By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the first June 2022 edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We got a lot of music to unpack, so let’s get this party started!
Harry’s House by Harry Styles
Since One Direction’s ending, former member Harry Styles has taken the pop music world by storm with his blockbuster albums: his 2017 self-titled album and 2019’s Fine Line. The “Watermelon Sugar” singer-songwriter released his third solo record: Harry’s House. He reunited with key collaborators Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson, and together the trio added to their perfected pop music formula. Harry’s House also features iconic musicians Ben Harper, Sarah Jones, and John Mayer, who provided instrumental support on various tracks throughout the record. While there are only a few average tracks, Harry’s House will not disappoint fans and could help the “Sign of the Times” performer score several award nominations. B+
Tracks to Download/Stream: “Music For a Sushi Restaurant,” “Late Night Talking,” “As It Was,” & “Matilda.”
Twelve Carat Toothache by Post Malone
Rapper-singer Post Malone dropped his fourth studio album: Twelve Carat Toothache. The “Take What You Want” songwriter and producer reunited with frequent collaborators Louis Bell and Andrew Watt and an all-star group of featured artists such as Doja Cat, Fleet Foxes, the Kid Laroi, Roddy Rich, and The Weeknd. Twelve Carat Toothache is a roller coaster ride from start to finish and showcases why he is one of the millennial generation’s influential musicians in the music world. A-
Tracks to Download: “Cooped Up,” “Wrapped Around Your Finger,” “I Like You (A Happier Song),” “Love/Hate Letter to Alcohol,” & “One Right Now.”
AM Gold by Train
For the first time in five years, Train released a new studio album. AM Gold features 11 new tracks written by band lead vocalist Pat Monahan and multi-instrumentalists Jerry Becker and Matt Mushy. Celebrated singer-songwriter and producer Butch Walker assisted Becker and Mushy with AM Gold’s production. Several strong singles remind me of its classic California 37 and Bulletproof Picasso eras. Their respective collaborations with Jewel (“Turn the Radio Up”) and Sofia Reyez (“Cleopatra”) are true album highlights. Unfortunately, some songs melodically sounded the same. I love Train, but AM Gold was average. C
Tracks to Download: “AM Gold,” “Running Back (Trying to Talk to You),” “Cleopatra,” & “Turn the Radio Up.”
“You Got The Best of Me” by Journey
On July 8, Journey will release their first album in a decade! The band (guitarist Neal Schon, keyboardist Jonathan Cain, lead vocalist Arnel Pineda, keyboardist Jason Derlaka, and drummer Deen Castronovo) dropped their music video for “You Got the Best of Me.” Misters Schon, Cain, and former member drummer Narada Michael Walden co-wrote the track. The song reminds me of their classic 1980s sound. The track also features bassist and American Idol icon Randy Jackson before he and Walden left the band. “You Got the Best of Me” is the anthem we need today. B+
“Happier Than Ever” by Kelly Clarkson
Emmy and Grammy-winning singer Kelly Clarkson is finally releasing an extended play that features some of her iconic Kellyoke performances. The first single is “Happier Than Ever,” a song written by Billie Eilish and Finneas. Her interpretation is superb as it could deal with her public battle with ex Brandon Blackstock and exiting The Voice. The Kelly Clarkson Show host delivered one outstanding cover! A-
Head over to the second page to find out this edition’s Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch!
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