By: Jacob Elyachar
This edition of New Music Tuesday will focus on three new albums from Barbra Streisand, Ellie Goulding and KISS plus new singles from Adele, Taylor Swift and Uncle Kracker.
Release Me by Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand’s latest compilations album features 11 pieces of unreleased music that had not seen the light of day…until now. This soundtrack features songs from classic films including A Star is Born, Finian’s Rainbow and The Wiz. Streisand’s vocals are impeccable and this will be a true joy to listen to for any standards lover or Barbra fan. Grade: A-
Songs to Download: “Didn’t We,” “With One More Look At You” & “Home”
Barbra recorded this superb cover of The Wiz’s “Home.” To listen to this version, click here: http://youtu.be/_08yxcGTDck
Ellie Goulding does not suffer any effects from a sophomore slump record. This 19-track album shows off its diversity in the pop world and has lots of memorable songs on this record. (Album cover property of Polydor)
Halycon by Ellie Goulding
While Barbra Streisand was an enchanting and versatile artist of three generations, British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding might take the title for Generation Y. For her sophomore album, Ellie recruited Tinie Tempah, Calvin Harris and Billboard to assist her in delivering a monster of an album. This 19-track album combines three forms of popular music: dance pop, Indie pop and synthpop to make an irresistible form of ear candy. Grade: B+
Songs to Download: “My Blood,” “Figure 8” & “Hanging On (Edit)”
Ellie’s airy “Figure 8” should be considered one of the many highlights of the album. Click here to listen to this song: http://youtu.be/njQCPLWoze4
Monster by KISS
KISS’s 20th studio album brings back classic elements that made fans fell in love with them back in 1974. The album will keep listeners intrigued and invested throughout its 43-minute run time. In addition to the instrumental arrangements, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons’ vocals are stronger than ever and fans will be rocking out to Monster until the end of the year. Grade: A
Songs to Download: “Hell or Hallelujah,” “Back to the Stone Age,” “Shout Mercy” and “All for the Love of Rock & Roll”
KISS’s “All for the Love of Rock & Roll” features drummer Eric Singer on lead vocals: http://youtu.be/KaRZw1eATpg
Adele’s “Skyfall” is a powerful song filled with brilliant vocal arrangements, superb lyrics and impeccable musicality. (Album cover property of Sony Music Entertainment)
Skyfall by Adele
This is one of the best singles of the year and I will be surprised if this track is not up for an Oscar or a Grammy this year! A+
Adele’s “Skyfall” featured astonishing vocals and fantastic orchestrations. In addition, its lyric video has been viewed over 20 million views on YouTube: http://youtu.be/7HKoqNJtMTQ
I Knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift
Who knew that Taylor Swift can make beautiful music with Britney Spears and P!nk’s producers: Max Martin and Shellback? Taylor is growing as an artist and proves that she is not just a country music gal but can actually go toe-to-toe with Katy and Gaga in the dance pop world. A
Taylor’s new single has already dethroned “Skyfall” at the top of the iTunes charts. To listen to this song again, click here: http://youtu.be/cRMevGc3934
Nobody’s Sad on a Saturday Night by Uncle Kracker
Uncle Kracker has released his first new single in a year and it shows off that he can also branch out to different genres and master them. I am not a country music lover but this song can convert anyone who listens to it due to the lyrics and superb hoedown music. A+
To listen to this impressive country track, click here: http://youtu.be/KMifi4Hbp6M
