Welcome to the latest installment of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! (Bitmoji property of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Happy New Music Friday! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party!
“HOROSCOPE” by Jon Bellion & Pharrell Williams
Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer Jon Bellion will release his third studio album, Father Figure, in early Summer 2025. His latest single, “HOROSCOPE,” is a collaboration with iconic superstar producer Pharrell Williams. The song’s production is on another level of excellence. Meanwhile, the catchy “I can read you like a horoscope” will tug at listeners’ heartstrings. I believe bright things are ahead for Jon Bellion in his new chapter! A-
“Bluebird” by Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey is preparing to enter a new genre in her recording career: Americana. The “Summertime Sadness” songstress’s upcoming TBA album is said to focus on Americana music. “Bluebird,” the song Lana co-wrote with Luke Laird and co-produced with Drew Erickson, tells the story of a woman trying to break away from an abusive relationship. Lana’s beautiful vocals and storytelling weave a haunting tale of heartbreak. A
“What Was That” by Lorde
Lorde is back! The “Royals” singer-songwriter dropped a new single, “What Was That,” that the New Zealand native co-wrote and co-produced with Jim-E Stack and Dan Nigro. The Alt-pop music superstar’s latest single has incorporated EDM drums and is catchy from start to finish. “What Was That” is a superb start to a new Lorde era. B+
“We Belong Together (Mimi’s Late Night Valentine Mix)” by Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is celebrating a significant milestone – her comeback album, The Emancipation of Mimi, is turning 20 years old! The actress-singer will release the 20th anniversary edition to commemorate this occasion on May 30. One of the tracks on the deluxe edition is “We Belong Together (Mimi’s Late Night Valentine’s Mix).” Ms. Carey originally released this version in 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The mix features a jazzier tempo and an extended showcase of the music icon’s signature whistle tone. This version will make the Lambs jump with joy! A+
“I Ain’t Comin’ Back” by Morgan Wallen & Post Malone
The countdown to Morgan Wallen’s fourth studio album, I’m the Problem, continues! He reunited with “I’ve Had Some Help” collaborator Post Malone for “I Ain’t Comin’ Back.” The duo co-wrote the song with HARDY, Ernest, Louis Bell, and Ryan Vojtesak, while Joey Moi and Charlie Handsome handled production duties. I loved this song from start to finish, and the superbly catchy chorus and verses feel autobiographical as both artists use the lyrics to confront their haters. “I Ain’t Comin’ Back” is a superb collaboration between Morgan and Post, and I hope this song plays a significant role in the 2025 awards season. A-
“Mayberry” by Rascal Flatts & Blake Shelton
To commemorate 25 years in the music industry and reconciliation, Rascal Flatts is revisiting its hits and inviting some friends to join them in the studio. The trio welcomed country music king and The Voice USA founding coach Blake Shelton to revisit their 2002 hit song “Mayberry.” The group transported listeners back to the classic fictional setting of the legendary TV show The Andy Griffith Show. This version of “Mayberry” perfectly showcases Rascal Flatts’ superb harmonies, and Blake fits this song like a glove. It is the perfect comfort song. B
Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some of the artists and bands that are going to dominate the music industry!
“Dust On My Brain” by Bakers Eddy
Melbourne, Australia-based Bakers Eddy is a punk rock quartet consisting of vocalist Ciarann Babbington, drummer Jamie Gordon, guitarist Alex Spagnolo, and bassist Ian Spagnolo. The group has released their latest single, “Dust On My Brain.” Jamie’s drums captured the listeners’ attention from start to finish, while Ciarann’s vocals and the Spagnolos’ guitar arrangements enhanced the track to new heights. I look forward to seeing what comes next for this band. A-
“Baptized In It” by the Haygoods
The Haygoods are a family band that has dominated Branson, Missouri’s entertainment industry for years. The group has released their latest single, “Baptized in It.” The song is pure fire! The lyrics are phenomenal, and the song’s production is superb! A
“Name On My Phone” by Kat Velasco
Nashville-based and South Carolina native Kat Velasco’s music has been featured on numerous country music outlet playlists, including CMT and Fresh Finds Country. Her latest single, “Name on My Phone,” is fantastic. Written by Kylie Sackley, Erin Kirby, and Robyn Dellunto and produced by Andy Sheridan, Kat superbly weaves her tale of waiting for her love to interact with her in person and on FaceTime. Kat has a bright future in the country music world and possesses the potential to be one of 2025’s breakout artists. B+
“Wrong Version of Me” by Michael Isaak
Michael Issak rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. His latest single, “Wrong Version of Me,” focuses on Michael’s decision to relocate his life from his Los Angeles home to New York City. Michael does a tremendous job of transporting the listener into his internal struggle, which many people (myself included) can relate to. B
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