Welcome to the latest installment of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! (Bitmoji property of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the first Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews of October! We got a lot of music to unpack, so let’s start this party!
Darius Rucker paid homage to his mother, Carolyn, in his latest album. (Album cover property of Capitol Nashville)
Carolyn’s Boy by Darius Rucker
Darius Rucker released his sixth country music album, Carolyn’s Boy. The record is dedicated to his mother, Carolyn, who raised Darius and his siblings and passed away before the Hootie & The Blowfish frontman experienced success in the music industry. The biggest surprise of Carolyn’s Boy is including a cover of Rihanna’s Oscar-nominated song: “Lift Me Up,” which she co-wrote for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Most MCU and country music fans alike would love this cover. In addition to “Lift Me Up,” Mr. Rucker co-wrote 12 of the 14 tracks with superstar collaborators, including Ashley Gorley, Charles Kelley, Ed Sheeran, HARDY, Matt Rogers, and Ross Copperman. Also, keep an ear out for Jake’s Take friends Chapel Hart, featured artists on “Ol’ Church Hymn.” Carolyn’s Boy is one of 2023’s best country music albums, and Darius Rucker made his mother proud. A-
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Beers & Sunshine,” “In This Together,” “Never Been Over,” “Same Beer Different Problem,” & “Lift Me Up.”
Drake’s For All The Dogs was one of the most boring albums of 2023! (Album cover property of OVO & Republic Records)
For All the Dogs by Drake
Canadian rapper and singer Drake dropped his eighth solo offering: For All the Dogs. The “Started from the Bottom” performer recruited an all-star group of collaborators ranging from producers 40 and Lil Yachty to featured artists Bad Bunny, J. Cole, PartyNextDoor, and SZA. Honestly, I felt bored listening to the album. Where is the excitement? Where’s the fire? It felt like Drake was on autopilot throughout the recording process. People Magazine recently reported that the Degrassi alum is expected to take a break to focus on his health problems. Hopefully, when he solves this issue, Drake will return hotter than ever. C-
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Virginia Beach,” “First Person Shooter,” & “Slime You Out.”
Autumn Variations showcases the four-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter’s takes on growing older. (Album cover property of Gingerbread Man)
Autumn Variations by Ed Sheeran
Attention Ed Sheeran fans! The “Shape of You” singer-songwriter dropped his second studio album of the year! Autumn Variations is Ed Sheeran’s second collaboration with producer Aaron Dessner as they co-wrote the album’s majority – recruiting Foy Vance for (“Blue”) and Bryce Dessner for “Spring.” At the same time, Autumn Variations marks a departure from the Mathematical series as the tunes’ content has become more meaningful to the listeners as he addresses what his fanbase is experiencing: life changes. B+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Magical,” “Amazing,” “American Town,” “That’s on Me,” & “Page.”
John Morgan’s Remember Us? EP showcases why the singer-songwriter’s star is on the rise! (Album cover property of Night Train Records & This is Hit Inc.)
Remember Us? – EP by John Morgan
Jake’s Take friend John Morgan released his first extended play, Remember Us? I became a fan of John’s when he first appeared in the NBC talent competition American Song Contest. Remember Us? showcases why John Morgan is country music’s next breakout star. He is a phenomenal storyteller and transports listeners to these incredible tracks. Congratulations John! Remember Us is a hit! A-
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Won’t Be As Good,” “Remember Us,” “Friends Like That,” & “It Ain’t the Leavin’.”
“DJ Play a Christmas Song” by Cher
Entertainment legend Cher will drop her first-holiday album of her career next week. “DJ Play a Christmas Song” is Christmas’ first single, and many longtime fans might think of this track as a mashup of “Believe” meets the holidays. Songwriters Sarah Hudson, Jessie St. John, Brett McLaughlin, James Abrahart, Mark Schick, and Lionel Crasta did an excellent job helping the Oscar-winning entertainer enter the holiday music genre. I see this track becoming a fan favorite in years to come. A
“Love is Alive” by Gwen Stefani & Blake Shelton
Near the end of October, various recording artists will release a tribute album to the game-changing country music duo The Judds. One of country music’s top couples, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton, lead the charge by tackling the Judds’ 1985 number-one single: “Love is Alive.” The former No Doubt frontwoman delivered a sturdy vocal performance as her husband took a more supporting role on the track. B
“Sweet Sounds of Heaven” by The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, & Stevie Wonder
The Rolling Stones recruited two massive heavy hitters for the latest single off their 26th studio album: Hackney Diamonds. Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder are featured in “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” a tune that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote and produced by Andrew Watt. While the 25-time Grammy-winning musician performed the pianos and keyboards, the Oscar-winning performer dueted with Jagger – something that fans have been waiting 11 years to see again. I strongly encourage Millennial, Gen Z, and Generation Alpha musicians who want long careers to listen to “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” as this tune showcases masters at work! A+
Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are several recording artists that are looking to shake up the music industry.
Magnetic Muse Chapter 1 by Alyssa Rose Hunt
Toronto, Canada-based singer-songwriter Alyssa Rose Hunt kicks off this edition of Artists to Watch. Her latest album, Magnetic Muse Chapter 1, is the first of a musical adventure that, according to Alyssa, “symbolizes the yin and yang of musical expression.” This record serves as the “yang” portion. Alyssa does a superb job showcasing bold instrumentalization and strong lyrics. I believe listeners would be intrigued by her sound. B+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Trapped in My Head,” “Muse,” “Take Me,” “More Than,” & “Way Back.”
NEPHELE: Act I by Gabriella Raelyn
Denver-born, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Gabriella Raelyn released her latest extended play, NEPHELE: Act I. The record starts with an intriguing monologue reminiscent of Janet Jackson’s “Control” before launching listeners into the title character’s world. Nephele is based upon the Greek Goddess of Clouds and was created by Zeus to test the integrity of a man that lusted after the King of Greek Gods’ wife, Hera. Gabriella Raelyn brilliantly weaved various musical genres such as Dream Pop, Synthwave, and Electro House to tell part one of an odyssey that will leave audiences entranced and wanting to release act two. A-
Tracks to Download or Stream: “wish upon a STAR,” “peace OR love,” “DANCE of the DAMNED,” “the MUSIC MAN,” & “in the DEAD of NIGHT.”
“Into the Sun” by Ezra Grey
Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Ezra Grey released his new single, “Into the Sun,” which is off his upcoming debut 2024 extended play: Afterall. “Into the Sun” features hypnotic guitar licks and superb drumming. It is one of the most captivating alternative rock songs I have heard this year. A
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