Jon Batiste - Big Money
Jon Batiste’s ninth studio album, Big Money, released on August 22, 2025, marks a compelling turn in the trajectory of a multi-Grammy winner known for his exuberant performances and genre-blending flair.
Departing from the cinematic swells and kaleidoscopic production of his previous work, Big Money lays itself bare with mostly acoustic, stripped-down arrangements, clocking in at just over 32 minutes across nine tracks. Here, Batiste unspools a softer, more introspective version of himself, reaching into the core of folk, funk, blues, gospel, and Americana.
Lyrically, the album explores love, values, spirituality, and ecology—all under the thematic umbrella of New Americana, a concept Batiste describes as embracing the full breadth of American musical identity.
He’s aided by some remarkable collaborators:
- Andra Day brings soulful resonance in “Lean on My Love”
- Randy Newman contributes gravelly gravitas to a moving rendition of “Lonely Avenue,” recorded spontaneously in his living room
- The Womack Sisters appear on the playful, sing-along title track
- No I.D. and Billy Bob Bo Bob add depth to the reggae-tinged closer “Angels”
Recording in many cases happened in a single take, lending an organic immediacy that highlights the communal and emotional throughline of the album.
Track Listing
Side A
- LEAN ON MY LOVE (feat. Andra Day)
- 2. BIG MONEY
- LONELY AVENUE (feat. Randy Newman)
- PETRICHOR
- DO IT ALL AGAIN
Side B
6. PINNACLE
7. AT ALL
8. MAYBE
9. ANGELS (feat. No I.D. & Billy Bob Bo Bob)