Happy Halloween, everyone! (Bitmoji property of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to an exciting Halloween edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! We got a lot of exciting music to unpack, so let’s start this party!
Brandi Carlile’s Returning to Myself is an excellent example of songwriting and artistry that aspiring singer-songwriters should study for a successful, lengthy career. (Album cover property of Brandi Carlile Band & Interscope Records)
Returning to Myself by Brandi Carlile
2025 has been a busy year for Brandi Carlile! Earlier this year, the singer-songwriter of “The Story” teamed up with Sir Elton John for the hit Who Believes in Angels? Now, the 11-time Grammy-winning and two-time Emmy-winning artist has released her eighth studio album, Returning to Myself. Top songwriters and producers Andrew Watt, Aaron Dessner, and Justin Vernon collaborated with Brandi in songwriting and production. She also received help from her longtime collaborators, the Hanseroth Twins, who co-wrote “Human” and the fiery “Church & State.” The legendary team of Sir Elton and Bernie Taupin co-wrote “You Without Me” with Brandi and Andrew Watt. Returning to Myself is an excellent example of songwriting and artistry that aspiring singer-songwriters should study for a successful, lengthy career. B+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Returning to Myself,” “Human,” “A War with Time,” “Church & State,” & “You Without Me.”
Demi Lovato’s It’s Not That Deep’s material is among the best mature dance-pop I have heard this year. (Album cover property of DLG Recordings & Island Records)
It’s Not That Deep by Demi Lovato
After two albums in the rock music world, Demi Lovato’s back in the dance pop music world. It’s Not That Deep marks the “Dancing with the Devil” singer-songwriter’s ninth studio album, which Zhone executive produced with assistance from Leland, Keith Sorrells, and Oscar Linnader. The former X Factor USA judge and Zhone recruited the likes of Chloe Angelides, Sarah Hudson, Jake Torrey, Justin Tranter, and Samuel Hollander to craft the record’s 11 songs. While many of Demi’s contemporaries use shock value to gain listeners, It’s Not That Deep’s material is among the best mature dance-pop I have heard this year. Bravo, Demi! A
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Fast,” “Here All Night,” “Frequency,” “Let You Go,” “In My Head,” & “Kiss.”
After the sun goes down marks a new chapter for Khalid. (Album cover property of RCA Records and Right Hand Music Group)
After the sun goes down by Khalid
Almost one year after he released Sincere, Khalid came back with a new studio album, After the Sun Goes Down. The “Location” singer-songwriter’s world was rocked when a scornful ex outed him on social media. However, he made lemonade out of lemons with his latest record. Khalid co-wrote all 17 tracks on the album, welcoming an A-list group of collaborators, including Ilya, Julia Michaels, Mattman & Robin, Michael Pollack, Rodney Jerkins, and Ryan Tedder. After the sun goes down, it marks a new chapter for the recording artist, and I hope that he finds success in this lane. B
Tracks to Download or Stream: “please don’t call (333),” “medicine,” “in plain sight,” & “tank top.”
Holiday Road is the holiday album that the doctors have ordered. Straight No Chaser will make the listeners laugh, tug at the heartstrings, and count their blessings. (Album cover property of SNC Music)
Holiday Road by Straight No Chaser
The legendary A cappella group Straight No Chaser (SNC) released a new holiday album, Holiday Road. SNC recruited Hunter Hayes, John Splithoff, Jose Mari Chan, and Mickey Guyton to celebrate the holidays. The group tackled a variety of holiday tunes, ranging from essential classics (“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “Happy Xmas (War is Over)”) to modern-day favorites (“Underneath the Tree”). They even made a 2025 edition of “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” that is hysterical. Holiday Road is the holiday album that the doctors have ordered. SNC will make the listeners laugh, tug at the heartstrings, and count their blessings. A-
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Holiday Road,” “Underneath the Tree,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Good to See You,” “Happy Xmas (War is Over),” & “Blue Christmas.”
“Changes” by Charlie Puth
Charlie Puth is back with new music! The “Light Switch” singer-songwriter will drop his fourth studio album, Whatever’s Clever, sometime in 2026. “Changes” marks the first single off of the new era. I loved the mini-piano solo, and this synth-pop track has shades of Steve Winwood’s iconic collaboration with Chaka Khan – “Higher Love.” Charlie Puth continues to showcase why he is one of his generation’s top talents thanks to songs like “Changes.” A-
“Back to December” by Dan + Shay
Dan + Shay tackled one of Taylor Swift’s classics, “Back to December.” While the duo was preparing to record their upcoming studio album, they teased the audience with their cover of the 2010 hit song. Fans devoured the teaser and begged for a full version. Shay Mooney does a phenomenal job tugging listeners’ heartstrings, while his harmonies with Dan Symers deliver goosebumps. Taylor would be proud of this version. A
Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some of the artists and bands that are ready to shake up the music world!
Beats I Can’t Release, Vol. 1 Mixtape by Wuki
GRAMMY-nominated electronic artist and producer Wuki has been in the music industry for nearly 20 years. After developing a massive following on social media and Spotify, the DJ and record producer released his long-awaited Beats I Can’t Release Vol. 1 mixtape. The mixtape combines classic songs such as ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion,” and Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” with A cappella segments from Endor, NLE Choppa, and the Black Eyed Peas. Wuki also collaborated with Skrillex, the Venga Boys, and Yo Majesty. The first volume of Beats I Can’t Release showcases how Wuki’s arrangements are uniting generations of music lovers together for one epic party. A-
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Pump Up The Jam (Wuki Remix),” “Dancing Queen (Wuki Remix),” “Stay Together (Wuki Remix) + “Stay High (A Cappella),” &. “Biggy Bop.”
“Back to Me” by Colter Wall
Canadian singer-songwriter Colter Wall’s powerful baritone has made a significant impact in the country, western, and folk music circles. “Back to Me” is the latest single off his upcoming album, Memories and Empties. “Back to Me” transports listeners to the Canadian Rockies and showcases Colter’s splendid songwriting and masterful vocals. A-
“Hole in the Ground” by INHALER
INHALER rounds out this Halloween edition of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews! Lead singer Elijah Hewson, bassist Robert Keaton, drummer Ryan McMahon, and guitarist Josh Jenkinson form the core of Irish rock band INHALER. “Hole in the Ground” is a captivating rock song due to hypnotic guitar riffs, infectious beats, and an excellent chorus. B+
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