Jon Batiste — Playing For Big Money On His 2025 Album

Jon Batiste may be playing for big money on his 2025 album, but the soulful collection betrays an artist less stressed about cleaning up at the poker table than about making sure everyone sitting around him is having a good time. Take the opening duet “LEAN ON MY LOVE,” which features Batiste and Andra Day singing their hearts out above organ swells, a shuffling drum groove, and inviting handclaps.

The track sounds like an Al Green lost cut as the vocalists croon: “You can lean on my love when there’s no one to hold you.” Elsewhere, the Louisiana songwriter invites Randy Newman to lend his vocals to “LONELY AVENUE,” which takes the Ray Charles classic and reimagines it as a bluesy piano ballad. Newman may be singing of love lost and endless heartbreak, but sadness has never sounded so sweet.

Every product/service is selected by editors. Products/Services you buy through these links may earn “SMG” a commission or revenue.