By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the first March 2021 edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music reviews! We got a lot of music to unpack, so let’s get this party started.
That’s Life by Willie Nelson
Country music icon Willie Nelson released his seventy-first solo album on February 26. The “On the Road Again” singer-songwriter continued his tribute to the legendary Frank Sinatra with That’s Life. Produced by Buddy Cannon and Matt Rollings and recorded in the legendary Capitol Studios, That’s Life showcases the octogenarian at his finest. Also, keep an ear out for Diana Krall, who joined forces with Willie Nelson for “I Won’t Dance.” I love hearing this side of Mr. Nelson, and he delivered a superb take on the Great American Songbook that would make the Chairman of the Board smile. B+
Tracks to Download: “Just in Time,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “I Won’t Dance,” & “That’s Life.”
Poster Girl by Zara Larsson
With hits such as “All the Time” and “Lush Life,” Zara Larsson has become the darling of the EDM world. For her third studio album, Poster Girl, the “Symphony” singer-songwriter recruited a plethora of top songwriters and producers, including Julia Michaels, Justin Tranter, Marshmello, Mattman & Robin, Mike Sabbath, and Steve Mac. Poster Girl showcases how much Zara Larsson wants to be her generation’s reigning Princess of Pop. I believe that Zara has a chance at the crown as her career continues to skyrocket. A-
Tracks to Download: “Love Me Land,” “Talk About Love,” “WOW,” & “Look What You’ve Done.”
“Lifestyle” by Jason Derulo featuring Adam Levine
Never in a million years would I see Jason Derulo team up with Maroon 5’s fearless leader Adam Levine. “Lifestyle” is an impeccable piece of ear candy that the duo co-wrote with Amy Allen, Casey Smith, Jacob Kasher, and Kevin White. The Rice N’ Peas-produced track is an impeccable dance song from start to finish. I hope that both Jason and Adam have a chance to perform it live in the future. B
“Beautiful Mistakes” by Maroon 5 featuring Megan Thee Stallion
Maroon 5 dropped their first single of 2021! “Beautiful Mistakes” follows the “This Love” band’s formula during their Red Pill Blues era. Adam Levine and Megan Thee Stallion teamed up with Blackbear and Andrew Goldstein to pen this tune, and the latter duo produced the track. I thought the track was good, but Megan Thee Stallion’s superb solo was the star of the show. B-
“Spaceman” by Nick Jonas
2021 could be a very significant year for Nick Jonas. The “Jealous” singer-songwriter wrapped up a successful SNL stint and returned to The Voice for the NBC singing competition’s milestone twentieth season. He is also dropping his first solo album in five years! Nick Jonas co-wrote the title track, “Spaceman,” with hit songwriters Greg Kurstin and Maureen “Mozella” McDonald. I love the song’s vibe, and Greg Kurstin did a superb job with the production. Something tells me that Spaceman could be a significant success. A-
“She’s Not” by The Rah’s
My favorite UK rock band is back! The Rah’s are preparing to release their highly anticipated debut album: When Does It Become Real? The quintet released their second single: “She’s Not.” I genuinely believe that if you love both The Struts and 5 Seconds of Summer, you will love the Rah’s as they are one band that you need to watch as this year (and probably this decade) rolls on. A
Head to the second page to check out this edition of ‘Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch.’
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