jackson, and the late Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston, along with the newest generation of hitmakers such as Chloe and Halle Bailey, Lizzo, and Rihanna. It is an intriguing mashup that would satisfy both entertainers’ fanbases. A-
“Same Old Country Love Song” by Brian Falduto
Jake’s Take friend Brian Falduto released his first country music single: “Same Old Country Love Song.” Brian co-wrote this track with Tom McGovern, while Erik Halbig produced the song in Nashville. I believe this is one of the best LGBTQ country love songs I have heard. Its lyrics made me smile, and I think that Brian has continued to open the door for LGBTQ singers to tackle country music. A
“Better Love” by Little Big Town
Little Big Town is expected to drop their tenth studio album, Mr. Sun, on September 16! The quartet (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook) dropped their fourth single: “Better Love.” iHeartCountry Radio reported that Fairchild and Westbrook teamed up with songwriters Audra Mae and Tofer Brown to co-write this superb track. “Better Love” has a “Bartender” meets “Downtown” vibe, which would satisfy fans. I am looking forward to seeing what the “One of These Days” performers bring to the Mr. Sun era. B+
Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is Back! Here are the recording artists that are sure to shake up the music industry.
PXNK by Nyxen
Sydney-based electronic artist Nyxen released her debut album: PXNK. Throughout the 11-track record, Nyxen showcased her superb blending of 80s synthwave and modern EDM sounds. The songs are hypnotic thanks to the fuzzy guitar riffs and ethereal vocal effects. As we continue to see musical genres blend, artists like Nyxen are sure to lead the way in this new era of music. I truly believe that Nyxen has the potential for a strong career in North America especially in both Canada and the United States. A-
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Synthetic,” “Silence in Motion,” “Tunnels,” “The Search,” & “Fantasies.”
“Don’t let go” by Braden Lam
Nova Scotia native Braden Lam is forging a new path in 21st-century folk-pop. Braden’s “Don’t let go” reminds me if fun’s “Some Nights” and Carolina Liar’s “Show Me What I’m Looking For” had a child. I am looking forward to seeing what Braden does next, as he does have the potential to shake up the folk-pop world. B+
“Jasmine Vine” by Boychik
Composer, actor, and vocalist Boychik (real name Ben Levi Ross) released their latest single: “Jasmine Vine.” The former Dear Evan Hansen lead’s “Jasmine Vine” is a superb symphonic pop track that captures the listeners’ attention and transports them into a peaceful world. B+
“Head Over Heels” by Crystal Starr
Crystal Starr rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. “Head Over Heels” is a superb single that would satisfy Pop/R&B fans and contains powerful vocal moments. I genuinely believe that Crystal will be a top star in the music industry. A- (Author’s Note: I cannot wait to share my podcast interview with Crystal that will air next month!)
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