Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of November 28, 2025

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Happy New Music Friday, everyone! To all my United States audience members, I hope that you had an excellent Thanksgiving! As everyone is either heading back to work, traveling home, or waiting in line to cash in the Black Friday deals, you might need some new music to add to your library.

Without further ado, here is the final Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews for November 2025:

 

Everyone’s a Star – Fully Evolved by 5 Seconds of Summer

It’s hard to believe that both 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) and I will be celebrating our 15^th anniversaries next year! The quartet (lead vocalist Luke Hemmings, lead guitarist Michael Clifford, bassist Calum Hood, and drummer Ashton Irwin) dropped their sixth studio album, Everyone’s a Star – Fully Evolved. The quartet welcomed back veteran collaborators Andrew Goldstein, Colin Brittain, and Jason Evigan, while bringing Jake Sinclair, John Ryan, Leland, Sarah Hudson, and Sierra Hemmings into the writing room. 5SOS took a lot of risks with this album, as several of the songs steered into pop-rock hybrids. “Boyband” is a pop-rock and EDM lovechild, while “istillfeelthesame” has synth-pop elements. Everyone’s a Star – Fully Evolved reminds me of Duran Duran’s All You Need Is Now. Just like it did for the “Pressure Off” rockers, Everyone’s a Star will introduce a new generation to the Australian pop-rock band. B

Tracks to Download or Stream: “NOT OK,” “Boyband,” “istillfeelthesame,”& “Evolve.”

 

Finally Over It by Summer Walker

Summer Walker’s Over It franchise concludes with Finally Over It. The album is divided into two parts – For Better and For Worse. Both parts feature an all-star group of hitmakers, including Anderson. Paak, Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown, Doja Cat, Latto, and Mariah the Scientist (For Better) and 21 Savage and Teddy Swims (For Worse).  Summer and her team also incorporated six samples, including Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby” and Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway’s “The Closer I Get to You.” While I admire Summer’s artistry, the album Finally Over It can feel redundant at times. C-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Robbed You,” “Baby,” & “Heart of a Woman.”

 

Wicked: For Good- The Soundtrack by Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo & the Cast of Wicked: For Good

Wicked: For Good is out! Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, and crew are back for the second film in the Wicked franchise. For everyone who has seen the Wicked production, this is the second half. While the standards are included, such as “As Long as You’re Mine,” “No Good Dead,” and the iconic “For Good,” the film introduced original tunes such as “No Place Like Home” (for Elphaba) and “The Girl in the Bubble” (for Glinda), and added “The Wicked Witch of the East,” which was dropped from the original Broadway soundtrack. Wicked: For Good not only delivers superb vocals from both Cynthia and Ariana but also splendidly adds to the franchise’s 22-year-old legacy. A

 Tracks to Download or Stream: “Thank Goodness / I Couldn’t Be Happier,” “No Place Like Home,” “No Good Deed,” “The Girl in the Bubble,” & “For Good.”

 

“Promise” by Jacob Lewis

Canada’s Got Talent champion and Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar friend Jacob Lewis dropped his latest single, “Promise.” “Promise” is a phenomenal song dedicated to his wife. It gave me goosebumps, which reminds me of classic Fleetwood Mac and Bruce Springsteen. A

 

“Changing” by Kevin Jonas

For the first time in his career, Kevin Jonas dropped his first solo song, “Changing.”  The oldest Jonas Brother’s first solo single opens about his life’s evolution. While I applaud him for stepping into the spotlight without his megawatt superstar brothers, I found the song bland. I believe that Kevin can do better! C

 

“Hero is Born” by Yolanda Adams

Gospel music icon Yolanda Adams re-released her standout song, “Hero is Born,” which was initially featured on her 2024 Grammy-nominated album, Sunny Days.  This re-release coincides with her Broadway debut in Hell’s Kitchen, portraying Miss Liza Jane.  “Hero is Born” will put smiles on listeners’ faces and is a must-have on holiday playlists. A-

 

Artists to Watch:

Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are the recording artists and bands poised to shake up the music world!

Memories and Empties by Colter Wall

Canadian country music singer-songwriter Colter Wall is gaining steam in the mainstream country world. His fifth studio album, Memories and Empties, transports listeners into a classic bluegrass country saloon for an intimate listening experience. Colter’s husky vocals can tug at listeners’ heartstrings and prompt reflection. B+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “1800 Miles,” “My Present Just Gets Past Me,” “Like the Hills,” “Living by the Hour,” & “Back to Me.”

 

SO CLOSE TO WHAT? (Deluxe) by Tate McRae

Many Generation Z members grew up watching Tate McRae dominate Season 13 of So You Think You Can Dance. Over the past few years, Tate has transitioned from dance to pop music. Her third musical offering, SO CLOSE TO WHAT, was recently released in a deluxe edition.  The “R U OK” singer-songwriter crafted 21 tunes with the assistance of the recording industry’s all-stars. Amy Allen, Blake Shatkin, Delacey, Emile Haynie, Grant Boutin, Julia Michaels, and Ryan Tedder are among the co-writers and co-producers of the record. At the same time, Flo Milli (“bloodonmyhands”) and the Kid LAROI (“I Know Love”) are the featured artists. SO CLOSE TO WHAT? (Deluxe) cements Tate as one of her generation’s top pop artists. A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “TRYING ON SHOES,” “HORSESHOE,” “TIT FOR TAT,” “Dear God,” & “Sports Car.”

 

“Stockholm Syndrome” by DYNAMYTE

Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist DYNAMYTE dropped a powerful new single, “Stockholm Syndrome.”  DYNAMYTE weaves a haunting story of surviving a toxic and manipulative relationship. This song is probably the most personal tune I have heard all of 2025. DYNAMYTE’s sound reminds me of the late, great Amy Winehouse’s neo-soul, Jessie J-esque vocals, and Meghan Trainor sass. Just as those women do, I believe DYNAMYTE has a bright future in the recording industry. A

 

“Fall in Fall Out” by Tigercub

UK rock trio Tigercub wrap up this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! Vocalist and guitarist Jamie Hall, bassist Jimi Wheelwright, and drummer James Allix make up Tigercub. Their latest single,” Fall in Fall Out,” is a teaser from their upcoming album, Nets to Catch the Wind, which is expected to drop sometime in April 2026. I loved their epic guitar riffs, and their musical arrangement will enchant listeners’ ears. I cannot wait to listen to the full record! B+

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