Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of July 25, 2025

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

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

 

SWAG by Justin Bieber

Over the past few years, Justin Bieber’s personal life has been the focus of tabloid headlines. Now, the “Anyone” singer-songwriter has released his seventh studio album, SWAG. His protégé, Eddie Benjamin, Carter Lang, Dylan Wiggins, Dijon Duenas, Daniel Chetrit, and Tobias Jesso Jr. formed the core of the songwriting and production team. The group transformed the pop star’s sound into R&B swagger. Both Benjamin and Duenas joined Lil B, Druski, Sexyy Redd, and Cash Cobain among the featured artists, while gospel icon Marvin Winans closed out the album with the one-minute, 30-second track “FORGIVENESS.” I am glad that Justin allowed his talent to shine through the music. While it has been 15 years since “Baby” made him a household name, I felt he hit a plateau with his 2015 album, Purpose. SWAG contains more songs that I believe both Beliebers and music fans could fall in love with again. A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “ALL I CAN TAKE,” “DAISES,” “GO BABY,” “BUTTERFLIES,” “DADZ LOVE,” & “FIRST PLACE.”

 

“Darkness Always Wins” by Halestorm

Rock band Halestorm is preparing to release their sixth studio album, Everest. The band – lead vocalist Izzy Hale, drummer Arejay Hale, lead guitarist Joe Hottinger, and bassist Josh Smith – dropped their third single, “Darkness Always Wins.” The soft beginning prepares the listener for an intense roller coaster ride, guided by Izzy’s powerful husky vocals and Joe’s slick guitar licks. Also, the powerful chorus of “Darkness Always Wins” will give listeners chills and make them grab their lighters. A

 

“Low Down Lonely” by Jon Brennan

Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar friend & Challenge champion Jon Brennan, dropped his latest single, “Low Down Lonely.” Jon shines vocally, and the bass and steel guitar combo transports listeners back to classic 90s country music. Bravo, my friend! A-

 

“Blue Jean Crazy” by Laura Bryna

I love listening to new music from Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar friend Laura Bryna. Her latest single, “Blue Jean Crazy,” is pure Americana and the perfect summertime anthem, celebrating American pride and the A cappella ending is pure bliss. A- 

 

“Save My Love” by Marshmello, Ellie Goulding & AVAION

DJ and producer Marshmello dropped his latest single! The “Leave Before You Love Me” performer teamed up with Ellie Goulding and German producer AVAION for this enchanting house and dance song. Marshmello and Ellie co-wrote the song with Gray Hawken, Jake Torrey, and Riley McDonough, while he collaborated with AVAION, TK & Connor McDonough on the production aspects. “Save My Love” is a superb track that can ignite the remaining 2025 summer nights and could be a late contender for Dance Song of the Summer. B+/A-

 

“Old Tricks” by Thomas Rhett featuring Blake Shelton

Thomas Rhett continues to be one of the millennial generation’s top dogs in the country music world! For his third version of his 2024 album, About A Woman (& a Good Ol’ Boy), the “Look What God Gave Her” singer-songwriter teamed up with one of the industry’s kings – Mr. Blake Shelton. Rhett recruited Julian Bunetta (who also co-produced the song with Dann Huff and the former Voice USA coach’s longtime producer Scott Hendricks), John Ryan, Jim Beavers, Andrew Haas, and Ian Franzino to pen this long-awaited collaboration. “Old Tricks” showcases why both men have strong staying power and will make listeners smile. B/B+ 

 

Artists to Watch:

 Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s Artists to Watch highlights solo artists, bands, and vocal groups who have the potential to shake up the music world.

 

 

Fail in Time – EP by The Dirty Nil

Hamilton, Ontario duo The Dirty Nil are rockers to watch! Lead vocalist and guitarist Luke Bentham and drummer Kyle Fisher are preparing to launch the band’s twentieth anniversary next year and their latest album, The Lash. Fall in Time – EP previewed the duo’s power rock sound. “Rock N’ Roll Band” is one of the best autobiographical/advice songs I have heard all year, while “Gallop of the Hounds” could be the perfect song for an episode of Sherlock. The Fall in Time – EP showcases Dirty Nil’s remarkable rock sound, which showcases why they are one of North America’s top hard rock bands. A

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Fail in Time,” “Rock N’ Roll Band,” & “Gallop of the Hounds.”

 

“Optimist” by Crash Adams

Canadian pop music duo Crash Adams made headlines when they debuted an original song, “Optimist,” on the America’s Got Talent (AGT) stage. The duo, Rafale Massarelli and Vince Sasso, delivered a superb single that would make listeners dance and could have some chart-topping success. If they provide performances like their audition, then Crash Adams could go on and become the first duo to win AGT. B+ 

 

“stop” by D.K. Lyons

New York City-based indie pop rock artist D.K. Lyons lives on the mantra of “laugh + dance + cry + repeat.” His latest single, “stop,” tackles his struggles with overthinking and staying grounded while living in the present.  “Stop” ‘s production reminds me of shades of Blink-182’s “All the Small Things,” and some of “Weird Al” Yankovic’s edgiest parodies. B

 

 

“Either” by Tiny Habits

Cinya Khan, Maya Rae, and Judah Mayoma make up the rising pop music trio Tiny Habits. The trio received high praise from Sir Elton John, SZA, and Noah Kahan and will join James Taylor and Sarah McLachlan on their respective summer and fall tours. The latest offering, “Either,” is a superb undiscovered gem that showcases superb harmonies and excellent lyrics and production! Tiny Habits is one band to watch for the latter half of the 2020s. A-

 

“Swimming in the Dark” by Vandelux

Multi-instrumentalist, producer, and vocalist Vandelux closes this edition of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews! The Vancouver-born singer’s latest single, “Swimming in the Dark,” is a heartfelt song for the recording artist, as he wrote it a day after seeing his daughter for the first time in an ultrasound. Using her heartbeat from the ultrasound Doppler, he incorporated it into the song’s foundation. “Swimming in the Dark” is one of the most moving dance-pop tunes I’ve heard so far this decade, and I can’t wait to hear more of Vandelux’s music. A+

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