American Idol alum Elliott Yamin's latest album: Let's Get to What's Real was released today. Album cover property of E1/Purpose Music Group.
By: Jacob Elyachar
This week’s edition of New Music Tuesday focuses on the new album releases from Bonnie Raitt, Monica and American Idol’s Elliott Yamin. In addition, this author reviews the latest singles from Kanye West, Jason Mraz and Country Artists for Soles4Soul.
Slipstream-Bonnie Raitt
Slipstream is Bonnie Raitt’s first studio album in seven years and she has not missed a beat. Her vocal shine throughout the entire length of the album and proves that at 62-years-old that she is one of the best women in the music industry through her masterstroke guitar playing. In addition to her original material, listeners would love listening to album standout “God Only Knows” and her perfect cover of Gerry Rafferty’s “Right Down the Line.” Grade: A-
Songs to Download: God Only Knows, Right Down the Line and You Can’t Fail Me Now
To listen to Ms. Raitt’s cover of “Right Down the Line,” click here: http://youtu.be/gj0Qj78s1K4
New Life-Monica
New Life is Grammy-wining artist Monica’s seventh studio album. For many people, Monica left their radar after her 1998 sophomore album The Boy is Mine that produced hit songs including “Angel of Mine,” “The First Night,” “For You I Will” and the titled track that featured a duet with fellow R&B artist Brandy. New Life will make fans happy for two reasons: catchy songs that include “Amazing” and “Without You” and impressive collaborations with Wale (“Take a Chance”) and her reunion with Monica: “It All Belongs to Me.” Grade: B+
Songs to Download: Take A Chance, Amazing and It All Belongs to Me
Click here to listen to her second collaboration with Brandy, “It All Belongs to Me:” http://youtu.be/KiZubMEJeA8
Let’s Get to What’s Real-Elliott Yamin
American Idol alums have a lot to prove to the world once they leave one of the biggest reality-T.V. competitions of the last decade. Some (Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood) rise to the occasion and deliver incredible music. However, others like Taylor Hicks and Blake Lewis come in and drop into obscurity. Elliott Yamin does not disappoint in his latest album: Let’s Get to What’s Real. He proves that six years after his Idol run that he still has an astonishing voice and produced an incredible album that fans should rally behind. Grade: A
Songs to Download: Let’s Get to What’s Real, Gather Round and 3 Words.
To listen to the uplifting Gather Round, click here: http://youtu.be/lsZ2Gl-g5V0
Mercy-Kanye West featuring Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz
“Mercy” is the first single of the upcoming GOOD Music album from Kanye’s record label. This is an interesting song because it combines four different types of rap styles. For rap lovers, it might be a fun song to listen to but if I were you, I would skip it all together. Grade: C-
To listen to this train wreck, click here: http://youtu.be/8-qjn1UUtoM
Everything is Sound-Jason Mraz
Next week, singer-songwriter Jason Mraz will release his fourth studio album: Love is a Four-Letter Word. In preparation for his album’s release, he released his fourth single: “Everything is Sound” today. Music lovers and Mraz fans should check this song out for its’ clever lyrics and excellent tone that will make you smile. Grade: A-
Click here to listen to Jason’s new single: http://youtu.be/cPZnlkyyQTE
The Choice (Country Artists for Soles4Souls)-Various Artists
“The Choice” is the anthem for the Soles4Souls movement. This song features 18 impeccable country artists ranging from country legends including Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire and Kenny Rogers to fan-favorite artists LeAnn Rimes, Kellie Pickler and Billy Gilman. Country lovers should buy this song because it shows impeccable vocal performances but it also helps a worthy cause because one download equals one pair of shoes that will be donated the Soles4Souls organization. Grade: A-
To learn more about Sole4Souls, visit their Website: http://www.soles4souls.org/
