Welcome to the first installment of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews of 2026! (Bitmoji property of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the very first Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews of 2026!
We have a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party!
The Kid LAROI continues to grow as a recording artist in front of our eyes, and BEFORE I FORGET is his graduation from college and into more mature themes. (Album cover property of Columbia Records)
BEFORE I FORGET by The Kid LAROI
Australian superstar The Kid LAROI (real name: Charlton Howard) has been one of this decade’s hottest recording artists! For his sophomore album, BEFORE I FORGET, the “Addison Rae” rapper and singer tackled the collapse of his romance with fellow 2020s breakout star Tate McRae. The performer recruited a plethora of collaborators, such as Billy Walsh, Eddie Benjamin, KBeazy, Omer Fedi, and Inc. No World, to co-produce the record. Featured artists Andrew Aged (“5:21 AM”), Ciara La San (“The Moment”), and Lithe (“Rather Be”) all make cameos throughout the album. The Kid LAROI continues to grow as a recording artist in front of our eyes, and BEFORE I FORGET is his graduation from college and into more mature themes. B
Tracks to Download or Stream: “July,” “Private,” “The Moment,” & “Back When You Were Mine.”
“I Just Might” by Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars is back! For the first time in a decade, the “That’s What I Like” singer-songwriter will release a new solo album, The Romantic, on February 27. The first single, “I Just Might,” sets the tone of the album. Bruno reunited with longtime collaborators Brody Brown, Philip Lawrence, and D’Mile to co-pen this track, while the latter assisted Bruno on the song’s production. “I Just Might” is a fantastic tune that blends the worlds of “Uptown Funk” and “Leave the Door Open” into a joyous listening experience. A
Easier Gone” by Jason & Brittany Aldean
The “Trouble with the Heartbreak” performer teamed up with his wife, Brittany Aldean, for their first duet, “Easier Gone.” Charles Kelley, Josh Kerr, Dave Haygood, and Jimmy Robbins co-wrote the tune. While it is not “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” “Easier Gone” will satisfy longtime Aldean fans and social media followers. B-
“Perfect Girl” by Lauren Minear
Former podcast guest Lauren Minear tackled people pleasing in her latest single, “Perfect Girl.” The lyrics showcase how the title heroine contorted herself to satisfy her lovers, and it is superbly haunting with a slight pop-rock edge. B
“Gut Punch” by Nick Jonas
Nick Jonas surprised fans when he dropped his first single, “Gut Punch,” on New Year’s Day! The former Voice coach is expected to release his first solo album in five years, Sunday Best, on February 6. “Gut Punch” is a superb introspective track that reminds listeners to be kind to themselves. B+
“Talk to Me” by Robyn
On March 27, iconic songstress Robyn will release her first studio album in eight years! The “Dancing On My Own” performer co-wrote “Talk to Me” with the all-star team of Max Martin, Oscar Holter, and Klas Ahlund, the third single off Sexistential. “Talk to Me” is a beautiful pop music bop that really packs a punch. I could see this song ignite dance floors worldwide. A-
Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some of the recording artists that are going to shake up 2026:
My Name is Alexander James is a breath of fresh air that music lovers need from the TikTok generation, and Bravo, AJ, on this epic record. (Album cover property of Johnny Wright Management)
My Name is Alexander James by AJ McLean
AJ McLean surprised fans when he dropped his solo studio album, My Name is Alexander James. The Backstreet Boys member and Building the Band host told ABC Audio that it took him four years to bring this album to fruition. This album is full of songs that will shake up the Adult Contemporary musical genre. “The One That Got Away” and “Can’t Love You Anymore” will make listeners get up and dance, while “Arizona” is a superb personal reflective ballad. My Name is Alexander James is a breath of fresh air that music lovers need from the TikTok generation, and Bravo, AJ, on this epic record. A-
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Can’t Love You Anymore,” “Thinkin’ Bout Us,” “The One That Got Away,” “Arizona,” & “Lovin’ on Me.”
“Roll Slide Roll” by Alvin Garrett
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Alvin Garrett wrote songs for Fantasia, Joe, Kelly Rowland, and Ruben Studdard. Now, the Birmingham, Alabama native is stepping into the spotlight with his latest song, “Roll Slide Roll.” As I listened to this spectacular song, I believe Alvin is one of Reverend Al Green’s sensual soul musical heirs. A
“Die & Stay Pretty” by Courtney Hadwin
Since Courtney Hadwin made her debut on America’s Got Talent in 2018, Courtney Hadwin has built a solid social media following. Her latest single, “Die & Stay Pretty,” is a splendid, haunting tune that showcases why Howie Mandel pressed his Golden Buzzer for her all those years ago. At times, Courtney’s husky vocals reminded me of both Duffy and the late Amy Winehouse. B+
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