Welcome to the latest installment of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews of 2025! (Bitmoji property of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Happy New Music Friday! We have a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s get started on this party!
Cardi B continues to shape the rap music world with Am I the Drama?, and this album could be a blueprint for rappers to use for years to come. (Album cover property of Atlantic Records)
Am I the Drama? By Cardi B
Rapper-singer Cardi B’s sophomore album, Am I the Drama, is finally out! Seven years after her blockbuster record, Invasion of Privacy, the “Bodak Yellow” performer recruited an all-star group of performers and producers to create 23 tracks. Janet Jackson, Lizzo, Lourdiz, Megan Thee Stallion, Selena Gomez, and Summer Walker (who appears on both “Dead” and “Shower Tears”) are featured performers, while Ayo, DJ Hardwerk, DJ SwanQo, London on da Track, Monte Moir, Pardison Fontaine, Sean Island, and TM88 are amongst some of the creatives who assisted with crafting the music. Throughout the album, the “I Like it” rapper continues to prove she remains one of my generation’s top emcees as she unleashes fiery verses that will make an impact on listeners. The Bronx native continues to shape the rap music world with Am I the Drama, and this album could be a blueprint for rappers to use for years to come. A
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Dead,” “Pick It Up,” “Bodega Baddie,” “Outside,” “Better than You,” & “Principal.”
I hope that Ed Sheeran continues to blend the sound that he found in Play with some of the mathematical records’ themes for future material. (Album cover property of Gingerbread Man Records, Atlantic Records & Warner)
Play by Ed Sheeran
For Ed Sheeran’s eighth album, Play, the multi-Grammy-winning singer-songwriter is returning to the world of pop music. Previous collaborators such as Andrew Watt, David Hodges, and Fred Again returned to the fold, while welcoming Amy Allen, Blake Shatkin, Cirkut, and Louis Bell into his world. Play washes the bitter taste that Autumn Variations left in fans’ mouths, and I hope that Ed continues to blend the sound that he found in Play with some of the mathematical records’ themes for future material. B+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Opening,” “Sapphire,” “Azizam,” “Old Phone,” & “Camera.”
80’s Undressed – EP by Frankie Zulferino
Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar friend Frankie Zulferino dropped his first EP in three years. 80’s Undressed features the singer and choreographer’s takes on some of the classic 80s tunes. Throughout the EP, Frankie transforms a dance pop anthem (“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”), cheesy tunes (“I Touch Myself” and “Total Eclipse of My Heart”) and a hair metal classic (“Here I Go Again”) into soothing, haunting melodies that will make fans’ hearts melt. A
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Undressed),” “Against All Odds (Undressed),” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (Undressed),” & “Here I Go Again (Undressed).”
“I Don’t Dance” by Alexander Jean
Alexander Jean is back! Mark Ballas and BC Jean Ballas have released a fiery new single, “I Don’t Dance.” The song perfectly marries rock and disco, and the guitar and drum arrangements are spectacular! “I Don’t Dance” needs to be part of every workout and party playlist! So delighted you are back, Mark & BC! A+
“My Only Angel” by Aerosmith & YUNGBLUD
Rock legends Aerosmith is passing the torch to British musician YUNGBLUD. The trio collaborated on an upcoming extended play, One More Time. Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and YUNGBLUD co-wrote the song. There are shades of the band’s classic sound that smoothly mesh with the pop punker’s outlandish attitude. B+
“One of the Greats” by Florence + The Machine
Next month, Florence + the Machine will release their first Halloween-inspired album, Everybody Scream. “One of the Greats,” Florence co-wrote the song with Mark Bowen, who co-produced the track with Aaron Dressner. From the hypnotic guitar licks to Florence’s seductive voice, “One of the Greats” delivers an impactful punch to listeners’ ears. B
“Secrets” by Miley Cyrus featuring Lindsey Buckingham & Mick Fleetwood
Fleetwood Mac fans got a massive surprise courtesy of Miley Cyrus! The “Flowers” singer-songwriter brought Lindsey Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood together for a new song, “Secrets.” Billboard reported that the song was a birthday gift to her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, for his 64th birthday. Miley co-wrote and co-produced the song with Jonathan Rado, Michael Pollack, and Shawn Everett, with Gregory Aldae Hein and Tyler Johnson providing songwriting assistance. “Secrets” is a powerful song that will give listeners goosebumps and smiles on their faces. A-
“Bah Humbug” by Pentatonix
Three-time Grammy-winning A cappella group Pentatonix is releasing a new holiday album, Christmas in the City. The group (Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kevin Olusola, Kirstin Maldonado, and Matt Sallee) released a new single, “Bah Humbug.” The song brings a new take on A Christmas Carol superbly. While it added instrumentalization, their signature five-part harmonies shone through. B+
Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are two singers that are looking to shake up the music industry!
“This That” by Ollie
Toronto-based recording artist Ollie released a new track that focuses on self-belief. “This That” reminds me of Mike Posner’s mid-2010s albums, At Night. Alone (2016) and A Real Good Kid (2019). Ollie is a superb emcee and perfectly blends pop and rap. B+
“Wild Guess” by Ruel
Ruel wraps up this edition of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews! At just 22, Australian pop sensation Ruel’s music has amassed THREE BILLION STREAMS and received recognition from Sir Elton John and Zane Lowe. Recently, he dropped his latest single, “Wild Guess.” From the song’s first note, listeners are immediately transported into Ruel’s world and his vibes will leave fans hungry for more. A-
Want to support me? Subscribe to my podcast & follow my YouTube channel!
