By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Happy New Music Friday, everyone! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s get this party started!
Breezy by Chris Brown
It is hard to believe that Breezy is Chris Brown’s tenth studio album! The “Forever” and “Don’t Wake Me Up” performer have had a career roller coaster. Breezy is Chris Brown’s first album since 2019’s Indigo, and while it has fewer tracks than its predecessor, the album still packs a superstar punch. Half of the album features collaborators including frequent partners Bryson Tiller, Ella Mai, H.E.R., Lil Wayne, and Tory Lanez. Breezy is probably one of his best albums in years. Well done, Chris! A-
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Pitch Black,” “Closure,” “Need You Right Here,” “Psychic,” “Show It,” & “Sleep at Night.”
ELVIS (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Various Artists
Fans are heading to the theatres to check out the Baz Luhrmann-directed biopic ELVIS. The film focuses on the legendary King of Rock and Roll (Austin Butler) and his relationship with manager Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks). The 36-track soundtrack features a combination of songs performed by the “Can’t Help Falling in Love” singer, Butler, tracks inspired by the film that was recorded by some of today’s famous recording artists, and remixes. While I enjoyed hearing the King again, there were several missed opportunities:
- Austin Butler only sang three songs on the entire album; we should have heard more from him.
- We could have incorporated some crucial posthumous Elvis moments, including the 2007 American Idol performance of Elvis and Celine Dion’s “If I Could Dream” and his 2007 duet of “In the Ghetto” with daughter Lisa Marie Presley.
- Unnecessary mixes and original material would make the listener bored.
I would have discarded the “Tupelo Shuffle,” “Craw-Fever,” “I’m Coming Home (Film Mix),” “Let It All Hang Out,” and Tame Impala remix “Edge of Reality.” Meanwhile, Kacey Musgraves’ “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Chris Issak and Stevie Nicks’ interpretation of “Cotton Candy Land,” and Måneskin’s blockbuster interpretation of “If I Can Dream” are genuine standout covers. C
Tracks to Download or Stream: “The King of I,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Don’t Fly Away (PNAU Remix),” & “Cotton Candy Land.”
“Hot S—” by Cardi B, Kanye West, & Lil Durk
Three of rap music’s top names came together for a new single. “Hot S—” features Cardi B, Kanye West, and Lil Durk. Cardi B delivers fiery verses and showcases why she is one of the best hip-hop artists right now. Kanye’s verses also are some of the rapper’s best in a decade. Lil Durk was the only one that unimpressed me. B-
“Heaven’s on the Way” by Mayer Malik featuring Boaz van de Beatz
Jake’s Take friend Mayer Malik released a new single: “Heaven’s on the Way.” He teamed with producer Boaz van de Beatz for a hypnotic summer song that will transport listeners to the beach. Mayer’s folk-pop vocals are a superb match with Boaz’s production. Well done, gentlemen! A-
“Bad for Me” by Meghan Trainor featuring Teddy Swims
Meghan Trainor will release her fifth studio album on October 21. To prepare fans for Takin’ It Back, the “All About That Bass” singer-songwriter dropped “Bad for Me.” She co-wrote the song with Stephen Wrabel and Canadian music producer Stint, who co-produced the track with Frederico Vindver. “Bad for Me” takes the “NO!” performer back to her mid-2010s roots. I loved the combination of the modern doo-wop mixed with a kiss of a country piano and Meghan and featured artist Teddy Swims’ voices blend beautifully. I cannot wait to hear the album’s next single. B+
“Patient Number 9” by Ozzy Osbourne featuring Jeff Beck
Two years ago, Ozzy Osbourne dropped his first record in a decade. Thanks to collaborators such as Sir Elton John, Post Malone, Slash, and executive producers Andrew Watt and Louis Bell, Ordinary Man was one of the Prince of Darkness’ best solo material in years! Despite fighting uphill headline-generating health battles, the “Let Me Hear You Scream” rocker is set to release his thirteenth studio album: Patient Number Nine. The title track features Ozzy’s collaboration with fellow rock legend Jeff Beck. The hypnotic song with superb vocals from Ozzy and excellent guitar work from Beck sets the record’s tone and what fans can expect when the album drops on September 9. A-
Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some of the recording artists that you need to keep an eye on.
I Ain’t Done Singing Yet by Jon Brennan
Reality TV pioneer Jon Brennan dropped his latest EP: I Ain’t Done Singing Yet. The Challenge and The Real World Homecoming: Los Angeles star has music that the country world currently needs right now. Jon’s songs remind me of classic 1990s country where Garth and Alabama ruled the airwaves. I hope tastemakers like Bobby Bones or Scott Borchetta take notice because Jon’s music would be the perfect remedy in the overcrowded bro-country world. Bravo, Jon! A-/A
Tracks to Download or Stream: “I Ain’t Done Singing Yet,” “Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky,” “I Just Stood There,” & “Here in the Real World.”
“Leigh” by Kristy Chmura
New Jersey-based singer-songwriter and trained harpist Kristy Chmura dropped one of the gorgeous songs I have heard since I started publishing my music reviews. The track is beautiful from start to finish, and I look forward to seeing what she does next. A
“Somebody to You” by Lyle Kam
Toronto-based Lyle Kam is developing a massive social media following on Instagram and TikTok, thanks to his catchy songs. When I first heard “Somebody to You” the track was a breath of fresh air. I danced in my seat! I loved the lyrics, production, and Lyle has a fantastic voice! “Somebody to You” should be on all radio and streaming platforms! A+
“White City” by Willow Kayne
UK-based recording artist Willow Kayne rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. “White City” continues to show build upon the trap-pop sound that Willow Kayne established in the Playground Antics EP. Between the addicting chorus and Willow’s anxiety-laced vocals, “White City” is a superb piece of ear candy. B+
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