Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of March 7, 2025

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Welcome to the latest edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We got a lot of music to unpack, so let’s start this party!

 

As Far as the Eye Can See by AJ Mitchell

In 2019, Epic Records introduced me to singer-songwriter AJ Mitchell. After listening to “Slow Dance” and “Move On” and seeing him perform live, I became a massive fan. AJ released his first album, As Far as the Eye Can See, seven years later, without a label or management. As Far as the Eye Can See could be described as “good things come to those who wait.” This album showcases why AJ is one of his generation’s recording artists. The songs’ slick production and AJ’s superb vocal range, which is showcased throughout the album, are superb ear candy pieces. I believe that As Far as the Eye Can See marks an exciting new era for AJ. A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “One on One,” “Passionate,” “Foolish,” “Flowers on the Moon,” & “Won’t Be Long.”

 

Mayhem by Lady Gaga

The Golden Globe, Grammy, and Oscar-winning performer released her eighth studio album, Mayhem. The “Shallow” singer-songwriter enlisted red-hot producer-songwriters Andrew Watt, Cirkut, and Gesaffelstein, who also featured on “Killah.” The quartet crafted a record that transports longtime Little Monsters through her career. “Abracadabra” has vibes reminiscent of Born This Way, while “Shadow of a Man” reflects her The Fame Monster days. Meanwhile, “Vanish Into You” and the Grammy-winning Bruno Mars collaboration “Die with a Smile” would seamlessly fit into the Joanne world. However, it might take time for the flavors to marinate to see if Mayhem will have the same impact as her previous albums. B-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Die with a Smile,” “Abracadabra,” “Disease,” & “Don’t Call Tonight.”  

 

The Beginning by Mike Posner

For the first time since 2020, Mike Posner dropped a full-length studio album, The Beginning. The “I Took A Pill in Ibiza” singer-songwriter took listeners on a journey that encapsulated his first 15 years in the industry. “Swipe Right Girls” and the Swedish House Mafia co-produced “Underneath It All” seems like a page out of 31 Minutes to Takeout, while “Beautiful Day” could belong on A Real Good Kid.  The Beginning showcases Mike Posner’s ability to transfigure haunting life events into pure liquid gold as he enters a new chapter in his storied career. B+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Beautiful Day,” “Swipe Right Girls,” “Underneath It All,” “Kaleidoscope of Emotions,”  &  “Is It Just Me?”

 

 

“Replay” by Cynthia Erivo

Emmy, Grammy, and Tony-winning performer Cynthia Erivo dropped her first solo release since 2021, “Replay.” Cynthia co-wrote the song for her upcoming album with Justin Tranter.  “Replay” tugs at listeners’ heartstrings thanks to Cynthia’s beautiful voice, and everyone will fall in love with its catchy chorus. A-

 

“Swing for the Fences” by Elton John & Brandi Carlile

Sir Elton John and Brandi Carlile dropped their third single off their upcoming collaborative album, Who Believes in Angels? “Swing for the Fences” reminds me of “Stolen Car,” Elton’s collaboration with Stevie Nicks. I love that this duo brought rockabilly and piano rock elements to the forefront, and it is a toe-tapping smash! A

 

“Use My Heart Against Me” by Jessica Simpson

It has been ages since we heard new music from singer and businesswoman Jessica Simpson! On February 20, the “Irresistible” performer dropped a new single, “Use My Heart Against Me.”  She co-wrote the song with Natalie Hemby, Ashley Ray, Joe Ginsberg, Teresa LaBarbera, and JD McPherson, who also produced the song. Listening to “Use My Heart Against Me” would take Millennials back to her “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” era.  Jessica’s voice can still hook listeners and make fans smile for days! Welcome back, Jessica! B+

 

 

“Dark Winter” by Kevin Olusola

I am ecstatic to learn that Kevin Olusola is dropping a new album! When he is not hanging out with his Grammy-winning group members, Pentatonix, Kevin is a talented cellist and rapper. His first single, “Dark Winter,” is superb from start to finish and should be featured on various radio and streaming playlists! A-

 

 

“Lean on Me” by Smokey Robinson

Motown legend Smokey Robinson is releasing a new covers album, What the World Needs Now.  The prolific singer-songwriter will give fans his interpretations of classic inspirational tunes. Up first is Ben E. King’s iconic “Lean on Me.”  Smokey does a superb job covering the anthem by adding a gospel element, but he does not dive deeply into it. C+

 

Artists to Watch:

Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some of the recording artists who are ready to shake up the music industry:

 

Alter Ego by LISA

Blackpink rapper LISA entered the spotlight with her first solo debut project, Alter Ego. All-star collaborators, including Ali Tamposi, Andrew Wells, Delacey, ILYA, Jessie Reyez, Max Martin, Ryan Tedder, and Stargate, helped co-pen or produce the album’s slick tracks. Meanwhile, LISA shared the stage with Doja Cat and Raye (“Born Again”), Future (“Fxck Up the World”), Megan Thee Stallion (“Rapunzel”), and Rosalia (“New Woman”). LISA’s Alter Ego is one of the best solo debuts I heard this quarter, and I know she will be one of the recording artists that will dominate the 2020s’ final years. A+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Born Again,” “Thunder,” “New Woman,” “Fxck Up the World,” “Rapunzel,” & “Moonlit Floor.”

 

“Talk Me Down” by Moody Joody

Nashville, Tennessee trio Moody Joody (lead vocalists Kaitie Forbes and Kayla Hall, and producer Andrew Pacheco) has built up a following thanks to touring with Misterwives and Smallpools. The trio has released their latest single: “Talk Me Down,” which they co-wrote with hitmaker Scott Harris. This shimmer pop bop is a delicious piece of ear candy that listeners would devour multiple times without getting stomachaches. A-

 

“In Brooklyn” by The Empty Pockets featuring Peter White

Chicago-based quartet the Empty Pockets have built a following thanks to fusing Americana, folk, and roots soul music. Guitarist and soloist Josh Solomon, keyboardist and vocalist Erika Brett, bassist and vocalist Nate Bellon, and drummer Adam Balasco’s latest single, “In Brooklyn,” pays homage to their mentor Al Stewart, whom they have toured with for over a decade and performed more than 400 shows together.  The quartet along with longtime Stewart collaborator Peter White, did a splendid job tackling Al Stewart’s 1969 single that weaves together Erika’s elegant voice with exceptional guitar and drum arrangements. B+

 

“Bleach” by Your Favorite Color

Huntington Beach, California-based band Your Favorite Color rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews. Lead vocalist Matt Warren, keyboardist Nicky Neighbors, bassist Cameron Pearson, drummer Matthew “Fos” Fosmire, and guitarist David Siveria.  From the first note of “Bleach,” I was immediately enthralled by their superb sound, which reminds me of Duran Duran’s iconic new wave rock sound. “Bleach” will make listeners bob their heads in delight while dancing in their seats. A

Want to support me? Subscribe to my podcast & follow my YouTube channel!