Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews – Week of Nov. 14, 2025

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Happy New Music Friday, everyone! It is hard to believe that 2025 is coming to an end and that we have a few more Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews to go!

Without further ado, let’s start this party!

 

Nomad by DJ Snake

Billboard Music Award-winning producer DJ Snake is back! The French recording artist dropped his first album in six years! Nomad focuses on the “Let Me Love You” and “Taki Taki” producer’s global travels. The 17-track album reunites him with previous collaborators Bipolar Sunshine and J. Balvin, while welcoming Dillon Francis, Future, Don Tollivar, Stray Kids, and Travis Scott into the fold. Nomad superbly blends hip-hop and EDM music, and showcases why DJ Snake continues to make EDM fans dance. B  

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Noventa,” “Monte Carlo,” “Paradise,” & “Tsunami.”

 

Tumbleweed by Drake Milligan

Drake Milligan dropped his sophomore studio album, Tumbleweed. The America’s Got Talent finalist collaborated with country music top hitmakers such as Brett Beavers, Jim Beavers, Chris DuBois, Aaron Eshuis, Luke Laird, and Bobby Pinson for 14 tracks, with rising country star Randall King featured on “How Much Beer.” Tumbleweed marks the first time that the “Sounds Like Something I’d Do” performer ventures into writing romance songs.  Drake has strengthened as both a vocalist and a songwriter since his last venture, and I cannot wait to see what he does next. B+

 Tracks to Download or Stream: “Hearts Together,” “Tumbleweed,” “Turn It Off,” “Slow Dancing to a Fast Song,” & “Old Flames, Old Whiskey.”

 

Everybody Scream by Florence + The Machine

English rock band Florence + The Machine released their sixth studio album, Everybody Scream. Florence Welch co-wrote the album with Mark Bowen, Mitsuki, and Taylor Swift collaborator Aaron Dressner, who also co-produced a majority of the album with the “Spectrum (Say My Name)” front woman, Bowen, Danny L.  Harle, and James Ford.  Everybody Scream is probably the darkest album in Florence’s catalog. “One of the Greats” will transport listeners to Frankenstein’s lab, while “Witch Dance” might be the perfect track for the upcoming Hocus Pocus films. I believe Everybody Screams will be a must-listen for all future Halloweens and will showcase a scarier side of Florence + The Machine. A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Everybody Scream,” “One of the Greats,” “Witch Dance,” “Kraken,” & “The Old Religion.”

 

Sad and Beautiful World by Mavis Staples

Music legend Mavis Staples dropped her fifteenth studio album, Sad and Beautiful World. Unlike her previous outings, Sad and Beautiful World features nine cover songs and an original, “Human Mind,” which The Associated Press reported that Hozier and Allison Russell wrote. While there are a few duds on Sad and Beautiful World, Mavis’s comforting vocals will make it up. B-

 Tracks to Download or Stream: “Chicago,” “Beautiful Strangers,” “Human Mind,” & “Anthem.”

 

“Bandaids” by Katy Perry

Katy Perry has had a rough few months. The “Part of Me” singer and former American Idol judge’s latest studio album, 143, and her worldwide tour, The Lifetimes Tour, were poorly received, and her public break-up with ex-husband actor Orlando Bloom was in the tabloids and entertainment news websites. Her latest single, “Bandaids,” tackles the break-up in a bold song. She co-wrote the track with Kiddo Ibañez, Justin Tranter, Sean Cook, and Eren Cannata (the latter four co-produced the music). “Bandaids” is one of Katy Perry’s honest songs to date, as well as one of her best vocal performances of the 2020s so far. She beat every expectation I had for this song, and I hope that Katy Perry records more songs like “Bandaids” in the future. B+

 

“History” by Madonna

20 years ago, the Queen of Pop released one of her greatest albums, Confessions on a Dance Floor. Thanks to hit songs such as “Hung Up,” “Get Together,” “Sorry,” and “Jump,” the album introduced a new generation of fans to the “Like a Prayer” performer.  In honor of its twentieth anniversary, Madonna and Warner Records released a special Twenty Years Edition. The album contains various remixes and three B-list tracks. “History” is one of the tracks. Madonna co-wrote and co-produced the song with Stuart Price, who worked as the musical director for her Drowned World Tour, Re-Invention World Tour, and Confessions Tour. While the song was recorded sometime between late 2004 and mid-2005, the lyrics speak loudly to today’s polarizing climate, and the hypnotic beats would make listeners dance and think. A

 

“Drift Away” by Orville Peck

Country music singer-songwriter Orville Peck is dropping his fifth extended play, Appaloosa. The “Death Valley High” collaborator’s latest single is “Drift Away.” Rolling Stone described the song as “reflective and nostalgic,” and I agree with them. Orville’s dramatic vocals tug at listeners’ heartstrings and continue to showcase that he has captured his fans’ hearts. A-

 

Artists to Watch:

 Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some of the recording artists and bands that are shaking up the music world!

Piano Diaries Christmas by Toby Gad

Celebrated songwriter and producer Toby Gad released his first holiday album, Piano Diaries Christmas. The “All of Me” co-writer recruited an all-star group of collaborators, including Huntley, Jordin Sparks, Loren Allred, Marisha Wallace, Sam Ryder, and Victoria Justice, to perform the vocals while Toby accompanied them on piano. All the songs played to each artist’s strengths, and Piano Diaries Christmas is truly an emotional roller coaster ride that will give listeners chills. A

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Kiss Me for Christmas,” “Wonderful Night,” “Holy Night,” “Christmas Take Me Back Home,” “Really Loved Someone, & “Blessed.”

 

“No Sleep” by City Builders

Toronto alt-pop recording artist City Builders (Grace Turner) released a new single, “No Sleep.” The track reminds millennials and Generation Y of a combination of several classics from 30H!3, The Chainsmokers and Kesha, along with a familiar hook of “No Sleep Til” that pays homage to the Beastie Boys. I think Grace took the lessons each of these artists learned and blended them into an alt-pop anthem for the TikTok generation. B+

 

“Never Too Old to Wish” by Jeffrey Straker

Saskatchewan-born singer-songwriter Jeffrey Straker is honoring his family’s legacy with a new holiday song, “Never Too Old to Wish.” This beautiful ballad honors his late parents as he reminisces about Christmases past. Goosebumps will appear throughout listeners’ arms as they listen to this tune. What a lovely holiday tune! A-

 

“Show Pony” by Kat Velasco

Kat Velasco rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! Her latest single, “Show Pony,” is a preview of her upcoming extended play, Cowgirl Complex, which is set to drop sometime in 2026. “Show Pony” displays haunting vocals from Kat and splendid guitar and drum arrangements. I am looking forward to hearing more music from Kat in 2026. B

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