By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the latest edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s get this party started!
“Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)” by Bruce Springsteen
The Boss is back! For the first time in 16 years, Bruce Springsteen is releasing a cover album. Only the Strong Survive features soul songs released from the 1960s and 1970s. “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)” was originally performed by Motown Records veteran Frank Wilson. I enjoyed hearing the Boss’s blue-eyed soul version of the 1965 classic, and I am glad that a new generation of music fans will discover these songs. B+
“Heart Failure, Vol. 3” by Crystal Starr featured Mr. Robotic
Jake’s Take friend Crystal Starr released a new single: “Heart Failure, Vol.3.” Crystal co-wrote the track with Keith Harris, Renard Hughes, Jr., and Marcas Harris, while both Keith Harris and Renard Hughes worked on the production. The song has shades of Demi Lovato’s “Cool for the Summer” and Mariah Carey’s “It’s Like That.” At times, Mr. Robotic’s rap solos were reminiscent of Kendrick Lamar’s quicksilver abilities. Crystal hit a home run with this tune, and I hope that “Heart Failure, Vol. 3” is picked up on more playlists. A
“Last Day of Summer” by Shania Twain
Country music queen Shania Twain joined Republic Records! The “Still the One I Want” singer-songwriter will drop her sixth studio album: Queen of Me, next year. Forbes reported that the Canadian singer is expected to also go on tour to promote the record. “Last Day of Summer” captures the end of the season while pondering about reuniting with an ex-lover. There were hints of previous hits such as “Still the One I Want” and “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?” I cannot wait to hear the rest of Queen of Me. B+
“Shirt” by SZA
Grammy winner SZA dropped her latest single: “Shirt.” The “No Love” singer-songwriter collaborated with music legend Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins and Rob Gueringer, while the latter two produced the track. “Shirt” is a fantastic R&B song that showcases SZA’s superb vocals and does have the potential to be one of 2022’s last great R&B tracks. A-
Artists to Watch:
“I Want it That Way” by No Lonely Hearts
A new boyband has emerged: No Lonely Hearts! Aidan, Alex, Brian, Dylan, and Oliver were hand-picked by the team that discovered the Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, and Pink to begin a new chapter in pop music history. The quintet is preparing to release a holiday-themed EP and a holiday special. One of the songs that No Lonely Hearts will perform is the Backstreet Boys classic “I Want It That Way.” I was very impressed with the group’s sound, and I think we will be hearing about No Lonely Hearts for the years to come, like Nick, AJ, Brian, Howie, and Kevin. B+/A-
“Maniac” by Shawn Desman
One of Canada’s pop icons, Shawn Desman, has dropped a new single: “Maniac.” My jaw dropped in amazement when I listened to the track. I was dancing in my seat as this track blended dance pop with R&B. “Maniac” is probably one of 2022’s best dance songs I have heard this year. A+
“Just Dance” by Travis Japan
Travis Japan is privileged to close out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. I fell in love with them on America’s Got Talent: Season 17, and now they are part of the Capitol Music Group family! The septet’s first single, “Just Dance,” is a mic drop smash. Kudos to producer Sam Bergeson for helping Travis Japan bring this song to life. “Just Dance” is a phenomenal song! A-
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