Welcome to the final installment of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews of 2025! (Bitmoji property of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the final Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews of 2025! We got a lot of ground to cover, so let’s start this party!
Love & Fear showcases the Zac Brown Band at their finest and is one of 2025’s most impeccable albums. (Album cover property of Master of None)
Love & Fear by Zac Brown Band
Zac Brown Band released its eighth studio album, Love & Fear. The record might be a follow-up to 2015’s Jekyll + Hyde, which first saw the group toy with adding other musical elements into their songs. Snoop Dogg and the iconic Dolly Parton make their first collaborations with the band, while Marcus King returns for another go-around with “Hard Run.” Love & Fear features the powerful anthem “The Sum,” which is one of the most powerful songs I’ve heard this year. Love & Fear showcases the Zac Brown Band at their finest and is one of 2025’s most impeccable albums. A+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “I Ain’t Worried About It,” “Hard Run,” “The Sum,” “Butterfly,” “Come to Me,” & “Give It Away.”
“I Don’t Remember It” by Frankie Grande
Reality TV icon and performer Frankie Grande dropped a new single, “I Don’t Remember It,” in conjunction with a deluxe edition of his debut album, Hotel Rock Bottom. The synth-pop anthem reminds me of (and could be his answer to) Robyn’s iconic dance anthem, “Dancing on My Own.” “I Don’t Remember It” will give listeners goosebumps. Bravo, Frankie! A-
“Nothin’” by Guns N’ Roses
The legendary Guns N’ Roses are going out on tour! In 2026, the iconic rock band (vocalist Axl Rose, bassist Duff McKagan, lead guitarist Slash, keyboardists Dizzy Reed and Melissa Reese, rhythm guitarist Richard Fortus, and drummer Isaac Carpenter) will travel across Europe, North America, and South America. The band also released “Nothin’,” a song conceived during their Chinese Democracy recordings in the 1990s and 2000s, but reworked after Slash and Duff returned to the band in 2016. “Nothin’” features a superb Slash guitar solo and splendid vocals from Axl and will make fans want to see them on tour. B+
“Miracle” by Jason Derulo
Jason Derulo surprised fans by releasing a new Christmas song: “Miracle.” The song brilliantly blends his signature pop-meets-R&B sound and will give listeners goosebumps. A
“Dopamine” by Robyn
Legendary pop singer Robyn dropped her first single in three years. Pitchfork reported that the “Show Me Love” and “Dancing on My Own” performer teamed with her longtime collaborator, Klas Ahlund, for a new synthpop production. While it is catchy, it might take a couple of listens for fans to get behind the song. B
Artists to Watch:
For the last time for 2025, Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are the recording artists that are shaking up the music world.
With 26- EP, Christian Hayes has a bright future, and I believe that we will be talking about him for years to come. (Album cover property of Capitol Records & Gamblin’ Man Records)
26-EP by Christian Hayes
Rising Appalachian singer, songwriter, guitarist, and Capitol Records recording artist Christian Hayes dropped his second extended play, 26. Christian’s voice reminds me of the first time that I heard Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, and The Voice alum Cole Vosbury, as their vocals have the superb ability to demand listeners’ attention. He is also an excellent storyteller, as “California Sun” transported me back to San Diego’s Hotel Del Coronado and its glorious beachfront. With 26- EP, Christian Hayes has a bright future, and I believe that we will be talking about him for years to come. A-
Tracks to Download or Stream: “65 On the Interstate,” “Flowershop,” “California Sun,” & “Caroline, Oh Caroline.”
“A Real Good Bad One” by Joe Hermes
Joe Hermes is one of country rock’s hottest new independent acts. His latest single, “A Real Good Bad One,” is one of the most electric songs I have heard this year. Joe has a superb sound that will satisfy country-rock fans and could become a festival and concert favorite in years to come. B+
“Take His Hand” by Whey Jennings
Whey Jennings is the final recording artist that I will review in 2025! Whey comes from the iconic musical Jennings family. He dropped his latest single, “Take His Hand,” and it is one of the most haunting songs I have heard this year. I got goosebumps from the moment that Whey opened his mouth. During this holiday season, I would strongly recommend listening to “Take His Hand.” Bravo, Whey! A
Thank you so much for reading my New Music Reviews! Make sure you keep an eye on my Best of 2025 Playlist!
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