Welcome to the second 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 second 2025 edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We have a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party!
The songs on JoJo’s NGL were pure fire and magnificent pieces of ear candy. (Album cover property of Clover Music LLC)
NGL by JoJo
The 2020s have been a renaissance for singer-songwriter Joanna “JoJo” Levesque. She competed in The Masked Singer, portrayed Satine in Moulin Rouge on Broadway, and released her 2024 memoir Over the Influence. Now, the “Too Little Too Late” performer released her fourth extended play, NGL. As I listened to the record, I thought these songs were pure fire and magnificent pieces of ear candy. All these tracks could easily dominate Top 40 and pop music radio and streaming playlists. Bravo, JoJo! A
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Nobody,” “Too Much To Say,” “Porcelain,” “Ready to Love,” & “Start Over.”
Kane Brown continues to carve his path throughout the music industry by infusing rock, R&B, and hip-hop musical elements into his county-based sound, and The High Road has the potential to be a blockbuster album in his career. (Album cover property of Sony Music Entertainment)
The High Road by Kane Brown
Country music superstar Kane Brown dropped his fourth studio album, The High Road. The “Cool Again” performer recruited an all-star group of collaborators, including Jelly Roll (“Haunted”), Khalid (“Rescue”), and Marshmello (“Miles on It”). Kane’s wife, Katelyn, also made two appearances throughout the album (“Body Talk” and “Do Us Apart”). The High Road reveals a more personal side to the recording artist through songs such as “3” and haunting “When You Forget,” which Billboard reported focused on losing his grandfather to Alzheimer’s. Kane continues to carve his path throughout the music industry by infusing rock, R&B, and hip-hop musical elements into his county-based sound, and The High Road has the potential to be a blockbuster album in his career. B+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Backseat Driver,” “Miles On It,” “Rescue,” “Haunted,” & “Start a Fire.”
Through Bloom, Larkin Poe have delivered the perfect 15th anniversary present to their loyal fanbase while allowing a new generation to discover their superb sound. (Album cover property of Trick-Woo)
Bloom by Larkin Poe
Nashville-based multi-instrumentalists and Grammy-winning duo Rebecca and Megan Lovell are known as Larkin Poe. They released their seventh studio album, Bloom. I love their Americana sound that blends blues, country, and rock perfectly. Through Bloom, the Lovell sisters have delivered the perfect 15th anniversary present to their loyal fanbase while allowing a new generation to discover their superb sound. A+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Mockingbird,” “Easy Love, Pt. 1,” “Little Bit,” Nowhere Fast,” “Fool Outta Me,” & “You Are the River.”
While strong standouts exist on Teddy Swims’s I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part Two), a few songs should have been left on the cutting room floor.(Album cover property of SWIMS Int. & Warner Records)
I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part Two) by Teddy Swims
Teddy Swims released the sequel to his 2023 album, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part One). The viral YouTube singer continues to take listeners on an emotional roller coaster with tunes that blend pop and R&B music. The “Lose Control” singer welcomed Giveon for the Boyz II Men-inspired “Are You Even Real,” dueted with Muni Long with “Black and White,” and recruited Coco Jones and GloRilla for “She’s Got It?” While strong standouts exist on I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part Two), a few songs should have been left on the cutting room floor. C+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Not Your Man,” “Bad Dreams,” “Hammer to the Heart,” & “Guilty.”
“Somebody’s Son” by Empire of the Sun featuring Lindsey Buckingham
Empire of the Sun is dropping a deluxe edition of their hit 2024 album, Ask That God. Lord Littlemore and Emperor Steele’s new offerings include “Somebody’s Son,” a collaboration with legendary guitarist and rock icon Lindsey Buckingham. Their artistry blend is exquisite to the ears, and the song gives fans chills. A-
“For Good” by Frankie Zulferino
Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar friend Frankie Zulferino gave his take on one of Wicked’s signature songs. He tackled “For Good” and its fabulous. The piano-only backed track let Frankie highlight his phenomenal voice shine. I believe that Wicked OGs Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, and Steven Schwartz would be proud if they listened to his cover. A
“Beautiful Day” by Mike Posner
Mike Posner is expected to drop his first studio album in five years. “Beautiful Day” is the empowering first single off The Beginning. Mike’s songwriting showcases that he continues to deliver songs that make people think and inspire them to dance. I cannot wait to listen to The Beginning, and I hope that the next generation of hitmakers will have the opportunity to study this masterpiece of a song. A
“Fat Juicy & Wet” by Sexy Red featuring Bruno Mars
Recently, Bruno Mars has released masterful collaborations with Lady Gaga (“Die with a Smile)” and Rose (“APT”). For his latest duet, he recruited rapper Sexy Red for “Fat Juicy & Wet.” While the song has a hypnotic beat driving it, the lyrics did not entice me. Maybe if I listen to it multiple times, it will grow on me, but in my humble opinion, the song is a bust. D+
Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are the artists and bands that are ready to shake up the music industry:
“L’s and P’s” by Dumar 1K featuring Real Boston Richey
Florida rapper Dumar 1K’s star is rising. The viral sensation captured the nation’s attention after his breakout 2024 single, “Penny Pincher.” Dumar 1K teamed up with fellow rising rapper Real Boston Richey with their latest single, “L’s and P’s.” Both emcees delivered fiery verses and could be instrumental in the hip-hop world for years to come. B+
“Model Train Town” by Petey USA
Rocker Petey USA has built a massive social media following as his music captured over a combined 500 million views. He also supported Blink-182 in Mexico City, and toured with Two Door Cinema Club. His latest single, “Model Train Town,” showcases angsty lyrics and explosive vocals and features guitar riffs that surprisingly drop halfway through the song. I believe that Petey USA is someone we are missing in today’s music market and I cannot wait to see what he does next. B+
“Same Old Things” by Reli
Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Reli has over 12 years of experience creating her own music. Her latest single, “Same Old Things,” is a breath of fresh air. Her honest lyrics could remind Broadway fans of Avenue Q, and the catchy chorus would put a smile on listeners’ faces. A-
“Saccharine” by Violent Vira
Violent Vira rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. With over 90K YouTube subscribers and 200K Instagram followers, Violent Vira is becoming one of the most talked about up-and-coming alt-rock artists. Her latest single, “Saccharine,” showcases powerful raw vocals and a commanding electric guitar arrangement. “Saccharine” will be a benchmark for my grading requirements this year, as it was phenomenal! A+
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