Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of August 22, 2025

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Happy New Music Friday, everyone! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party!

 

STAR LINE by Chance the Rapper

Chance the Rapper released his second album, STAR LINE. The Chicago native’s latest project draws inspiration from his travels to Ghana and Jamaica, as well as his experiences at international art fairs. He assembled multiple generations of musicians to create STAR LINE. From major artists like Lil Wayne, Peter CottonTale, and Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins to emerging talents such as BJ the Chicago Kid, Jazmine Sullivan, and Young Thug, Chance uses STAR LINE to demonstrate why he could be one of rap’s leading figures. STAR LINE is one of my favorite albums of 2025, and I believe it could be a strong contender come awards season. A-

 Tracks to Download: “Ride,” “Drapetomania,” “Back To The Go,” “Space & Time,” & “Burn Ya Block.”

 

Everest by Halestorm

Rock band Halestorm released its sixth studio album, Everest. The band’s current line-up (lead vocalist Lzzy Hale, drummer Arejay Hale, lead guitarist Joe Hottinger, and bassist Josh Smith) teamed up with country music producer Dave Cobb for the bulk of the songwriting. The quintet welcomed guest songwriters Aaron Raitiere (who co-penned six of the album’s tracks), Dave Pittenger, Natalie Hembly, Nolan, and Ryan Daly into their camp. Everest showcases both the band’s strongest material and best individual performances to date.  A

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Everest,” “Shiver,” “Like A Woman Can,” “Rain Your Blood On Me,” “Darkness Always Wins,” & “How Will You Remember Me?”

 

Love is Like by Maroon 5

Maroon 5 dropped its eighth studio album, Love is Like. For the first time since 2012’s Overexposed, other band members joined Adam Levine in crafting the tracks, including James Valentine and Sam Farrar. The group welcomed an all-star group of collaborators. Ali Tamposi, Federico Vindver, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Michael Pollack, Noah “Mailbox” Passovoy, Rhea Raj, and Sexyy Red are sprinkled throughout the track listing. Lil Wayne, LISA, and Marshmello (on the deluxe edition) joined Sexyy Red as the featured artists. While there are still elements of pop rap and R&B that were featured in 2021’s Jordi, there were sparks of excellence that reminded me why I fell in love with this band in 2002, when they released Songs About Jane. B

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Hideaway,”  “All Night,” “Priceless,” & “Closer.”

 

“Imaginary Playerz” by Cardi B

Cardi B dropped “Imaginary Playerz,” her second single off her upcoming album, Am I the Drama? The “Outside” rapper worked with Rene Moore, Angela Winbush, Daven Vanderpool, and Jordan Thorpe on the lyrics, while DJ SwanQo, OctaneThisThatGas, and Sean Island worked on the production. They also sampled Jay-Z’s 1997 hit “Imaginary Players.” While Cardi is a strong force in rap music, I found the song average. C

 

“FAST” by Demi Lovato

After a brief venture into the rock world, Demi Lovato is back in the dance pop music genre! The “Cool for the Summer” performer teamed up with Zhone for “FAST,” a superb EDM jam that sets the stage for her upcoming ninth studio album. The superb tempo and the hypnotic “Go Fast” make “FAST” an irresistible piece of ear candy. B+

 

“LONELY AVENUE” by Jon Batiste featuring Randy Newman

“LONELY AVENUE” is the result of what happens when America’s gifted pianists, lyricists, and Grammy & Oscar winners team up! Jon Batiste collaborated with the legendary Randy Newman on one of the best blues songs in years! This is a must-listen track! A+

 

“In Plain Sight” by Khalid

Khalid is embarking on a new chapter in his recording career with his upcoming album, After the Sun Goes Down. The latest single, “In Plain Sight,” is a pure dance & R&B hybrid that would teleport listeners into the Roxbury. The song’s slick production, Khalid’s superb vocals, and catchy chorus make “In Plain Sight” a perfect song to not only end the summer, but launch a new chapter for the “Location” performer. A-

 

Artists to Watch:

 

Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some of the recording artists and bands that are ready to shake up the music industry.

 

“Making Memories” by Black Sands

Black Sands kicks off this section! This project is the brainchild of Los Angeles-based songwriter and producer Andrew Balfour.  Over the past five years, Black Sands has built a reputation that drew comparisons to Post Malone and the Weeknd. Now, the latest chapter of his musical journey focuses on Americana, pop-country, and acoustic storytelling. “Making Memories” is the era’s first single, and it is fantastic! I hear shades of Dan + Shay and Morgan Wallen, and just like those country superstars, Black Sands’ music will satisfy fans and will help them make memories that will last a lifetime. A-

 

“The House of the Rising Sun – Live in Denver” by The Brudi Brothers

Johannes, Conrad, and George Brudi are the Brudi Brothers! They are a Seattle, Washington-based band of multi-instrumentalists and singers that all came from the same womb. When the trio was in Denver, the Brudi Brothers covered the iconic 19^th-century classic “The House of the Rising Sun.” I have watched many artists of my generation, such as Haley Reinhart and Kimberly Nicole, give their signature spins. However, the Brudi Brothers’ version surpasses them. Their gritty, haunting rendition will shake listeners to their core, sending goosebumps down their spines.  A+

 

“You Can Call Me Al” by Dwayne Gretzky

For a decade, Toronto-based Dwanye Gretzky has ignited packed venues across Canada with their joyful and explosive live performances that celebrate the greatest songs of the last 50 years.  Their latest cover tackles Paul Simon’s iconic “You Can Call Me Al,” and it is pure joy! They made the “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” singer-songwriter proud. A

 

“Waterfalls” by James Hype featuring Sam Harper & Bobby Harvey

James Hype is one of the UK’s respected and technically gifted DJs and producers. His latest single, “Waterfalls,” is a collaboration with vocalist Sam Harper and fellow DJ/Producer Bobby Harvey.  Sam Harper’s cotton candy vocals, along with superb production from both Hype and Harvey, is an excellent EDM track that could dominate club playlists worldwide. B

 

“Breaking My Own Heart” by Kat Velasco

Country-pop artist Kat Velasco wraps up this edition of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews. In her latest single, “Breaking My Own Heart,” Kat tackles a vulnerable ballad that tackles both self-sabotage and self-preservation. Claire Douglas, Hannah Ellis, and Jason Massey brilliantly co-penned this heartbreaking tune as Kat sang about being her own worst enemy.  Kat Velasco is cooking up magic, and I believe that she will be one to watch as the 2020s continue. B+

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