Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of June 27, 2025

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Welcome to the first Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews of Summer 2025! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party!

 

American Heart by Benson Boone

American Idol dropout Benson Boone became one of the hottest pop-rock artists after his breakout single, “Beautiful Things.” Now, the “Slow It Down” singer-songwriter dropped his sophomore album, American Heart. Benson brought back Fireworks and Rollerblades collaborators Jack LaFrantz, Jason Evigan, Jason Suwito, and Malay to co-write the ten tracks and welcomed Evan Blair into the fold. American Heart is a tale of two Benson Boones. First, it seems that Benson wanted to keep his hot streak alive and poured his passion into the music. However, several songs sound a little redundant. I wish that he had waited until mid-2026 to drop American Heart, so he and his production team could come up with more blockbuster material. C

 Tracks to Download or Stream: “Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else,” “Mystical Magicial,” & “Wanted Man.”

 

I quit by HAIM

Alternative rock band HAIM is back! For the first time in five years, Alana, Danielle, and Este Haim dropped a new studio album, I quit. The Haims reunited with their Women in Music Pt. III producers Rostam Batmanglij and Ariel Rechtshaid brought Jack Hallenbeck and Justin Vernon to assist with the songwriting process. They also sampled George Michael’s “Gone” and a sample of U2’s “Numb” into “Gone” and “Now It’s Time” respectively. I quit reminds me of the first time I listened to Alanis Morrisette’s Jagged Little Pill and Sheryl Crow’s Tuesday Night Music Club. HAIM’s I quit showcases so much superb songwriting and impeccable production that will satisfy longtime fans and welcome newcomers into the fold. Bravissimo, HAIM! A+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Gone,” “All Over Me,” “Relationships,” “Down to Be Wrong,” “Lucky Stars,” & “Everyone Is Trying to Figure Me Out.”

 

Father Figure by Jon Bellion

Singer, songwriter, and rapper Jon Bellion dropped his third studio album (and first full studio album since 2018’s Glory Sound Prep), Father Figure. The record marks a rebirth for the father of three, who took a break from his music career to raise them. The “All Time Low” performer recruited Pharrell Williams (“HOROSCOPE”), Luke Combs (“WHY”), and Jon Batiste (“MODERN TIMES”) for collaborations. Father Figure showcases superb arrangements that showcase Bellion’s signature sound, along with splendid productions that made listeners reflect on their lives. A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “HOROSCOPE,” “OBLIVIOUS,” “WASH,” “GET IT RIGHT,” & “MODERN TIMES.”

 

Something Beautiful by Miley Cyrus

 Miley Cyrus released her ninth studio album, Something Beautiful. The “We Can’t Stop” singer-songwriter recruited an all-star group of collaborators that range from veterans such as Aldae, Andrew Wyatt, Kid Harpoon, and Ryan Tedder to newcomers such as Bibi Bourelly, Molly Rankin, and Alec O’Hanley to craft the 13 songs.  Brittany Howard and Naomi Campbell also join her on “Walk of Fame” and “Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved,” respectively. Something Beautiful is more cinematic than the albums that the “Midnight Sky” performer has dropped in the 2020s so far. However, the interludes seem to be unnecessary and disrupt the record’s flow. As much as I respect Miley as a recording artist, Something Beautiful is boring and a bit average. C+ 

Tracks to Download or Stream: “End of the World,” “Easy Lover,” & “Walk the Fame.”

 

 

“Ascension (Alesso Remix)” by Alesso & Tina Guo

Celebrated DJ and producer Alesso provided the official remix to the 2025 Esports World Cup. The collaborator of “If I Lose Myself” teamed up with cellist Tina Guo for a beautiful piece that expertly merged classical and EDM. A

 

 

 

“Outside” by Cardi B

Cardi B will drop her highly anticipated sophomore studio album, Am I the Drama? On September 19. The rapper recruited Ernest Brown III, James D. Steed, Jorden Thorpe, Orville Hall, Phillip Price, Roosevelt Jean, Yakki Davis, and Micaela Moore to co-pen the song. Meanwhile, Charlie Heat, HeyMicki, and DJ SwanQo handled the production process. “Outside” reminds me of the first time I saw Cardi B perform “Bodak Yellow” at a Jimmy Kimmel Live taping.  Cardi is at the top of her game, and I believe that “Outside” will be a song that defines summer 2025. A-

 

“On with the Show” by Celeste

Celeste, one of my favorite R&B/Soul recording artists, is releasing her sophomore studio album, “Women of Faces,” on October 10.  Her first single, “On with the Show,” which she co-wrote with frequent collaborator Matt Maltese and produced by Grammy-winning Jeff Bhasker, is a cinematic piece of ear candy. Celeste’s vocals command the listeners’ attention throughout the song and wonderfully set the tone for what is to come. A+

 

“The Best” by Jacob Lewis

Canada’s Got Talent’s reigning champion and Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s friend Jacob Lewis dropped the song that won him the crown, “The Best.”  Jacob did a brilliant job interpreting Mike Chapman and Holly Knight’s lyrics, and I believe that he would have made both Bonnie Tyler and Tina Turner proud. A

 

 

“Midnight Sun” by Zara Larsson

Global pop powerhouse Zara Larsson is getting ready to have a busy summer! The “Don’t Worry Bout Me” songstress will release her fifth studio album, Midnight Sun, on September 26 and will travel across North America with Tate McRae on her tour. Her second single is titled “Midnight Sun.” She co-wrote the track with Helena Gao, Margo XS, and MNEK, who also co-produced the song. “Midnight Sun” combines house, trance, and EDM for a hypnotic piece of ear candy. A-

 

Artists to Watch:

 

Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are three recording artists who are going to take the music world by storm:

 

“Rose” by Eddy Lee Ryder

Self-confessed demented pop artist Eddy Lee Ryder has toured with Howie Day, and both American Songwriter and PopMatters love her music! Recently, she made a new biographical song, “Rose.”  This song happened after she met the song’s subject and learned more about Rose’s past. Eddy Lee and her team do a superb job teleporting us throughout Rose’s colorful life and make listeners wish for a Rose in their lives. A-

 

“Keep My Tab Open” by Juna N Joey

Sibling duo Juan N Joey is making waves in the country music world. Their latest single, “Keep My Tab Open,” focuses on finding unexpected love at a laid-back bar scene. Fans will be immediately hooked by the duo’s superb storytelling and relatable lyrics. B+

 

“Ride the Lightning” by Warren Zeiders

Warren Zeiders rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews. This country music superstar appeared on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon and The Kelly Clarkson Show, and appeared in GQ and People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive issue. Now, he has been named the Premier Lacrosse League’s Music Ambassador.  To commemorate this occasion, the sports league has incorporated the former college lacrosse star’s song, “Ride the Lightning,” into their 2025 season. While the music was previously released in 2021, “Ride the Lightning” is a powerful anthem that inspires not only athletes but also anyone pursuing ambitious goals. Bravo, Warren! A

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