Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of June 13, 2025

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Welcome to our last Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews of Spring 2025!  We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party!

 

I Forgive You by Cynthia Erivo

Multi-award-winning recording artist and performer Cynthia Erivo dropped her sophomore solo studio album, I Forgive You. The silver screen Elphaba actress co-wrote and co-produced her album with Will Wells. The duo welcomed collaborators such as Anthony Ramos, Justin Tranter, Kevin Garrett, Shawn Wasabi, and Tayla Parx to join them in either the songwriting or production process. I Forgive You takes listeners on an emotional rollercoaster ride as the tunes explore themes of love, heartbreak, forgiveness, and new beginnings. The Tony Award-winning actress and host also transported listeners back to the 1990s and early 2000s R&B with tracks such as “What You Want” and “Play the Woman.”  Cynthia Erivo’s I Forgive You  is a superb album that showcases her vulnerable side and exceptional skills as a songwriter and producer. A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Best for Me,” “Save Me From You,” “Worst of Me,” “Replay,” & “Play the Woman.”

 

Life is A Highway: Refueled Duets by Rascal Flatts & Various Artists

Country music supergroup Rascal Flatts is celebrating its 25^th anniversary in the music industry and reuniting after a three-year hiatus. The group recruited an all-star group of collaborators to recreate some of their classic hits. The Backstreet Boys, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, the Jonas Brothers, Kelly Clarkson, and Lzzy Hale are some of the artists who joined the trio back in the recording booth.  Some of these collaborations are home-run worthy hits, including Blake Shelton’s “Mayberry,” Jason Aldean’s “Fast Cars and Freedom,” and Lzzy Hale’s “Life Is A Highway,” while some disappointed me greatly, such as the Backstreet Boys’ “What Hurts the Most.” Life is A Highway: Refueled Duets features some powerful collaborations, but at times will make fans scratch their heads. C

Tracks to Download or Stream: “I Dare You,” “Fast Cars and Freedom,” “Mayberry,” & “Life is A Highway.”

 

“Bad As I Used to Be” by Chris Stapleton

F1 the Album is one of the most highly anticipated soundtracks of 2025. Country music sensation Chris Stapleton is part of an all-star lineup of recording artists, including Burna Boy, Doja Cat, Ed Sheeran (more on him later), Madison Beer, and Tate McRae, who will provide original songs for the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures film of the same name. The “Tennessee Whiskey” performer wrote “Bad As I Used to Be” and co-produced the track with longtime collaborator Dave Cobb. This song is pure fire, showcasing raw vocals from the “Say Something” singer and a fantastic blend of blues guitar and harmonica that is nearly perfect. B+

 

“Sapphire” by Ed Sheeran featuring Arijit Singh

Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran dropped his third single, “Sapphire,” off his upcoming eighth studio album: Play. He co-wrote the tune with Arijit Singh, Mayur Puri, and Avinash Chouhan. At the same time, his regular collaborators, Savan Kotecha, Ilya, and Johnny McDaid, assisted with both the songwriting and production processes. I loved the A cappella opening and the way that they infused Indian and Bollywood sounds “Sapphire.” B+

 

“Type Dangerous” by Mariah Carey

Songstress supreme Mariah Carey released a new single, “Type Dangerous.” The “Hero” singer-songwriter co-wrote the track with Anderson.Paak, Eric B., Rakim, Jarius Mozee, Jason Pounds, Rae Khalil, William Griffin, Daniel Moore, and NWi (the latter two assisted Mariah Carey with the production process).  “Type Dangerous” combines hip-hop, soul and New Jack Swing elements that could be this generation’s “Heartbreaker,” “It’s Like That,” and “Shake It Off.” I am ecstatic about this new chapter for Ms. Carey, and I look forward to hearing the latest music she has in store for her Lambs. A

 

“Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter released a new single, “Manchild,” that she co-wrote with Amy Allen and Jack Antonoff, who also co-produced the tune with the actress-singer’s seventh album, Man’s Best Friend. “Manchild” combines country pop and synthpop with delicious results. The catchy chorus of “I like my boys” and “I like my men” will get into listeners’ heads, and I believe “Manchild” could be an early contender for the Song of Summer 2025 title. A-

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