Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of Jan. 10, 2025

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Welcome to the first edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews of 2025!

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

 

 

DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS by Bad Bunny

Puerto Rican rapper and singer Bad Bunny is one of the 2020s’ breakout music stars thanks to combining Reggaeton and salsa with hip-hop. The “Where She Goes” performer released his sixth studio album, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, translating to I Should Have Taken More Photos in English. Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Martinez, co-wrote most of the record but received assistance from Eduardo Cabra, La Paciencia, MAG, Ramito, and Tainy in the production department. DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS also features guest appearances from Chuwi, Dei V, Omar Courtz, and RaiNao. Bad Bunny continues to blaze a trail for future generations of Latin recording artists, and I could see several of these superb tunes in various Best of 2025 streaming playlists and articles in December. B+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “NuevaYoL,” “VeLDA,” “El CLuB,” “PIToRRO DE COCO,” & “EoO.”

 

 

The Mathematics Tour Collection: Live by Ed Sheeran

In 2023, Ed Sheeran brought his Mathematics Tour to the United States. My longtime friend, Brandon Glass, and I received complimentary tickets for the August 5, 2023, show at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. It was one of the best concert experiences I had so far this decade. The “Perfect” singer-songwriter recently dropped a double album featuring live versions on one disc and the original on the second.  While it was unnecessary to include the originals, the live versions perfectly transport concertgoers back to their respective shows and fans who missed seeing him live to be transported to those concerts. The Mathematics Tour Collection showcases why Ed Sheeran remains one of the Millennials (my generation)’s top musicians and performers. A

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Shivers (Live),” “Don’t/Nina Medley (Live),” “I See Fire (Live),” “Eyes Closed (Live),” “Collaborations Medley (Live),” & “Sing (Live).”

 

 

SOS Deluxe: LANA by SZA

Three years ago, SZA released her hit album, SOS, which won several awards including the Best Progressive R&B Grammy, BET Awards’ Album of the Year, and Juno Awards’ International Album of the Year. Before the 2025 Times Square ball dropped, the “Drew Barrymore” singer-songwriter released a deluxe version called LANA. Benny Blanco, Blake Slatkin, Cashmere Cat, Carter Lang, Lil Yachty, and Michael Uzowuru were some of the contributors to the album. At the same time, Kendrick Lamar was the only featured artist on the album. While there were some sparks on the album, there were a few songs that I thought sounded repetitive (“Chill Baby” and “My Turn”). Despite that one minor issue,  SOS Deluxe: LANA is a superb album and I am looking forward to hearing what SZA has in store for us in her next era. B

Tracks to Download or Stream: “What Do I Do,” “30 for 30,” “Scorsese Baby Daddy,” & “Drive.”

 

 

“With You” by Dean Lewis

International superstar and Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar friend Dean Lewis dropped his first single of 2025, “With You.”  The song will be featured in the upcoming deluxe version of The Epilogue, his 2024 studio album. Dean co-produced the song with Tommy English, Colin Foote, and Alex Vorel. The lyrics could be like receiving a knockout punch, and Dean’s vocals tug at listeners’ heartstrings. “With You” is Dean’s personal best! A

 

 

 

“Flying Without Wings” by Frankie Zulferino

Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar friend Frankie Zulferino surprised fans on New Years’ Eve with a stirring cover of Westlife and American Idol icon Ruben Studdard’s “Flying Without Wings.” It has been ages since I’ve heard this song, but Frankie delivered a strong vocal performance featuring a beautiful backing piano background.  Bravo, Frankie!! A-

 

 

“Backseat Driver” by Kane Brown

Kane Brown will drop his fourth studio album, The High Road, in a few weeks. The latest single, “Backseat Driver,” was written by Jacob Davis and Jordan Walker and focuses on Kane’s relationships with his daughters. Kane tugged at listeners’ heartstrings, and I believe “Backseat Driver”  should be incorporated into every child-parent dance celebration. B+

 

“Smile” by Morgan Wallen

Before 2025 began, country music superstar Morgan Wallen dropped his third single, “Smile,” off his upcoming studio album. The “Last Night” performer co-wrote the song with longtime friend Ernest, John Bryon, and Ryan Vojtesak, while Joey Mai and Charlie Handsome co-produced the single. “Smile” is one of Morgan’s vulnerable and haunting songs to date. B+

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