Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of February 14, 2025

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! This year, I gave you an incredible gift – a new edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews!

We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party!

Hurry Up Tomorrow by the Weeknd

The Weeknd dropped his sixth studio album, Hurry Up Tomorrow. The record concludes the trilogy that started with 2020’s After Hours. He recruited longtime colleagues such as Cirkut, Lana Del Rey, Max Martin, Metro Boomin’, Mike Dean, and Oscar Holter to craft, produce (and in the case of the “Summertime Sadness” songstress – appear in) songs, while welcoming new collaborators such Anitta, Florence + The Machine, Future, Giorgio Mordor, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, and Pharrell Williams into the fold. Hurry Up Tomorrow showcases the “Blinding Lights” performer’s growth as a songwriter, producer, and vocalist. The songs are slick and reflect the Weeknd’s journey as an internationally renowned recording artist and overcoming the challenges he faced. A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Wake Me Up,” “Sao Paulo,” “Open Hearts,” “Reflections Laughing,” “Big Sleep,” & “The Abyss.”

 

 

“Dance Around It” by Annabel Gutherz

Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar friend Annabel Gutherz dropped a new single, “Dance Around It.” The Montreal-based singer-songwriter’s latest single focuses on the joy of being in a romance while simultaneously worrying about its fragility.  The song’s classic rock and modern pop melodies remind me so much of classic Alanis Morrissette and Jewel. “Dance Around It” is lovely and should be included in many spring break playlists! A-

 

 

“Who Believes in Angels?” by Elton John & Brandi Carlile

This decade, Sir Elton John collaborated with celebrated singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile numerous times. On April 4, the duo will release their first collaborative album, Who Believes in Angels? Elton John and Brandi Carlile dropped the title track, which they co-wrote with Elton’s longtime songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin, and Andrew Watt, who will executively produce the album. I got goosebumps listening to this song, and I cannot wait to listen to more songs from this record. A+

 

 

“I’ll Do It” by Heidi Montag featuring Pitbull

Reality TV star Heidi Montag re-released her 2010 hit single, “I’ll Do It,” with a twist. The Hills star recruited Pitbull to be the featured artist on the song. While the music is over-the-top cheesy, it will put a smile on listeners’ faces. C+ 

 

 

“Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga

Grammy and Oscar-winning performer Lady Gaga continues to excite Little Monsters and music lovers with anticipation with the release of the third single from her eighth studio album, Mayhem. Lady Gaga co-wrote and co-produced “Abracadabra” with Cirkut and Andrew Watt, while Susan Ballion, Peter Edward Clarke, John McGeoch, and Steven Severin also received songwriting credits. “Abracadabra” reminds me so much of her The Fame Monster, Born This Way, and Chromatica eras. This song will be featured in so many Top 40, festival, and streaming playlists this year! It is truly an iconic bop in the making. A

 

 

“I’m the Problem” by Morgan Wallen

Morgan Wallen dropped his first song of 2025, also the title track of his upcoming studio album. Longtime collaborators Ernest, Charlie Handsome, Grady Block, and Jamie McLaughlin co-wrote the track, while Charlie Handsome co-produced the track with Joey Moi. “I’m the Problem” could be the “Last Night” singer-songwriter’s clapback to his haters who dragged him through the headlines and social media throughout the 2020s.  It is a superb title track thanks to Morgan’s vocals and the acoustic guitar arrangement. B+

 

 

Artists to Watch:

Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some artists and bands that are shaking up to the music industry.

 

“Let’s Go Below” by Bandits on the Run

Indie folk-pop trio Bandits on the Run dropped a new single! Adrian Blake Enscoe, Sydney Shepherd, and Regina Strayhorn comprise this powerhouse group, and their song, “Let’s Go Below,” is one of the best pieces of music I have heard so far during the first quarter of 2025! Between the call-and-response of the “Let’s Go Below” chorus and their spectacular musicianship, I know that hardcore folk and pop music lovers would devour this superb ear candy! A+

 

“Selfish” by Daniel Arison

Singer, songwriter, and producer Daniel Arison dropped a key track from his eagerly anticipated album. “Selfish” focuses on the aftermath of an explosive falling out with one of his friends. Daniel did a superb job letting the lyrics guide listeners on his journey from defensiveness and sadness to acceptance. I am looking forward to hearing more wonderful material like “Selfish” in Daniel’s upcoming album. A-

 

“What Day Is It, October?” by Free Throw featuring Nathan Hardy

Nashville-based rock band Free Throw is celebrating a milestone! The band, Cory Castro (singer/guitarist), Larry Warner (guitarist), Jake Hughes (guitarist/singer), Justin Castro (bassist), and Zach Hall (drummer/singer), are marking a decade of their album, Those Days Are Gone. The group released a re-recorded version of “What Day Is It, October?” with their friend Nathan Hardy of the rock band Microwave to kick off the festivities. Thanks to epic drum and guitar arrangements and the screamo elements sprinkled throughout the song, listeners rock out but simultaneously question their lifestyle choices. B+

 

“Mathematics” by Joy Crookes featuring Kano

British singer-songwriter Joy Crookes released her latest single, “Mathematics.” The soulstress teamed up with fellow British songwriter and rapper Kano for a superb song that navigates the messiness of human connection. Joy’s one-of-a-kind voice ensnares listeners’ ears, while Kano’s rap adds another element of excellence to the song.  I cannot wait to listen more music from Joy! A

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