Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of October 12, 2018

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com  

Welcome to the latest edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We have a lot of music to digest, so let’s get this party started!

 

A Star Is Born Soundtrack by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper

The fourth incarnation of the classic film A Star is Born starring Lady Gaga, and Bradley Cooper is one of the talked about movies in the country. On October 5, Interscope Records released the film’s soundtrack. A significant amount of the record feature original songs that were co-written by Gaga, Cooper, and a plethora of music’s finest songwriters and producers such as Lukas Nelson, DJ White Shadow, Mark Ronson, and Diane Warren. The American Hustle actor showcased some gritty vocals as he channeled his inner country rocker on tracks such as “Black Eyes” and “Maybe This Time.” Meanwhile, Gaga gave listeners chills when she covered Edith Pilaf’s “La Vie en Rose” and performed new tracks including “Always Remember Us This Way.” Also, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s vocal harmonies were excellently showcased in their duets. I predict that this perfect soundtrack will get nominated for several awards including Grammys, Golden Globes, and of course, the Oscars. Bravo, Bradley Cooper & Lady Gaga! A

Tracks to Download: “La Vie en Rose,” “Shallow,” “Always Remember Us This Way,” “Music to My Eyes,” & “Maybe This Time.”

Traces by Steve Perry

Rock icon Steve Perry released his first solo record in 14 years with Traces. The former Journey frontman and “Oh Sherrie” songwriter teamed with Thom Flowers, who co-executive produced this album, to record 10 tracks for his fans to devour. Perry showcased that his crisp voice could still enchant listeners. Music website Blabbermouth.net revealed that the singer-songwriter stated on both his website and social media accounts that his love of music was reignited when his love, Kellie, passed away from cancer in December 2012.  Traces is a powerful comeback album that will hopefully teach musicians that when the time is right, they can make a strong return and be embraced by their fans. B

Tracks to Download: “No Erasin’,” “No More Cryin’,” “You Belong to Me,” & “I Need You.”

 

DIME TRAP by T.I.

For the past 20 years, Atlanta-based rapper T.I. made his presence known in the rap community. He captured the attention of mainstream music fans with his collaborations with Christina Aguilera (“Castle Walls”), Justin Timberlake (“Dead & Gone”), and Rihanna (“Live Your Life”). DIME TRAP, which is T.I.’s first solo studio album in four years. DIME TRAP features an eclectic group of tracks that features strong solo beats and collaborations with a superb group of collaborators including Jeezy (“More & More”), Meek Mill (“Jefe”), Teyana Taylor (“You”), and Young Thug (“The Weekend”). In addition, listeners should keep their ears open for superstar comedian Dave Chappelle, who makes cameos through the album. DIME TRAP might be T.I.’s opus as it cements his legacy as the “Master of Trap Music.”  B+

Tracks to Download: “Laugh At Em,” “The Weekend,” “Jefe,” & “More & More.”

 

“A” by Usher & Zaytoven

2018 is turning out to be the year of the surprise albums! Usher teamed up with producer Zaytoven and dropped his ninth studio album, “A,” two days before his 40^th birthday. The “Without You” singer stated in an interview with Apple Music that this album was.  “A” blends trap music and R&B together that is an irresistible piece of ear candy for music lovers to devour. B  

Tracks to Download: “Stay At Home,” “You Decide,” & “Birthday.”

“Natural” by Imagine Dragons

Las Vegas-based alternative rock band Imagine Dragons continued their hot streak as they released their first single off of their upcoming fourth studio album, Origins. Dan Reynolds, Wayne Sermon, Ben McKee, and Daniel Platzman sat down with red-hot songwriter Justin Tranter and production team Mattman and Robin to co-pen “Natural.” The song has an addicting guitar hooks and superb drumming. The tune also showcased fine production from Mattman & Robin, who also worked with the “Radioactive” band on their previous hits “Believer” and “Walking the Wire.” “Natural” could be a strong contender to dominate the Alternative categories at the 2019 Grammy Awards and it successfully casted its spell on ESPN viewers as the tune is an anthem for the 2018 ESPN College Football season. A-

“Woman Like Me” by Little Mix & Nicki Minaj

X Factor UK winners Little Mix just dropped a hot collaboration with Nicki Minaj. The quartet of Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall, and Perrie Edwards are preparing their fans and the music industry for their upcoming fifth studio album. The first single, “Woman Like Me,” was co-written by Minaj, Jess Glynne, Steve Mac, and Ed Sheeran. It perfectly blends reggae fusion and R&B, and I predict that this song could be dominating international radio playlists until the end of 2019’s first quarter. A

“The Girl Is With Me” by Jeff Timmons & Jessie Godderz

Social media buzzed when 98 Degrees member Jeff Timmons and Big Brother alum and professional wrestler Jessie “Mr. PEC-Tacular” Godderz released “The Girl Is With Me.” The two heartthrobs dueled in a song to see who would catch the attention of a blonde bombshell (portrayed by Morgan Willet). “The Girl Is With Me” could remind music aficionados of Michael Jackson and Sir Paul McCartney’s “The Girl Is Mine.” This track is one of my favorite guilty pleasures of 2018, and it would be interesting to see how Jeff and Jessie follow up with another collaboration B+/A-

Artists To Watch:

Artists to Watch is back with several performers that might shake up the music industry! 

Ella Mai by Ella Mai

British singer-songwriter Ella Mai dropped her highly anticipated self-titled debut album! Produced by DJ Mustard, Ella Mai showcases what the “Boo’d Up” performer has to offer the music industry. This is the first time in years that I am so excited for a new artist’s debut, as Mai’s lovely vocals will excite a new generation of R&B/Soul fans. Also, keep an ear out for Chris Brown, John Legend, and H.E.R., who make vocal cameos throughout the album. A

Tracks to Download: “Dangerous,” “Whatchamacallit,” “Boo’d Up,” “Everything,” “Run My Mouth,” & “Trip.”

“Medication” by Yungblud

English alternative rocker Yungblud is taking the world by storm as his music appeared on popular TV series such as Runways and 13 Reason Why. “Medication” is the lead single off of his debut album, 21^st Century Liability. Yungblud, whose real name is Dominic Harrison, is definitely an artist that could shake up the alternative music field. His bold lyrics, intriguing voice, and brazen attitude could definitely gain him a strong following amongst members of his generation. A-

“No Good” by Hamish Anderson

Melbourne, Australia native Hamish Anderson closes out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews with his new single: “No Good.” Hamish’s impeccable guitar riffs will put listeners in a trance.  Hamish is one artist that could introduce the blues-rock culture to the next generation and I truly believe that massive things are on the horizon for this talented musician. A

I do not own the clips that are featured in this blog post. They belong to the artists and their respective record labels.