New Music Tuesday: Week of October 1, 2012-Part One: The Albums

By: Jacob Elyachar

For this week’s edition of New Music Tuesday, jacobelyacharjournalist.com has decided to divide this weekly feature into two parts.

Today will talk about new albums from the legendary Van Morrison, 12-year-old opera phenom Jackie Evancho, indie rock duo Matt & Kim and X Factor alums Cher Lloyd and Chris Rene.

Born to Sing: No Plan B by Van Morrison: The Irish singer-songwriter is back in full form in his 34^th studio album: Born to Sing: No Plan B.  Van Morrison’s lyrics are stronger than ever and longtime fans will love listening to these incredible arrangements that show off several diverse music genres including pop, R&B, blues and jazz.    The 67-year-old Grammy Winner’s incredible voice will give you goose bumps and makes Born to Sing: No Plan B, a wonderful listening experience.   Grade: A-

Songs to Download: “If in Money We Trust,” “Open the Door (To Your Heart),” “Pagan Heart,” “Born to Sing” and “End of the Rainbow.”

Several fans that live in East Belfast had the opportunity of the lifetime when Van Morrison debuted “Open the Door to Your Heart” at a concert.  Click here to watch this performance: http://youtu.be/fClBW3tQt6A

Songs from the Silver Screen by Jackie Evancho: Ever since this young Opera singer debuted on America’s Got Talent in 2010, the 12-year-old Pittsburgh native has stolen the world’s hearts with her astonishing vocal performances.   In her fourth studio album, Jackie tackled some of the most beloved songs from the movies including  “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka and a tour-de-force cover of Titanic’s “My Heart Will Go On.”   With help from guest stars Chris Botti, 2Cellos, Joshua Bell and the Canadian Tenors, Evancho delivers an outstanding album full of powerful songs and superb performances.   Grade: A

Songs to Download: “The Music of the Night,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” “Se (feat. 2Cellos),” “My Heart Will Go On” and “What a Wonderful World.”

One of the biggest highlights of the album is Evancho’s interpretation of Sir Elton John and Tim Rice’s classic.  To listen to this amazing cover, click here: http://youtu.be/lD5RBhVqXVA

Lightning by Matt & Kim

The Brooklyn indie rock duo has released their fourth studio album: Lightning.  This 10-track album has an Eighties vibe about this album.  From “Let’s Go” to “Overexposed,” Lightning will transport its listeners to the decade of big hair and Richard Simmons.    However, it needed to have a little bit of modern sound but it was an enjoyable listening experience.  B

Songs to Download: “Let’s Go,” “Overexposed” and “It’s Alright.”

When the duo recorded their first music listening video of “Overexposed,” Kim danced but you have to watch what Matt did during the entire time of the filming: http://youtu.be/s5wfL91W4FU

 

Sticks and Stones by Cher Lloyd

Cher Lloyd’s debut album finally hit the U.S. this week.  This X Factor UK starlet will amaze listeners with her perfect combination of bubblegum pop meets hip-hop in this record.     With the help of superstar producers including Max Martin, Shellback, Dr. Luke and RedOne plus guest stars Busta Rhymes and Carolina Liar, Cher Lloyd makes her first step to superstardom.  B+

Songs to Download: “Want ‘U Back,” “Behind the Music,” “Swagger Jagger” and “Grow Up (with Busta Rhymes).”

Cher Lloyd performed her hit single: “Want ‘U Back” on America’s Got Talent this summer.  To see this performance, click here: http://youtu.be/8UUoBS1nLfI

 I’m Right Here by Chris Rene

Another X Factor singer/rapper that released new music this week was Chris Rene.  On this eight-track album, you will find Rene singing and rapping through potential hits thanks to the songwriting and producing assists from Claude Kelly, busbee and Alex Lambert.    This short EP has a lot of flair and impressive vocals that will make Chris’s fans happy and is a great start to a music career.  B+

Songs to Download: “Chains,” “Back from the Dead,” “Young Homie” and “Rockin’ With You.”

Chris Rene’s “Rockin’ With You” had a lot of swagger and fantastic lyrics.  Click here to listen to the song: http://youtu.be/8E2qKGfxc18