John Mayer’s “Born and Raised” is one of the singer-songwriter’s best albums yet. (Photo by Ethan Miller of Getty Images).
By: Jacob Elyachar
Welcome to a new edition of New Music Tuesday!
This week, I will be looking at new albums from John Mayer, Haley Rinehart and Sara Bareilles. In addition to these albums, New Music Tuesday will also review and grade new singles from Big & Rich and Chris Brown.
Born and Raised-John Mayer
John Mayer’s fifth studio album is filled of fresh new tracks that were written by the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter. This album has a lot of Folk and Americana music weaved into this album. Many music fans might point out that music legends Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Crosby, Stills and Nash must have been inspiration for the “Your Body is a Wonderland” singer while he recorded the album. Born and Raised also has excellent instrumental arrangement and great lyrics that will delight fans.
Final Thoughts and Grade: John Mayer continues to do a terrific job when showing off the diversity of his musicianship. Because of this fact alone, Born and Raised is his best album to date. A
Tracks to Download: “Queen of California,” “Shadow Days,” “Something Like Olivia” and the title track.
Listen Up! -Haley Reinhart
The highly anticipated debut album from American Idol: Season 10 finalist Haley Reinhart was released today. Listen Up showcases Haley’s ability to master multiple genres of music including Pop, Jazz, Soul and Funk. She received help from music heavyweights including B.o.B, who provided beats for the album’s opening track “Oh My,” rising record producer busbee and Color Me Badd alum Sam Watters. Listen Up perfectly shows off Haley’s vocal range that includes her signature Haley standards including her growl and vocally arousing notes.
Final Thoughts and Grade: This is the best debut album that I heard from an American Idol alum in a long time! Ms. Reinhart has a long career ahead of her. A+
Tracks to Download: “Oh My,” “Free,” “Wasted Tears,” “Undone” and “ Now That You’re Here.”
Once Upon Another Time-Sara Bareilles
Former Sing-Off judge and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles released her fifth EP today. All five tracks of the Once Upon Another Time were written and composed by the singer-songwriter and it is her finest release yet. From the haunting title track to the profanity laced “Sweet As Whole,” Bareilles continues to successfully combine her abilities as a wordsmith with impressive instrumental arrangements.
Final Thought and Grade: Bareilles’s fans will not be disappointed with this quintet of songs and hopefully the singer-songwriter will be able to produce another full-length album soon. B+
That’s Why I Pray-Big & Rich
The popular country duo is reuniting to record their fourth studio album, which will drop later on this year. “That’s Why I Pray” showcases the award-winning duo at their finest. Between their strong vocal harmonies and the impeccable lyrics, “That’s Why I Pray” has the potential to receive numerous awards and could become one of 2012’s memorable songs. Grade: A-
Don’t Wake Me Up-Chris Brown
Chris Brown continues his comeback with a superb dance track. “Don’t Wake Me Up” features smooth vocals from the Grammy-winning singer and an impressive dance track provided by Eurodance DJ and superstar producer Benny Benassi. This song would be the perfect addition for your workout playlist. Grade: B+
