By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the first Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews of 2022! We have a lot of great music to unpack! So, let’s get this party started.
Dawn FM by The Weeknd
The Weeknd surprised fans and the music industry by dropping his fifth studio album: Dawn FM. Rolling Stone reported that the “Blinding Lights” singer-songwriter launched the latest chapter of his recording career by live-streaming the album on Amazon Music. The Weeknd recruited an all-star group of producers and songwriters, including Max Martin, OPN, Oscar Holter, and the legendary Quincy Jones, to assist him on the recording process. Dawn FM transports the listeners into a beautiful kaleidoscopic world full of synth-pop, EDM, and funk music. Also, keep your ears open for Jim Carrey, Lil Wayne, and Tyler the Creator as they make cameos throughout the album. Dawn FM perfectly sets the tone and the bar for recording artists who drop their records this year. Bravo, The Weeknd! A
Tracks to Download: “Gasoline,” “How Do I Make You Love Me?,” “Take My Breath,” “Sacrifice,” & “Best Friends.”
“Serotonin” by Dylan Dunlap
Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast’s 100th episode guest, Dylan Dunlap, is preparing to drop his latest EP – Stranger in My Head. One song that will be a part of the extended play is “Serotonin.” I love Dylan’s music because of his honest lyrics and catchy production. I got chills as I listened to this track. “Serotonin” is the first of my many favorite songs of 2022! A+
“Lovin Myself” by Frankie Zulferino
Jake’s Take friend Frankie Zulferino kicked off 2022 by releasing a new single: “Lovin’ Myself.” The song will make listeners dance and encourage them to dump toxic people from their lives. “Lovin Myself” is a fantastic dance-pop song that inspires listeners and can dominate streaming playlists everywhere. A-
“When I’m Gone” by Katy Perry featuring Alesso
Pop star and American Idol judge Katy Perry ended 2021 by opening her Las Vegas residency and releasing a new song. The “Never Really Over” singer-songwriter collaborated with producer and EDM artist Alesso for “When I’m Gone.” The duo co-wrote the track with Alida Garpestad Peck, Rami Yacoub, Nathan Cunningham, Marc Sibley, and Alma Goodman, while Alesso produced the track. “When I’m Gone” is a superb collaboration from start to finish, and the song is an excellent way to start this year off. B+
“Easy On Me” by NDLOVU Youth Choir
Since they made their debuts on America’s Got Talent: Season 14, the NDLOVU Youth Choir has brought the sounds of Africa to a worldwide audience. The group released their first single, an A cappella cover of Adele’s “Easy on Me,” from their upcoming studio album: Grateful. From start to finish, the recording blew me away. I loved that the group took a risk and sang A cappella. It brilliantly showcased their beautiful harmonies, and they would give fans chills. A
“Walking Dead” by PALMER
Jake’s Take friend actor-singer Robert Palmer Watkins, who goes by the moniker PALMER when he releases music, dropped his third single: “Walking Dead.” Unlike his previous singles, “Clean Cut” and “Waiting,” “Walking Dead” is the actor-singer’s first ballad. I truly enjoyed the song’s production, and the lyrics are superb. PALMER has the potential to break into the Top 40 and pop radio stations and streaming services’ spotlighted playlists. Well done, my friend! A-
